Berkeley Parents Network: Head-Royce School

Berkeley Parents Network

Head-Royce School

Berkeley Parents Network > Reviews > K-12 Schools > Head-Royce School

Website for Head-Royce School: http://www.headroyce.org/

Reviews of Head Royce
After-school programs
Head Royce Summer Program

Reviews

June 2007

Re: CPS vs. Head Royce

We were in your same place a year ago. Fortunately, our son was accepted at both CPS and HRS and he chose HRS. He just finished 9th grade and it's been a great experience for him academically and socially. We were concerned that at HRS he'd be a new kid in a sea of ''lifers'' but he fit in easily and had friends there already and has made new ones. We also heard rumors of HRS parents being snobs but we haven't experienced it at all (and i do occasional volunteer work so i interact with other parents). In fact, the HRS parents i've encountered have been polite, kind, and helpful. One even turned me on to the preschool my youngest child will be attending in September. My kid said he did not choose CPS because it seemed rigid, overly structured and not as focused on his ''whole person'' as he believed HRS would be. He's happy at HRS and we're pleased he chose it. Hope that helps. Good luck. What a great choice u get to make!

April 2007

Re: Private high school for N.Berkeley kids?
If you are looking for quality sports facilities for a high school you might consider Head Royce in Oakland. It is located near the mormon temple off of Hwy 13. My son is going there for middle school. While we have yet to experience the school, I can say the campus boasts beautiful sports facilities and we were very impressed with the classes we observed. They also have a strong drama and art program to go along with academics. Terri

November 2006

We are now looking for private high schools. I have read the old postings. I would appreciate any info concerning amout of homework per night at Head Royce, CPS, Bentley High, and Lick in the high school. Also, I have heard some of the schools are extremely stressful to the poiont of making the kids unhappy or depressed. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Thankful Parent

My three children have attended Head-Royce, from the 9th grade on. As far as I can tell the homework load has been quite manageable. Some nights or weeks are a bit more intense, and every school year there are one or two major homework assignments, but those are scheduled over a long period of time, broken into smaller steps so students can handle the deadline. The faculty also schedule some occasional ''no homework'' days. Depending on how many elective courses students pick, they get free periods in the day, which are an opportunity to do some of their homework at school,too. My kids seem to find plenty of time to socialize and watch their favorite tv shows once homework is done, so I don't think the term ''pressure cooker atmosphere'' would apply to their experience so far!

I should add that there are other factors to consider since this is a somewhat subjective assessment. First, my daughters came from a middle school with an emphasis on academics and a sizeable homework load. Second, they are not involved in team sports that require a heavy practice schedule. Finally, their commute to school is fairly short, so there is less exhaustion during those homework hours. Incidentally, HR appears sensitive to the issue of homework overload and conducted a parent survey on that topic a few years ago. Feel free to contact me directly if you have more questions, and good luck with your search, Laura

October 2006

I have to make a decision about private vs. public school for my soon-to-be kindergartener. We live in Berkeley. In the event we go for private, we are seriously considering Head Royce. The academic reviews are great. I would like to hear from parents/students about the social environment of the school. Specifically,
1. the use and availability of drugs. Previous responses are silent as to this subject.
2. elitism. are there cliques based on socio economic class? is there a lot of pressure to dress a certain way, drive a certain car, have certain gadgets, have a certain type of birthday party, live is particular neighborhoods, etc? I know my daughter is one to succumb to such pressures and I want to know whether this is a huge concern.
3. any issues concerning bullying (not just aggressive stuff, emotional stuff, too)? if so, how does the school handle this? I would also like someone to address the academic load in middle and high school. I appreciate the academic challenge HR offers to its students, however, is it over the top? Are students able to cope with the challenge or is it so overwhelming and stressful so as to take away from the enjoyment of school? Anyone leave HR for this reason?
Are there a lot of hidden costs? field trips, after school care, tennis lessons, other electives, etc. in addition to the tuition? what are some big ones? is there a sibling discount? are siblings guaranteed admission?
Lastly, if someone could address the entrance process. How does one get in? What is the competition like? What are the admissions people looking for? How important is the preschool one attends? What should we expect at the 'interview?' etc. Thank you, kindly. Anon

We are a very happy lower school family at Head Royce. There is no secret way to get into the school. The admissions people are just looking for the right fit. Your child's age, school readiness, personal flexibility, readiness for a big school, and ethnicity all play a role. Specific preschool doesn't matter. Some of the questions you ask are a little hard to answer because our child is in lower school (drugs? for example or cliques based on SES) None of these things so far! We love the parents of the other children at the school and have made many great friends! anon

Regarding your question 'are there certain type of birthday parties and social pressures' at a school like head Royce, I can only say this: my oldest daughter went to a VERY fancy preschool, and now is in a great public elementary school, 4th grade. The academics are great. I do know that the birthday parties she attended at the preschool were a LOT fancier and more 'orchestrated' (with entertainment, etc.) then the ones she attends now. Hille

June 2005

Hi, as we consider kindergarten choices in the next year I have some questions about Head Royce not covered by postings in the archives. From older kids I know I have seen it to be a warm and lively school, but one that puts very stringent demands on kids even at a young age. (I have heard of 3rd and 4th graders having panic attacks about homework levels.) Our preschooler is very bright, and I'm not really worried about whether he'd be 'up to it', but I'd be eager to hear from other parents of kids in the Lower School (which I know will have a new Head as of next year) about their experiences. Do people feel their children are getting a well-rounded education, valuing the creativity and individuality of the child? Or is it really one long grinding journey toward the Ivy League education parents are hoping for at the end of the line?! We are eager to have our child challenged, and love what we have seen of the music and sports programs at the school, but are interested in allowing our child to thrive as the imaginative and curious person he is. Any comments much appreciated, thanks. anon

This the end of our daughter's fourth year at the Head-Royce Lower School. She will enter 4th grade in the Fall. Our experience so far is that the curriculum is not particularly stressful. There is no homework for the first couple of years, then it starts very gradually. The Lower School claims it tries to form well-rounded children who love to study, rather than pushing for academic achievement at this stage, and we agree that that's what they do. If anything, we wish they were a little more demanding, particularly with the math, because it's simple to the point of being boring to our daughter. We should note, however, that our daughter is a strong student and although we haven't heard any complaint from the other parents about stress, we know of a couple of students in our daughter's class who had trouble keeping up academically/socially. One of them went to a different school, the other repeated Kindergarten. It probably doesn't mean much, however. This is our experience. It may be that other families are more stressed and don't talk to us about it. If so, I hope that someone will speak up here. ---Anonymous

My child just finished Kindergarten at HRS, and I must say, the school does not live up to its reputation as being a pressure cooker, stress zone, elite establishment, etc.! We were 100% satisfied with not only the quality of his education, but also how well rounded it was. We were very anxious about what the year would bring, based on the school's reputation; however, none of it was true. In K, there is no homework, unlike some of the other private schools and the Oakland public schools, and there is a large emphasis on social interraction, creativity, etc. My son blossomed this year and the social and academic growth he experienced has been incredible! He loves school and! would often refuse to leave when I would pick him up. I have friends with children in the older lower school grades, and all of their children seem to be flourishing in a ''stress free'' way. Incidently, there is a growing number of parents who feel the lower school is not academic enough, if that helps your fear! All in all, we have been quite surprised how happy we have been at HRS, and appreciate the focus on educating the whole child. anon

Dear Stress Levels: I have a child in Lower School. I can honestly tell you that the school is very warm and nurturing. They try to keep the homework at an appropriate level. So much so that other parents who are less child-oriented have mentioned they should send their child to the Academy and/or to Bentley because ''those schools'' really make the kids learn. Whether the other schools do that or whether it is the perception is for the individual parent and child to decide. My experience with Head-Royce has been that the teachers are concerned with the children's welfare and development of the ''whole child.'' The school emphasizes a well-rounded education with civic and community service in 4th and 5th grades. Feel free to ask about the after school program which is rich in electives and activites. i.e. Circus Arts, Steel Drums, carpentry, drama In the 4th and 5th grades, since most chldren have a sport or music outside of the school time management is necessary. For instance, the student learns to break down the book reports and science projects to little parts that they work on over several weeks. The teachers are great in teaching time management by putting how much time the student should spend each night or where you should be in the project in the weekly assignment sheets. They send reminders and check-ups. They return calls or e-mails. Lower schools is challenging as you get older but is a great program. The Kindergarten and First Grade progams are wonderful and filled with music and field trips. Anonynmous

''Or is it really one long grinding journey toward the Ivy League education parents are hoping for at the end of the line?!'' Yes, and it feels, to us at least, that the culture isn't going to change any time soon because the parents want it that way. Some parent wrote a while backin the BPN that he or she thought that Head-Royce and a lot of the independent area schools were demanding too much, too soon, and I concur. I have a very bright child who is not served by the competition and at H-R. He is not at all interested in competing even though he performs very well. Likely we will be leaving by high school so as to avoid what I have heard is even more stress than the lower and middle school and a frantic push through curriculum. In evaluating any school I think that it is important to recognize the difference between authentic learning and mastery and regurgitation of facts. School has become a lot of drudgery. I feel for our kids. Anon for my child's sake

I did not see the original post but read today's responses. I have one child at HR. He entered HR at 9th grade from a public middle school and has just completed 10th grade. So based on two years worth of experience in the upper school - the workload is significant and my son can no longer get by solely on native intelligence and test-taking ability. His approach has been to do enough to get a B average and not be stressed out. He's not particularly organized and loses points on missed assignments, not showing his logic, etc. I am probably more stressed than he because I know he's smart enough to get better grades. But, I can't fault the school or teachers. They are excellent and my son is learning a lot. I am stimulated just hearing about what he's doing there. As far as college - he j! ust needs one good place to go and I'm sure we'll find that for him. anon to protect son

My son, now entering 5th grade at Head Royce, has been there since kindergarten. He has, for the most part, loved it. I have been happy with the attention to the emotional and social development in the lower school--There has been an emphasis on preparing the children to learn, and a recognition that children develop at different paces. I know that the pressure (often coming from families and the children themselves) will increase into middle school and high school, and I know that the school sees this as an issue to look at and help the children with. One thing that has been wonderful for us and our son, is the continuity of friendships that comes with a relatively small school like Head Royce--he is in class with children he's known since kindergarten, and he knows most teachers and staff in ! the lower school-- and they know him. All in all we are happy with our choice of schools, admittedly in part because we now have the option of his staying there through 12th grade. It's a tough decision, good luck! Head Royce parent

Feb 2003

I would still appreciate some more views on Head Royce. My son loves the school. We were a bit concerned about some things.
1. Do they not make the current HR middle school students pass the entrance test ISEE to the same level for acceptance into the high school?
2 The student newspaper focused quite a bit on religious discrimination felt by some of the kids. Is this that big a problem?
3. More drugs than usual?

In response to the recent query about the high school program at Head Royce,no, as far as I know current HR middle school students do not have to take the ISEE (unless of course they are applying at other high schools themselves). My impression is that most of them go on to upper school at Head Royce, hence the very small number of available spots each year.

I really don't know enough to address questions #2 and #3. In the hypothetical situation of an instance of religious intolerance I have to assume that the administration and faculty would step in fairly aggressively to deal with the problem and educate the students on the issue. As for more drugs than usual, as the parent of a Junior I sure hope that's not the case and haven't heard any fact or rumor to substantiate this notion.

You didn't ask, but I'll volunteer my own opinion that H-R offers a terrific high school program: outstanding faculty,and a very nice balance between academics and elective subjects. Best of luck to you and your 8th grader. laura

Jan 2003

My son went to Bentley and then Head Royce. He loved Head Royce which he transferred to in high school (Bentley at that time had no high school). We were very pleased with the school and the teachers and were somewhat let down when my daughter decided to go to CPS instead of Head Royce. However she has been at CPS for 2 years and both she and her parents love the school. I had thought and heard that it was too academically strict, but she copes well with the homework. The teachers take a very personal and active interest in the individual student and the parents are great. Stella

I would be happy to speak to anyone looking for information about Head Royce School. Our two sons have both been there since kindergarten - the oldest is now 9th grade, the younger in 4th - we have experienced the school at all three levels. We have been extremely happy with Head Royce - and at the same time do not see it as perfect. We chose Head Royce over 6 other area schools and have not regretted it.

There have been a few rough years - but this is to be expected as out kids grow and change. Many of our concerns have been addressed - such as the middle school head- where the new director is fabulous. Another was their implmentation of their committment to diversity - which is improving significantly - but still needs work. We have had extraordinary experiences with teachers - to the point of awesome, love the small classes and extensive on-site resources. The cost is high - but you get a very big bang for your buck.

The Lower school (K-5) is the best I have seen - great compassion, insightful teaching staff, emphasis on community, and making acedemics a pleasure. We are strong advocates of the school's philospohy to balance academics, the arts and athletics, and appreciate how both have been integrated into the curriculum from Day 1.

If you were to ask our son in 9th grade - he would say he is ready to move on to Berkeley High. He wants to be in larger - more diverse environment with new people. We are glad he fells this way!! - and we are dicussing it. Meanwhile he is taking Physics, Russian and Chinese History, English, Photography, Jazz Band, Honors Geometry, Spanish, is on the Basketball team and still has time for computer games and goofing around. We think the High School at Head Royce is terrific and might give him the structure he needs to focus and excel. Socially, it is hard for him to be in the same school for 12 years. The decision will be a balance of what is right for him- it will not be because we are unhappy with Head Royce, but because it is time for him to make a change.

If you were to ask our son in 4th grade - he would tell you he LOVES everything about it. We see him ''dancing through life - learning amazing personal skills - including social consciousness, self-reliance and self-motivation. Basics are so well in place now, he could go anywhere.

Renee

My daughter, now 30, attended Head Royce as a high school student, and it was the best investment in her/our future I could have made. She graduated with something like a B/B+ average and so-so SAT scores, but Head Royce staff made sure that she got into her first choice college, Barnard. Given her first rate high school preparation and academic confidence, she went on to graduate Phi Beta Kappa and is currently in an MD/PhD program studying to be a heart surgeon. But she also taught photography and ran the Barnard darkroom, relying on skills she picked up at HR. We received some financial help from the school, as I was a single mom, but my daughter would have had a far more circumscribed life had I not made this investment. Rondi

November 2002

We're considering Head-Royce for high school. I'd love to hear about the experience of other families who've had students there.. particularly feedback about the quality of education, competetive atmosphere between the students, snobbery, encouragement of creativity, etc. Thanks! a curious mom

To the parent seeking information about the high school program at Head Royce: my teenager (now a Junior) has been attending high school at HR after being a student in a different school up to the 8th grade. She and I both were concerned about the same issues you raise in your post;the administration at the school has clearly given some thought to the issue and strived to help new students through the first few weeks. New students start a day earlier with an orientation designed just for them, for instance. In terms of making friends, the ''lifers'' at the school appear by and large eager and happy to welcome newcomers. I am not aware of clique issues; as to possible issues of snobbery, all I can say is that, yes, some students are from very privileged families,as evidenced by a few extremely elaborate birthday parties! But those are not the norm as far as I can tell.

We couldn't be happier about the educational program: outstanding faculty, great individual attention given to students,detailed report cards that really tell you something about your child,etc. I am not sure what you mean specifically by ''encouragement of creativity''; all I can say is that the program strongly encourages students to pursue not just one but two electives in the arts,and that while challenging, the classroom/homework load doesn't seem overly intense.

By all means don't hesitate to email me directly if you have more questions about the school and my daughter's experience there. Best of luck dealing with the high school admission game, Laura

our son went to Head Royce and loved it. Our daughter went to CPS and loved it even more. I think the work load is much heavier at CPS and the classes are smaller. However, I think the work at HR is more balanced between academic and sports. Stella

2001

I have a child at Head-Royce and I think I should correct what is a significant error in this post. HR does have a GUARANTEED sibling preference. Siblings are considered (along with children of faculty and those from traditionally disadvantaged minority groups) before other children who don't fit those categories. As long as a sib is found to be qualified (ie, can do the work) that sib will be admitted. If the child has a late summer birthday and the school feels she would benefit from another year in preK or preschool, admission will be postponed for a year. However, my daughter's class is replete with August, July, June birthdays. My daughter has an October 31 birthday and is definitely one of the older children in the class.

Also, I have found that the reputation the school has for having "well-to-do" families is somewhat inaccurate. While there are certainly plenty of kids from "two-lawyer" families, there are also lots of kids who receive financial aid, children of artists, writers, sports-trainers, therapists, academics, ethno-musicologists, tropical fish store owners, research scientists (and I'm just thinking of the families in my daughter's class).

Furthermore -- as to drawing primarily from Piedmont/Montclair -- I've also not found this to be so. There may be families from Piedmont in Sophie's class, but I've never met them. There are many Oakland families, many Berkeley -- including North Berkeley (there's a bus), even the odd Fremont family. The draw is very broad. I've noticed that all the local schools have these very elaborate "reputations" that, in my experience with Head Royce at least, are not particularly accurate. When we were looking into schools we never imagined we'd send out daughter to Head Royce. It blew us away, however. And we're very happy with our decision. AW

re: preschool prep for private school
Our daughter goes to Head Royce and the most important thing I can tell you about preschool is don't sweat it. It's really irrelevant. The schools aren't looking for children who are "prepared" in any way. Just pick a preschool where the staff is loving and competent and the kids look like they are having fun

1998

From: a dad in the EECS department

We have all three of our kids at Head-Royce School. We placed our first their because she wasn't being challenged by the public school she attended. They all love the school.

Let me refer you to their web-site. http://www.hrs.pvt.k12.ca.us/

Applications were due on January 20. This may explain the lack of responsiveness from the admissions staff. I seem to remember a sort of closed mouth attitude until our first was admitted. Addmission are very competitive, and require testing and letters of recommendation. The results of this years addmissions will be announced on March 15.

Families from all over the east bay send their children to Head-Royce. We live in Hayward, I know others in Dublin, Lafyette, El Cerrito, Berkeley, Oakland, Orinda, San Leandro, even Antioch. Many are putting their children through at great personal cost - driving old cars and living in small homes or appartments. Certainly some come from Piedmont and Montclaire and Orinda and extreme affluence.

I know a couple of other faculty and staff members at UCB who send their children. It is a strong community, I've had nothing but pleasant, helpful interactions with the parents. I'm particularly impressed walking through the school on an average day by the politeness of the students. The faculty have been very friendly and helpful.

The students get a lot of homework-- 30-40 minutes per subject per day (says the policy - we experience quite a bit more at times) in middle and high school. The Elementary students are supposed to be able to dispatch theirs in a couple of hours (our results vary) with no weekend homework for elementary.

The facilities are good, class sizes small-- 18 in elemetary 15 in middle and high. Sports is part of the program with tennis, swimming, volleyball, basketball, soccer, rugby, cross-country, baseball, etc. (no football- no marching band). Many types of after $chool program$ are avaiable. This is a VERY liberal education. They still have an affirmative action program. This is a k-12 school which features two 18 student classes k-5 and 15-18 students per class 6-12, with only 75 students at each grade 6-12.

Admissions are very selective. Tuition is steep. Profile of Head-Royce School

An independent, coeducational, college-preparatory, K-12 school that strives to inspire in its students a lifelong love of learning, a desire for academic excellence, a respect for diversity, and encourages constructive and responsible citizenship.

Founded: In 1887 as the Anna Head School for Girls; incorporated not-for-profit in 1957
Enrollment: 735 students
Faculty: 96 including full and part-time members
Average class size: 15
Student/faculty ratio: 10:1
Facilities: six structures on a fourteen acre campus, including a gym, swimming pool, tennis and basketball courts, soccer field and baseball/softball diamond
Tuition: $8,600 to $12,775; additional fees for books, elective arts classes, class trips, and tennis lessons
School year: September 2, 1997 to June 12, 1998
Accredited by: The Western Association of Schools and Colleges; California Association of Independent Schools
Head of School: Paul D. Chapman, B.A. Yale University, M.A. and Ph.D. Stanford University

Concerns about Snobbery at Elite Schools

Nov 2003

We are considering Head Royce for Kindergarden. While there seems to be no question about the academics, we are more concerned about the social scene, particularly as she gets older. I have concerns about her being in an environment of predominantly smart privledged kids-- snobbery, materialism, competition--both academic and social. I have heard second hand of people being disatsified with the social enviromnent and even pulling their kids out. I'd appreciate any comments of parents from kids at all ages. Thanks.

don't want my kid to become a snob

Snobby children are certainly a risk, in so far as most of these kids only know a very limited economic lifestyle. This is true for many independant schools. What is done about this: on the school's end there is a large emphasis on community service as a way a to get kids to be aware and do something about the larger community. But even more importantly, I would say that most of the parents assume much of the responsibility. The kids learn their attitudes about money and material goods at home - and many of the parents seem to recognize that, and coach their kids accordingly. anon

I feel compelled to answer the question about how the wealth at Head-Royce affects kids socially. To begin, I should say that I graduated from Head-Royce almost 20 years ago and thing may very well have changed. But as a kid from a poor family at HRS, things were very hard for me. It's not that I didn't have friends, but rather that I ended up developing fairly skewed values about money based on my inability to keep up with the Joneses.

It is very hard in Junior High and High School if you can't dress in the right clothes. It's hard when all of your friends live in mansions and vacation in Europe over the winter holiday. I ended up feeling very embarassed of my family, my house, my vacations, my clothes - and consequently desperately wished to be wealthy. I remember at one point begging my mother to get a maid (if you can believe it!) My main goal in life upon graduation was to make a lot money and it took quite a few years before I came to terms with my issues surrounding money and realized that happiness doesn't always go hand in hand with wealth.

I got an AMAZING academic education at Head Royce - better than my college education in fact. But, I think that ideally a school is both academically rigorous and allows students to meet a variety of kids from all sorts of backgrounds. When I was there, that wasn't really the case.

If you child does end up going to Head Royce and is not from the kind of wealth that is prevalent there, then I would try to make sure that this is a topic that is discussed a lot at home and that there are other social opportunities outside of school for you child to meet other kinds of kids. Good luck wiser now...

We have a child in the lower school at Head Royce. I had no intention of sending my child to Head-Royce for the concerns stated. I thought they would be too harsh on my child and that we would not fit in economically. To be honest, the tuition is steep and we make a lot of sacrifices. But, we are happy with the education and the teachers. They are caring, concerned and insightful. The diversity is increasing which pleases us. We have met many nice parents who are grounded and have similar values. There are ''privileged'' children, but frankly, living in the Bay Area and even sending your child to private school places us in that status no matter how ancient our cars are. We are very happy with our social setting and the amount of enrichment our child receives in addition to the quality of education.

We have had two children at Head Royce since Kindergarten and feel very happy with our choice. The demeanor of the school - especially in the classroom - is of warmth and openness - with a strong emphasis on community. The Lower School is particularly intimate and supportive. While the academics at Head Royce are excellent - the school places strong emphasis on the arts and athletics and service. I recommend you visit the school for yourself - as the social atmosphere is quite obvious - from the kids longing on the patio and the hall at the High School- to the play areas and classrooms of the Lower School Our kids have never been excluded because we are of less means than most of the others. ''Social Cruelty'' is something the school has talked about alot with the kids - and is dealt with very seriously.

The reality is that all private schools have a large contingent of more affluent families - they cost alot!! The pressures that come from this (where your friends go on vacation, what gifts they get at the holidays, etc) is not unique to Head Royce - it is going to be an issue for you and your family at any private school. Acknowledging and rejoicing in our differences is part of the mission and curiculum at Head Royce, and we feel they ''walk the talk.'' Very few families have left the school that we know of - and those who did had unique and complex reasons. Lack of racial/ ethnic diversity is a problem for all the private schools and no matter what the others say - they are all very similar. They all need to do better. The tone about social and material things is set by the administrators and teachers - and by what you project to your kids yourself.

After-school programs

Jan 2008

I have applied for my son to attend Kindergarten at Redwood Day, St. Paul's and Head Royce. I wondered if parents with experience in these schools' aftercare programs have anything to say about them. Thank you! -prospective mom

I am both a Lower School parent and a teacher at Head-Royce and can say that the after-school care and class offerings are amazing. If kids choose not to take classes, there are games, independent art projects, time in the computer lab, and homework help. I have to drag my kids away from the fun they are having. And each season the School offers abundant enriching classes as well. They include choices like swim lessons, carpentry, Mandarin, sewing, chess, tennis, puppetry, world dance, and ''adventure club,'' to name just a few. We feel lucky to have so many gifted teachers who share their myriad talents with our children. Happy with HRS Afterschool

Head Royce Summer Program

April 2007

Re: Summer Camp with daily swimming
Hey folks summer is upon us and if you are a busy working parent like me looking for a great summer program for your kids I have news for you! My son has been attending Head Royce Summer School going on his third summer. We love the program and while it costs a little more than some it is definately well worth the money. The program offers academics, creative courses, sports, and swimming. The combination keeps the kids interested and excited about attending. For me my greatest pleasure is knowing that my son is in a safe place, where the adults and youth couselors keep the best interest of the children at heart and behave in line with that philosophy. We are going back again this summer and are filled with excited anticipation. Hope to see you there. nk

I also recommend the Head Royce summer Camp program. Our daughter is attending for the third year this summer. The swim program is very good and kids that stay all day can swim 2x a day. They also have many different activities and an academic program in the morning (this is for the younger grades- I'm not familiar with the older grade schoolers). The academic program isn't terribly challenging (mostly review) but the teachers are engaged and really seem to enjoy the kids. Most of the teachers also teach grade school during the regular school year at various schools in the community. The long program (6 weeks) also allows your child to make friends and have a lot of time with them. Good luck finding a program - you have a lot to choose from in the Bay Area. - RK

March 2007

We have sent our oldest child to Head Royce for 3 summers and our youngest for 1 summer but will not be sending them again. In the past we have liked the program because they have a great swim hour every day, it is convenient, runs for 6 weeks and my son had creative teachers. The aftercare is expensive and only OK, but the sports choices are great. Last year both my kids had a bad experience. The 3rd grade class was not creative and the kids did worksheets all summer, not art or creative projects. When I suggested a more challenging math program because he could already do subtraction, the teacher said she didn't want him to forget it. My son's first grade class was frequently out of control and the kids were always in timeout and the creative activities were taken away as punishment. I talked to the teacher and things were better for a week. I tried to talk to the administrators and left 3 phone calls but didn't get a response. It is a very expensive program and my expectations were higher. My kids begged me not to send them again. AB S

Feb 2005

We were just made aware of the Head Royce Summer Enrichment Program. We haven't seen any postings about this program. We would appreciate hearing anything you may know about this program. Thank you. Carlo

My two daughters have attended the Head Royce Summer Program for a number of years. I like the program for several reasons. It lasts for 5-6 weeks, so it's nice to have your child at one place for this length of time! The program is very well run, with a combination of academics and sports. My kids are at a Montclair elementary school and didn't find the academics particularly challenging, but depending on the quality of the teaching, it gave them a bit of a head start on the upcoming school year. Some of the teachers are Head Royce teachers during the school year, and some are public and private school teachers from the surrounding area. In the lower grades, the kids swim every day, which is a great way for a child to learn to swim well. I didn't care for the head after-care teacher at all, but I understand she will not be there this year. The aftercare (12 noon onwards) is like most aftercares - not very exciting -- but if you add some sports classes, like tennis or softball, it works out very well. The child drop-off and pick-up system is a bit of a nightmare, but you get used to it. There is an orientation evening in early June for new parents. The program is not cheap, but we are been happy with it for the past 5 years. a camp worth doing

March 2003

I am looking for a camp with an academic component for my going into second grade daughter. She is bright, but a little on the young side, and needs some help with reading/writing skills. I'd prefer something that is not terribly competitive, still has some traditional camp stuff going on (swimming, sports and the like). I've looked on the website, and I see Head-Royce school has a program... Would that be too competitive for a child looking to refine first grade skills rather than get a headstart on second grade skills? Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Worried Mom

I think you will find the Head Royce Summer Program is just what you are looking for! My daughter, who is in 3rd grade at Joaquin Miller Elementary in Montclair, has attended this camp for the last two years and will go again this summer.

She did not find the school work academically challenging; rather, it was a continuation of things she had learned that school year, which was just what we were looking for. Some of the teachers are on the HR staff and some are from other schools. My daughter had a HR teacher the first year and a teacher from the Pleasant Hill school district last year. Both teachers were good. There is plenty of opportunity to take extra activities such as tennis.

I really like the HR program because it is extremely well staffed and well organized. The facilities are very nice. The program is a little pricey: about $850 for the 6-week course from 8:30 to noon, but when you consider that they swim every day, it is reasonable, since we would have had to pay for separate swimming lessons last year. There is an after-care program for an extra cost, that is also well-run. They are very flexible about how much time you spend at the after care.

If you are concerned about how the program would suit your daughter, I would suggest calling the summer program office and leaving a detailed message. When I have had questions in the past, they have been very good about calling me back. Lastly, it would be a good idea to sign up for the program soon, since I understand the early grades fill up quickly. Good luck. Charlotte

Jan 2000

We went to Head Royce for the Algebra program. We didn't do it in-Lieu of, but it gave my son a huge amount of confidence when taking algebra in 8th Grade. It's only a 6 week program and the cost was pretty reasonable. Also, there is a bus from (64) from Berkeley Bart that takes them about 3 blocks away from the school. -- Elizabeth

The opinions and statements expressed on this website are those of parents who subscribe to the Berkeley Parents Network. Please see Disclaimer & Usage for information about using content on this website.