The earliest years of school shape how children think about learning for the rest of their lives. In the Head‑Royce Lower School, our goal isn't just to teach children to read, write, and add…it's to send them into Middle School genuinely excited about ideas, confident in who they are, and curious about the world.
Learning here is hands-on and purposeful. Students grow vegetables and study the science behind them. They build structures, write and perform, explore three world languages, and connect with the Oakland community in ways that make the classroom feel real. From kindergarten, students practice the habits that matter most: collaboration, independence, and care for others.
The homeroom structure puts a stable, trusted adult at the center of each child's day. Specialist teachers in art, music, PE, science, technology, and world languages bring depth to every subject. And our Student Support team ensures every child is seen and supported, whatever they need.
Lower Schoolers also participate in mixed-grade family groups, which allows them to connect with Upper School mentors, learning early that they're part of something bigger than their classroom.
