Head‑Royce has always believed that a great school has a responsibility to its city. Since 1987, that belief has taken the form of Heads Up
A free academic enrichment program that provides underserved middle school students of color from Oakland's public schools with challenging and enriching educational experiences to prepare them for academic success and help them develop an appreciation for community and civic responsibility.
Every summer, more than 100 students arrive on the Head‑Royce campus not as visitors, but as scholars. They take classes, explore new interests, build friendships, and develop the skills and confidence to lead. Over four summers and monthly Saturday sessions during the school year, they become something Head‑Royce has always aimed to cultivate: curious, capable, compassionate young people ready to make their mark.
This is what it looks like when a school puts its mission to work beyond its own walls.
Summer Program: Every summer from the summer before 6th grade through the summer before 9th grade, students spend four weeks on the Head‑Royce campus. They take four academic classes in the morning: math, science, humanities, and Success is Now, a course dedicated to study skills and learning strategies. Afternoons are for enrichment — swimming, tennis, photography, filmmaking, dance, and more. Breakfast, lunch, and free bus transportation are provided for every student.
Saturday Leadership Academy: Monthly sessions during the school year bring the full Heads Up cohort back to campus for guest speakers, field trips, community engagement, and leadership development. A different kind of classroom, and just as important as the summer.
