Welcome to Head-Royce School
Head-Royce School is a diverse K–12 community nestled in the Oakland hills that serves families seeking a transformative educational experience. Our mission is to develop students of character, intellect, and creativity.
Living Our Values
Living Our Values
We deliver on our mission by living our values:
- Students First: We prioritize student learning, development, and well-being.
- Academic Excellence: We pursue knowledge and assess our learning to better ourselves and our community.
- Diversity: We embrace our different perspectives, backgrounds, experiences and identities to expand and enrich what we can learn and do together.
- Belonging: We create the conditions in which everyone thrives and brings their authentic selves.
- Civic Engagement: We connect students to the local community and beyond to enhance their academic experiences and foster genuine engagement.
Our Head of School
Our Head of School
Appointed in 2022, Rachel E. Skiffer is the 12th Head of School in our 135-year history. A dynamic and visionary leader, Rachel has a deep background both in large traditional independent schools as well as small, innovative organizations. As an executive administrator, Rachel brings direct experience in admissions, belonging and DEI work, curricular development, competency-based assessment, financial stewardship, community building and strategic planning. Rachel served as the Head of School at Khan Lab School in Palo Alto, Dean of Policy and Strategic Planning at Phillips Academy in Andover, MA, and held administrative roles at San Francisco University High School and The Latin School of Chicago.
Strategic Direction
Strategic Direction
Head-Royce officially launched its strategic design process in the fall of 2023 to understand what our community values about the Head-Royce experience—how well we fulfill our mission and what assets/competencies we should focus on strengthening and evolving. We undertake this important process every five to seven years to inform the school’s near term priorities and ensure that our vision continue to be in alignment with our past while also reflecting the innovations of today and the promise of tomorrow.
Diversity, Equity, + Inclusion
Diversity, Equity, + Inclusion
We commit to fostering global perspectives, resolving conflicts, repairing harm, promoting inclusion, respecting differences, and prioritizing BIPOC leadership. We welcome discomfort, learn from mistakes, and invest in training and curriculum revision for an anti-racist approach.
History of the School
History of the School
The spirit of inquiry and innovation brought by our founder, Anna Head, over 137 years ago remains infused in our culture today. From innovation centers, internships, and integrated technology, to life skills classes, service learning, cross-divisional buddies, and small advising groups, we are equally dedicated to educational excellence and social-emotional learning.