Head-Royce School Admissions Consulting
Expert Guidance for Families Applying to This K–12 Independent Day School in Oakland, CA
Cardinal Education is an independent educational consulting company. We are not affiliated, associated, authorized, endorsed by, or in any way officially connected with any private or public school, including Head-Royce School.
As Seen On
About the School
About Head-Royce School
Head-Royce School is a K–12 independent, coeducational day school set in the Oakland hills, founded in 1887. Its mission is to develop students of character, intellect, and creativity, with a stated vision that education should unlock the promise and purpose of every student to better the world. With 946 students, 65 Advanced courses, and a 100% college matriculation rate, Head-Royce pairs a rigorous K–12 curriculum with a diverse, tight-knit community: 72% of students identify as students of color. Families can enter at three main points: Kindergarten, Grade 6, or Grade 9, each with its own testing and assessment path built around the ISEE.
Fast Facts
Location
4315 Lincoln Avenue, Oakland, CA 94602
Type
Private, Independent, Coed, Day School (K–12)
Grades
K–12
Total Enrollment
946 students
College Outcomes
100% college matriculation rate
Application Opens
September 1, 2026 (for the 2027-28 school year)
Recognition
Ranked among Niche’s top private K–12 and college-prep schools in Alameda County for 2026
Academic Snapshot
Advanced Courses Offered
65
SAT Composite Middle 50%
1350–1530
ACT Composite Middle 50%
31–34
Faculty Holding Advanced Degrees
72%
Students Identifying as Students of Color
72%
Athletics
Head-Royce competes as the Jayhawks, fielding teams at both the Middle School and Upper School levels.
Middle School (10 sports)
Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Flag Football, Golf, Lacrosse, Soccer, Tennis, Track & Field, Volleyball
Upper School (11 sports, 26 teams)
Cross Country, Golf, Tennis, Volleyball, Basketball, Soccer, Baseball, Lacrosse, Softball, Track & Field, Swimming
Head-Royce’s Upper School teams have won 36 league championships and earned 28 scholastic team awards over the last 5 years. For a deeper look at Head-Royce’s admissions process, academics, and student life, see our full Head-Royce School Profile.
Admissions Timeline & Events
General timeline (Grades K–12):
Preliminary Application & Fee Due
December 4, 2026 (in Ravenna)
Completed Applications Due
January 8, 2027
Grades K–8 Decisions Posted
March 11, 2027 (after 12:00 pm)
Grades 9–12 Decisions Posted
March 12, 2027 (after 4:00 pm)
Grade 6 Sibling/Employee: Preliminary App & Fee Due
December 4, 2026
Grade 6 Sibling/Employee: Completed Application Due
January 8, 2027
Grade 6 Sibling/Employee: Assessment Day
January 9, 2027
Grade 6 Sibling/Employee: Decisions Available
Potentially by January 29, 2027
Open House (Lower/Middle School)
October 25, 2026, 1:00 pm
Open House (Upper School)
November 1, 2026, 1:00 pm
Parent Tours (Lower/Middle School)
Thursdays, fall/winter
Parent Tours (Upper School)
Friday mornings, fall/winter
Student Visits (Lower/Middle School)
Thursdays, fall/winter
Student Visits (Upper School)
Tuesdays & Thursdays, fall/winter
What Makes Head-Royce’s Admissions Process Unique?
Unlike a school with a single point of entry, Head-Royce evaluates applicants differently depending on where they enter: Kindergarten and Grade 1 applicants complete an Assessment Day, while applicants to Grades 2 through 12 submit ISEE scores instead. Grade 6 is the third major entry point alongside Kindergarten and Grade 9; Head-Royce offers current sibling and employee families an earlier, separate consideration timeline for this grade. Families should plan their testing and application strategy around whichever entry point applies to their child.
Top Tips for Applying
- Register for ISEE testing early; scores are required for every applicant in Grades 2 through 12.
- If applying as a sibling or employee family for Grade 6, note the earlier December and January deadlines and the required Assessment Day.
- Treat the parent statement and student interest form as seriously as any other part of the file.
Best Practices for Families
- Attend the Open House for your child’s division, or an optional Student Visit, to get a feel for campus culture.
- Start ISEE preparation well before the December/January deadlines.
- Use the parent statement to speak directly to Head-Royce’s stated mission of character, intellect, and creativity.
What the Head-Royce Application Requires
To apply to Head-Royce, you will need to submit the following:
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01ISEE Testing (Grades 2–12)
Head-Royce requires ISEE scores for all applicants in Grades 2 through 12; there is no writing sample or SSAT alternative.
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02Assessment Day (Grades K–1, and Grade 6 Sibling/Employee Applicants)
Kindergarten and Grade 1 applicants attend an Assessment Day in place of testing. Grade 6 sibling/employee applicants also complete a required Middle School Assessment Day as part of their earlier consideration timeline.
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03Parent Statement & Student Interest Form
Applications require a parent statement and a student interest form, both completed in Ravenna. These documents provide the admissions committee with essential insight into your family’s values and your student’s unique interests and goals.
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04Supplemental Forms
Additional supplemental forms are required at every grade band and are completed directly in Ravenna. These forms collect necessary logistical and academic details specific to your child’s grade level, ensuring all components of your application are accounted for by the school’s admissions office.
How Cardinal Education Helps
Head-Royce’s process rewards early, entry-point-specific preparation, whether that means Assessment Day readiness for a Kindergarten applicant or ISEE strategy for a Grade 6 or 9 applicant (or Assessment Day for sibling/employee applicants). Cardinal Education‘s private school admissions consulting helps families prepare for whichever entry point fits their child.
Families interested in how Head-Royce’s process specifically affects Asian American applicants can find additional detail on our Head-Royce School Guide for Asian American Families.
“Cardinal Education’s personalized approach helped my daughter find her motivation. Their complete understanding of what it takes is what ultimately led to her admission into Head-Royce.”— Father of an 8th grader
Frequently Asked Questions
What grades does Head-Royce School serve?
Does Head-Royce require the ISEE?
Does Head-Royce require an admissions interview?
How competitive is admission to Head-Royce School?
Does Head-Royce give early consideration to sibling or employee families?
What is Head-Royce’s college matriculation rate?
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