Inspiring ExcellenceCelebrating Individuality
College preparatory education for age 3 through Grade 12
To inspire excellenceand celebrate individuality.
To instill a love for learning, a respect for knowledge, a spirit of creativity, a willingness to explore new ideas and experiences and the confidence to take risks.
Founded in 1915, Roycemore serves students from pre-kindergarten through Grade 12. Enrollment
is a blend of city and suburban college-bound children, drawn from a wide range of economic,
social and ethnic backgrounds. Roycemore School is fully accredited by the Independent Schools
Association of the Central States. Roycemore also holds memberships in the National Association of
Independent Schools, the Lake Michigan Association of Independent Schools, and the Illinois High
School Association.
At the heart of our mission is the
expectation that each student will be
known personally and valued by his
or her peers, teachers and the entire
school community as an individual with
unique talents and abilities.
In small classes, committed, passionate
teachers nurture and build upon
student’s strengths, and provide them
support when they feel challenged.
Students at all levels are called upon to
think both critically and creatively as
they learn and prepare for success at
the next level and, ultimately, college.
We recognize that each individual
learns differently and that varied
teaching strategies are necessary
to help all students reach their
full potential.
Roycemore is committed to
maintaining programs of acceleration,
enrichment and support. This ranges
from differentiated instruction in
Early Childhood and the Lower School
to Advanced Placement classes and
the opportunity to take college classes
at nearby Northwestern University.
Open and frequent communication
between teachers, parents, students
and administrators fosters a close-
knit community that thrives on active
participation and involvement.
We encourage students to share their
time and talents. Service to the school,
to each other, and to the broader
community is emphasized through class
projects, school-wide initiatives and
after-school clubs.
Recognizing that Roycemore families
come from neighborhoods across
Chicago and the suburbs, we come
together several times a year just for
fun, including a beginning of school
coffee, family nights, social activities,
athletic events and performances.
“We are so very thrilled
with our experience.
We have seen an incredible
blossoming in our daughter.
She is engaged, enthused,
excited and NEVER wants to
miss school!”
– Marypat Mulholland Lower School parent
A healthy spirit of camaraderie
means there is always something
going on at Roycemore. Activities
and events during and after school
help to create a vibrant social setting
that emphasizes our core values
of inclusiveness and respect for
individual differences.
Students are encouraged to participate
regardless of experience or ability,
offering them additional paths for
personal and social success.
With a variety of activities to choose
from—musicals, plays, athletic
events, dance shows, clubs, field trips,
social outings and more—nearly all
Roycemore students take advantage
of these opportunities to get involved
and have fun.
“Roycemore is the place
for students who really
want to be a part of a larger
whole and know that they
will not be overlooked or
lost in the crowd.”
– Andrew Goldberg, Class of ’86 Documentary producer & director
In our Pre-Kindergarten (age 3),
Junior Kindergarten (age 4) and
Kindergarten (age 5), experienced,
certified Early Childhood teachers
balance an age-appropriate academic
program with time for creative
play. They provide a safe, nurturing
environment in which each child can
grow intellectually, socially, emotionally,
and physically.
Students learn through a variety
of hands-on activities presented in
individual, small and large group
settings. They are introduced to
academic subjects in a way that is
appropriate for their developmental
levels. The curriculum is designed to
allow each child to progress at his or
her own pace.
In Early Childhood, we help each child
develop confidence, problem solving
skills, and self-discipline. Through
a combination of teacher and peer
support, character education and role-
playing, children feel important both
as individuals and as members of the
Roycemore community.
Early Childhood (ages 3-5)
“As we look back at our
decision to bring our
son to Roycemore—from
the process of interview
and admission, to how
well he adjusted to this
environment, to the love,
time and attention he has
received from everyone in
the school—we cannot tell
you how happy we are!”
– Ruth and Till Schwarzlose Junior Kindergarten parents
A strong
self concept,
independence, and
cooperative sharing
are encouraged.
An important part
of kindergarten is
the emphasis
on the social
and emotional
development of
each child.
Balancing Academics & Play
Our Lower School teachers enjoy
an atmosphere of creativity and
collaboration that allows them to
nurture a special enthusiasm for
learning in their students. Roycemore
parents, teachers and administrators
team up to build a network of
collaboration that supports students’
early academic and personal success.
Our teachers encourage students to
reach higher and they provide extra
support when needed, so children
are never bored or frustrated. Each
child’s academic and social growth is
carefully monitored, and the lines of
communication are always open for
parents. Teachers and the Division Head
are easy to find in the halls, greeting
children, talking to parents or just
saying hello face-to-face. They are also
readily available via phone or e-mail.
We address the individual needs of
students by adjusting the lesson to
challenge each child on his or her level.
Specialists in art, music, French and
physical education enrich the overall
academic program.
Lower School (Grades 1-4)
At Roycemore, we strive to build a safe,
secure environment in which students
can thrive. Character education is taught
and emphasized daily to build a sense of
community, responsibility and caring for
others. We actively utilize the Hazelden
No-Bullying Program to make students
aware of the damaging effects of teasing
and exclusion from play.
An active parent community adds to
our close-knit atmosphere and provides
numerous opportunities for parents
to be involved in social activities and
special projects. Parent contributions
to the classroom are appreciated as a
valuable resource.
Roycemore’s Lower
School provides
a strong, diverse
curriculum with many
hands-on activities and
educational field trips.
After-school clubs
provide fun time with
friends and important
opportunities for
social development.
A Culture of Learning
It is hard not to be energized and
excited when working with our
enthusiastic Middle Schoolers!
At Roycemore, students thrive in an
open, supportive environment that
allows them the freedom to explore new
ideas and be themselves. Every Middle
Schooler is valued as an individual with
unique talents and abilities.
Focusing on critical thinking and
creativity, our core Middle School
curriculum emphasizes how to study,
explore, research, and write well.
Teachers engage students and address
different learning styles in small classes.
Middle School (Grades 5-8)
A wide-ranging Creative Arts program
lets students choose from unique
teacher-created electives like “The
Physics of Roller Coasters” or “Jewelry
Making.” While not core classes,
electives like these are a valuable part
of the program that enable students to
explore and broaden their experiences.
Students receive recognition from
teachers for displaying qualities such
as responsibility, honesty, respect
for property, caring, cooperation and
openness to learning through a special
program called Shield.
College prep academics are balanced
with opportunities for social growth.
Frequent after-school activities like
a trip to Navy Pier, ice skating at
Millennium Park or going to a movie give
students a chance to hang out together
in a different setting. With daily physical
education class and a fun Middle School
Olympics program, ample opportunities
are provided for releasing energy!
Interscholastic basketball, soccer and
volleyball begin in Middle School. Sports
and other activities are open to everyone
and teachers encourage all students to
get involved. Go Griffins!
Creating a positive
learning environment
with engaging activities
helps students approach
subjects with the
enthusiasm necessary
to succeed.
Energy, Growth & Community
Middle Schoolers have
the opportunity to
choose their own faculty
advisors—someone with
whom they can form a
bond, who helps them
set academic goals and
develop as an individual.
Yes, we are a college-preparatory school,
with a solid, rigorous curriculum and
opportunities for students to do college-
level work through Advanced Placement
offerings and even an option to take
classes at Northwestern University.
100% of Roycemore’s graduating seniors
are accepted to one or more colleges of
their choice.
However, we take care to prepare
our students in other ways too. A
fundamental emphasis on critical
thinking, problem-solving and
writing skills puts students in an
excellent position to succeed after
graduation. Gaining greater personal
Upper School (Grades 9-12)
independence and participating in the
larger Roycemore community gives
our students the confidence to expect
more from their college experience.
A welcoming, secure environment
celebrates and nurtures a student’s
individuality while providing a strong
base for social and emotional maturity,
and a sense of belonging.
Upper School students choose a faculty
advisor —an experienced teacher
who understands and appreciates
adolescents. Their advisor helps them
with academic planning and more,
including setting realistic long- and
short-term goals, developing strong
study habits, becoming involved in
school life, and managing time and
energy effectively.
Our college counselor guides students
and their families one-on-one through
the process of college selection and
application. From in-school SAT
preparation to thoughtfully written
personal recommendations by
faculty, Roycemore Upper Schoolers’
applications stand out from the crowd.
Preparing for college
Our inclusive athletics
program is open to all
students who wish to
participate, with teams
in soccer, volleyball
and basketball—in our
brand new gymnasium!
With an average class
size of 16, faculty
are always available
for individual help,
for clarification or
for more in-depth
discussion.
Passion for success
“From the opportunity to take
classes at Northwestern, the
unique January Short Term
options she chose, and the deeply
engaged teachers, our daughter’s
Roycemore experiences offered
her a unique path to grow as a
student and as an individual. We
are grateful for Roycemore’s focus
on providing the tools and skills to
further develop her individuality
and passion for learning.”
Betsy and Mike Hammond – Parents of a 2010 graduate
Classes taken by Roycemore students
at Northwestern University in recent
years include Archeology, Comparative
Politics, Electrical Engineering, Gender
Studies, U.S. History, Integral and Vector
Calculus, Jazz History, Linear Algebra,
Macroeconomics, and Music Theory.
Roycemore’s January Short Term
(JST) offers a wonderful opportunity
for students to pursue an area of
individual interest in great depth
between semesters each year, through
independent study, an internship, small
group project or educational travel.
Regular social activities open to all,
such as Mardi Gras Night, Two-on-Two
Basketball, Prom and a night at Six
Flags Great America, offer a variety of
opportunities for developing friendships
and strengthening community.
Other Upper School activities include
athletics, dance and tumbling, drama,
chorus, Scholastic Bowl, Yearbook,
Student Government, and foreign
language and culture, community service
and environmental clubs.
The following are some of the colleges and universities to which Roycemore graduates were accepted in recent years:
American UniversityArizona State UniversityAuburn UniversityAugustana CollegeBeloit CollegeBowling Green State UniversityBradley UniversityBrandeis UniversityButler UniversityCalifornia Institute of TechnologyCarleton CollegeCarnegie Mellon UniversityCarthage CollegeCase Western Reserve UniversityClemson UniversityCoe CollegeColby CollegeCollege of WoosterColorado Mountain CollegeColumbia CollegeColumbia UniversityConcordia UniversityConnecticut CollegeCornell CollegeDenison UniversityDePaul UniversityDePauw CollegeDowling CollegeDrexel UniversityEarlham CollegeEastern Illinois UniversityEast-West UniversityElmhurst CollegeEndicott CollegeFordham University
George Washington UniversityGoucher CollegeGrinnell CollegeGustavus Adolphus CollegeHampshire CollegeHanover CollegeHarvard UniversityHiram CollegeIllinois Wesleyan UniversityIndiana UniversityIowa State UniversityJohn Carroll UniversityKnox CollegeLake Forest CollegeLawrence UniversityLewis & Clark CollegeLoyola University Chicago Loyola University New OrleansMarquette UniversityMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyMiami University OhioMichigan State UniversityMilwaukee Institute of Art & DesignMoravian CollegeNew York UniversityNortheastern Illinois UniversityNorthern Illinois UniversityNorthwestern UniversityOberlin CollegeOglethorpe UniversityOhio State UniversityOhio Wesleyan UniversityParsons School of DesignPitzer College
Pratt Institute of ArtPurdue UniversityQueens College (Canada)Ripon CollegeRoosevelt UniversitySchool of the Art Institute of ChicagoSouthern Illinois UniversitySt. Lawrence UniversitySt. Louis UniversitySt. Mary’s College of CaliforniaSyracuse UniversityTulane UniversityUniversity of ArizonaUniversity of British Columbia University of Colorado BoulderUniversity of DaytonUniversity of HartfordUniversity of Illinois ChicagoUniversity of Illinois Champaign-UrbanaUniversity of IowaUniversity of LouisvilleUniversity of MichiganUniversity of OregonUniversity of RedlandsUniversity of Texas at Austin, Butler School of MusicUniversity of St. ThomasUniversity of VermontUniversity of Wisconsin MadisonValparaiso UniversityWestern Illinois UniversityWillamette UniversityWittenburg University
We look forward to meeting you!
Finding the right fit for your child goes beyond looking at websites and reading brochures.
We are happy to arrange individual visits so you can experience Roycemore first-hand.
Please call the Admissions Office at 847-866-6055 to make an appointment or e-mail
[email protected]. In addition, we have several small, informal admissions open
houses throughout the school year. Join us for coffee, walk the halls, observe classes in
session, and talk with administrators, teachers and current parents.
Click on roycemoreschool.org/admissions to view upcoming open house dates or to learn
more about applying to Roycemore.
1200 Davis Street, Evanston, Illinois 60201 - 847-866-6055 - r o y c e m o r e s c h o o l . o r g
We started January 2012 in our brand new home near downtown Evanston. The 2.4 acre campus features natural light from floor to ceiling windows in most rooms, a big new gymnasium, a Fine Arts wing, and fiber optic and wireless networks.
In our new home, Roycemore will continue to be that rare school in which every student is well-known, challenged, supported and valued as he or she prepares for success in college.
Introducing our new campus