Pacific Boychoir Academy

215 Ridgeway Avenue

Oakland, CA 94611

27 Reviews

School District
Grade

3-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on March 09, 2024

PBA has simply been the best possible experience for our son. He sang in the afterschool program for 5 years and then we took the plunge and signed up for the Day School. I was a little concerned; it's very small but he absolutely thrived in that environment. He was able to focus on learning to manage his time and his boundless energy. Now, he is thriving among the 4000 students at Berkeley High.The afterschool program was certainly fun, but also gave him a solid foundation not just for music, but working in groups, paying attention, conducting himself respectfully, Driving home one day, I asked him "what do you like about Choir?" "Mom! We sing, then we go out and play, then we have snacks, then we sing again. What's not to like?!"His 3 years in the Day School were even more rewarding. It's not just the music and a student doesn't need to be a musical prodigy. PBA's musical education is extraordinary, but it is also accessible to just about any child. The music education provides a framework to learn about math, history, Latin, lit. It also teaches the boys to work together, to build something together and from that, relationships form which grow into deep, positive friendships. The boys travel together, explore parts of the world they would not otherwise see. They perform on some of the great stages of the world and look out to see audiences enjoy and appreciate what they have to offer. Everything about PBA has been enriching and positive. I feel our son is in the best possible position to thrive in hjigh school, college and beyond.
Submitted by parent on February 07, 2024

This has been a gem of a school for us. The classes exceed common core, and we can't believe the performance opportunities PBA has given our son. We also like the number of only-children at our school and the fact that these boys grow up together and are like brothers. They usually keep singing together at PBA when they're in high school. We also love the engaged parents and families, Lots of potlucks!
Submitted by parent on June 07, 2020

My son started at the PBA day school in the fall of 2018 as a 4th grader and has had a wonderful experience. He was not part of the after school program but the boys were very accepting of him and welcoming right from the beginning. The teachers are very dedicated at the school and really work with the needs of each individual student. The musical training is excellent as well. My son actually told me that he was amazed and happy to find other friends that were like him in interests. The boys are given many wonderful performance opportunities. Even with the shelter-in-place currently happening, the teachers have found creative ways to keep the students engaged and prospering. I highly recommend this school.
Submitted by parent on April 15, 2020

I just asked my son and he gave it a "10" (and he is doing his math homework!)
Submitted by parent on February 15, 2020

I would rate it with the highest rating possible. I have learned so much and had so much fun since my time at PBA. I miss it when I'm away and enjoy it when I'm there. I really recommend it.
Submitted by parent on October 23, 2019

Vastly exceeded my expectations. Easily worth the switch and relatively modest tuition by private school standards.
Submitted by other on February 25, 2018

PBA's strength is music first and foremost. However, the management of this school has been particularly unstable since the departure of PBA's principal founder in 2017. Not only has the quality of music education and academic standards been impacted, significant turnover of teachers and board members further contributed to the school's overall decline. The current acting board president lacks experience, professionalism, and integrity, particularly in the area of school finances, fundraising, equitable treatment of students, and legal matters related to compliance with fair labor standards. Consistent with past reviews, PBA continues to face the same challenges-- if not more-- under current leadership (or rather lack of) and an uncertain future.
Submitted by parent on July 21, 2017

Firstly, PBA's priority is music. However, PBA has not mastered the importance of meeting the social-emotional needs of their students. Many families leave after one or two years of noticing this (some mid-year). Secondly, this school's academic plan is nonexistent. It is shown by most of their teachers' approach to instructing-- lack of real pedagogy, but high expectation to "complete" work. Lastly, school treats students differently based on families' ability to pay full tuition. Consequences are harsher for students who are on financial aid. To emphasize, two students can complete the same offense. Eg. "Talk back to the teacher". The full tuition paying student will not, or barely be redirected. On the other hand, the latter's parents will receive: a call home, an email, student will get a disappoint (referral), and threaten of expulsion. It does not set a strong culture of excellence (since many middle school students notice this) and it further perpetuates stereotypes. On the other hand, they will try to preface "most families are on some form of aid." So I will rephrase, students with a greater need of financial aid are treated differently than others who pay 75 percent to all costs.
Submitted by parent on August 26, 2016

PBA is a fantastic fit for our son, now in 7th grade. After visiting an open house in 4th grade, our son decided he wanted to “sing and travel the world” and to leave his beloved public elementary school a year early to attend PBA in 5th grade. As a family, we are grateful for all the experiences and opportunities PBA affords him, from world-class music training and performances, to enriching academics and dedicated teachers, to a community of overall kind and well-disciplined boys (yes, even middle school boys can be polite and caring!).
Submitted by parent on April 20, 2016

I'd think twice before sending your son here. There's been nearly 100% turnover of teachers in the past year (the most senior is the part-time Spanish teacher, who's only been there 18 months) and a 35% decline in enrollment - not signs of a healthy organization. The musical education is great, but the quality of the academic education has nose-dived recently - it's mediocre, at best. Unless your son is planning to become a professional singer (and maybe even then), I'd skip it.
Submitted by other on April 05, 2015

Students are expected to police each other which isn't fair when it comes to different levels of learning and behavior per class. It's too much pressure for the kids and confuses the academic focus.
Submitted by parent on December 04, 2013

Great is not a word that I would use to describe this school. There are three major concerns: The first is priorities. The reputation of the choir is priority number one. Your son is important only insofar as he contributes to the choir and he will be expected to arrange his life around rehearsals and performances. The school is mainly a way to supply the choir with boys who sing beautifully and rehearse daily, but not much more than that. The second concern is how the school understands boys. They advertise as boy friendly with pitches like we understand boy. However, they basically view issues and problems that boys present from a moralistic perspective rather than one informed by knowledge about child development. The school lacks a learning specialist and a counselor and that becomes evident very quickly. A third concern has to do with planning and management of local and international tours. There have been problems related to the care and well-being of the boys. When our son was at the school very few of the staff members who chaperoned tours were parents and that really showed in terms of how they responded or not to the boys physical and emotional needs.
Submitted by parent on November 04, 2013

I recommended PBA for middle school boys interested in music of any kind. My son plays drums, but the music education, including theory and vocal training, has enhanced his musicianship even outside of school. Rehearsing and performing with the PBA choir, helps him be a better rock band member, knowing he must practice in order for the entire group to be at its best. Excellent life lessons are learned at this school. In addition, the academics are as rigorous as any private school in the area. However, since the teachers speak "boy" (knowing how boys learn and allowing them all the wiggle room they need), the stress of academics is handled well. Lastly, the school is cultivating future leaders. The boys are given responsibilities for ensuring the school is a safe, well-kept and fun place to be. For a well-rounded education, PBA is a great choice.
Submitted by parent on November 04, 2013

We came from a local school district with a high API score and a California Distinguished designation. We were still unhappy with the large class sized and the lack of individualized attention. PBA has rekindled the love of learning into our son. He enjoys every aspect of his day ! From the intimate class size, challenging academic and music lessons, and community; our son is growing by leaps and bounds. Learn about the school for yourself and you won't be disappointed.
Submitted by parent on November 04, 2013

This school is truly, "one of a kind." They blend traditional academics and music education in a seamless way that engages and stimulates the boys to want to learn, perform and be better people. Our son has grown so much during his 2 1/2 years at PBA. The work is challenging, yet the teachers know how to cater to individual learning styles. The small class size helps too! The boys don't just learn through reading and memorization. Much of the work is hands-on. They grow things in science, take field trips in history and learn about different cultures directly on an international trip each year. The boys have performed with great orchestras the world over, performed for thousands, been on America's Got Talent and won TWO Grammy Awards. The teachers and staff understand boys and channel boy-energy in a way that gets great results in the classroom, on stage in in preparation for life beyond 4th-8th grade. We could not have chosen a better school for our son.
Submitted by parent on November 04, 2013

I think this school is the one of the best kept secrets in Oakland. My son has attended since the 4th grade. He is now in 7th. I am considering holding him back a year so he doesn't have to leave. Just kidding! (Sort of.) The academic program is challenging and creative. They do a serious in depth study of a different Shakespeare play every year. It takes months and all of the kids are completely into it. They learn to really read with depth, and this is the mentality that guides the entire academic program.The musical education (up to two hours a day) they get is definitely unsurpassed, and probably unequaled anywhere in the US. They also keep a rigorous and exciting performance schedule. There is enough diversity among the student population that any kid who liked music would be happy here.My son feels safe, and cared for, and valued and he is proud of his accomplishments and proud of his school. We love this place.
Submitted by parent on November 04, 2013

Pacific Boy Choir Academy is truly a unique educational and character development experience for young boys in 4th through 8th grades. The school is located in Oakland, CA and its enrollment reflects the bay area's diverse community. In addition to rigorous, dynamic, broad and challenging academic classes, the combination of hard work with extraordinary accomplishment, yields lifelong lessons for impressionable young boys in the area of both teamwork and personal responsibility. The opportunities this school has given my 12 year old son are simply incredible. From performing classics in Russian, German, Latin and French with professional symphonies and opera companies to traveling internationally and learning through those experiences, I am so grateful my son has this opportunity to attend Pacific Boychoir Academy. Once he graduates, while in high school, my son will continue to participate in performances and trips as part of the academy's "changed voices" and "continuum" choirs. It's an experience of a lifetime!
Submitted by parent on October 28, 2013

PBA is the only Boychoir school on the west coast. Its hands on approach to learning and daily musical instruction makes Pacific Boychoir Academy a very unique school. PBA's small class size allows for wonderful class discussions and group learning. The boys learn how to work together not only in the classroom, but also in their performances. Teamwork between the students and faculty is a huge component of the success at PBA. I am constantly impressed with the quality of young men this school produces.
Submitted by parent on October 21, 2013

This school has been one of the most wonderful experiences and opportunities for my son. Not only is it giving him a fantastic, and rigorous academic education, but it is also giving him the opportunity to have music and singing in his world everyday. Our boys get to travel the globe, sing with the San Francisco and Oakland Symphony, San Francisco Ballet, sing at A's games, Cal Performances and much more. We are so very lucky to be part of this wonderful community and to have our boys really understand the level of dedication it takes to be a professional musician and performer. These are the skills that make you a happier and more successful person in later life. I wish that all schools understood the importance of the arts, music especially in a child's life.
Submitted by parent on October 20, 2013

Pacific Boychoir is the best school I can imagine for my son. It has great academics while managing to stay fun for boys. The music program is fantastic, as one would imagine. The boys learn to work together through singing, and learn discipline through performing.