Crowden alums can be found all over the world, with careers in fields ranging from business to medicine, academia to the arts.
Our graduates attend the most prestigious public and private high schools and colleges. Nearly all Crowden students are accepted into their first choice high school. Throughout the eighth grade year, we help students get ready through our High School Prep Course.
Recent high school choices include: Albany High School, Athenian School, Bentley School, Berkeley High School, College Preparatory School, Head Royce School, Lick-Wilmerding, Marin Academy, Maybeck High School, San Domenico School.
Ask an Alum: How did Crowden help shape your life?
I was a very shy kid until I got to Crowden and I was able to find, whether it was in faculty or it was in friends, community that I could connect with, and grow into who I am today.
—Emma Eyestone (’18), College sophomore
Crowden expected a lot from me, and still does expect a lot from all the students. And that shepherded me to a high level of confidence and expectations for myself, which then have granted me countless opportunities throughout the years after graduating Crowden.
—Nadav Skloot (’14), Software engineer
Crowden gave me the opportunity to push myself, take a little more risk, and have the ultimate spiritual fulfillment [playing music] at the end of the day to remind me of the bigger picture and remind me of what really matters. That’s how learning music at an early age influenced my career.
—Jonah Van Bourg (’99), Investment Banker
Another thing that was huge for me at Crowden was how many new ideas were shown to me. And new types of music. New types of art. I think from an early age, I was conditioned to approach new ideas, not with suspicion, but with curiosity and with an open mind. And that kind of approach to education—really mentoring a young person, making sure that they're developing in a direct and a positive direction—has been such a huge impact on how I think about education, now that I'm a teacher.
—Jay Campbell (’03), Cellist
Crowden is how I learned to think.
—Theo Haber (’13), Composer
Learning and playing the cello at Crowden, and playing music, is definitely a part of my life now. I couldn't live without it. And it's a big part of what makes me, me.
— Zander Lee (’20), HS junior
Alumni Profiles
Cary Koh
Crowden School Class of '86
Quotes from Cary
“I always enjoyed my time as a Crowden kid, but never appreciated how special the place is until many years later. To grow up playing some of the greatest works of chamber music and learn through the process of practicing, rehearsing, and performing is truly special.”
“Not only did I acquire valuable life skills to help me in both of my careers, but I also forged lifelong friendships through the bond created when playing chamber music.”
Noah Bendix-Balgley
Crowden School Class of '97
Quotes from Noah
“I was lucky enough to attend the Crowden School from 1995 to 1997, and it had a profound influence on my life, and my decision to become a musician. At the Crowden School, I played chamber and orchestral music for the first time. The joy and excitement of making music with others was infectious, and I haven't stopped since!”
“I'm grateful to Crowden's dedicated and passionate teachers. They inspired a dream in me, and gave me the skills to achieve it.”
