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?
Alumni Interviews
Ari Goldberg
Crowden School Class of 2018
Quotes from Ari
"Why am I so passionate about Crowden? Crowden was such a catalyst for growth and exploration in my life. After everything the Crowden community has done for me, it’s only right for me to be passionate about ensuring its future!"
"Here's a favorite memory... One time, we were given the opportunity to build anything we could imagine for science class. The only catch was that it had to be solar-powered. I think that’s when I realized just how amazing my classmates were. The next few days were a jumble of wires and wheels, but ultimately each person came up with a unique invention, ranging from an egg beater to a solar car. What’s amazing isn’t just the creativity of my fellow 13-year-olds, but the fact that we had a teacher who after a long day of work, went out to buy us materials to make our solar-powered dreams a reality. The way faculty and student enthusiasm build on each other isn’t unique to this one class either. Whether it’s a music coach giving you a piece you’re excited to work with or getting assigned a book you had told the teacher you wanted to read, Crowden faculty have a way of bringing students' imagination into learning experiences."
"Crowden set me a foundation for academic and social success that I wouldn’t have received otherwise."
"Music is much harder than anything else I’ve had to do. Compared to playing etudes in the 7th position, high school was a breeze! Although I’m not sure what I’m going to do yet, the skills I’ve learned playing music have been (and will likely continue to be!) a huge help. Whether I’m researching biochemical pathways, preparing to do a thorough hike, or playing a string quartet with friends, knowing to practice daily, ask for help, and learn with other people has been a huge advantage."
If I was asked to give advice to prospective Crowden School families... First, I’d congratulate the family on considering Crowden. They're on the right path! Then, I’d tell them my honest perspective. Crowden has a way of taking ordinary kids and making extraordinary people that no other school does. Everyone who graduates from Crowden takes a fierce determination and a rare humility into the world. I’ve found no other school where each graduating student can play a three-octave scale, juggle, and recite at least 100 lines of poetry. Amazing people have the potential to do amazing things wherever they go, but at Crowden, you have a guarantee that they will.
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.”
Ansel Klucsor
Crowden School Class of 2020
Quotes from Ansel
"I have always known that Crowden is special, but only this past summer did I learn just how special. I went to a summer program consisting of the first 6 weeks of classes as an undergrad music major, and I had already had experience in every single class. Every single one of the core classes came more easily to me than to others because of how well Crowden has prepared me."
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.”