I would like to offer a strong recommendation for Pacific Boychoir Academy. Our son is now in 6th grade at the day school. He started singing with the after-school choir in 1st grade. He loved the camaraderie of the boys and we were amazed at how the teachers and staff were able to teach all of the active boys not only to sing, but to learn self-control of their bodies and work on their listening and focusing skills!

We decided to give our son the opportunity for a small learning environment where he could thrive. Academically, we feel this is a once in a lifetime opportunity for him to be able to get the most solid foundation he can have before going into a larger high school (Berkeley High). Our daughter went through Berkeley Middle schools and did well, but we were concerned our active son would slip through the cracks and this school was too amazing to pass up. His academics are excelling in ways we didn’t anticipate: he is learning independence, time management, being taught in a more individualized way that allows him to learn about himself and how he needs to approach his academics in the future.

The camaraderie of the all-boys environment is fantastic. The boys are so welcoming to any new boys that join the group. They appreciate the differences of each boy and are totally supportive and engaged with learning to work together. I don’t know if this is a result of their musical education (many different voices working together), their parents, their teachers or the environment; but we love watching them play together and socialize.

The musical education they receive is outstanding. I grew up learning music and what these kids can do with sight reading, learning different languages in song, and the professionalism of working together, being respectful to each other and their teaching staff, and then performing in the larger community and continuing to grow in these skills is life-changing for these boys. They get to sing not only in small settings in the community, but also with larger groups at cathedrals, and with the Marin and the San Francisco symphonies. They are learning to be active, engaged members of the community and to get a chance to perform with these professional organizations and learn and observe from them is in incredible gift.

Finally, like any great organization, they are being supported (and we are being supported as parents) by the life lessons that are taught and instilled along the way: good manners, eye contact, life skills (table manners, changing tires, learning how to tie a tie!), professional behavior at a venue, and of course, being kind and respectful to others.

Every day when I drop my son off, he says how much he loves the school. And he was definitely nervous about attending a small school and leaving his friends from elementary school. I feel so lucky we found PBA and hope you consider giving it a look!

We have a 13-year-old who started the 5th grade at the PBA day school (and is now in 8th) after being in the after-school program for three years.  He really enjoyed the after-school program and learned a lot of music and music theory there and in the day school.  He loves to sing and frequently sings around the house, or with his school mate with whom he rides to school.  He is challenged by the school work and enjoys his classes which include 1.5 hours of singing every day.  Three years ago they had a memorable musical experience performing with the SF Symphony with Michael Tilson Thomas conducting, one of many.

We also have a now-16-year-old who attended the after-school for two years and loved it, but then middle school happened and he got distracted there.  In 8th grade by his own choice he was back in the after-school program after a two year break.  He rode AC Transit to the program twice a week and really enjoyed it and enjoyed the other kids.  He has been heard singing at home, alone and harmonizing with his brother.

The teaching staff  is very qualified, stable, and energized.  We went to the recent back-to-school night and came away impressed with the staff and grateful for the education our boy is receiving.  The boys are mostly engaged and seem happy to be there.  Parents of the boys, some of whom work at the school, speak highly of the PBA experience, two used the word “magical” to describe it.

PBA has been a once-in-a-lifetime experience for our son. He’s not a kid who’s hard-wired to be a musician, but he’s come to enjoy singing and — most important to his parents — he’s come to enjoy the satisfaction of working really hard for something (like performing with the SF Symphony or singing the National Anthem at a Warriors game.)

Our son is a 2e kid: Exceptionally bright, but also challenged by his ADHD. Two hours of choir in the afternoons has noticeably leveled him out. Singing is physical; it calls for executive functioning and social attunement, and he gets emotional regulation/support by journeying with his peers through the roller coaster of frustration, progress, setbacks, progress. The school was walloped by COVID (aerosol transmissions, having to wear a mask to sing) but is building back. Since COVID, we have enjoyed the academic increase in individualized attention, more “outdoor days,” and more field trips. But we also know that many of our sons’ voices are about to change, and that PBA needs an infusion of boy sopranos! 🙂

Please feel free to reach out if you’re at all curious about Pacific Boychoir Academy!  We could never have guessed the gifts PBA has given our whole family. It’s a very special place.

My son is in his second year at PBA school and I can’t speak highly enough about the school. The teachers are very dedicated and are able to tailor their teaching to the boys’ individual strengths and needs.  When I look at my son’s classmates, I see how unique they are – something that is celebrated in this school environment. The staff really go above and beyond in what they offer to our boys – including supporting them in creating clubs, extra activities, plays and sports. 

My son is now in the 6th grade and is blossoming academically and musically. He has been part of some remarkable performances at various venues including TED talks, the Oakland Cathedral and others. Upcoming performances this year are scheduled with the Marin Symphony and the SF Symphony. While we are huge supporters of public education, this school has been such a great fit for our son’s individual interests and strengths.