Founded in 1915, Roycemore School holds a unique place in Evanston’s educational landscape. It all started when Julia Henry and a group of North Shore parents sought a new school. They wanted to address concerns about local education. Roycemore School was named for Henry’s grandfather, Andrew Royce. He was a minister in Vermont.
Roycemore’s early days saw it located on Lincoln Street. The school even adopted the Royce family crest. This inspired the school colors of blue and gold. The motto “fortis et prudens simul” meaning strength and careful judgement was chosen. The griffin became the school mascot.
Did you know Roycemore was initially mostly for girls? It wasn’t until 1968 that the first boy graduated. He was alone in a class of six.
Roycemore School moved to its current location on Davis Street in 2012. This was after a long history at its original site. The new location provided updated technology and a larger gymnasium. The building had been the headquarters of the United Methodist Church’s pension funds.
Roycemore has a strong focus on traditions. Palio is the school’s oldest tradition. It was modeled after a pageant in Siena, Italy. Students display progress in physical education during the year. There is a colorful procession. Kindergarteners receive a banner from the graduating seniors. They carry it until their own graduation.
Another tradition at Roycemore is the tumbling program. Students in third grade can participate. They perform mounts and lifts. They also showcase their skills in three annual performances.
Roycemore School is known for its diverse student body. Niche ranked Roycemore as the most diverse private high school in Illinois in 2023. It also boasts a low student-to-teacher ratio of 6:1.
Roycemore offers the Robert Eisner Distinguished Scholar Program. This program rewards academic excellence. It provides full tuition scholarships to outstanding students. Robert Eisner was an economist and supporter of Roycemore School.
The school’s athletic program emphasizes participation. It is deemed a higher priority than winning. Teams include basketball, soccer, fencing, cross country and volleyball.
Roycemore’s commitment to independent education remains strong. It values a student-centered approach. As Linda Reed from the Class of 1965 said, Roycemore is committed to the benefits of a student-centered approach. Roycemore School continues to evolve. It ensures a high-quality education for all its students. It remains a diverse community.
Roycemore has produced notable alumni. These include WPA artist Frances Badger and Illinois State Senator Susan Garrett. Emmy award-winning producer Andrew Goldberg and musician Jason Narducy also attended Roycemore.
Today Roycemore stands as a testament to its founders’ vision. It is an institution fostering academic excellence. It also values diversity and community.