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May 2024 by Amy Zhang
Our son was bullied persistently at this school: hitting, kicking and other physical aggression. We had to withdraw him before the school year ended. After our withdrawal, we heard from other berkeley community members that other kid had to withdraw for similar reason before us. Wish we had known sooner.
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April 2024 by Xiaojing Wang
Getting worse and worse these days. The people there are very arrogant and insufficient.
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December 2022 by Alexandra S Nikolaeva
My daughter just started at Crowden as a 7th grader. She is a complete beginner in violin but the music faculty has been very understanding and appreciative of her aptitude to learn. So far, we are having only positive experiences. She is learning music at her level, and following the academic program of her grade. Everyone at school is extremely understanding, adults and the kids.The small class size makes it for a better learning environment for my daughter because she is usually very distracted at school. While the school still follows the common core program, they also have art and French classes. Overall, the breakdown of classes reminded me of a more European school, with shorter periods, which helps kids to focus and pay attention in each class.My daughter also enjoys the school and really looks forward to having her first concert.
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November 2022 by Nazlee Ranasinghe
We truly appreciate having found this excellent school with music being taught at its core. It's a fantastic supportive community! We are impressed by the dedication of the staff that makes the school a special academic institution.
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October 2022 by Alexandra Nikolaeva
My daughter just started at Crowden as a 7th grader. She is a complete beginner in violin but the music faculty has been very understanding and appreciative of her aptitude to learn. So far, we are having only positive experiences. She is learning music at her level, and following the academic program of her grade. Everyone at school is extremely understanding, adults and the kids.The small class size makes it for a better learning environment for my daughter because she is usually very distracted at school. While the school still follows the common core program, they also have art and French classes. Overall, the breakdown of classes reminded me of a more European school, with shorter periods, which helps kids to focus and pay attention in each class.My daughter also enjoys the school and really looks forward to having her first concert.
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July 2022 by Aiko
A great place to learn and grow in classical music world as a young musician.
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February 2022 by Erik J.
We have a fourth grader at the Crowden school. They love it! They have made friends across all grade levels, and the music aspect is pretty incredible. They started their instrument with no experience in the third grade and 18 months later are practicing the first movement of a concerto- it's amazing what two hours of music a day, five days a week can do. We're happy with the academic program- knowledgeable and caring teachers, small class size, and fascinating and socially aware curricula.
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November 2021 by Joachim Kainz
Significant concerns have been raised about the management of Crowden. Almost half of the students of the school have left as a result. The school leadership seems rather hostile towards the remaining parents, especially ones who ask questions.
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March 2021 by Igaveyoumyfakename
Don't know if it was a student or otherwise, but someone just made a fraudulent charge to this place on my credit card.
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April 2020 by Julie Diane
My son's teacher, Bik Lee is fantastic!
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July 2019 by Stephen Suleeman
Outstanding school for young musicians!
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May 2019 by Heather K.
My 14 year old has been in choirs since age 5. This is the first year that they tried the Crowdens chamber singers. I am just incredibly impressed by how great the performance was this weekend. The amazing director, Betsy was able to teach them several very advanced songs in just 13 weeks with only meeting for an hour and a half once a week. Betsy does an excellent job with the children. She is able to push the children to work harder and focus while keeping a good sense of humor. I am impressed with how she can handle that many middle schoolers. I'm so grateful to have found this choir and director, Betsy. My 11 year old enjoyed the performance so much that he wants to join the choir next year.
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May 2019 by Sara C.
My daughter has been singing in the Crowden Children's Chorus for three years now, we just got home from their beautiful spring concert. Over this time she has gone from tentative participation to full-out singing and movement, and loves Betsy, the incredibly dedicated and talented director, very much. Her little sis can't wait to join next fall! If you are looking for a way for your kid to experience music, learn real musicianship and have FUN, I can't recommend Crowden Children's Chorus enough. It isn't as big a time commitment as some of the other ensembles in the area, and the kids really do learn solid musicianship and vocal skills, thanks to Betsy (the director) and her magical (silly, yet direct and demanding in the best way) teaching techniques.
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December 2018 by Natalie C.
My daughter takes piano lessons and is a part of Crowden's youth choir. I can't say enough great things about this special school. Both of her teachers are fantastic. They offer guidance and encouragement, but also push them to excel and know each child's potential. I highly recommend checking out any of the programs this school offers.
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November 2018 by Mary M
Wonderful school and music center in every way!