Royal Oak Schools

With a strong reputation for academic excellence, Royal Oak Schools is committed to the success of all students. Royal Oak is a K-12 school district that offers community education, preschool programs and adult ESL and continued adult education with ESL classes and GED testing.

ABOUT US

Our school communities offer a variety of programs to reach every student. In addition to the city’s regular national recognition as one of the best places to raise a family, the school district is consistently recognized for what it offers, including:

• A comprehensive curriculum
• Social and emotional supports for all students
• Exceptional fine arts programs
• Career and technical education opportunities
• International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme, and Diploma Programme
• Award-winning clubs, athletics and activities
• Regular professional development for staff on topics such as curriculum trends, diversity & inclusion, safety training and more
• Advanced placement courses
• Community and alternative education options
• Active and supportive parent groups at all levels
• Partnerships with numerous community organizations

About 5,000 students currently attend school throughout the district on a daily-basis. 

A DISTRICT ROOTED IN COMMUNITY

Royal Oak is a unique city with a rich history, and Royal Oak Schools is proud to be a major part of it. 

The first local school house, Parker, stood at 13 and Woodward and was established in 1824 (before Michigan even became a state). As Royal Oak Township became a village and grew throughout the 19th century, more schools were built. The original Royal Oak High School opened in 1913 at Main and University, and in 1927 a new, relocated Royal Oak High School opened on Washington at Willis. When a second high school was opened in 1957, Clarence M. Kimball High School, the original Royal Oak High School became George A. Dondero High School. 

Throughout the years, the district has evolved as the community evolved. 19 additional schools have opened and closed throughout the district since Royal Oak has been an established city. Now, the district consists of one high school (Royal Oak High School, located at the former Kimball High School), one middle school (Royal Oak Middle School, located at the former Dondero High School), six elementary schools, one community education center and district administration offices. Additionally, in 2004, the original Royal Oak WPA murals were rediscovered in storage. Read about their history here.

For more information about our community's history, visit the Royal Oak Historical Society Museum in person or online.

What's Being Said About Royal Oak Schools (ROS)

"Royal Oak Schools has been a great learning environment for my children" - Joanne, parent

"The sense of community we felt the first day we visited ROS has only increased over the past four years. It is important for us to establish a certain level of trust among the individuals that are partnering with us to shape and influence our children. We believe that the ROS team of administrators, teachers, and staff provide an optimal education in a challenging environment where our children can grow academically and socially, while expanding their opportunities to serve others." - Tom & Sue, parents

"Although I have faced many obstacles, through ROHS and its wonderful teachers, who did whatever it took to see me succeed, I learned that people really care about me. I have confidence in myself. My dreams won't always be just dreams forever." - Frank, student

"As an alumni of Dondero (class of '86), I am so proud and excited to have my children attend Royal Oak Schools." - Michelle, parent of 7th grader and preschooler

"ROHS has helped me prepare by not only getting me thinking about college but helping me with all the steps along the way to getting there." - Perry, student

"Years ago when we were offered a choice of schools, my husband and I were impressed with ROS's program and what the possibilities were for our three children. ROS offered accelerated instruction, dual enrollment at our local college, Spanish, music, etc. We are so thankful that we made ROS our choice. Our children have excelled over the years; we now have one graduate who was very prepared for university-level education. I have recently asked (her), 'If we could go back in time, should we have made the same choice (in schools) that we made years ago?' She said, 'Yes, definitely!' - Nancy, daughter awarded 4 yr scholarship, Central Michigan University

Visit www.royaloakschools.org or call (248) 435-8400.