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KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Oakland offers a variety of high-quality public and private high schools, each with distinct programs and strengths.
- To find the right high school, you must consider factors like academic performance, extracurricular offerings, and community environment.
- It can be helpful to partner with knowledgeable local agencies to get valuable insights into school districts and other details about Oakland living.
- We are trusted real estate agents in Contra Costa County and can offer guidance on schools in cities close to Oakland where you may find a better life.
Best High Schools In Oakland
Oakland is home to several esteemed high schools, catering to a diverse student population. In these institutions, you will find a range of academic programs, extracurricular activities, and specialized curricula designed to meet various educational needs.
It is essential to understand the landscape of Oakland’s high schools if you are a family evaluating your options. As you read on, you will discover some of the top public and private high schools in Oakland, with detailed insights into what they offer and how they perform.
If you are looking to sell your home in Contra Costa and move to Oakland, we can help. However, we recommend looking closer at schools in other Contra Costa cities – we can help you find the life you want in Contra Costa County with a great home, excellent schools, and a high quality of life.
Oakland Charter High School (Public Charter)
Oakland Charter High School is a public charter institution known for its strong academic performance and commitment to student success. The school has a rigorous curriculum and emphasizes college readiness with its offering of Advanced Placement (AP) courses.
With a diverse student body, Oakland Charter High fosters an inclusive environment encouraging things like:
- Critical thinking
- Personal growth
The school has a dedicated faculty that works closely with students to help them meet their academic and personal goals.
Oakland Charter High stands out in Oakland, but we urge families to consider Dougherty Valley High School in Contra Costa County. Located in San Ramon, Dougherty Valley is renowned for its exceptional academic achievements – it boasts higher standardized test scores and a broader selection of AP courses whilst also promoting student welfare and personal development.
Oakland Technical High School (Public)
Oakland Technical High School is commonly known as “Oakland Tech” and it is a public high school celebrated for its comprehensive academic programs and specialized academies. The school offers a range of pathways, including:
- Engineering
- Health
- Computer science
Oakland Tech is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment, making it a popular choice for families in the area. Emphasizing both STEM and humanities programs, alongside a wide array of extracurricular activities, it delivers a well-rounded educational experience.
If you want to consider an alternative in Contra Costa County, Campolindo High School in Moraga is a noteworthy option. It boasts many of the same advantages in a supportive community and picturesque suburban setting. It can be challenging to buy a house in California, but we can help you find affordable options near great schools in Contra Costa.
Skyline High School (Public)
Perched in the hills of Oakland, Skyline High School offers a scenic learning environment for students alongside a diverse curriculum. There are various academic programs, including Advanced Placement courses and specialized academies that revolve around performing arts and technology.
Skyline is committed to fostering creativity and critical thinking, which prepares students for various post-secondary paths. Students there achieve impressive results in both state assessments and college admissions.
Families in Contra Costa County can consider Miramonte High School in neighboring Orinda for a comparable institution. This school is acclaimed for its academic excellence with robust arts and athletic programs, combined with a supportive community and a holistic educational experience.
In the tranquil environment of Orinda, it is a comparable school in an environment that may be more conducive for academic focus. What’s more, the diversity and cultural richness of Oakland is right on your doorstep.
Bishop O’Dowd High School (Private)
Bishop O’Dowd High School is a private Catholic institution known for its rigorous college preparatory curriculum and emphasis on social justice. The school offers a diverse range of things like:
- AP courses
- Honors classes
- Extracurricular activities
If your child enjoys athletics or performing arts, this is a great institution for them to attend.
Despite the modern challenges of Catholic schooling, Bishop O’Dowd stays true to its values and is committed to developing well-rounded individuals with a focus on academic excellence, community service, and spiritual growth.
De La Salle High School in Concord is a comparable private Catholic school in Contra Costa. It is an all-boys school, and is renowned for strong academic programs and outstanding athletic achievements. It stands out for dedication to character development and leadership, which prepares students for success in higher education and beyond.
Life Academy (Public)
Life Academy is a public high school that emphasizes health and biosciences, so students get a specialized curriculum designed to prepare them for careers in healthcare. The school emphasizes real-world applications and experiential learning, so students get valuable hands-on experiences.
Life Academy is committed to serving a diverse student population and addressing community health issues. This has helped it garner widespread recognition in the educational community, so it is a popular choice for many families in the area.
Pinole Valley High School, in Pinole, offers a Health Academy that integrates coursework with practical experiences in health sciences for a comparable institution. It has modern facilities and partners with local healthcare providers to help students gain relevant skills for future careers.
Pinole Valley High provides similar benefits with the added advantages of a quieter suburban setting and a more affordable lifestyle than Oakland can offer.
MetWest High School (Public)
MetWest High School is a small, innovative public school in Oakland, CA. Known for its personalized approach and real-world learning model, it partners students with professional mentors via internships as part of its curriculum.
The school places an emphasis on things like:
- Student autonomy
- Critical thinking
- Project-based education
There is a low student-to-teacher ratio, meaning learners receive close academic support. MetWest is a popular option for families who seek alternatives to more traditional educational models. However, this structure may not be a good fit for every student, particularly if you seek a broader array of extracurricular options or large-scale school events.
El Cerrito High School in Contra Costa County may be a good alternative, balancing academic rigor with a traditional high school experience. Students enjoy diverse programs in STEM, arts, and athletics, and college prep outcomes are very good.
Head-Royce School (Private)
Head-Royce School is one of the most prestigious private high schools in Oakland, CA. It is known for rigorous academics, exceptional college counselling, and state-of-the-art facilities, serving students from grades K-12.
The high school division offers a wide array of AP and honors courses, as well as benefits like:
- Strong extracurriculars
- Leadership opportunities
With a student-centered approach, Head-Royce fosters critical thinking and global citizenship. Tuition is among the highest in the region, which can be challenging alongside Oakland’s high cost of living. However, families benefit from academic excellence and small class sizes.
If you want a more affordable option in the Bay Area housing market, look to The Athenian School in Danville. It rivals Head-Royce in both academic outcomes and holistic development, and it may be a more accessible option with no sacrifice in quality.
How Are High Schools Ranked In Oakland?
High schools are usually ranked using a combination of academic performance metrics, student outcomes, and parent and student reviews. Key indicators for this include:
- Graduation rates
- College readiness scores
- Standardized test results
- AP participation
- Overall student growth
Beyond this, equity measures are increasingly factored into rankings. These include how well a school supports low-income students and those from underrepresented backgrounds. Oakland Charter High School and Oakland Tech consistently earn high marks with their strong academic records and college prep programs.
We also see high scores for schools with innovative models like MetWest, so it is important for parents to understand that rankings don’t tell the whole story. You need to look closely at factors like school culture, learning styles, extracurricular offerings, and proximity to home.
As real estate agents in Orinda, which is just a stone’s throw from Oakland, we can recommend top schools in Contra Costa County that rival anything Oakland has to offer. Campolindo or Miramonte High rank highly on state and national lists, and you will enjoy more affordable housing and a quieter lifestyle.
Factors To Consider Before Choosing Top High Schools In Oakland
When selecting the best high school in Oakland, families must assess more than just academic rankings. Does the school offer college prep or career-oriented pathways? Schools like Life Academy focus on health and bioscience careers, while others offer more traditional academics or IB programs.
Here are some other key considerations:
- Class sizes
- Teacher qualifications
- Extracurriculars
- Safety and environment
- Commute times
- Social diversity
- Student support services
Private schools like Bishop O’Dowd and Head-Royce offer smaller environments and resources, but that comes at a much higher financial cost. If you opt for Contra Costa instead, schools like Northgate High and Acalanes offer a similar or superior educational experience. A look at Lafayette’s top-ranked schools shows that Contra Costa’s school districts are more stable and resource-rich.
Contact us if you are interested in exploring a potential move to a Contra Costa city.
What Are The Best Public High Schools In San Francisco?
If you are exploring the wider Bay Area, San Francisco’s public high schools may be a good point of comparison. Top-rated schools there include:
- Lowell High School: Known for academic rigor, competitive admissions, and impressive college matriculation rates, this is one of the top schools in California.
- Ruth Asawa School of the Arts: Another standout, this provides a unique blend of rigorous academics and a comprehensive arts curriculum.
Both these schools boast high graduation rates, advanced coursework, and engaged student communities. However, the application process for both is competitive and generally requires residency in this very expensive city.
Many modern parents recognize the benefits of value-based education, and Contra Costa public schools like Campolindo High or Las Lomas High offer similar academic standards with more flexibility. Contra Costa boasts safe neighborhoods, strong support systems, and an excellent quality of life, so it is a great alternative to Oakland or San Francisco.
What Are The Top Private High Schools In Oakland?
Oakland is home to several top-tier private high schools offering excellent academics and unique educational philosophies. We have already looked at Bishop O’Dowd High School and Head-Royce School, so let’s look at a couple of other options:
- College Preparatory School: This consistently ranks among the best in the state due to its stellar college admission rates and intellectually challenging curriculum.
- Bayhill High School: Another highly-regarded option, this school specializes in educating students with learning differences.
- St. Elizabeth High School: Another option for Catholic families, this school emphasizes academic excellence and community service.
These high schools in Oakland, CA are renowned, but the city is not one of the cheapest places to live in the Bay Area. For better affordability, consider The Athenian School in Danville and Bentley School in Lafayette for top-tier education in an area where the cost of living is not quite so high.
Best High Schools For Low-Income Families In Oakland
Access to high-quality education should not be limited by income. There are Oakland high schools that deliver strong academic support for low-income students. Let’s look at some:
- Oakland Charter High School
- MetWest High School
- Life Academy
These schools are committed to equity, and their success reflects in graduation rates and high student satisfaction.
If the cost of living in Oakland is too high, Contra Costa offers outstanding public schools with robust support systems in more stable economic environments. Schools like Mt. Diablo High School and Ygnacio Valley High School provide inclusive, innovative education with a community-driven approach.
If you want affordable single-family homes in Contra Costa, contact us and we will discuss your goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Some Best High Schools In Oakland?
Oakland’s top-performing high schools include Oakland Charter High School, Oakland Technical High School, and Skyline High School. For private schooling, there is Head-Royce School, Bishop O’Dowd High, and College Preparatory School.
What Factors Should You Consider Before Choosing A High School In Oakland?
When choosing a school, look at academic rigor, extracurricular offerings, support services, class sizes, and student diversity. Proximity to your home and safe commuting routes are also important.
