Building College Success in Oakland Charter Middle Schools

Envision Academy of Arts & Technology: Envision Academy’s middle school program is designed to prepare students for the school’s rigorous high school A-G requirements, where any student who graduates is eligible to enter a Cal State or UC. Middle school students build self-discipline and focus through extracurricular involvement, with a school leader noting, “We consistently see that student involvement in extracurricular clubs and sports builds self-discipline and increased focus in school.” The school uses portfolio defenses in 8th grade, modeled after a graduate school dissertation defense, where students present and defend their learning. This experience builds public speaking, critical thinking, and reflection skills that prepare students for high school, college, and their careers.

Bay Area Technology School (BayTech): BayTech uses direct, interactive instruction designed to be personalized for all middle school students. The school uses adaptive technology in instruction so students learn at their own level. The school day includes an all school reading period where the entire school reads the same book. Starting in the sixth grade, BayTech uses the Edge and National Geographic curriculum, and the school has started a new program called Exact Path where students read texts at their instructional level. The school maintains a 100% UC A-G graduation rate at the high school level, reflecting strong preparation starting in middle school.

Oakland Unity Middle School (OUMS): Oakland Unity Middle School creates an inclusive environment where students develop both academic skills and the school’s core values, including strategy shifting, building relationships, seeking help, responding to setbacks, and persistence. The school teaches and reinforces these habits through weekly grades, a point-based reward system, and advisory reflections. Unity uses top-ranking curricula, including Expeditionary Learning for ELA and Illustrative Math. The school’s approach to literacy is structured and aligned with the science of reading. One student shared, “Unity Middle School is a kind and safe place where we have the chance to learn new and interesting things in an enjoyable way.” 

Aspire Public Schools (Aspire Wilson College Preparatory Academy 6–12): Aspire middle schools are designed to engage students, develop critical thinking skills, and prepare them for high school and college. Students are engaged in coursework that isn’t typical for middle school students, like shared literacy workshops, close reading discussions, and hands-on scientific experiments. Teachers design project based activities where students investigate complex questions, research topics, and present their findings to parents and the community. The curriculum includes math, English, science, and social studies with a focus on preparing students for A-G eligibility. After school programs include garden harvests, art exhibitions, and drama productions.

Education for Change (EFC) ASCEND TK-8, Lazear Charter Academy: Education for Change middle school programs emphasize accelerated learning, meaning students are taught at or above grade level. The network prioritizes academic growth through small-group instruction and structured literacy. Students engage in project-based learning that is showcased through exhibitions for their parents and the community. ASCEND’s Expeditionary Learning model features in-depth project expos where students present their work on topics like climate and physics. Achieve Academy holds ACT showcases where students demonstrate their learning. EFC ensures that students build comprehension and knowledge by focusing on literacy and vocabulary.

AIMS K-12 College Prep Charter District: AIMS combines rigorous college preparatory academics with student centered learning in the middle school grades. Instruction is data driven, with a strong emphasis on literacy, math, science, and social emotional learning. Students take core subjects including math, reading, and science taught with a college prep focus. AIMS also offers enrichment such as art and technology. The school uses Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports to create a safe environment where students can focus on learning. One AIMS parent shared, “My child doesn’t just learn where they thrive. The teachers push them to do their best while making sure they feel supported every step of the way.”

East Bay Innovation Academy: EBIA middle school students benefit from a hands-on, STEM-focused education that prepares them for the school’s rigorous high school pathway in computer science and design. The school offers an award-winning Science Olympiad team at the middle school level, where students develop critical thinking and teamwork skills. Students are known by their teachers and advisors, creating a supportive environment. The school’s small size and close-knit community ensure that middle school students build the study habits and confidence needed for high school.

Oakland Military Institute: OMI middle school cadets build a strong academic foundation through structured literacy and math programs, as well as project-based learning across core subjects. The school’s instructional approach includes culturally responsive teaching that affirms all students’ experiences. Middle school cadets receive support through a small adult-to-cadet ratio of approximately 1:8. When students need additional help, recovery classes are offered with one to three cadets for every adult tutor, many of whom come from UC Berkeley. Middle schoolers can expect to graduate from high school with college credit. One parent shared, “My child is thriving at OMI. There is so much support and care.”

Yu Ming Charter School TK-8: Yu Ming Charter School middle school students build strong academic skills through a rigorous Mandarin immersion model. Students take math and English language arts alongside their Chinese language instruction, with the goal of reaching grade-level proficiency in both languages. The school has seen 88% of students reach grade-level proficiency in English reading by the end of second grade, and Black students perform four times higher than local and state averages. Yu Ming alumni report that the discipline and study habits they built in middle school helped them succeed in high school, with 100% of graduates accepted to four-year colleges and universities.

Oakland School for the Arts (OSA): Oakland School for the Arts middle school students complete traditional mathematics and science courses as part of their academic program while also pursuing arts pathways, including Audio Production and Engineering, Media Arts, and Fashion Design. The school’s project-based curriculum and focus on industry-relevant technology build skills that prepare students for high school and college.