Middle school is a time of immense personal growth for adolescent students. There are many options for Oakland Charter Schools on the Oakland Enrolls platform that offer a unique path for your child to build their confidence and character. Explore the full range of choices on the Oakland Enrolls platform to discover the best environment for your child to thrive.
Here are some middle school options where students feel known, supported, and empowered to find their voice.
AIMS K-12 College Prep Charter District:
Leadership is cultivated through opportunities like the Student Government Association and the debate club at AIPCS II and AIMS Middle School. One student shared that these activities “transformed their middle school experience, giving them confidence to speak up in class, lead change, and engage deeply in community.” This focus on agency is part of AIMS’ mission to foster a love of learning and a lifelong thirst for wisdom, preparing students not just for high school, but for life in the real world.
Amethod Public Schools(AMPS):
The focused, structured environment at Downtown Charter Academy and Oakland Charter Academy is designed to build student confidence with a strong academic foundation and prepare them for the rigors of college prep high schools. The AMPS approach is backed by a strong track record of academic outcomes, with research indicating that California charter school students have shown significant gains, especially for Black and Hispanic students and those from low-income families in the Bay Area.
Aspire Public Schools:
Student voice is at the heart of the Aspire experience for students at Berkley Maynard, Golden State Prep and Lionel Wilson Prep. Students lead their own learning through exhibitions and student-led conferences, presenting their progress to their families and taking ownership of their education. The student empowerment focus is an important aspect of school culture at Aspire schools, facilitated through student government and grade-level liaisons, which provide students with channels to share their feedback and influence school decisions.
Bay Area Technology School:
BayTech fosters connection through school rituals like the all-school reading period, where students read one-on-one with an adult, building community around literacy. The structured start to the day is part of a BayTech’s philosophy of using direct, interactive instruction tailored to meet the needs of all students so each child feels supported.
Community School for Creative Education (CSCE):
CSCE’s core philosophy emphasizes the development of the “head, heart, and hands,” so students grow intellectually, emotionally, and culturally in a nurturing environment. As a Waldorf-inspired school, CSCE offers a unique, arts-infused, and culturally rich experience that focuses on whole-child development through a personalized curriculum.
East Bay Innovation Academy (EBIA):
Students thrive in a close-knit community where, as a leader shared, “Kids are really known, both by the advisors, but also the teachers,” which creates a strong sense of safety and belonging. Students fully engage in the school’s hands-on, project-based learning model, which includes STEM subjects and popular programs like the award-winning Science Olympiad team.
Education for Change (EFC):
At Lazear Charter , the community is built on the principle that “students must see themselves reflected” and must “feel like they belong to the larger community.” Students build confidence and camaraderie through collaborative performance arts, working together to stage productions like 101 Dalmatians and The Lion King. This focus on the arts provides an outlet for student creativity and self-expression.
Envision Academy:
The small school size at Envision allows for students to develop a deep connection with their teachers and school leaders. An administrator noted, “Here, I know every single kid, and it’s beyond just I know their name. Usually I know something about them, and often I know their families.” This intimate environment enables staff to provide a highly individualized approach, striving for student success for all, and particularly focusing on seeing Black students thrive.
Francophone Charter School:
The school’s educational approach emphasizes collaboration, encouraging students to “work in teams, learn from each other, and share in the decision-making process.” This happens within a dual-immersion curriculum designed to develop bilingual, bi-literate global citizens who value intellectual curiosity, personal integrity, and creativity.
Oakland Military Institute (OMI):
The “Cadet Leading Cadet” model, supported by a 6-to-1 cadet-to-adult ratio, means every student is known and mentored. A parent affirmed that at OMI, “There is so much support and care!” This structured, supportive environment is designed to foster leadership, resilience, and curiosity in every student, building a foundation of discipline and character.
Oakland Unity Middle School (OUMS):
A student captured the feeling of the school: “Unity Middle School is a kind and safe place where we have the chance to learn new and interesting things in an enjoyable way.” This is achieved through a system that includes daily advisory, a phone-free policy, and a multi-tiered support system where student needs are prioritized.
Oakland School for the Arts (OSA):
Students can find their tribe within a passionate community of fellow artists, challenging themselves and supporting one another. OSA provides a rigorous college-preparatory academic curriculum alongside intensive arts training, ensuring that students’ intellectual and creative growth are both nurtured.
Yu Ming Charter School:
Students experience the joy of a shared challenge. A school leader shared, “Our students just say, ‘I get to learn Chinese and I love it.’ They’re here with their friends, and they’re just having such a good time.” While the work is hard, the immersive and supportive environment helps students build grit and a strong identity as global citizens.
These are just a few examples of the exceptional charter schools available in Oakland! Explore all your options and find the perfect fit for your family on the Oakland Enrolls platform.
