Oakland School for the Arts is a visual and performing arts charter school in Oakland, California, United States. OSA opened in 2002 with a curriculum that integrated college preparatory academics with conservatory-style arts training. As of 2017, enrollment was 725 students in grades 6 through 12.
Serving 828 students in grades 6-12, Oakland School For The Arts ranks in the top 30% of all schools in California for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 37% (which is higher than the California state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 60% (which is higher than the California state average of 47%).
The student-teacher ratio of 21:1 is equal to the California state level of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 74% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is lower than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- School Type: Charter School
- Grades: 6-12
- Enrollment: 828 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 21:1
- Minority Enrollment: 74%
- Graduation Rate: 90-94% (Top 30% in CA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30%
- Math Proficiency: 37% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 60% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 44% (Top 30%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Oakland School For The Arts ranks among the top 20% of public schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
School Overview
Oakland School For The Arts's student population of 828 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 40 teachers has grown by 11% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 6-12
Total Students
828 students
Total Classroom Teachers
40 teachers
Year Founded
2002
School Calendar
Last Day of School
Mon. Jun 15, 2026
School Motto
Providing integrated opportunities for collaboration, expression and personal growth.
School Rankings
Oakland School For The Arts ranks within the top 30% of all 9,523 schools in California (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Oakland School For The Arts is 0.79, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.63. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#2781 out of 9523 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
37%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
60%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
44%
29%
Student-Teacher Ratio
21:1
21:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
6%
12%
Hispanic
21%
56%
Black
26%
5%
White
26%
20%
Hawaiian
1%
n/a
Two or more races
19%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
90-94%
87%
Eligible for Free Lunch
26%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
2%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Wild Boars
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Oakland School For The Arts's ranking?
Oakland School For The Arts is ranked #2781 out of 9,523 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in California.
What schools are Oakland School For The Arts often compared to?
Oakland School For The Artsis often viewed alongside schools like Oakland Technical High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
37% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% CA state average), while 60% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Oakland School For The Arts?
The graduation rate of Oakland School For The Arts is 90-94%, which is higher than the California state average of 87%.
How many students attend Oakland School For The Arts?
828 students attend Oakland School For The Arts.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
26% of Oakland School For The Arts students are Black, 26% of students are White, 21% of students are Hispanic, 19% of students are Two or more races, 6% of students are Asian, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Oakland School For The Arts?
Oakland School For The Arts has a student ration of 21:1, which is equal to the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does Oakland School For The Arts offer ?
Oakland School For The Arts offers enrollment in grades 6-12
What school district is Oakland School For The Arts part of?
Oakland School For The Arts is part of Oakland School For The Arts School District.
In what neighborhood is Oakland School For The Arts located?
Oakland School For The Arts is located in the Downtown Oakland neighborhood of Oakland, CA. There are 5 other public schools located in Downtown Oakland.
School Reviews
Review Oakland School For The Arts. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.
