School Address: 1800 San Pablo Ave Oakland CA 94612
School District: Oakland Unified
County: Alameda County
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Oakland School for the Arts (OSA) is a public charter school located at 1800 San Pablo Avenue in Oakland, California. The school was founded in 2002 by former California Governor Jerry Brown, during his tenure as Mayor of Oakland, with a mission to provide a rigorous college-preparatory education alongside intensive training in the arts. OSA offers a middle and high school program, serving grades 6 through 12. The curriculum is designed to support students in developing both their artistic talents and academic skills. The school is divided into various arts disciplines, including theater, visual arts, music, dance, literary arts, and more. Students spend part of their school day focused on their chosen art form, while also engaging in traditional academic courses. The school is known for its diverse student body and commitment to fostering a creative and inclusive environment. Admission to OSA is typically through an audition or portfolio review process, aligning with its focus on the arts. Being located in downtown Oakland, the school takes advantage of the city’s vibrant arts scene, often collaborating with local artists and organizations. In addition to its strong arts program, OSA emphasizes academic excellence and college readiness, preparing students for both artistic and conventional pathways post-graduation. The school’s central location in Oakland allows students easy access to public transportation and various cultural resources in the city.