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 780 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 24:1 is higher than the California state level of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 70% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is lower than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- School Type: Charter School
- Grades: 6-12
- Enrollment: 780 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 24:1
- Minority Enrollment: 70%
- 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 780 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 33 teachers has declined by 17% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 6-12
Total Students
780 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
33 teachers
Year Founded
2002
School Calendar
First Day of School
Wed. Aug 20, 2025
Last Day of School
Mon. Jun 15, 2026
School Motto
Providing integrated opportunities for collaboration, expression and personal growth.
School Mascot
Wild Boars
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 0.78, 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
24:1
21:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
6%
12%
Hispanic
22%
56%
Black
22%
5%
White
30%
20%
Hawaiian
1%
n/a
Two or more races
18%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
90-94%
87%
Eligible for Free Lunch
22%
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
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
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?
780 students attend Oakland School For The Arts.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
30% of Oakland School For The Arts students are White, 22% of students are Hispanic, 22% of students are Black, 18% 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 24:1, which is higher than 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
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