Castlemont High School, Home of the Knights, has been serving the east Oakland community for 90 years.  Our alumni have made an impact in the fields of law, entertainment, politics, and sports.  Our goal is to continue in that rich tradition by preparing our students for success beyond high school by providing them with a challenging, meaningful, and engaging learning experience while they are with us.  We recognize the importance of building academic and social emotional skills at the same time.  Our academic pathways give students the opportunity to explore deeply issues that directly affect them and their communities, while building the literacy, critical thinking, and problem solving skills that will ensure their success after high school.

We pride ourselves on the strong relationships among staff and students at the Castle.  Counselors, Care Managers, and other support staff are always on hand to provide support.  Our school culture is rooted in the Knight values of Compassion, Ambition, Support, Trust, Leadership, and Engagement.  Through a vast network of community partners, we are able to address students’ physical and mental health needs, provide paid learning opportunities, and offer arts enrichment programs to all students.

We celebrate the diversity of the Castlemont community which comprises students and staff from various parts of the globe.  Our international program provides targeted support for students who are new to the country to develop language fluency and familiarity with local culture.  Our co-teaching model of special education inclusion allows the majority of special education students to take core courses with their peers in general education classes. Our goal is to make sure every student has equitable access to every opportunity our school offers.

In partnership with family, community, and industry, Castlemont welcomes the opportunity and the privilege of serving the students of Oakland, and preparing the next generation of leaders.

Michael R. Scott

Co-Principal

In Solidarity, 

Joseph Blasher

I am truly honored to have worked in the Castlemont Community for the past 20 years.  Throughout the years, it has been my privilege to work with so many diligent and compassionate educators, family members, and community partners who strive to help students become the best they can be.  Castlemont has accomplished so much as a school community, and continues to do great things.  There is a long-lived tradition of Knight pride, ambition, compassion, engagement, and community responsibility.  We continue with this tradition as we provide exceptional learning experiences for students through pathways, small learning communities, college and career readiness, dual enrollment, work-based learning, and community engagement. 

At Castlemont, our primary concern is the learning and safety of all students.  With a focus on project-based learning, all students are encouraged to explore new concepts, challenge ideas, demonstrate and apply knowledge, and confidently express their views, opinions and identity in a welcoming, inclusive, and collaborative environment.  We take pride in providing wrap-around services to address the needs of the whole child.  We recognize and respect family values, goals, and aspirations for students, and work collaboratively with families to promote a sense of shared responsibility for achieving the goal of graduating ready for college and career.  With the support of families and care-givers, we can instill life-long values in our students to remain diligent and appreciate their education.

My goals as Assistant Principal are to help identify inequities in school, dismantle oppressive systems, foster a culture of self-reflection, and work with staff to build healthy relationships with colleagues, families, and the community in which they serve.  At Castlemont, it is imperative that teachers teach with humanity and love, and help students of color realize their full potential, develop a strong sense of self, move through the world with confidence and joy, and learn to understand, be compassionate towards, and build healthy relationships with others.  I look forward to working with all stakeholders to help the school achieve its vision of producing graduates that are compassionate and collaborative life-long learners with knowledge and love of self, family, and community.

Samantha Odom

Assistant Principal