Middle Schools

OUSD middle schools mirror the diversity of our district where more than 50 native languages are spoken and half of our students speak a language other than English at home. In addition to being a Sanctuary District, our staff are trained in conflict resolution, mentorship and Positive Behavioral Intervention and Support in order to shift school culture from punitive to culturally responsive and positively reinforcing. Several of our middle schools offer programming specific for Newcomer students who have recently arrived in the United States.

We use this set of practices to build community and teach students to respond to harm by using their social emotional skills. By building, maintaining and restoring relationships between members of the entire school community, we help to create an environment where all students thrive.

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Our Computer Science and Technology curriculum is strengthened by partnerships with local tech companies which lead to career pathways at the high school level. Students get hands-on experience with tools for 21st century careers, from Chromebooks to laser cutters to 3D printers. Our middle schools provide a computer science foundation for each student to build on as they move through high school and beyond.

Recognizing that every student has a unique learning style, we partner with educators and organizations to implement blended and personalized learning initiatives. Math coaches challenge and support students, for example, while the Blueprint Math intervention provides a 4 to 1 student to teacher ratio for kids performing below grade level.

Extracurricular activities include everything from hip-hop dance to chess, club-level soccer to capoeira, homework support, tutoring, and travel as far as Washington, DC! Additionally, the Oakland Goes Outdoors ("O-Go") program will provide every middle school student with at least one overnight experience in the outdoors during which students gain leadership skills and social emotional competencies while following a custom academic curriculum.