Specialized Programs

Transitional Kindergarten (TK) is an early year Kindergarten experience that is now part of the state’s plan for universal pre-school access for four-year-old students. Each year until 2025 the age range for TK eligibility will expand, and starting in the 2025-26 school year TK will be available to all children who have their 4th birthday by September 1st of the school year. TK provides our youngest students with a year of Kindergarten readiness, giving them a stronger foundation in their following year of traditional kindergarten. We continue to expand TK classrooms across our district, but currently operate about one (1) TK class for every three (3) kindergarten classes. As such, TK enrollment is still limited, and not guaranteed for every family. 

Learn about Transitional Kindergarten

Dual Language programs provide instruction in two languages at the same time. While the details differ, students learn in both languages throughout the day with the goal of being able to speak, read, and write in two languages. Currently, OUSD offers dual language programs for Spanish and English. These programs can be found at Bridges Elementary, Esperanza Elementary, Global Family, Greenleaf, International Community School, Lockwood Steam Academy, Manzanita SEED, and Melrose Leadership Academy.

Learn about Dual Language programs

The district also offers “language enriched programs.” These are programs where English remains the main language of instruction, but every student is able to take a class in a different language. Montera and Frick Middle Schools are Spanish enriched programs. Many middle schools offer world language as an elective or enrichment opportunity, and every high school has language study as part of their core curriculum in order to prepare students for the UC/ CSU A-G course sequence.

OUSD offers a number of continuation schools in our alternative education department. The schools provide young people with a number of different pathways to earn a high school diploma, even if they are already lacking in credits. The three schools that offer this instructional program are Ralph Bunche (West Oakland), Dewey (Central/ Lake Merritt), Rudsdale (East Oakland).

Learn about Alternative Education Schools

Our virtual school is called Sojourner Truth Academy. It offers full-time online classes for students in grades TK-12. Although Sojourner Truth is a virtual learning program, it is not a credit covery or independent studies program. For high school students, the instructional program is fully aligned with the UC/ CSU A-G course sequence.

Learn about Sojourner Truth Academy

OUSD provides services for students with a wide range of disabilities from birth through age 21.  All OUSD schools offer speech and resource services, which serves the majority of students receiving special education services. Additionally, the full continuum of specialized programs is offered within the district across various school sites. Although not every school is able to offer every single special education program, we strive to distribute programs across the different regions of Oakland. For detailed information about special education programs at various school sites, consult our comprehensive Program Guide. If you have specific questions, find answers to frequently asked questions.

Learn about the district’s approach to special education