Oakland High School

1023 MacArthur Blvd, Oakland, CA 94610

Oakland Senior High School (also known as O-High and OHS) is a public high school in Oakland, California. Established in 1869, it is the oldest high school in Oakland and the sixth oldest high school in the state.

History

Oakland High is a historic landmark in the heart of downtown Oakland. The school was first located at 12th Street and Market, then moved to its current location on Park Boulevard around 1928 when it became known as "the Pink Palace." Before this manifestation there once stood an appearance that would soon be burned down by fire - or so legend has it! In truth little evidence remains aside from some lamp fixtures still lit up near Commons stairs where visitors walk today. The colors also changed over time; blue marked royal loyalty while white signifies purity before being rebranded with their classic combo: Royal Blue And White. The Oakland High School building was torn down in 1980 to make way for a safer structure that could withstand an earthquake.

In the spring of 2006, Oakland High School's football field was dedicated to Jackie Jensen and her dedication as an athlete. The baseball diamond is now known as Mike Marcoulis Sr.,s in honor for being such an influential coach over many years in the school.

The Oakland High School administration has been led by Principal Matin Abdel-Qawi since 2012. The current assistant principals are John Paul Casanova, Pamela Moy and Vonzele Reed with Shoshana Towers-Cabrera serving as the Wellness Center Director for the last three years. Other administrative positions include Rany Ath who heads up the school's wellness center

The Oakland High School has been a place of learning for over 130 years. In 2008, renovations and rebuilding started on the main building to make it better than ever before. The work continued until August 2011 when all was completed in time for students' return.

In 2021, Peter Nicks released a documentary on Oakland High School. The film follows the 2020-2021 classes as they prepare for senior year while dealing with an unexpected turn due to Covid-19 pandemic that forces them into isolation and virtual classes without any graduation ceremony.

More About Oakland High School

Oakland High School is home to many famous alumni including writer Jack London and the first black MLB player Frank Robinson who played for the Baltimore Orioles.  In addition there have been six former principals that went onto become Oakland Unified School District superintendent as well as several notable teachers such as John Swett an early advocate for public education in California and Edna Brewer one of only five women charter members of American Educational Research Association (AERA) since 1884 along with being known as California's First Lady Of Education .

At Oakland High School, students are empowered to become leaders. The school offers five specialized College and Career Pathways that prepare them for success in college or a career of their choice through personalized learning experiences with support throughout the entire educational process from first semester freshman year up until graduation day.

• Environmental Science Academy (ESA)

• Visual Arts Academy (VAAMP)

• Public Health Academy (PHA)

• Project Lead The Way (PLTW Engineering)

• Law & Social Justice (LSJ)

Students

Oakland High School is a large school with 1,800 students. About 39% are Asian and 38% African American/Black or Latino which makes up 21 percent of the student population each in this area! There's also white people making up only one percent as well for some other variety you might not have heard before--they're called "two-plus ethnicity".

Student Life

Oakland High School is a really cool place. They have more than 40 student-run clubs and 24 sports for all different interests, so you'll never get bored of seeing what other people are doing with their time.

Academics

The academic program at Oakland High School offers many Advanced Placement (AP) courses and a wide array of challenging electives. Concurrent enrollment college courses are offered from Peralta Colleges after school through their test site coordinator, Carlos Padilla.

Athletics

Oakland High School is a school that specializes in both athletics and academics. The football team managed to notch up an impressive 9-2 record this past season, winning them co-league championships alongside their counterparts from Skyline High School. They also had success with badminton where they defeated OAK's long time rivals on more than one occasion during the 2007 spring seasons for league titles and eventually becoming outstandingly skilled winners of their respective categories too! With talent like theirs it isn't hard at all to maintain high GPA averages while excelling at sports--Oakland has proven itself yet again as being able not only compete but excel against some tough competition.

Oakland High School is a hotbed for sports. The Catfish Swim Team has won many awards and titles, including being the 2008 OAL Champions! One of their most impressive wins came at last year's FHSAA State Championships when they defeated Skyline Men’s Varsity team in both pool events (200 Medley Relay & 4x50 Free), which gave them an undefeated season that same fall.

• Improve your health and longevity

• Get a great education

• Nurture a lifelong passion for sports

• Develop life long friendships

The Oakland basketball team has been one of the most successful programs in school history. In 2002, they played against Dela Sale and won the semi-finals to make it all the way to the state championship game! They also captured two other league championships as well (2000 OAL Championship).

• Produce a winning basketball team

• Produce winners in the classroom as well 

• Be an Oakland Warrior

• Come to our Warriors Breakfast Program before every game

• Proud Oakland team who has accomplished a lot

• Excellent coaches and players

• Lots of school pride (“we bleed red, white, and blue”)

Special Programs

• RISE Academy - Recent Immigrant Support and Engagement is a welcoming space for newly arrived immigrant students that provides them with the support they need to navigate high school. 

• AVID - Oakland High School is proud to be an AVID  (Advancement Via Individual Determination) certified school for the past decade, offering elective courses in grades 10-12.

• Latino Men and Boys Program - The culturally rooted, academically comprehensive program helps students succeed in the classroom while developing into confident young men who are well-prepared to make their communities better places through education.

Oakland High School is a pillar of the community. The school is committed to empowering its students with the skills and knowledge they need for success, while also encouraging them to explore their passions. It has been serving students for over 100 years, and it offers five specialized College and Career Pathways that are designed to prepare them for success in college or career of their choice by providing personalized learning experiences with support throughout each stage from first semester freshman year up until graduation day. Enroll your child now so they can reap all the benefits this institution has to offer!

Oakland, California is blessed with some of the state’s most diverse and high-achieving high schools. Here’s a list of some of our favorites:

• Oakland High School

• Oakland International High School

• Fremont High School

• Oakland Charter High School

• Oakland Technical High School

• Castlemont High School

• McClymonds High School

• Holy Names High School

• Skyline High School 

All of these wonderful high schools are located just a short distance from our historic location at 4226 Piedmont Avenue in Oakland! Stop by for a visit anytime!