Oakland School for the Arts

Oakland School for the Arts (OSA) is a nonprofit public charter school founded by Governor Jerry Brown – then Oakland’s Mayor – in 2002. Now in its 20th year, OSA serves over 800 students in grades 6-12 tuition-free. OSA is housed in Uptown Oakland’s historic Fox Theater and Newberry Building.

OSA is a Linked Learning Pathway School offering an immersive arts program and a strong academic curriculum. We serve youth from across the Bay Area with a preference for Oakland-based students. OSA students complete a challenging academic curriculum with an emphasis in one of ten artistic fields: Audio Production and Engineering, Dance, Digital Media, Fashion Design, Instrumental Music, Literary Arts, Production Design, Theatre, Visual Arts and Vocal Music.

Mission Statement Oakland School for the Arts is a diverse and inclusive public 6-12 charter school that blends immersive, robust arts with comprehensive academics, providing integrated opportunities for collaboration, expression and personal growth.

Vision Statement

OSA students will be creative and critical thinkers who demonstrate a commitment to equity, community, collaboration, and self-reflection. Through meaningful engagement with pathway-integrated curriculum and work-based learning opportunities, graduates will be resilient and ready for college and career. Alumni will exemplify the essential value of the arts in all they do.