Best Public Schools in Zip Code 94609

This analysis covers six public schools in Oakland's 94609 zip code, all part of the Oakland Unified district, including three elementary and three high schools, with notable extremes in performance and student support.

Peralta Elementary stands out as the top performer, ranking in the 89th percentile statewide with strong test scores and remarkably low chronic absenteeism at 3.7%. Among high schools, Oakland Technical High excels with a 94% graduation rate and solid academic proficiency. In stark contrast, Oakland International High and Street Academy Alternative High face severe challenges, including very low graduation rates and high chronic absenteeism, despite receiving higher funding per student.

The schools show a wide range in key metrics, from graduation rates of 21.9% to 94% and chronic absenteeism from 3.7% to 91%. An interesting finding is that higher spending and smaller class sizes, as seen at Oakland International High, do not guarantee better outcomes, suggesting other factors are critical. Performance can also be volatile, as seen at Sankofa United Elementary, whose state ranking has fluctuated significantly. While the district overall ranks low, the success of Peralta Elementary and Oakland Tech demonstrates that individual schools can thrive within this context.