Best Public Schools in Zip Code 94612

This analysis examines three public schools serving grades 6-12 in Oakland's 94612 zip code, revealing dramatic differences in performance and student experience within a single area.

Oakland School for the Arts stands out as the clear top performer, ranking in the 82nd percentile statewide with a 91% graduation rate and an exceptionally low chronic absenteeism rate of 0.2%. In contrast, Westlake Middle faces significant challenges, ranking in the bottom 6% of California middle schools with a 37% chronic absenteeism rate, while Envision Academy for Arts & Technology also struggles with high absenteeism at 60.5%. Academically, Oakland School for the Arts exceeds state averages in English and Science, whereas the other two schools fall well below state averages across all subjects.

A striking finding is the inverse relationship between funding and results: Westlake Middle spends over $31,000 per student but has the lowest outcomes, while the highest-performing Oakland School for the Arts spends under $20,000 per student. This suggests factors beyond funding, like school culture and instructional quality, are crucial. The schools also serve different student populations, with free/reduced lunch rates ranging from 29% at Oakland School for the Arts to 92% at Westlake Middle in the Oakland Unified district. For parents, this area offers a high-performing arts-focused option but shows that other local schools require substantial improvement to support student success.