In the past, many parents avoided Oakland Public Schools.  The schools had a horrible reputation, worsened by budget controversies and the eventual takeover of the school district by state authorities. However, local control has returned to the district and test scores have shown continual improvement at many schools.

Last week, the 2010 California Standards Test showed that the number of Oakland elementary students testing as proficient or advanced rose by 8 percent in both English Language Arts and Math, while the five-year growth in those categories totals 15 and 20 percent, respectively. In addition, due to the economy, many families are removing their kids from private schools and giving Oakland public and charter schools another look.
Since 2005, Oakland Unified School District has featured an Open Enrollment Policy called the "Options Process." From December through January each year, families are allowed to apply for their children to attend any public school in the district, no matter where the family lives (see below for those living outside of district). This allows parents and guardians to pick the best school for their family – and allows the district to create unique programs throughout the city. This program is also available during the fall, with some adjustments. You will need to move fast - classes begin today, Aug. 30.

The Options Process doesn't allow everyone to get into their favorite school, but it does give families a chance to rank their choices and expands options for families of all incomes and backgrounds. It also helps to increase diversity at many schools.

“At first I doubted if the Options process would make a difference for us, but when our daughter was about to enter kindergarten, my husband and I took time to explore what the local elementary schools had to offer and visited the four most promising schools,” parent Linda Ayala said. “We ended up with our number one choice, a small school with a Spanish-English dual immersion program, a diversity of students and only seven minutes from our home. Our daughter is now entering third grade and we have been so thankful for the community of students parents and teachers we found.”

To qualify, families will first need to complete all of the enrollment paperwork required by the district. This includes: current immunizations, proof of residence (or Transitional Family Assistance), proof of age, proof of grade level and proof of ID. If students are currently enrolled in an OUSD school, then this information is already on file.

The second step is for parents and guardians to work with their children to make a list of schools they'd like to attend. Most schools hold open houses for the Options Process in January, but not in the summer. Principals, teachers and other key staff also will be working hard with the start of a new school season so their availability to answer questions and give tours may be limited. However, families can look to the Internet for information about each school's goals, values and test scores.

After families have made a list, the third step is to call the schools and find out if they have any openings for the fall. If the school has space, then the final step is to fill out and submit an Options Process application form. The form has space for your top six schools. Be sure to fill out the whole form – incomplete forms won't be processed. The form cannot be mailed or faxed; it must be turned in to the Student Assignment office or any OUSD school in person. Note that the Student Assignment office is only open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays.

When schools have space, everyone who applies gets in. If there are more applicants than spaces, the district looks at where brothers and sisters go to school, how close the school is to home, whether the family's neighborhood school has been low ranking, as well as other factors. The Options Process can be a helpful (and free) tool for families to address the achievement gaps that still exist in our schools and within the district as a whole.

Need to knows and more information:

Student Assignment Office
2111 International Blvd, Room 1
Oakland, CA 94606
Phone: (510) 434-7780

For more information about the Options Process, click here.

Some schools have a presence on the OUSD website. You can find more information by map or by searching the school list.

State test results for any California school – State Department of Education and here.

Parent reviews for many Oakland schools – Great Schools and Berkeley Parents Network.

Note that Charter Schools are not a part of the Options Process. However, the schools run by the Small Schools Foundation, are considered Oakland Public Schools and are part of the Options Process. Families who want more information about enrolling their children at those schools need to contact the schools directly. Also, families of children with special needs or IEP's and gifted and talented youth should check to make sure that selected schools have the best resources for their children.

Families that live in the cities around Oakland can even apply to attend school with an Inter-District transfer. Click here for more information.

Get your OUSD School Calendars right here  http://bit.ly/bjjEsB