MetWest High

MetWest High is a small, project-based learning school in Oakland that takes a genuinely different approach to high school — students spend significant time doing real-world internships rather than sitting in traditional classrooms, which tends to appeal to families who feel conventional schooling isn't the right fit for their kid. It sits in East Oakland, a neighborhood with deep cultural roots and a strong sense of community, and the school reflects that spirit with close relationships between students and advisors. Families drawn here are usually looking for something more hands-on and personal, and they're willing to lean into a model that prioritizes growth and experience over test scores.