Oakland School for the Arts

Oakland School for the Arts sits in the heart of downtown Oakland, drawing creative, driven students from across the city who want rigorous academics woven together with serious arts training in everything from dance and film to vocal performance and fashion design. Families who choose OSA tend to be deeply invested in their kids' artistic development and aren't looking for a traditional school experience — they want a place where the creative work *is* the education. With strong English and science scores and a downtown location that puts students in the middle of Oakland's vibrant arts and cultural scene, it's a natural fit for families who see the city itself as part of the curriculum.