MLK / LAFAYETTE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

MLK / Lafayette Elementary is a Title I public elementary school that is part of the Oakland Unified school district, located in Oakland, CA with about 165 students offering grade levels from 2nd Grade to 5th Grade. A Title I school provides supplemental financial assistance to school districts for children from low-income families. Its purpose is to provide all children significant opportunity to receive a fair, equitable, and high-quality education. With about 5 teachers, MLK / Lafayette Elementary has a student/teacher ratio of about 33:1. The national average for public schools is about 15:1. A lower student/teacher ratio is a key factor that determines how much a teacher can devote his/her time to each individual student thus improving, or reducing (in the event of a higher student/teacher ratio) the attention each student is given for their educational needs.

MLK Jr. Elementary (often referred to in conjunction with Lafayette) is a public school located in the West Oakland neighborhood. The school serves a diverse student body and operates under the Oakland Unified School District (OUSD). Its mission is centered on providing a supportive learning environment that emphasizes academic growth, social-emotional development, and community engagement. The school staff often focuses on restorative justice practices and culturally responsive teaching to meet the unique needs of the families in the surrounding urban area.

As an institution located in a historically significant part of Oakland, MLK Jr. Elementary works to bridge the achievement gap by offering various support services and enrichment programs. The school is deeply embedded in its community, often partnering with local nonprofits and organizations to provide students with extracurricular activities, academic tutoring, and family resource programs. While the school has navigated the challenges common to urban education—such as shifting district boundaries and resource allocation—it remains committed to fostering a sense of belonging and academic opportunity for all its students.

For more information, contact MLK / Lafayette Elementary at (510) 874-7774 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.