PREPARATORY LITERARY ACADEMY OF CULTURAL EXCELLENCE

Preparatory Literary Academy of Cultural Excellence is a Title I public elementary school that is part of the Oakland Unified school district, located in Oakland, CA with about 181 students offering grade levels from Kindergarten 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 8 teachers, Preparatory Literary Academy of Cultural Excellence has a student/teacher ratio of about 22:1. 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.

The **Preparatory Literary Academy of Cultural Excellence (PLACE)**, located at 920 Campbell St. in Oakland, California, is a specialized educational institution that serves as a unique component of the Oakland Unified School District. The academy is characterized by its small-school environment and its focus on creating a supportive, community-oriented atmosphere. It is designed to provide students with a rigorous academic experience while fostering a deep appreciation for the arts, culture, and literacy. By integrating cultural studies into its core curriculum, the school aims to empower students to connect their personal identities and community history with their academic pursuits.

The school is widely recognized for its mission to cultivate "scholars" through a pedagogical approach that prioritizes critical thinking, self-advocacy, and social responsibility. Because of its location in West Oakland, the academy places a significant emphasis on serving its immediate neighborhood and addressing the specific needs of its diverse student population. Through a blend of traditional instruction and culturally responsive teaching methods, PLACE strives to prepare its students not only for success in high school and college but also to become engaged and informed leaders within their own communities.

For more information, contact Preparatory Literary Academy of Cultural Excellence at (510) 874-3333 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.