SANKOFA ACADEMY

Sankofa Academy is a Title I public elementary school that is part of the Oakland Unified school district, located in Oakland, CA with about 187 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, Sankofa Academy has a student/teacher ratio of about 23:1. 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.

Sankofa Academy, located in the Longfellow neighborhood of North Oakland, is a public elementary school serving students from transitional kindergarten through fifth grade. As part of the Oakland Unified School District, the school is deeply committed to the "Sankofa" philosophy—an African concept meaning "it is not taboo to fetch at risk of being left behind what is at risk of being left behind," often symbolized by a bird looking backward while moving forward. This ethos reflects the school’s dedication to integrating cultural identity, community history, and academic rigor to foster a sense of pride and belonging among its diverse student population.

Beyond its focus on cultural identity, Sankofa Academy emphasizes a holistic approach to education that addresses the social-emotional and academic needs of its students. The school works closely with families and local community partners to provide a supportive environment that encourages critical thinking and resilience. By centering the curriculum on the experiences and contributions of people of African descent while maintaining alignment with California state standards, Sankofa aims to empower its students to become confident, engaged, and successful lifelong learners within the broader Oakland community.

For more information, contact Sankofa Academy at (510) 654-7787 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.