ROSES IN CONCRETE

Roses in Concrete is a Title I public charter elementary school that is part of the Oakland Unified school district, located in Oakland, CA with about 340 students offering grade levels from Kindergarten to 8th 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 13 teachers, Roses in Concrete has a student/teacher ratio of about 26:1. 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.

Roses in Concrete Community School is a unique, community-centered K-8 institution located in East Oakland, California. Founded on the principle of "community-responsive education," the school explicitly draws inspiration from the poetry of Tupac Shakur, aiming to foster an environment where students—referred to as "scholars"—can thrive despite the systemic challenges of their urban environment. Their pedagogical approach focuses on restorative justice, cultural relevance, and the empowerment of youth as active participants in their own education and the betterment of their neighborhoods.

Beyond traditional academics, the school functions as a community hub that prioritizes social-emotional learning and ethnic studies. By integrating the arts, civic engagement, and a commitment to social justice into the daily curriculum, Roses in Concrete strives to create a "liberatory" educational experience. The school aims to develop well-rounded, conscious, and confident leaders who are grounded in their heritage and equipped to challenge social inequities while contributing positively to the Oakland community.

For more information, contact Roses in Concrete at (510) 698-3794 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.