LIVE OAK CHARTER

Live Oak Charter is a public charter elementary school that is part of the Petaluma City Elementary school district, located in Petaluma, CA with about 294 students offering grade levels from Kindergarten to 8th Grade. With about 12 teachers, Live Oak Charter has a student/teacher ratio of about 24:1. 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.

Live Oak Charter School, located in Petaluma, California, is a public charter school that utilizes an arts-integrated, developmental approach to education inspired by the Waldorf philosophy. Serving students in transitional kindergarten through eighth grade, the school emphasizes a holistic curriculum that balances rigorous academics with the cultivation of social-emotional growth, creativity, and ecological awareness. By focusing on the "head, heart, and hands," Live Oak aims to foster an environment where students develop critical thinking skills alongside a genuine love for learning and a strong sense of community responsibility.

The school’s instructional model is defined by its commitment to student-centered learning, often integrating music, visual arts, handwork, and movement into core academic subjects. Because it is a public charter, it operates with a focus on inclusivity and accessibility, working to meet state standards while maintaining a distinct pedagogical culture that values the individual development of each child. Through its emphasis on experiential learning and a supportive school culture, Live Oak Charter strives to prepare its graduates to be engaged, well-rounded citizens who are prepared for the challenges of high school and beyond.

For more information, contact Live Oak Charter at (707) 762-9020 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.