OAKLAND INTERNATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

Oakland International High is a Title I public high school that is part of the Oakland Unified school district, located in Oakland, CA with about 367 students offering grade levels from 9th Grade to 12th 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 24 teachers, Oakland International High has a student/teacher ratio of about 15:1. 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.

Oakland International High School (OIHS) is a specialized public high school in the Oakland Unified School District dedicated exclusively to serving recently arrived immigrants and refugees. Unlike traditional comprehensive high schools, OIHS is designed to support students who are English Language Learners, often with limited or interrupted formal schooling in their home countries. The school operates on a unique model that integrates intensive English language acquisition with rigorous academic content, providing a safe, culturally responsive environment that eases the transition into the American educational system.

The school’s philosophy centers on the belief that a student's linguistic and cultural background is an asset rather than a barrier to success. To achieve this, OIHS utilizes a collaborative teaching approach, heterogeneous grouping, and project-based learning to ensure that students can access the curriculum while developing their proficiency in English. Beyond academics, the school provides comprehensive wrap-around services—including counseling, legal resources, and health support—to address the social and emotional needs of newcomer families, positioning itself as a vital community hub for Oakland’s diverse immigrant population.

For more information, contact Oakland International High at (510) 597-4287 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.