RALPH J. BUNCHE HIGH SCHOOL

Ralph J. Bunche High is a Title I public high school that is part of the Oakland Unified school district, located in Oakland, CA with about 100 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 10 teachers, Ralph J. Bunche High has a student/teacher ratio of about 10:1. 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.

Ralph J. Bunche High School, located in West Oakland, is an alternative education site within the Oakland Unified School District. The school is designed to serve students who may need a non-traditional environment to succeed, often focusing on credit recovery, flexible scheduling, and personalized academic support. It plays a critical role in the district’s efforts to re-engage students who have fallen behind in their credit requirements, offering a smaller, more intimate setting compared to large comprehensive high schools.

The school is named after Ralph J. Bunche, the Nobel Peace Prize-winning diplomat and civil rights activist, reflecting an institutional commitment to social justice and empowerment. Beyond its academic mission, Bunche High emphasizes the development of life skills and post-secondary readiness, aiming to provide a pathway for students to earn their high school diplomas and transition successfully into careers or higher education. The school serves as an essential resource for students who require additional mentorship and specialized instructional attention to overcome systemic or personal barriers to graduation.

For more information, contact Ralph J. Bunche High at (510) 874-3300 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.