MAKING WAVES ACADEMY

Making Waves Academy is a Title I public charter high school that is part of the Contra Costa County Office of Education school district, located in Richmond, CA with about 795 students offering grade levels from 5th Grade to 12th Grade. Student demographics can be found below. 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 46 teachers, Making Waves Academy has a student/teacher ratio of about 17:1. 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.

Making Waves Academy (MWA) is a public charter school system located in Richmond, California, serving students in grades 5 through 12. Founded on the principle of educational equity, the school is designed to bridge the opportunity gap by providing a rigorous, college-preparatory curriculum to students from underserved communities. Its pedagogical approach emphasizes high academic standards, strong character development, and a supportive culture that aims to prepare every student for success in four-year universities and beyond.

Beyond traditional classroom instruction, the academy is notable for its comprehensive "wrap-around" support model. This includes dedicated coaching, social-emotional learning, and long-term mentorship programs that extend through college graduation. By fostering a close-knit community and maintaining high expectations, Making Waves Academy functions as both an academic institution and a pathway program, explicitly aiming to cultivate the next generation of community leaders and professionals from the Richmond area.

For more information, contact Making Waves Academy at (510) 262-1511 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.