Oakland Technical High School

I feel like the kids here are not geting the education they should. Many of the classes are taught by teachers who have no idea how to teach. THey think teaching is having the kids read the book and answer the questions and that's it. Classroom managment is dismal in many, many cases. If your child gets into the Paiedia program they have a change at a good education but if they are in regular classes, forget it. The teachers should be turning in 6-week lesson plans and the administration should look at them all, especially the English and history classes, and they should be observing classes more.
—Submitted by a teacher

Oakland Tech is providing an enriched and challenging education for my son, now a senior. The diverse population (reflective of Oakland) adds richness to our kids' lives. They are loyal to each other and to Tech and are an impressive group of kids.The principal is a real anchor; she knows the students and many parents by name (amazing in such a large school), runs a tight but fair ship, and is extremely well liked by parents, staff and students. The teachers are excellent, not only in the academies and Paideia, but in the college prep classes too. Not 100%, but pretty close to 90%, which is saying a lot. Assignments are thoughtful and creative, for the most part, and the classes stimulating. The teachers are responsive to parent needs and ready to help your student when necessary. We've had a great experience there.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is a very great school to be in. Very diverse and they offer many programs to their kids such has nursing, biotech, and etc. This is a high-school you want your kids to be in. This school focuses alot on the kid's academic skills. This school gives a lot of opportunity to let the students experience in their future college goals by giving them programs for them to attend. The students in Oakland Tech, they all graduate and in the fall they're all freshman college students !

Excellent programs, stable administration, respectful environment, active sports teams. My son is a junior and is in the Paideia program and Engineering Academy. Mr. Merrill just received the Jefferson Award. Other academies include Green, BioTech, Health, Computer and Performing Arts. Students can also choose their own path. Scheduling problems are resolved quickly, there are no fights on campus, teachers are willing to help, love their jobs. Students go on to top colleges, if they are willing to work.
—Submitted by a parent

Great environment, suportive teachers, academically challenging classes, even for our "gifted" child. We are happy in this school, and looking forward to Engineering, Paidea & soccer team next year.
—Submitted by a parent

PROUD ALUMNI, I learned a lot of things about LIFE at this school I would not have learned at a private school. I played Football and also participated in track & field so I was not involved in many clubs except for asthma peer counseling. I have seen this school evolve quickly but there is still room for improvement.
—Submitted by a student

As a student at Oakland Tech, I would say it is a great school. It is not perfect, but one can have a great experience if they choose to. There are many AP classes including Biology, Spanish, Mandarin, Physics, Chemistry, US History, English and many others. There are also many academies that one can enter starting from their sophomore year including the Health Academy, Engineering Academy, Biotech Academy, and others. We have a wonderful Performing Arts program that is internationally known. The teachers are there to assist you-but you need to want the help first. It's not all on them. The sports department is also great, and there is community involvement! Tech is a really good school.
—Submitted by a student

i signed up for the paideia program at oakland tech, and i haven't heard anything about the reading requirements from the school. my teacher and I had to keep calling and emailing the teachers there to get the information. and in the end, the teacher who started the paideia program actually said i wasn't on her roster for next years paideia. but i signed up! that's just ridiculous... they didn't even say why i wasn't in the program or anything, they just suggested me to sign up for another program... oh my god, now i don't really want to go to oakland tech anymore....!!! ugh!! worse situation i had with a school, EVER!!! >_____>''
—Submitted by a student

as a student at oakland tech i have to say that tech is the best school in oakland. this school has a great tradition and a long line of famous people that has came through and showed respect to us.if you are looking for a school thats going to help your kids get to college i would advise you to let them attend oakland tech.
—Submitted by a student

It really serves the students who come, by challenging them to succeed. It is a stable comprehensive high school with a strong tradition.
—Submitted by a teacher

Great academics; great diversity; great staff and kids!
—Submitted by a parent

I love this school! Most of the teachers are great, and the other students are fun to be around. I'm glad to have so many options for classes, as the students are at all different levels in the various subjects. I feel I am getting a great education at Oakland Tech!
—Submitted by a student

I have a daughter who has been going ther for 3 years & a son at Tech for 2. What we found is that it's very important for a student to get into one of the academies. when that happens, the academy directors take a special intrest in my students & work closely with the counselors & other staff for the success of my students. Tech also has special services if my son needs tutoring or my daughter wants help with the 'College Process' In fact, all the staff seems to take the extra steps needed. Heck, my kids counselor calles us at night or on weekends if the need arises
—Submitted by a parent

Tech has excellent academies within the school, notably the Engineering Academy and the Health Academy. The Paideia Program for History and English is outstanding with the great majority of student earning AP credit in Government, US History, and English. They have all the standard sports programs and some extra's including bowling and swimming. The building is a historic landmark and renovation of the entire school was completed in 2006. I have two students at Tech and they feel secure and developed a diverse circle of friends.
—Submitted by Dave Hodul, a parent

As an Oakland Tech graduate, I would say that the academic aspect for those who had guidance and applied themselves got a good education, for those of us who didn't have guidance from the school or otherwise didn't really pull anything from our high school experience. The teachers were going through the motions and so were the students, if Tech tightened up on teachers, students will soon follow suit and the intended learning will ensue and scores will go up. Tech is not a bad school but there is very little involvement and the majority of the student body needs that kind of help. If your child is getting good guidance they will thrive and take away something good from Tech.
—Submitted by a former student

Oakland Tech has a variety of academic programs ranging from extremely rigorous to general college prep. The teachers are very good and quite dedicated to helping students succeed. The administration does a great job running the school and there are a variety of extracurricular activites for students to participate in. The engineering academy is especially beneficial to those wishing to go into engineering in the future. There are some problems but for dedicated students and committed parents, Oakland Tech is probably the best public high school in Oakland.
—Submitted by a teacher

Tech has a fantastic and rich program for motivated students. For example, the Paideia program integrates the study of world civilization, politics and cultures with advanced skills in reading and writing. The kids in the program are very well-prepared for college. The challenge is to extend that excitement and energy to the less-motivated students in the school.
—Submitted by a parent

Tech has very good academic programs for students however there is no leadership within the school, principal's seem to not know their jobs when protecting students, and do not try to support parent involvement. There is no safety nor discipline. The Prinicipal and Assist Prinicipal need to have a more open door policy and let the students know that they care about all and not just some.
—Submitted by a parent

O-High is the closest thing Oakland has to a normal high school in the sense that most days go smoothly without loads of drama.You don't have the usual crew of hallwalkers and neer do wells loitering around campus. Academics are fairly solid with some expectations of effort from the students.I sub at O-hi a lot and have never had a major 'incident'.
—Submitted by a teacher

Tech is great. I was in the engineering academy and PAIDEIA programs and it certanly was comparable to many private educations. This year, our school sent students to many of the Ivies and a bunch more to Cal and Davis. It's definately the best public in Oakland, hands down.
—Submitted by a student