4701 Telegraph Ave
Oakland, CA 94609

The teachers are very encouraging and love to make games out of what would otherwise be boring.

Emerson is a gem of a school. The gifted teachers and staff (many with long tenure) are at the core of this. They clearly support and like each other, are dedicated to the students, and are happy to be there. Principal Stibbins is a sturdy and approachable leader with clear priorities, and a “Whole Child” approach. An example - he holds monthly assemblies where students are recognized for academic progress or for embodying a school value. The “cheetah champions” run between rows of their cheering peers and then high-five the principal. A treasured ritual.Many families walk and bike from the neighborhood; it's a wonderful thing to have so many school friends in close proximity. The diverse community of families at this school is down-to-earth and welcoming. Enrichment opportunities - library, art, dance, garden, music, Restorative Justice circles. The PTA is very involved and funds a LOT, including field trips and teacher support and enrichment and community events. There are two excellent aftercare options. And in summer 2025, the campus will get new playgrounds from the Eat. Play. Learn. Foundation! In talking with others (or in looking at this site), you may have heard the pervasive concept of “there are only a few good schools in Oakland.” That’s absolutely not true - but unfortunately it is very effective at scaring many away from choosing their neighborhood school. Best thing you can do for your school search? Talk with current parents at the school; current is important since a lot can change in a short amount of time at a school. And ignore testing data, which has very little to do with the quality of education and much more to do with other socio-economic factors that are out of the school's control. There is so much value to going to your neighborhood school. The diversity of a population (and your family's exposure to that diversity) is solidly a benefit and not a drawback.

Both my sons attended Tech, and have enjoyed it. My oldest son is now getting ready to transfer to UC next fall and my younger son is currently a junior and enrolled in AP classes that are as challenging as any college class I’ve seen. I feel the curriculum has prepared both boys well for college. They’ve experienced no bullying, and have made great friends here and they’ve generally liked their teachers. Overall we’ve been happy with our kids attending Oakland Tech!