Lighthouse Community Charter School was founded in 2002 in a renovated storefront with a staff of 7, serving 92 students grades K and 6. Our mission: to reverse opportunity and achievement gaps for low-income students and students of color in Oakland by preparing them for college and a career of their choice.

Our mission has never been more critical. Trends for the students we serve are grave in our city and nation. In our students’ neighborhoods  high unemployment, poverty, linguistic isolation, and low educational attainment rates are common. Less than 25% of students in Oakland Public School graduate prepared to attend college, and 37% drop out before graduation. The remainder graduate unable to attend a four-year college without prerequisites.

Lighthouse Community Charter School exists to ensure that ALL students – regardless of race, ethnicity, or income, are prepared to pursue a higher education and live out their fullest potential.

Accomplishments:

•  95% of graduates accepted to four-year colleges and universities. 90% will be first in family to go to college.

•  Named 2013 Charter School of the Year by the California Charter Schools Association.

•  Title I Academic Achievement Award recipient for grades 9 – 12 for two years running.

•  Named a Bay Area Top Nonprofit in Education by Guidestar Philanthropedia. Implementation of Teacher Incentive Fund grant, strengthening teacher evaluation and excellence.

•  Commitment to project-based learning, arts, music, language instruction, after school programs, and counseling.