Building on a long tradition of academic excellence of over 100 years, Catholic schools in the Diocese of Oakland are committed to distinguishing themselves by providing a consistently excellent and equitable 21st century education across all schools.
 
Catholic schools are dedicated to developing the unique academic and creative potential of each child, nurturing mind, body, and soul.
 
Inspired leadership, dedicated teachers, supportive learning environments and respect for the God-given dignity of each person are the foundation for student achievement.
 
We honor the unique identity of each school while acting as a collaborative community to ensure the vitality and viability of all schools.

What do you want your child to learn?

Focusing on test scores has changed the way many schools teach students these days. In the Catholic schools, we take tests seriously, but we know they are only one measure of success.
Students in Catholic schools in the Diocese of Oakland achieve higher than average scores on standardized tests like the SAT or ACT. Our daily attendance rates are higher than other schools in the same neighborhoods. 

We realize that test scores and awards are important measures of performance, but they can only tell part of the story. We are interested in how individual children are doing, and helping them succeed to the best of their abilities. In order to make sure every child has a chance of success, children have to learn more than facts and figures or how to do the kinds of problems that will appear on the next standardized test. They need to understand the underlying concepts in science and math. They need to be able to read, write, and discuss the ideas in literature and history texts. They need to be able to think about what they’re studying and how it connects to the things they’ve already learned and the world around them so they are prepared to meet the challenges of both today and tomorrow.

In order to make this possible, we have to create the right kind of academic environment. It takes individual attention from caring teachers, the involvement of engaged parents, and the example of other motivated students. If you want your child to learn more than the minimum required to score well on a standardized test, consider our approach to learning and find out more about the academic programs we have in place.

Curriculum

The Diocese of Oakland utilizes rigorous, research-backed curriculum based on the California Common Core Standards, Next Generation Science Standards, California History-Social Science Frameworks, and WCEA Religion Standards.

• Diocese of Oakland K- 8 Religion Standards 
  

Foundational Documents

• CA Dept of Education Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts
• CA Dept of Education Common Core State Standards for Mathematics
• CA Dept of Education History-Social Science Framework
• CA Dept of Education Next Generation Science Standards

While the Department of Catholic Schools supports schools with standards of excellence and professional learning, each school in the Diocese of Oakland is free to select the curriculum resources that best meet the needs of their students!

​Faculty Credentials
Our faculty is composed of highly dedicated professionals committed to the mission of Catholic education. All teachers are required to have a California teaching credential or complete a credential within three years of hire. Many teachers have advanced degrees, additional credentials and licenses and certificates. All teachers are required to be certified Catechists.

To continue to advance their expertise, all teachers are required to complete 6 semester units (72 hours) of Professional Development every three years. 

 

What do you want your child to believe?

As children grow, they have many questions… about the world, their own identities, powers greater than themselves, and their relationship with God.

As important as it is to be able to read, write, and understand math and science, many of the ultimate questions – about life, death, and the splendor and diversity of the world we live in – require a different sort of learning and depend on belief.

Catholic schools are faith-based communities where belief in God is part of the everyday environment, and not just in religion classes. There are Christian prayers and attendance at Mass, inspirational words and images throughout the schools, and frequent reminders of the message of Jesus for all the children of the world.
We welcome families and children from various faiths who are searching for an environment that provides academic excellence, spiritual and moral development and opportunities for service learning.

We are convinced it is important and enriching for children to experience religion firsthand. Their experiences give them a chance to understand the beliefs, purposes, issues, and practices of Catholic faith without prejudice or pre-conceived notions.  With a firm sense of their values and faith, children can boldly go out into a world in need of help and make a difference in it.

So whether you are a practicing Catholic, a former Catholic, or a believer in another faith, we urge you to give every aspect of your child’s character an opportunity to learn and grow. Catholic schools educate the whole child, including the mind, the heart, and the spirit.

 

What do you want your child to value?

How do children learn to distinguish right from wrong and how to behave in a world full of troubles and temptations?   

All parents want their children to grow up with a strong sense of values. And many parents do all they can to teach their children what to believe in and what to avoid. But as children grow up and go off to school, parents sometimes have less influence than they would like.
As children become more involved with the wider world of school, outside activities, and friends, the principal and teachers of your child’s school take on a greater role in helping to shape and sustain your child’s values.
Does the school you send your child to have a sense of values consistent with your own? Or is the subject of values, particularly Christian values, something that the school cannot even address openly?
Catholic schools focus on the values of faith, hope, love, and community. We talk openly about values and spend time each day giving children an opportunity to learn, share, and understand the consequences of good and bad behaviors and choices. We believe in Jesus Christ and we have a feeling of grace that comes from our beliefs.
Can the school your child attends teach the sort of lessons that will help your child become a good and compassionate person? Is there a clear expectation that all children will be treated with respect by the teachers and other students?
How a school handles these issues indicates whether the school is capable of reinforcing the values that you and other parents teach at home. Ultimately, we want your child to grow up to be a good and compassionate person, and we will do everything we can to help you raise your child in the right way. 

What do you want your child to share?

Sharing hopes, dreams, and experiences is the best way to learn to treat others, as you would like to be treated. In the Catholic schools, we try very hard to include all children in the life of the school community and encourage them to empathize and build relationships with others. We help them learn to share physical things like toys, school supplies, and snacks. But we also want them to learn to share their feelings, thoughts, experiences, and faith, because the habits of sharing that develop at an early age continue throughout a child’s life.
And we do everything we can to include the families of students in this community of sharing. Because as children grow and families become connected, the bonds that hold the school community together become stronger and stronger.
We also encourage children to share in a sense of mission. Our students make an enormous difference in the lives of others throughout the diocese and around the world. Every year, students and families contribute thousands of hours of service and hundreds of thousands of dollars to those in need in our local and global communities.
According to many families, this sense of community and commitment is one of the most important reasons that they choose to send their children to the Catholic schools. 

You can afford a Catholic Education

Our Catholic Community desires to make the true teachings of Christ available to every family through Catholic Schools.  There are no substitutes for Catholic schools as the teachings set forth by sacred Bible and Catholic traditions are woven into the fabric of the entire curriculum.  The entire Catholic community encourages parents to consider our Catholic schools as their first choice in education.  To facilitate this, our supporting parishes in partnership with business and private donors, annually reduce your tuition investment and support your decision to seek a Catholic education.

Tuition Assistance

Many families receive tuition assistance to make Catholic school education more affordable and there are several tuition assistance programs. The first step is making an appointment with the school principal to discuss your situation and the options.

Tuition Assistance Guidelines

Catholic schools offer tuition assistance based on financial need. Some schools offer academic-based scholarships as well, so it’s important to contact the schools you are interested in attending for their guidelines.  When a family with financial need has the desire of sending its child(ren) to Catholic school, and a willingness to participate in a school and parish life is present, there are several forms of financial aid available. 

Some of the aid available:

FACE Grant Oakland - (Family Aid-Catholic Education)
Catholic schools have a long history of serving demographically disadvantaged families and a tradition of results.  Catholic schools provide opportunities for success that transcend the barriers of poverty.  

The BASIC Fund - (Bay Area Scholarships for Inner-City Children)
Individual School Grants – (check with principal for details)

FAQs

What is the source of the funds available through the Program?
Tuition Awards are funded through generous donations of individuals, foundations and corporations who appreciate the value of a Catholic school education and want to help families who cannot afford the full tuition bill.

Who is eligible to receive assistance and do I need to be Catholic?
Please see your school principal for the guidelines. In general, families must demonstrate need for tuition assistance and agree to make partial tuition payments. Awards are made without regard to ethnic background, religious affiliation or gender.

How are applications evaluated?
The first step is seeking guidance from your school principal. The principal understands your family’s needs and how best to apply for tuition support. Awards are made based on (a) financial need, (b) the principal's recommendation, (c) your pastor’s recommendation, and (d) other individuals and foundations who fund scholarships.

Does my child need to have perfect grades to qualify?
NO, tuition awards are based on financial need and the principal’s recommendation. Some Catholic schools provide academic scholarships based on achievements, but tuition assistance programs are designed to help families keep their children in Catholic schools to learn in a faith-filled, safe, values-based and rigorous environment. Today, 98% of students receiving tuition support are graduating from high school in four years and 98% of those graduates are going on to colleges and universities.

Do I have to apply for an award every year?
YES. Families must apply each year to be considered for an award since awards are based on criteria that could change from year-to-year, such as funding availability and family income.

Preschools

Catholic preschools in the Diocese of Oakland serve children younger than kindergarten age and date back to the early 1990s. In recent years there has been a renewed interest in this level of education. There are 16 preschools located in all five regions of the Diocese, but this number is growing every year.
 
A focus in all of the preschools is children’s Faith Formation—the process by which young children come to know the God who is within them. All areas of a child’s development—cognitive, linguistic, social, physical, creative – are addressed in preschool through developmentally appropriate play activities. Most preschools serve children and families for a full day, five days a week. A few offer half-day programs. Several offer day care before and after classes are in session.
 
The majority of preschools are on the same campus as one of our elementary schools. In all instances children leave preschool prepared for kindergarten.

Transitional Kindergarten

The Diocese of Oakland has 16 schools with transitional kindergarten programs.
Catholic transitional kindergarten (TK) programs use a modified Kindergarten curriculum that is age appropriate. Students whose 5th birthday falls after the Kindergarten acceptance date qualify for transitional kindergarten.

Our programs focus on nurturing the child as a whole to foster independence, creativity, and a love of learning. Our curriculum integrates religion, fine and gross motor skills, sensory and problem solving, music, science, arts and crafts, dance and movement. We provide every child in our care the opportunity to create and learn in a caring environment. We teach concepts that include: number and letter recognition, colors, shapes, name writing, and skills such as patterns, sequencing, and opposites. 

 

The Oakland Department of Catholic Schools is committed to providing quality Catholic education to the diverse school communities it serves. Through the use of current and relevant technology, the Department of Catholic School’s vision is to help foster a Christ-centered community by providing guidance with technology to enhance student learning. Through the integration of technology in curriculum, the Department of Catholic Schools fosters personal development of every student and educator. The encouragement of technology in education provides opportunities to enhance relationships among education professionals and Christian communities across the Oakland Diocese.
 
Technology Mission Statement
The Department of Catholic Schools supports the integration of technology across the curriculum at all grade levels, fostering growth in digital literacy, critical thinking, creative publishing, effective communication, ethical use, and improved productivity.
 
Overview
The development of computer technology over the last 20 years has caused massive shifts in how people work, communicate, and learn. We know that the skills current students will need to be productive, fulfilled adults are significantly different from those our parents and grandparents needed. In addition to basic skills in reading and mathematics, our students must become self-directed, life-long learners as well as ethical, responsible citizens prepared to meet the increasing challenges of a global, information-based society. They must learn how to access, manipulate, and evaluate information, synthesize concepts, and creatively express their ideas to others using increasingly more sophisticated tools. Moreover, students must learn to use these tools in a manner reflective of Gospel values and Catholic social teaching, where technology tools are used to foster the goals of “message, community and service.”
 
Instructional technology, when used appropriately, can help prepare students for this changing world by incorporating innovative new instructional strategies that provide all students with opportunities to learn. Technology can bring a world of knowledge within a keystroke by linking students to information sources and other students around the world.
 
Technology tools enable students to actively engage with content through project-based learning that promotes cooperative learning, high-level problem solving, and the sharing of knowledge with a wide audience. By supporting students with a variety of tools to research, produce media, and share, well-trained and motivated teachers can unleash creativity and excitement in all students.  
 
Through the utilization of technology, teachers possess the ability to track student progress, and provide individualized student instruction to better meet the diverse needs of their students. Record keeping systems can provide teachers with data driven planning and student-focused instruction time. Social media can provide teachers with access to their peers and other teaching experts where they can share subject matter in order to gain additional knowledge, share ideas and collaborate on lesson planning.
 
Demands on school administrators have expanded dramatically over the years. Technology can assist principals by automating and simplifying the school’s information management and communication systems. In addition, technology can facilitate communication between school and home allowing for the more efficient and open exchange of information with parents.
 

 Building a Technology-Rich Learning Environment
A core philosophy of the Department of Catholic Schools is that technology learning should be integrated throughout the curriculum. Isolating technology learning to a single course or subject is to misunderstand the role that technology plays in modern life. Today, information technology is a fundamental feature of the environment in which we live, work, and learn. To be prepared for future modes of education, employment, and citizenship, students should have regular and diverse experiences using technology to learn, collaborate, create, and publish.
 
Integrating technology throughout the curriculum enables students to learn in many ways. Successful integration is achieved when students use appropriate tools to obtain information, analyze and synthesize the information, and present their findings professionally across content areas. Technology should be an integral part of a functioning classroom, developing students towards technology transparency, the state at which the tool is as invisible a part of the learning experience as paper and pen.
 
The classroom learning environment shifts to engaging, motivating and supporting all learners, with technology integrated into the classroom practice and student learning. “A student’s capacity for learning is influenced by the manner in which the subject matter is presented.” As educators know, “students must learn how to learn and identifying which formats are most effective with which students is a part of this process. Creating opportunities to provide meaningful reinforcement of subject area concepts is one important aspect” of a technology rich learning environment.
 
Engaging, Motivating and Supporting All Learners
It is undeniable that students today are more exposed to digital media than ever before. A 2010 study found that 8-18 year olds spend 6½ hours consuming media each day. For many students, school may be the only part of their day when they are forced to disconnect. Bringing web resources, video, and games into the classroom can engage students by integrating their chosen leisure activities into the learning environment.
 
Such engagement allows students to focus on assignments with less distractions, motivates students to start the learning process and causes a shift in student behavior from passive to active.
 
Common Core Integration
The implementation of the common core curriculum necessitates the seamless integration of technology and instructional methodologies to achieve the highest-level outcomes possible. To meet common core standards, students must have experience using the Internet and other technology tools to write collaboratively and publish. They will need to be able to evaluate information from multiple sources in multiple mediums, recognizing the increasing importance of digital text, social sources, audio and video in educational environments. By the end of secondary school students are expected to be able to make strategic use of digital media. Integrated technology is the only instructional model that provides students with the diverse experiences necessary to make informed choices among the instructional tools used.
 
Support of Diverse Learning Styles
The integration of technology provides greater opportunities for students to engage with material appropriate to their personal learning style or their individual challenges, more so than was previously possible.  
 
 
Student-Centered Learning
Instructional strategies are increasingly student-centered. With content reflective of the real world, the separation between isolated disciplines has become less defined. Learning that is connected to real world challenges, draws upon many resources for solutions. When a powerful idea or relevant situation is presented in a learning context, students are motivated to collaborate, explore ideas, and find solutions. In educational learning activities, it becomes apparent that:
 

• Communication and collaboration skills are critical.
• Historical perspective may provide ideas for exploration or potential solutions.
• Mathematical skills can help in analyzing the problem.
• Technology can assist in researching the problem, collecting and organizing information, and presenting results.

 
Technology must often be used to facilitate these real-world experiences, allowing students to make important connections that cross the artificial boundaries of individual subject areas. Never before in our educational history have students had the opportunity to reach out to students in other geographic locations and to mentors throughout the working world, or to immediately retrieve up-to-date resources. Never before have they been able to share the products of their work so easily with the entire world.
 
Elementary School Learning
Multidisciplinary learning is the natural and developmentally appropriate way that learning occurs in the elementary years. Mobile technology in particular offers young students creative opportunities that would have been procedurally prohibitive in the past. Students can now demonstrate what they learn about their world with photographs, voice, and video; shared with a global audience. The ability to do this from a single device is not just convenient; it is transformative. Using technology generally, and mobile technology in particular, to explore multidisciplinary problems is an appropriate model for all student-centered instruction.
 
In the face of newly required standards-based curricula and recent insights into how students learn, it is even more important that teachers work together to foster natural bridges across curricula and that they apply up to date teaching practices to enhance the process and engage learners.
 
High School Learning 
The strongest use of integrated technology is occurring at the secondary grade levels. With the advent of mobile technology, many high schools have jumped ahead by providing students with digital learning tools, as ubiquitous throughout their day as pen and paper. Providing students a technology-rich learning environment is also important because it mirrors the higher education and workplace environments towards which they are moving. Integrated technology or even one-to-one device programs can teach students essential soft skills, such as multitasking, personal organization, and deep focus despite the distractions our connected world presents.
 
By providing continued exposure and guidance in the use of the technology, the hardware, software, and media become just another conduit for information. Collaboration and consultation with fellow students, faculty, and experts near and far is fast becoming an everyday experience. Mobile computing and storage devices have fulfilled the promise of anytime, anyplace learning. Increasingly powerful computers provide students with real-world problem-solving tools. They help students overcome handicaps, choose among learning strategies, perceive and create new relationships among subjects, and demonstrate their knowledge in words, pictures, moving images, and sound.
 
The challenge for these ambitious schools may now be to adjust their schedules, strategies, or educational philosophies to take the greatest possible advantage of available tools. The ability to access and store digitized information allows the student to research, collect, and share on an unparalleled level, but it also can change the priorities of the classroom. For example, what is the value of taking notes when a lesson can be video recorded and posted online instantly? The experience of these changes allows us to re-conceive the high school learning environment where disciplines cross-pollinate and students' learning is truly integrated.
 
Preparing Students for Future Systems
The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) standards recognize that technology changes rapidly and students must learn skills that take new developments into account. It is no longer sufficient for students to learn how to use the available tools, because those tools will be obsolete within a few years.  For this reason, instruction must incorporate the ability to transfer current knowledge to learning new technologies.  This can be achieved through a sustained, integrated approach that exposes students to diverse systems and highlights core principles.