TOGETHER, YES WE CAN
2825 INTERNATIONAL BLVD - OAKLAND, CA 94601 - (510) 532-5500 - INFO@THINKCOLLEGENOW.ORG
Last updated July 7, 2010
SCHOOL OVERVIEW
The Need
Today, less than one in 20 high school students in the Oakland Unified School District is eligible to attend a University of California school.History & Vision
In 2003, David Silver and a core of committed parents realized their goal of opening a public elementary school focused on closing the achievement gap and giving all students an equal opportunity to attend college and pursue their dreams.Demographics
- 300 students, kindergarten through 5th grade
- 73% Latino, 20% African-American, and 7% Asian-American
- 68% English-language learners
- 95% at or near the poverty line, receiving subsidized or reduced-price lunches
- Located in the Cesar Chavez Education Center (Oakland's first new school building in 30 years) in Oakland's diverse Fruitvale communityTheory of Action
We will achieve our vision of equity through:
- College focus
- High expectations
- More time for students
- Small class sizes
- Free access to after-school programs specializing in homework, music, art, and leadership
- Strong family and community involvement, including partnerships with like-minded community organizations
- Recruitment and hiring of outstanding teachers and staff
- Professional development and group collaboration for staffRecognition
TCN's unique environment and achievements have been recognized in several ways:
- Honored as one of only three Oakland schools to receive a California Distinguished School Award in 2008
- Received a Title I Achievement Award for outstanding academic growth and success in narrowing the achievement gap - Recognized by U. S. Congresswoman Barbara Lee for strength of parent involvement
- OUSD Executive Officer Bill Conrad: “This is one of the top 5 schools I have seen in the country. This is a model school.”
- Media features (ABC7, San Francisco Chronicle, Oakland Tribune)Results
Academic Performance Index (API)
- 2005-06: Score increased 109 points, the greatest improvement in the district
- 2006-07: Score rose 61 points to 781, again leading all Oakland Unified elementary schools in growth
- 2008-09: API reached 848, putting TCN among the ranks of high-performing schools across the state. On an API-based "1 to 10" scale, TCN now scores an 8 when compared to all other California schools, and ranks a 10 compared to schools of similar size and demographics.
Language Arts (ELA): 66% at Proficient or Advanced on California Standards Test
Math: 81% at or above grade level
English Language Learners: 66% Proficient or Advanced in ELA, easily exceeding No Child Left Behind requirementsSupport
Government funds alone are not enough to give our students everything they need in order to continue making ambitious strides. TCN relies on private donations to:
- Keep class sizes small
- Give students access to the same resources as children in wealthier communities
- If you'd like to contribute, visit our Support Us page.
THINK COLLEGE NOW ELEMENTARY - 2825 INTERNATIONAL BLVD - OAKLAND CA 94601 - (510) 879-1490
INFO@THINKCOLLEGENOW.ORG WEB SITE QUESTIONS: BENJ@THINKCOLLEGENOW.ORG
