Oakland Charter High School focuses on academics first and foremost. We also acknowledge that students need extracurricular programs that keep them occupied and challenged beyond the classroom. Our programs are based on the simple philosophy of being different. All of the programs offered at OCHS are created to present an opportunity to challenge each student by learning a dicipline that is beyond what most Oakland students will ever be engaged in.

Junior Achievement - Junior Achievement is a program to help prepare young people for the real world by showing them how to generate wealth and effectively manage it, how to create jobs which make their communities more robust, and how to apply entrepreneurial thinking to the workplace.

Internship- OCHS students have an opportunity to intern at the PIXAR Animation Studios in Emeryville. This collaboration is going on its third year and has thus far allowed four OCHS Juniors /seniors to intern at the famous studios.

Orchestra - Students are developing develop an appreciation for the performing arts. They study music fundamentals, notes, and composition. Students are instructed in their individual instruments and perform in groups.

Yearbook - Students work together to compile memorable stories, pictures and experiences that will be recorded and put together in a yearbook. Student participants will also compose and edit articles and editorials for the school program.

Debate- In the Fall of 2010 , OCHS began a Debate Club that may develop into a competitive debate team. The program will offer student an opportunity to sharpen their public speaking abilities, their research skills,and the art of fast talk persuasion.