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.
* Internships-OCHS students have an opportunity to intern at the PIXAR Animation Studios in Emeryville. This collaboration is going on its second year and has thus far allowed four OCHS Juniors 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.* We hope to re-start the program in 2010.
*Student Council - OCHS students will have a chance to develop leadership skills by becoming involved in student government. They will learn through the structure of the American political system by running a campaign, giving speeches, creating policies for their school as student representatives.
*Yearbook (Journalism)- 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.
*Rowing (Physical Activity)- Students are introduced to the concept of rowing both individually and as a team. A current stat in Oakland estimates that over 85% of Latinas cannot swim. Together with our partner, Jack London Aquatic Center, we hope to shatter this statistic. Our programs have focused on our female students, but in 2009 the OCHS boys will have the opportunity to participate.
*Rugby(Physical Activity)- While most Oakland youth sports programs focus on the traditional sports such as basketball, baseball and football, OCHS started a rugby team to introduce students to this tough and physical sport as an opportunity to stand out for colleges. Oakland Charter Warthog rugby is entering its third full season and is the sole existing rugby team in the City of Oakland. Practice is held Mondays, Weds, and Fridays 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Brookdale Park (corner of High Street and Brookdale Avenues).
Jose Pena, an OCA Alum, and Warthog Team Captain was accepted to UC Berkeley, and has also been selected to play for the CAL Rugby team who are National Champs. Congratulations to him, and to the Warthogs!
*Chess Club (Strategy)- Students will learn the game and the strategies of chess. OCHS believes that Chess develops a persons ability to analyze, problem solve, and strategize. This program will begin in the spring.
