Skyline High School

A high school in Oakland, CA, focused on real-world readiness

The Titan Way - Respect/Integrity/Excellence

ETWC Report Summary: Skyline High School prepares students not only to be contributing members of their immediate community but also to go forward as productive, problem-solving members of society. The focus on the whole student throughout their high school years will create young adults prepared for what awaits each of them after high school. It was a privilege to visit and evaluate this beautiful whole child school.

The first distinctive element is the three-year College and Career Pathways. After a freshman yea in which students explore career interests and develop skills applicable to any field, in the sophomore year they choose one of three pathways. These are: the Green Energy Pathway, the Education & Community Health Pathway, and the Arts, Entertainment and Design Pathway. In their junior year, students can participate in summer internships related to their area of study through partnerships with the local community.

The second distinctive element is the Senior Capstone presentations, which begin in the fall of students’ senior year with the selection of an action research project aligned with their chosen pathway. Student research is presented to fellow students, to a panel of teachers, and to members of the community. Skyline emphasizes project-based learning and participatory action research, and the senior capstone project is the culmination of their year-long senior project. The presentations reflect a thorough knowledge of the research process, as well as content knowledge of the chosen topic.

The third distinctive element is the school’s dual enrollment program and student internships. Skyline students are offered Advanced Placement courses and can participate in dual enrollment to earn college credits during high school. They can also experience mentorships, paid internships, and visits to both industry sites and colleges. Students are offered paid internships at businesses related to their chosen pathway, helping them connect classroom learning to projects that help the local community. Mentors from professions represented in the school’s Pathways program provide guidance as students explore future career paths.

A fourth distinctive element is how the school functions as a true community service school.

The campus houses the One Land One People (OLOP) Youth Center where students can study, finish assignments, or access technology resources, or participate in one of many after-school programs. The campus houses the Seven Generations Health Center, a school-based community health clinic operated in partnership with the Native American Health Center, which removes access barriers for students, providing routine medical care, behavioral health care, and assistance with enrolling in health insurance. Skyline students can visit the Health Center outside of school hours or during class with a pass from their teacher.

Contact to request the full report: tomprnny@gmail.com