Tucked into a glen in the Rockridge neighborhood of Oakland, our informal and welcoming campus provides an educational home for a lively and talented community of students and teachers. Conversations that start in the classroom spill over into the courtyard, leading from one insight or question to the next. Our students discover and develop their intellectual and creative voices in an environment where high standards are the norm, and the inquiry spirit is palpable.
College Prep students come to the school from over fifty different middle schools to learn with and from each other. Guided by inspiring teachers and mentors, they create a vibrant community rooted in shared values of kindness, respect, and a willingness to learn from others' perspectives. They care about each other and the broader world in which we live. College Prep's educational results go far beyond impressive college outcomes. Our graduates shine in their intellectual resilience, a deep sense of interconnectedness, and an optimistic appreciation of possibility.
At College Prep, we believe in the foundational importance of scholarship, the value of dialogue, and the need for academically curious young people to belong to a kind, creative, diverse, and joyful community. We challenge our students to engage deeply in learning, appreciate one another, and grow into adults who are intellectually adventurous, ethically sure-footed, and generous of heart and spirit. Guided by Mens Conscia Recti, "a mind aware of what is right," College Prep develops each student's strengths and capacities through an education based on ten core beliefs.
- We value the individuality of our community members and our egalitarian school culture.
- We believe that high expectations, kindled curiosity, and dedicated effort encourages students to discern excellence and strive to do their best.
- We affirm that deep learning requires patience, creativity, reflection, and practice.
- We cultivate an awareness of self and others rooted in respect and empathy and emphasize the importance of taking responsibility for one's impact and actions.
- We work in a collaborative environment that gives young people opportunities to take risks, express themselves, and appreciate others' perspectives and gifts.
- We embrace the variety of backgrounds and life experiences within our community and recognize that the rich expression of diversity is essential to a meaningful education.
- We integrate work and play, helping students recognize the elements of a balanced life.
- We foster an understanding of interdependence and stewardship that starts with care for our open-air Oakland campus and extends to our greater community.
- We prepare students to make a positive difference, encouraging engagement in a full array of school activities and service and learning opportunities in the broader world.
- As teachers and mentors, we dedicate ourselves to our ongoing development, modeling a commitment to learning and growth.
The College Preparatory School admits students of any race, national and ethnic origin, creed, physical ability, economic status, gender identity, or sexual orientation to enjoy all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally made available to students the school. The school applies all legal non-discrimination standards to school-administered programs, administrative practices, and support of all community members.
Each year, we welcome an incoming class that reflects the diversity and the intellectual creativity of the Bay Area. Our students take advantage of the powerful combination of outstanding academics in an atmosphere of consideration, trust, and mutual responsibility. We believe that this makes College Prep a unique learning community where our students are mentored and guided by dedicated and caring faculty.
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