About Us
Our Vision
The students of Ralph J. Bunche Academy are resilient, and it is our vision that they graduate with the skills necessary to access a quality of life focused on their futures. They will obtain the academic skills necessary to flourish in college or develop experiences in a career in the field of culinary, hospitality, tourism, and recreation. Our community will instill a sense of opportunity, balance, and support through restorative justice, case management, and therapeutic services in order to address students' health and sustain their well being, in perpetuity.
Our Mission
Ralph J. Bunche students will...
... commit to building ongoing healthy, meaningful and personal relationships with students, staff, family members, and community partners to support a student’s sense of identity, personal belief in themselves, building agency to include goal setting, reflecting and internalizing self efficacy;
… engage in academic endeavors that support the “whole child,” build confidence through challenge in their academic abilities, and develop skills through project based learning that spark a passion for learning:
… leave feeling confident in their post-graduation plan with experiences of exploring careers, college, and other areas of interest.
Contact Us
991 14th Street, Building A
Oakland, CA 94607
Welcome to Ralph J. Bunche Academy!
At Ralph J. Bunche Academy, the future is now!
We are a small, tight-knit continuation high school in West Oakland dedicated to helping students build strong academic skills through high-quality instruction and social-emotional support.
Our Hospitality, Tourism, and Recreation (HTR) pathway allows scholars to explore careers in Culinary Arts and Hospitality. Senior students participate in a Graduate Writing Seminar, where they research a social justice issue connected to the HTR or culinary field. We also connect scholars to Work-Based Learning opportunities, helping them explore real-world careers and pathways beyond high school.
Our vision and curriculum emphasize social-emotional learning, academic rigor, and future planning. We believe that through strong relationships, perseverance, and consistency, our students can thrive. With the support of our scholars, families, and community partners, we continue to create the change we wish to see in the world.
Ralph J. Bunche Academy may be small, but we are mighty—home to remarkable scholars with diverse talents and experiences. We’re excited to be part of your journey as you complete your high school career.
An Oakland Unified School District School
The Oakland Unified School District is a Sanctuary District and Ralph J. Bunche Academy is a Sanctuary School. On January 18, 2017 the OUSD Board of Education unanimously passed a Sanctuary District Resolution. You can read the full resolution on the OUSD website.
Transforming Secondary Education into an Engaging Experience
Smaller Class Sizes
Shorter Day Schedules
Supported Employment Program
Hospitality, Tourism, and Recreation Pathway
What Makes RJB Stand Out?
Bunche is an Alternative Education Center that supports students toward high school graduation by educating the whole student to engage in social-emotional development, academic challenge, and goal setting to cultivate a better quality of life.
- Smaller class sizes, averaging around 15 students a class
- Hospitality, Tourism, Recreation Pathway
- Post Graduation Planning
- Arts and Community Engagement offerings
- Students Assigned Advisors
- Special Education Resources
- Therapeutic Services
- Supported Employment Program
- Shorter day schedule to accommodate students who have other responsibilities
Rigorous Academics
Rigorous academics prepare students to take credit-bearing college-level courses and be university admissible upon graduation from high school, maximize articulation between high school and postsecondary programs of study, and facilitate and accelerate the completion of postsecondary credentials, certificates, and degrees.
Career Technical Education
Career Technical Education (CTE) courses deliver concrete knowledge and skills through a carefully structured sequence of courses by exposing students to California's major industries.
Work-Based Learning
Work-based learning engages students more fully and intentionally, promoting their exposure and access to future educational & career opportunities. These experiences help students increase their knowledge of careers and develop skills that will be transferable to their future careers.
Comprehensive Support Services
Comprehensive Student Support Services include College & Career Readiness and Counseling Services. These services are fundamental to the pathway experience and critical for ensuring students succeed in challenging academic and technical coursework.