Intro
Discover the Oakland Military Institute, a premier college preparatory academy shaping leaders of tomorrow. Learn about its rigorous academic programs, leadership development, and character-building activities. Empowering students for success, OMI fosters a culture of discipline, respect, and civic responsibility, preparing them for college and beyond.
The Oakland Military Institute (OMI) is a unique educational institution that has been shaping the leaders of tomorrow since its inception in 2001. Located in Oakland, California, OMI is a public charter school that provides a rigorous academic program, combined with a military-style leadership development curriculum. The institute's mission is to prepare students for success in college, careers, and beyond, while also instilling in them the values of discipline, respect, and responsibility.
For many students, OMI is more than just a school – it's a community, a family, and a launchpad for achieving their dreams. The institute's emphasis on leadership, teamwork, and character development sets it apart from traditional schools, providing students with a comprehensive education that prepares them for the challenges of the 21st century. In this article, we'll delve into the history, mission, and programs of the Oakland Military Institute, and explore what makes it an exceptional educational institution.
History of Oakland Military Institute

The Oakland Military Institute was founded in 2001 by Governor Gray Davis, with the goal of providing a high-quality education to students from low-income families. The institute was designed to be a public charter school, free from the bureaucratic constraints of traditional public schools. This allowed OMI to innovate and experiment with new approaches to education, while still maintaining the highest standards of academic excellence.
Since its inception, OMI has grown from a small school with just 150 students to a thriving institution with over 700 students in grades 6-12. Despite its growth, OMI has remained committed to its core values of leadership, discipline, and community service. Today, the institute is recognized as one of the top-performing schools in the Oakland Unified School District, with a graduation rate of over 90%.
Mission and Values
The Oakland Military Institute is guided by a clear mission and set of values that shape every aspect of its programs and activities. The institute's mission is to "prepare students for success in college, careers, and beyond, while instilling in them the values of discipline, respect, and responsibility."
OMI's values are rooted in its military-style leadership development curriculum, which emphasizes the importance of teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. The institute's values include:
- Leadership: Developing students into leaders who can inspire and motivate others
- Discipline: Fostering a culture of self-discipline and responsibility
- Respect: Promoting respect for oneself, others, and the community
- Community Service: Encouraging students to give back to their community through volunteer work and service projects
- Academic Excellence: Providing a rigorous academic program that prepares students for success in college and beyond
Academic Programs

The Oakland Military Institute offers a comprehensive academic program that includes a range of courses in English, math, science, social studies, and foreign languages. The institute's curriculum is designed to meet the needs of students with diverse learning styles and abilities, with a focus on preparing students for success in college and beyond.
Some of the key features of OMI's academic program include:
- Advanced Placement (AP) courses in subjects such as English, math, and science
- Honors courses in subjects such as history and foreign languages
- A range of elective courses in subjects such as music, art, and physical education
- A STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) program that prepares students for careers in these fields
- A leadership development program that teaches students the skills they need to succeed as leaders
Extracurricular Activities
The Oakland Military Institute offers a range of extracurricular activities that provide students with opportunities to develop new skills, make friends, and give back to their community. Some of the key extracurricular activities offered by OMI include:
- Sports teams in subjects such as football, basketball, and soccer
- Clubs and organizations such as the Debate Team, the Robotics Club, and the Student Council
- Volunteer work and community service projects that allow students to give back to their community
- Leadership development programs that teach students the skills they need to succeed as leaders
Admissions and Enrollment

The Oakland Military Institute is a public charter school, which means that it is free and open to all students who live in the Oakland Unified School District. The institute has a limited number of seats available each year, and admission is based on a lottery system.
To be eligible for admission to OMI, students must meet the following requirements:
- Be a resident of the Oakland Unified School District
- Be entering grades 6-12
- Meet the institute's academic and behavioral standards
Students who are interested in attending OMI must submit an application, which includes providing academic and personal information. The institute also requires students to attend an orientation session and take a placement test to determine their academic level.
Support Services
The Oakland Military Institute provides a range of support services to help students succeed academically and personally. Some of the key support services offered by OMI include:
- Academic counseling and advising
- Tutoring and mentoring programs
- Counseling and therapy services
- Support for students with special needs
- College and career counseling
Conclusion

The Oakland Military Institute is a unique and innovative educational institution that is shaping the leaders of tomorrow. With its emphasis on leadership, discipline, and community service, OMI provides students with a comprehensive education that prepares them for success in college, careers, and beyond.
If you're interested in learning more about the Oakland Military Institute, we encourage you to visit our website or contact us directly. We're always happy to answer questions and provide more information about our programs and services.
FAQs
What is the Oakland Military Institute?
+The Oakland Military Institute is a public charter school that provides a rigorous academic program, combined with a military-style leadership development curriculum.
What are the admission requirements for OMI?
+To be eligible for admission to OMI, students must be a resident of the Oakland Unified School District, be entering grades 6-12, and meet the institute's academic and behavioral standards.
What kind of support services does OMI offer?
+OMI offers a range of support services, including academic counseling and advising, tutoring and mentoring programs, counseling and therapy services, and support for students with special needs.