Oakland Tech’s 9th grade student body of about 450 students is divided into three Houses: Janus, Neptune and Sol. Each House has approximately 150 students.

Students within each House share a common team of teachers, incorporating California Studies (English/Social Studies), Biology, Math and Computer Science.

The 9th grade House structure is designed to create small, supportive learning communities that nurture a sense of belonging. The freshmen in each House are connected to a select team of caring staff who use research-proven instructional strategies to teach the curriculum, as well as address student needs in a more personal environment. Our 9th grade teachers work collaboratively and are committed to the learning of the students they share.

Freshman Advisory

Each Wednesday in the California/Ethnic Studies are devoted to the Freshmen Seminar, which focuses on developing students’ personal and academic skills while connecting them with the academic and career pathways that will define their next three years in high school. The seminar is led and taught by California/Ethnic Studies teachers with support from counselors, Mr. Price, and the College and Career Center. The seminar will focus on the following topics (partial list):

• Graduation requirements
• Transcript Reviews/4-year plans
• Pathway Information
• Why Academies?
• Pre-Scheduling for Sophomore Year
• Dual Enrollment and Concurrent Enrollment
• College Readiness
• California College Workshops

9th-Graders’ Classes Include

1. California Studies/ English
2. California Studies/ History
3. Biology
4. Math - students are placed in appropriate math class
5. Electives (Art, World Language (Spanish, Chinese, French) - Students are placed at an appropriate level, Computer Science, Leadership).

6. Physical Education

Math placement

New for the 2024-2025 school year: Students who would like to be placed in Geometry during their 9th grade year will take a Algebra 1 Certification Exam, held a couple weeks before the first day of school. Students can visit the IM Algebra 1 Student Materials for practice problems.  For questions contact Courtney Ortega, OUSD Secondary Math Coordinator.

PE requirements

PE is required for all 9th and 10th grade students

School Communications

Families and students can keep on top of the latest news and information at Oakland Tech by signing up for ParentSquare & StudentSquare, subscribing to the Oakland Tech calendar, perusing the official Oakland Tech Instagram feed, and more. Check out the School Communications page!

Boost Peer Tutoring

Boost is a peer tutoring program open to all 9th grade students. It takes place two afternoons a week after school throughout the academic year, and is offered in all four core subjects — Math, Biology, English and History (California Studies). While many students use Boost for extra help, all first-year students are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to do homework in a quiet academic setting with support available whenever needed.

Summer Bridge

Oakland Tech’s 9th-grade Summer Bridge is a 2-week program (2 one week sessions) focused on helping 8th-grade students transition from middle school to high school. Summer Bridge includes a diverse community of students and prepares them to engage actively with and meet the challenges of our large comprehensive high school.

School Policies

Visit the School Policies section to download the Oakland Technical High School Parent Student Handbook and familiarize yourself with the school's expectations.