Oakland Military Institute
Oakland, CA
"Age Quod Agis"
The Verdict
Oakland Military Institute (OMI) stands as a pioneering educational experiment in American public education—the first charter school sponsored by the State of California Military Department and the first public military school partnered with the National Guard. Founded in 2001 after a hard-fought two-year campaign led by then-Oakland Mayor Jerry Brown, OMI was born from his vision to bring structured discipline to underserved Oakland youth.
The school's iconic logo features the California grizzly bear with the red star from the California Bear Flag, personally selected by Jerry Brown, along with the Latin motto "Age Quod Agis"—"Do well whatever you do."
About
Oakland Military Institute is a tuition-free public charter school in Oakland, California, serving grades 6-12 in partnership with the California National Guard.
Admissions & Selectivity
Admissions Philosophy
open
Key Requirements
- Complete online enrollment application
- Attend mandatory orientation session (virtual tour and Q&A)
- Student interview with admissions staff
- Birth certificate
- Current immunization records
- Most recent report card or transcripts
- IEP or 504 plan documentation (if applicable)
- Successfully complete seven-day entrance camp (four or fewer demerits)
Location
Campus & Facilities
Campus Size
Urban campus
Housing
N/A
Enrollment
480
Student:Teacher
15:1
Campus Life
Daily Schedule
As a day school, OMI cadets arrive each morning for formation and uniform inspection. The academic day follows a structured bell schedule with classes in language arts, mathematics, science, and history, complemented by world languages, fine arts, leadership, and physical fitness training. All students participate in an elective leadership class every year where they are assigned to a Company—a large group they remain part of throughout their years at the school. California National Guard and California State Guard military staff mentor cadets within their Companies, developing discipline, character, and leadership skills. After-school athletics and activities extend the structured day, with middle school teams competing in the M.S.S.L. and high school teams in the Bay Counties League.
Discipline Model
OMI operates under the California Cadet Corps (CACC) discipline model, with military staff comprised of California National Guard and California State Guard members. The teaching staff are employees of Oakland Unified School District, creating a unique dual-staffing structure. The school's Four Pillars—Academics, Leadership, Citizenship, and Athletics—guide all aspects of cadet development. Using a military framework, OMI builds self-discipline and accountability while preparing cadets for college success. The entrance camp serves as an initiation into cadet life, requiring students to earn four or fewer demerits during a seven-day trial period to successfully join the Corps of Cadets.
Academics & Outcomes
College Matriculation
80%
Where Graduates Go
OMI graduates have earned appointments to the United States Military Academy at West Point and other prestigious institutions. Alumni can be found at several University of California campuses and beyond, including Yale University. The school's rigorous seven-year college preparatory program, offered in partnership with the California National Guard and CACC, prepares cadets to qualify for and succeed at leading colleges and universities. Approximately 58 percent of students take and qualify for Advanced Placement courses.
Hall of Fame
Class of 2007 Pioneers
The first graduating class of 61 seniors, with 80% accepted to four-year colleges and universities; 22 were continuously enrolled since 7th grade
Athletics & Physical Training
Varsity Sports
Mandatory PT
Physical fitness training is a core component of the OMI curriculum, integrated into the daily schedule as part of the Four Pillars philosophy emphasizing Athletics alongside Academics, Leadership, and Citizenship.
Facilities
OMI maintains a partnership with Coast Guard Island in Alameda, established in October 2010, which serves as the home venue for high school soccer, volleyball, basketball, and softball. Additional practice and game facilities include the College of Alameda, Marcus Foster Gymnasium, and Bushrod Recreation Center. The campus expanded in August 2012 with a 15,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility housing 6th grade classrooms, science labs, music and art classes, and a library with computer lab and virtual learning center.
External Ratings
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Official Federal Data Sources
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Guides & Resources
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