Melrose Leadership Academy
5328 Brann St.
Oakland, CA 94619 (Map & Directions)
510-879-1530
Moyra Contreras, Principal
moyra.contreras@ousd.k12.ca.us
http://melroseleadership.ousd.k12.ca.us/
Melrose Leadership Academy is a member of the OSF After-School Collaborative Program.
MLA in the News!
Melrose Leadership Academy's dual immersion program was highlighted in a recent Oakland Tribune article, "Bilingual Programs Gaining Popularity in East Bay Schools." Click here to read the piece!
MLA on the Web!
Check out an audio slide show chronicling MLA's tree-planting project on Cesar Chavez Day. Read blog updates from MLA's garden here!
Listen to a podcast about MLA's Farmer's Market:
MLA Newsletter: The Melrose Messenger
• Winter 2009
• Summer 2009
Melrose Leadership Academy (MLA), located in East Oakland, was founded in September of 2001 in response to the community’s need for a school where students are respected, challenged academically and develop the leadership qualities necessary to actively participate in the transformation of their community. We serve 200 students of color; 94% of our students qualify for a free or reduced-price lunch, 92% are Latino, 3% African American, 3% Asian. The majority of our families are new immigrants.
We believe that education should build confidence, integrity, limitless imagination and should promote social justice. It is our goal to prepare every MLA Student for a rigorous, college track high school education. We prepare students by emphasizing our Habits of Heart and Mind which are: Respect, Compassion and Kindness, Organization and Preparedness, Cooperation and Collaboration, Reflection, Curiosity and Joy of Learning, Leadership, Service and Persistence.
What makes MLA Unique
• Longer school day that includes arts, athletics, homework help and academic intervention for all MLA students. Classes include visual arts, drama, spoken word, dance, digital music, capoeira, algebra support and reading intervention.
• EXPO presentations twice a year, attended by over 95% of parents
• Individualized support for students in academics and social-emotional support
• High levels of Parent engagement including a parent-published newsletter
• 8th grade Portfolio Presentations; a promotion requirement
• Teacher collaboration; four hours per week
Results:
• Highest overall academic gains of any Oakland middle school in 2004-2005
• Best attendance rate of any middle school in Oakland
• All students demonstrating skills in arts, athletics and academics
Additional funds are used to pay for:
• extended day instructors that provide classes from 2:00-6:00 p.m. daily
• Study tours to Universities and Yosemite National Park
• Parent liaison salary
• Equipment and materials for music, arts and dance classes
Current Funding Priorities:
• Family Resource Center Coordinator
• Counselor
• Additional money to fully fund our extended day program
Our fundraising target for 2008-09 is $200,000.