Think College Now Elementary

2825 International Blvd.
Oakland, CA 94601 (Map & Directions)
510-532-5500
Jose Ruben Olivares, Principal
ruben@thinkcollegenow.org
www.thinkcollegenow.org

Think College Now is a member of OSF's Family Engagement and Leadership Initiative and a member of its After-School Collaborative Program.

Juntos, Si Se Puede. Together, Yes We Can.
Think College Now was founded on the principle that all students should have an equitable opportunity to attend college and pursue their dreams. In September of 2003, David Silver and a core of committed parents realized their goal of opening a community based elementary school that revolved around college focus, high expectations, more time for students, increased family involvement, and widespread community partnerships. These values have ensured that educational equity, universal respect, shared responsibility, self-reflection, college focus, and “ganas” (dedication) comprise the foundation of our school-wide vision. Our student body is 73% Latino, 20% African-American, and 7% Asian-American; 90% receive subsidized or reduced price lunches. All kindergarten through fifth grade classrooms are located inside the Cesar Chavez Education Center at the heart of Oakland’s diverse Fruitvale neighborhood.

School Program

Our school has progressed with the help of the Oakland Small Schools Foundation, Oakland Community Organizations, the Oakland Unified School District and the Bay Area Coalition for Equitable Schools. Think College Now has partnered with Strategic Schooling to create a proactive model of academic enrichment that provides teachers with professional development opportunities, weekly group collaboration periods, and the opportunity to observe successful classrooms as far away as Los Angeles.

Our students enjoy:

• diverse academic opportunity
• small-class sizes
• individualized assistance
• software-based learning comprehension assessment
• free access to after-school classes specializing in homework, music, art and leadership.

These factors combine to foster a singular educational environment so productive that Think College Now has been featured in three major Bay Area news outlets, including recent TV shows or articles on ABC7 (June 21, 2006), San Francisco Chronicle (Aug. 16, 2006), and the Oakland Tribune (Sep. 1, 2006). Barbara Gee (BayCES-Expect Success Project Manger) calls TCN “The best urban school environment that I have seen.” Bill Conrad, Executive Officer-OUSD, Research, Assessment & Equity agrees, stating, “This is one of the top 5 schools I have seen in the country, this is a model school.”

Results

Although the school has only been open for three years, Think College Now has already made dramatic student achievement gains in every subject. Between 2005 and 2006:

• We saw a 20% increase in the number of students at or above grade level proficiency in Mathmatics and English Language Arts on the California Standards Test (CST).
• Over 80% of the students who started TCN in kindergarten are at or above grade level in mathematics as measured by the CST.
• We had greater API growth than any other school in the OUSD – an unprecedented jump of over 100 points (from 609 to 718).

According to annual satisfaction surveys conducted by our Family Resource Center:

• 99% of parents feel positively about having their child at our school.
• 85% of students agreed with the statement “I like school at TCN”.

As proof of our reputation for academic achievement, for 2005-2006:

• Our school received 140 applicants for 40 2005-2006 kindergarten spots.

Support

Think College Now needs private contributions to maintain the small class sizes that allow teachers to focus on individual student needs. Because 90% of our students live at or near the poverty level and will be the first in their families to attend college, we do not have the same resources as schools in wealthier communities. Tax-deductible donations provide books and materials, individualized academic assistance, and after school programming for our young scholars as well as strengthening our college-going family resource center. If we meet our fundraising goal of $350,000 by the end of next year, we will be able to support the needs of our students, teachers and families as they reach towards a college degree. If you are interested in making a contribution today, click the Donate Now button or mail a donation to Think College Now – OSSF, P.O. Box 20238, Oakland, CA 94620. Visit our school website to learn more at www.thinkcollegenow.org. Juntos, Si Se Puede. Together, Yes We Can.

To DONATE NOW - click here and designate “Think College Now”.