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Oakes Children's Center

The Oakes Children's Center for their own autistic children over 40 years ago.

In 1962, there was no community-based educational program available for autistic children.

The only option at that time for these six pairs of parents was to institutionalize their own children.

These parents wanted a specially designed program that would provide an education for their children within a therapeutic context. They met with local mental health professionals, developed a program and obtained a grant.

Much of the clinical staff volunteered and parents worked part time without pay in the classrooms.

The program became increasingly professionalized and over the years developed into a successful school that serves children with severe emotional and developmental disabilities.

Today, Oakes Children's Center continues to help developmentally delayed and emotionally disturbed children develop the independence and self-awareness necessary to live and continue learning in the least restrictive setting possible within their local community.

The mission of Oakes Children's Center is to help developmentally delayed and emotionally disturbed children develop the independence and self-awareness necessary to live and continue learning in the least restrictive setting possible within their local community.

We provide a very high teacher-to-student ratio and complete educational services, including: individualized curriculum planning, speech and language therapy, computer training, life skills, specialized reading instruction and swimming.

Quick Facts (2025-26)

School Type: Special Education School
Grades: 3-8
Enrollment: 13 students
Application Deadline: None / Rolling
Source: Verified school update

School Overview

School Type

Special Education School

School Membership(s)School Assoc.

Other school association(s)

Religious Affiliation

Nonsectarian

Grades Offered

Grades 3-8

Student Body

Total Students

13 students

Student Body Type

Co-ed

% Students of Color

83%

State avg.: 51%

Students by Grade

Oakes Children's Center Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers

3 teachers

Student-Teacher Ratio

4:1

National avg.: 13:1

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline

None / Rolling

School Notes

The Oakes Children's Center for their own autistic children over 40 years ago. In 1962, there was no community-based educational program available for autistic children. The only option at that time for these six pairs of parents was to institutionalize their own children. These parents wanted a specially designed program that would provide an education for their children within a therapeutic context. They met with local mental health professionals, developed a program and obtained a grant. Much of the clinical staff volunteered and parents worked part time without pay in the classrooms. The program became increasingly professionalized and over the years developed into a successful school that serves children with severe emotional and developmental disabilities. Today, Oakes Children's Center continues to help developmentally delayed and emotionally disturbed children develop the independence and self-awareness necessary to live and continue learning in the least restrictive setting possible within their local community. The mission of Oakes Children's Center is to help developmentally delayed and emotionally disturbed children develop the independence and self-awareness necessary to live and continue learning in the least restrictive setting possible within their local community. We provide a very high teacher-to-student ratio and complete educational services, including: individualized curriculum planning, speech and language therapy, computer training, life skills, specialized reading instruction and swimming.

Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- -

Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are famous alumni from Oakes Children's Center?

Oakes Children's Center famous alumni include: .

When is the application deadline for Oakes Children's Center?

The application deadline for Oakes Children's Center is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).

In what neighborhood is Oakes Children's Center located?

Oakes Children's Center is located in the Bernal Heights neighborhood of San Francisco, CA. There are 1 other private schools located in Bernal Heights.

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Quick Facts (2025-26)

School Type: Special Education School
Grades: 3-8
Enrollment: 13 students
Application Deadline: None / Rolling
Source: Verified school update

Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in San Francisco, CA is $24,303 for elementary schools and $39,692 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).

The average acceptance rate in San Francisco, CA is 58% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).