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 Stats (2025)
- School Type: Special Education School
- Grades: 3-8
- Enrollment: 13 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
School Overview
School Type
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
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
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.
Nearby Private Schools
The nearest high school to Oakes Children's Center is Ica Cristo Rey (0.7 miles away)
The nearest elementary school and preschool is Donum Dei Classical Academy (0.0 miles away)
Show me:
School
Location
Miles
Grades
Students
Donum Dei Classical Academy
Special Program Emphasis (Christian)
Grades: NS-8 - miles 1550 Treat Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 874-9631
San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 874-9631
-
NS-8
n/a
Grades: K-8 | 173 students 0.1 miles 299 Precita Ave
San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 648-2008
San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 648-2008
0.1
K-8
173
Grades: K-8 | 183 students 0.4 miles 1266 Florida St
San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 647-8662
San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 647-8662
0.4
K-8
183
Grades: 2-7 | 27 students 0.5 miles 1499 Potrero Ave Ste 1
San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 596-9004
San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 596-9004
0.5
2-7
27
Grades: PK-8 | 185 students 0.5 miles 1387 Valencia St
San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 567-6177
San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 567-6177
0.5
PK-8
185
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