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Spectrum Center

6325 Camden St
Oakland, CA 94605

www.spectrumschools.com

Spectrum Center Programs was founded in 1975 by Ernie Wing and Mary Lessa, two young teachers who had a vision for creating a school based upon the principals of behavior analysis and a belief that they could make a difference in the lives of children.

Their first “school” was started in the humblest of locations, a “classroom” located in a garage in downtown Oakland.

Spectrum Center Schools has been a leader in providing special education services to the San Francisco Bay Area since 1975.

Our program was founded as an alternative for students whose disabilities prevented them from attending public school.

Quick Facts (2025-26)

School Type: Special Education School
Grades: 2-12
Enrollment: 39 students
Application Deadline: None / Rolling
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)

Top Rankings

Spectrum Center ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for:

School Overview

School Type

Special Education School

School Membership(s)School Assoc.

Other associations(s) for exceptional children
Other school association(s)

Religious Affiliation

Nonsectarian

Grades Offered

Grades 2-12

Last Day of School

Mon. May 25, 2026

Student Body

Total Students

39 students

Student Body Type

Co-ed

% Students of Color

93%

State avg.: 51%

Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers

4 teachers

Student-Teacher Ratio

10:1

National avg.: 13:1

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline

None / Rolling

Application URL

Online Application

School Notes

School Motto: A successful future starts with Spectrum Schools and Programs

Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)

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Frequently Asked Questions

When is the application deadline for Spectrum Center?

The application deadline for Spectrum Center is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).

In what neighborhood is Spectrum Center located?

Spectrum Center is located in the Frick neighborhood of Oakland, CA. There are 1 other private schools located in Frick.

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Quick Facts (2025-26)

School Type: Special Education School
Grades: 2-12
Enrollment: 39 students
Application Deadline: None / Rolling
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Oakland, CA is $23,756 for elementary schools and $23,712 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).

The average acceptance rate in Oakland, CA is 78% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).