Curriculum
As an Oakland public school, Peralta’s curriculum framework is based on state standards and district-wide core programs — which our talented and creative teachers adapt to the needs of their students. As an Alameda County Arts Anchor School, Peralta’s teachers and specialists strive to integrate the arts into all aspects of the curriculum. Peralta also pioneered Second Step, a social skills and conflict resolution program now required at all Oakland public schools.
Enrichment
Every week, Peralta’s students enjoy a range of enrichment programs: Art, Garden, Library, Physical Education, Technology & Vocal Music. Many of these are supported by parent by the Peralta Parent Teacher Group (PPTG) through fundraising, supplemented by public and private grants raised by parents and staff. Peralta has also developed several partnerships with Bay Area arts institutions. These supplemental programs are offered in class during school hours and would not be possible without the generous support of donors to the annual Peralta Fund and other fundraising activities.
Art
Peralta’s grant-funded arts program, woven throughout the curriculum, is the heart and soul of our school. It includes three main elements: weekly art instruction, after-school classes like the ongoing mural project with artist Jamie Morgan (read more), and the integrated school-wide Peralta Stewardship Project that cuts across the curriculum. We are lucky to have two grant-funded artists-in-residence, whose teaching goes far beyond paper, scissors and glue (though they use plenty of that, too!). Read more about the Peralta Stewardship Project in the November 2010 Rockridge News.
Garden Program
At Peralta, we teach students about a full range of environmental issues, whether it be solar energy (in conjunction with our photovoltaic panels from PG&E), waste reduction through the “Green Team” recycling and compost programs in the lunchroom, or nutrition. All of these programs build on each other, teaching our students to be stewards of their environment. The gardens are a fundamental part of their Peralta experience.
Students maintain raised beds designated to their particular classrooms, harvesting the produce and eating it! Many children find that the same vegetables they reject on the dinner table taste delicious when they’ve grown them themselves. They also participate actively with their families in monthly garden work days and in watering the gardens. Finally, they have been involved in the design of all of the school’s garden areas, which we believe gives them ownership and also a sense of responsibility to protect and nurture the gardens.
Garden Days
Over the past two decades, the Peralta staff and community have been working to make the school a green oasis in the neighborhood. Many tons of asphalt have been removed and replaced with edible gardens, a small amphitheater, a kindergarten play area, and a California natives garden. Our gardens are teaching tools, helping students to learn about healthy eating, science, and stewardship of our land and our community.
Once a month Peralta families get together to tend to the gardens; sometimes planting a tree, sometimes weeding or raking, or pruning. Sometimes just getting to know the other parents a little better, or spending time with those parents you never have time to see. These monthly work days build community and give students a feeling of ownership and responsibility for their school. Our gardens have been held up as local and regional models.
Whether you can join for the whole morning or just half an hour for a cup of coffee, you are encouraged to stop by. The garden day schedule is listed on the school calendar and reminders will be sent through Konstella.
Check out the Garden Committee’s Instagram!
Last Updated: 11/2/2025