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TK-8th Grade Public School Fruitvale is our home. Since 1912.

Welcome to Lazear Charter Academy

Lazear is a free public TK–8 charter school in the Fruitvale neighborhood of Oakland. We proudly serve students from ages 4 to 13 and are part of the Education for Change Public Schools network. Here, we prepare students for high school and beyond — not only with strong academics, but with the confidence, empathy, and leadership to navigate life and make change.

At Lazear, we believe in the power of education to dismantle systems of inequity and uplift our community.
Explore the heart of who we are — and what your family can be part of.

Mission & Guiding Beliefs

At Lazear, students grow as critical thinkers, problem-solvers, and compassionate leaders. Learn how our values — Ganas, Responsibility, Empathy, and Team — shape everything we do.

Explore Our Mission & Guiding Beliefs→

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We Rise Together

Families are essential partners in student success. Discover how Lazear builds deep relationships, shared ownership, and joyful traditions that strengthen our whole community.

Get Involved →

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A Free TK-8 Charter School for All

We welcome students from Oakland and surrounding areas. Applying is easy — and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Learn How to Enroll →

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See Lazear in Action

From project-based learning to community celebrations, hear how students, staff, and families experience learning and leadership every day on our campus.

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Who We Are: Our Values

Ganas

We set goals and persevere through challenges and failure to see success academically and personally. 

Two young girls, one with short dark hair and the other with longer dark hair, are sitting at a table and smiling at each other. The background appears to be a classroom or educational setting, with colorful walls and what looks like art supplies or learning materials on the table.

Responsibility

We take ownership over our own actions, learning and personal success. We advocate for what we need to be successful and come prepared. We try to understand and engage in the world around us and take initiative to support the wellbeing of everyone in our community. 

A woman is assisting two young girls as they read a book together in what appears to be a classroom or educational setting, with colorful decorations and shelves visible in the background.
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Empathy

When encountering a new or challenging situation, we are able to put ourselves in someone else’s shoes, understand their perspective, and take that into consideration in our interactions with others. We feel what others feel. 

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Team

We only succeed when we all succeed. We support and care for all members of our community and work in true partnership with families and community members. We come together to joyously celebrate traditions and moments of triumph, and to discuss our collective responsibility for hard realities. 

Start your journey...

APPLY TODAY