Enrichment Electives

Enrichment Electives are not A-G approved courses. However, they provide students the space and opportunity to be a part of the OSA community, prepare for the future, and have the chance to earn community service hours. 

Early College Credit (ECC): (elective option for 9th-12th grade)

Early College Credit (ECC) is designed to give you time while on campus at OSA to complete your Community College courses. A week prior to the start of the semester, you must submit the required paperwork in order to have an ECC class period. You will be given a classroom to complete your college course in. 

*Please note that the classroom you will be put into will have another class going on simultaneously (e.g., you will be completing work in a room where another course is being taught to other students). You will not be able to choose which class you are assigned to- it will fully be based on where there is space. Please do not choose this elective option if you think this environment will be too distracting to complete your work.

OSA Student Ambassadors: (elective option for 11th-12th grade)

We are seeking dedicated and responsible 11th and 12th grade students to serve as Student Ambassadors for Ms. Amanda Lacro in the Enrollment and Special Programs Office. This role is ideal for students with strong communication skills and a sense of professionalism. As a Student Ambassador, you will play a key role in supporting the leadership team and representing our school to prospective students and families.

OSA Peer Mentor Leadership Class (elective option for 9th- 10th grade)

This is a year-long class for students who want to build leadership skills and make a real difference at school. With faculty approval, selected students become peer leaders who help support 6th graders as they adjust to middle school.  This class will be taken as part of the regular academic schedule, and will involve working with fellow 9th and 10th graders, as well as weekly groups run with 6th graders.  Students will work with a partner or small team to lead fun, interactive weekly sessions with a group of 6th graders, talking about things like friendships, school success, communication, and making good choices. This course is designed to build confidence and develop important skills like teamwork, problem-solving, goal setting, and leadership. 

*This course includes a two-day, one-night leadership retreat in the fall and requires parent permission 

*Students will be able to earn volunteer credit, and will be able to include this on resumes 

Peer to Peer Artist Educator: (elective option for 11th- 12th grade)

Artists in Residence assist art teachers in middle school classrooms. In exchange for their work, students may earn volunteer hours OR course credits that contribute to their GPA. Depending on the needs of the teacher, students may be responsible for: grading, preparing lesson materials, tidying the room, enforcing classroom rules, reinforcing students' understanding of class material, and providing support to students during work time. As artist educators, students will develop skills that contribute towards their career readiness and act as community role models in the classrooms they're assigned to.

Oakland YMCA Physical Fitness Period (elective option for 11th-12th grade)

The East Bay YMCA is partnering with OSA to give students access to their building on 2350 Broadway. Students who sign up will be given a period in their schedule to use facilities like the youth locker rooms, gym, lap pool, basketball courts and weight rooms. If their schedule lines up, they may also have the opportunity to take in person Zumba, cycling, and Pilates classes. Students who participate will need to complete a mandatory in person orientation and log their hours with YMCA staff. Logged hours will be shared with OSA and converted to non A-G elective credits on transcripts. This is a pass/no pass class. 

Students will be responsible for getting themselves to and from the YMCA throughout the week in a way that allows them to still be on time to all of their OSA classes. They will also need to complete a waiver with their family prior to being allowed into the program. Finally, students who take this class will need to pay a monthly fee to the YMCA; it is $25 a month for students who qualify for Free and Reduced Lunch and $34 a month for those who do not qualify. 

Teacher Aide: (elective option for 9th-12th grade)

Teacher Aides assist teachers and help students find success in the classroom. In exchange for their work, TAs may earn volunteer hours OR course credits that contribute to their GPA. Depending on the needs of the teacher, TAs may be responsible for: grading, preparing lesson materials, tidying the room, enforcing classroom rules, reinforcing students' understanding of class material, and providing support to students during work time. As TAs, students will develop skills that contribute towards their career readiness and act as community role models in the classrooms they're assigned to.

TAs will be required to participate in a training course that will prepare them for their role. Before being assigned to a teacher, TAs will complete a Google Form that asks them their preferred subject and grade level (6-12), which teachers they'd like to work with, and how they'd like to help in the classroom. TAs will be placed with teachers that match their preferences as much as possible.

Work Period: (elective option for 9th-12th grade)

Work Period is designed to give you time while on campus at OSA to complete assignments. This option is only possible if other grad requrirements have been completed and there is room in your schedule. You will be given a classroom to do work with supervision. 

*Please note that the classroom you will be put into will have another class going on simultaneously (e.g., you will be completing work in a room where another course is being taught to other students). You will not be able to choose which class you are assigned to- it will fully be based on where there is space. Please do not choose this elective option if you think this environment will be too distracting to complete your work.