I grew up in the East Bay, and still visit family there. I keep an eye on the schools, as I toy with the idea of moving back and leaving snow behind forever. I went to the schools in Richmond and had a great experience. (I am white). I wouldn't recommend high schools in Richmond now, as there is little middle class buy-in to the publics there these days, although a few friends have been happy with El Cerrito High in that district.

For schools with diversity and middle class buy in, I'd look at Berkeley High and the magnet program at Oakland Tech. East Bay School of the Arts is also a possibility, if you have an artsy kid. Albany is also good, but less diversity. Lots of decent elementaries in Berkeley. In Oakland, you'd need to be pickier, but they exist. One possible strategy is to just to do private for middle, the most problematic years from a behavioral perspective.

Thanks everyone. Great tips! We have one child currently in Kindergarten. Private may be an option, but not preferable.

Anonymous wrote:I've also heard Alameida schools are ok.

Alameda schools are great. But then you have to drive or take the ferry/bus to get to work. Something to consider.

I've also heard Alameida schools are ok.

Anonymous wrote:We may be relocating to the Bay area. We are interested in exploring Oakland and possibly East Palo Alto as a diverse population, including AA, is important to our multi-racial family. Wondering if anyone knows resources similar to DC Urban moms in those areas that I can use to begin collecting information on neighborhoods and schools (our son is currently in K). Anyone on this forum from that area that has suggestions is greatly appreciated as well.

How old are the kids? Can you afford private school? If not the schools will be a problem also unless you go to high gentrifying areas.
Agree with not going to East Palo Alto.
Stick to Northern, downtown Oakland.
You could try Emeryville.

Agree with the bekeley parents forums as a great resource.

1. Did you mean to post in dcps forum? Seems like an odd place for this
2. there is the http://parents.berkeley.edu/ forum, but it's not anonymous
3. I would not do E. PA if you can afford to avoid it. Not the safest place.
4. Be careful about schools in Oakland - they are hit/miss
5. Maybe try Redwood City.

I hear you about lack of AA in the Bay Area. Unfortunately, those two areas do seem to be the one of the few areas close to SF that have any significant AA population.

We may be relocating to the Bay area. We are interested in exploring Oakland and possibly East Palo Alto as a diverse population, including AA, is important to our multi-racial family. Wondering if anyone knows resources similar to DC Urban moms in those areas that I can use to begin collecting information on neighborhoods and schools (our son is currently in K). Anyone on this forum from that area that has suggestions is greatly appreciated as well.