I hope to show Then and Now images of Oakland Schools in this series of posts. Along with a bit of the history of each school, I highlight. Some photos are in the form of drawings or postcards or from the pages of history books.
Note: Piecing together the history of some of the older schools is sometimes tricky. I do this all at home and online — a work in progress for some. I have been updating my posts when I find something new. Let me know of any mistakes or additions.
Updated December 26, 2023
E. Morris Cox School (Elmhurst Annex)
The new Elmhurst Annex Elementary School was completed in Oct 1926. Howard Schroeder designed the Italian Renaissance-style building. The new school contained thirteen classrooms, a kindergarten, and an assembly hall. It cost $140,000 to build. The school is located at 98th Avenue and Sunnyside Street.
Renamed
The Elmhurst Annex school was renamed to honor E. Morris Cox, who died in 1925. Cox was the Assistant Superintendent of Schools.
In 1960 a new building was added to the school.
Located at 9860 Sunnyside Street
- E.Morris Cox School Dedicated – Oakland Tribune November 10, 1926
- Cox Academy Website – OUSD
Garfield School
Garfield Grammar School opened in March of 1887 with two seventh and eighth classes. The teachers will be Miss Murray and Miss Ellen Gibbs.
The school was named after the 20th U.S. President, James A. Garfield, who was assassinated in 1881.
The school was designed by John & T.D. Newsom (Newsom Brothers)
In 1910 Miss Ellen Gibbs retired after 16 years as the principal of Garfield Grammar School.
Harry Courtright | Commercial Photo View
Fire
In 1926 a suspected arson fire destroyed the school built in the 1890s. The school was a combined elementary and junior high. This was the fourth school to be destroyed by fire in nine months.
- 2 Arsonist Hunted for School Fire – Oakland Tribune September 11, 1924
New School Built
The school board approved a new Tudor-style building. Miller and Warnecke designed the new three-building with 26 classrooms.
A cornerstone for the new school was laid in Sept of 1926.
1959
Bids were open to build a new school on the present site.
Located at 1640 22nd Avenue, Oakland, CA, 94606
- President J A Garfield – White House
- Newsom Brothers Architects of Garfield – Oakland Tribune April 16, 1887
- East Oakland to Honor Miss Gibbs – SF Call September 10, 1910
- New Garfield Junior High Dedicated – Oakland Tribune January 17, 1927
- Suit Filed for New SIte – Oakland Tribune May 22, 1958
- Garfield’s Website – OUSD
Jefferson School
John J Donovan and Washington J Miller designed Jefferson School. The school was built in 1912.
By John Joseph Donovan 1921
By John Joseph Donovan 1921
In 1959 bids were open to build a new school at the same site. The demolition of the old building was in 1960.
Dedication ceremonies were held in January 1961 for the new $560,000 school. Jefferson was the 31st project to be dedicated of the 51 proposed in the 1956 school bond issue.
It is now the Global Family Elementary, a TK – 5th-grade dual immersion school located in the East Oakland-Fruitvale corridor near Foothill Avenue. Our dedicated staff prepares students to be bilingual and bi-literate to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
- John J. Donovan – about
- Artistic Schools – Oakland Tribune August 22, 1915
- Bids on New School – Oakland Tribune May 27, 1959
- Dedication of New School – Oakland Tribune January 25, 1961
- About Global Family – OUSD finder
Lazear School
Lazear School, designated initially as the Park and Division School, was built in 1913-1914. The school cost $75 595. Fred Voorhees was the Architect.
The school was named after Dr. Jesse Lazear, an American physician and commission member that proved that a mosquito transmits the infectious agent of yellow fever.
New School
In 1959 a new school with 12 classrooms, a kindergarten, a library, and offices was built to replace the old one. The new school cost $162,456.
824 29th Avenue, Oakland, CA, 94601
It is now Lazear Charter Academy
- Park and Division School Architect – Oakland Tribune April 02, 1912
- Lazear School Dedicated – Oakland Tribune August 15, 1959
- Lazear Charter Academy – about
The End
Updated October 21, 2023
Dorothy, Your diligent work of history is very much appreciated. Although many of the Oakland schools were very distant from my life, I still find reading about them quite interesting. Thank you for all your sharing with us. Nan Rewoldt Greig
Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone
Thank you for your kind words. I enjoy doing this so much. Mote to come.
I attended Elizabeth Sherman School in the 50’s. Part of it was condemned & I had to walk 3 miles to Maxwell Park for 6th grade. Do you have pictures of Sherman? Great memories!! I lived on Wyman Street right behind the school!!
I think I might have seen pictures of Sherman or have seen some. Is it on Brann Street? I will check.