Spectrum Center Programs was founded in 1975 by Ernie Wing and Mary Lessa, two young teachers who had a vision for creating a school based upon the principals of behavior analysis and a belief that they could make a difference in the lives of children.
Their first “school” was started in the humblest of locations, a “classroom” located in a garage in downtown Oakland.
Spectrum Center Schools has been a leader in providing special education services to the San Francisco Bay Area since 1975.
Our program was founded as an alternative for students whose disabilities prevented them from attending public school.
Quick Facts (2026)
- School Type: Special Education School
- Grades: 2-12
- Enrollment: 39 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Top Rankings
Spectrum Center ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
School Overview
School Type
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 2-12
Last Day of School
Mon. May 25, 2026
Student Body
Total Students
39 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
93%
State avg.: 51%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
4 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
10:1
National avg.:
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Application URL
School Notes
- School Motto: A successful future starts with Spectrum Schools and Programs
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the application deadline for Spectrum Center?
The application deadline for Spectrum Center is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
In what neighborhood is Spectrum Center located?
Spectrum Center is located in the Frick neighborhood of Oakland, CA. There are 1 other private schools located in Frick.
Related Schools
Show me:
People that viewed Spectrum Center also viewed these schools: Fred Finch-oakland Hills Academy, Seneca Family Of Agencies James Baldwin Academy, Stars High School, The Phillips Academy and The Springstone School.
The nearest high school to Spectrum Center is Bishop Odowd High School (2.0 miles away)
The nearest elementary school is Sts.cyril-louis Bertrand Academy (0.1 miles away)
The nearest preschool is Dr Herbert Guice Christian Academy (0.9 miles away)
Show me:
Show me:
School
Location
Miles
Quick Facts
Fred Finch-oakland Hills Academy
Special Education School
3800 Coolidge Ave
Oakland, CA 94602
(510) 529-9478
Oakland, CA 94602
(510) 529-9478
2.3 miles
Gr: 6-12 | 12 students
Seneca Family Of Agencies James Baldwin Academy
Special Education School
2275 Arlington Dr
San Leandro, CA 94578
(510) 481-1222
San Leandro, CA 94578
(510) 481-1222
5.9 miles
Gr: 5-12 | 64 students
Stars High School
Special Education School
545 Estudillo Ave
San Leandro, CA 94577
(510) 924-4158
San Leandro, CA 94577
(510) 924-4158
3.7 miles
Gr: 10-12 | 9 students
1910 Central Ave
Alameda, CA 94501
(510) 769-7100
Alameda, CA 94501
(510) 769-7100
3.9 miles
Gr: 6-12 | 56 students Tuition & acceptance rate listed
The Springstone School ![The Springstone School Photo - The Springstone School Main Hall.]( "The Springstone School Photo - The Springstone School Main Hall.")
Special Education School
1035 Carol Ln
Lafayette, CA 94549
(925) 962-9660
Lafayette, CA 94549
(925) 962-9660
9.3 miles
Gr: 6-12 | 56 students Tuition listed
School Reviews
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