Beth Rhine, Principal
Nicole Radlow & Wendy Ghorai, PTA Co-Presidents

Mission, Vision and Values • School History

Welcome to Crocker Highlands Elementary School! There are three things that make Crocker Highlands such a special place. First, we have great kids!Second, we have an outstanding principal and teachers dedicated to bringing out the best in our children. Third, we have incredible involvement and support from our parents.

Crocker has a well rounded curriculum focusing on meeting the needs of a diverse population. The school currently enrolls approximately 350 children in kindergarten through fifth grade, with three classes each for kindergarten through 3rd grade, two classes each for 4th and 5th grades, and one special education class. In addition to regular classroom activities, our students also participate in art, computer, p.e., and vocal music classes.

Vision The vision of Crocker Highlands is to cultivate a vibrant learning community where all children achieve their full academic potential, develop a love of learning, discover their unique gifts and talents, and become thoughtful participants in school and community.  Our learning focus is on the 21st Century skills of creativity, collaboration, communication and critical thinking. Mission Crocker Highlands Elementary School strives to become a world-class public school, dedicated to achieving equitable outcomes for all students by providing a rich learning experience that promotes academic excellence, inspires personal and social responsibility, acknowledges and supports diverse styles of learning, and fosters enthusiasm for learning. Values Teachers, staff, students, parents and community members collaborate to guarantee that our children are given the tools they need to manifest their individual and collective brilliance. We strive to ensure that our students: Commit to academic and personal excellence Engage in a variety of in-depth learning experiences Develop critical and creative thinking Possess social, emotional and physical well-being Demonstrate respect for themselves and others Participate in a safe and supportive environment Experience learning through activities that provide enjoyment

School History

First Graduating Class 1928

Crocker Highlands Schools first opened its doors on August 24, 1925. It was located in the Crocker district of Oakland, California on property originally belonging to the Crocker family. The original building was financed by a 1924 bond issue and contained five classrooms at a construction cost of $50,000. the total enrollment, in 1925, was 407 students with a faculty of twelve. The first principal was Bernice Baxter. The colorful combination of green and gold was selected at the school colors. The cougar was chosen as its mascot.

To accomodate the increased enrollment, thirteen rooms were added at a cost of $125,000 in 1930. The building was constructed in 1935 with another addition being built in 1937. Crocker Highlands was the only school to house a branch of the public library in the 1940s. Many of the books were donated by the P.T.A.The last seventh grade class graduated in 1950.
The last revonation to the school took place in 1976, when the school was renovated for earthquake safety. This two story with a basement level structure houses 10 classrooms, 2 special education rooms, a multipurpose room, a library/resource center, music room, teachers’ lounge, computer lab, kitchen, storage and custodial rooms. The structure has the capacity for 420 students.

Today, Crocker serves over 400 students from grades kdg. through fifth and offers a wide range of services and support activities to its students.

**Material for above from The Dedication of Crocker Highlands School, 1978.