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Environmental Science Academy (ESA)

Welcome to ESA!  Our pathway was founded over 20 years ago, but has never been more necessary or relevant.  Global climate change is impacting every part of our lives, and ESA aims to do our part to mitigate climate change, combat environmental racism, and create a more just and environmentally sustainable future.

The Environmental Science Academy provides students with hands-on experience in the fields of Environmental Science, Marine Biology, Engineering, Medicine, and Humanities.

Experiential learning opportunities include field work to monitor water quality at Lake Merritt, study tours exploring Catalina Island, and work-place learning partnerships with East Bay MUD and SunPower.

In classes, students engage in scientific analysis, inquiry, and service with an emphasis on real-world experiences. We are committed to building authentic academics in the form of rich, project-based learning units which combine historical thinking, critical reading and writing, and the scientific method.

  • The Environmental Science Academy (ESA) is a California Partnership Academy. As part of a smaller learning community within the comprehensive high school, our students follow a common academic program that emphasizes academics and careers in environmental science.
  • A student-operated field station at Lake Merritt provides focus and incentive for learning the principles and practice of environmental stewardship. We take students out into the environment for study, community service and enjoyment of our natural surroundings.
  • The Academy works with business and governmental agencies to align our curriculum with the requirements of colleges and the workplace. We are part of the California Community Colleges SB70 Environmental Career Preparation Program.
ESA students marching at the Global Climate Strike.
female student sitting down working on a computer project