Garfield Elementary School in Oakland, California is a vibrant elementary school bathed in golden sunshine and community warmth. More than just a place of learning, it serves as a cultural hub for neighborhood events and festive celebrations. When visiting Oakland, take a stroll past this charming school to soak up the small-town Americana vibe and its passionate educational spirit.




















Everything you need to know about Garfield Elementary School
Built in 1926, the school exemplifies Neoclassical architecture with its red brick facade and stone columns. It's listed on Oakland's Local Historic Resources inventory and reflects Progressive Era educational design principles.
As an active public school, visits require advance authorization from the administration. The Oakland Unified School District occasionally organizes heritage tours showcasing its historic auditorium and original 1920s architectural details.
Combine your visit with Lake Merritt (3 blocks away), America's first official wildlife refuge. The Oakland Museum of California (15-min walk) offers excellent exhibits on the region's social history and environmental diversity.
Street parking is limited; nearest paid lots are near 19th Street BART station. Consider using ParkMobile app for meters. Bike share stations are available nearby, as Oakland has extensive protected bike lanes.
The adjacent Koreatown-Northgate district hosts annual Oakland Lunar New Year Festival. Art Murmur (first Fridays) transforms nearby streets into an open-air gallery, while Paramount Theatre (0.7 miles away) presents Broadway shows.
The historic building has ADA-compliant ramps and elevators added during 2010s renovations. For special needs access, contact the Main Office in advance. Nearby BART stations also provide wheelchair-accessible routes to the campus.
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