Making Waves Academy

📖 Academic Overview & Key Context

Located in Richmond, California, Making Waves Academy is a public charter school serving students from grades 5–12. The school operates within the Making Waves Academy District in Contra Costa County. With a current reported enrollment of 1,078 students, it provides a mid-size student body designed to support academic and personal growth.

In terms of academic staffing and instructional attention, Making Waves Academy maintains a student-to-teacher ratio of 19.2:1. This aligns closely with the United States national benchmark of approximately 16:1, balancing peer collaboration with focused teacher instruction. The campus educational team includes approximately 56.2 full-time equivalent (FTE) classroom teachers and certified instructional personnel.

Reflecting the multicultural fabric of Richmond, the student body at Making Waves Academy represents diverse backgrounds. The most represented ethnic demographics include Hispanic (87.6%), Black or African American (6.8%), Asian (3.9%). This diverse mix contributes to a rich campus experience that prepares students for higher education and global careers.

Through federal and state educational initiatives, Making Waves Academy participates in community support programs including the National School Lunch Program, with approximately 861 students (79.9%) eligible for free or reduced-price meals. This participation helps ensure equitable access to essential learning resources, nutritional support, and student welfare services.