Making Waves Academy
K-12 school in Richmond, CA · Contra Costa County Office of Education · Grades 5-12 · Charter
On the spring 2026 state tests, 50% of Making Waves Academy students met or exceeded California's reading (ELA) standard and 33% met the math standard. In reading, that is about the same as the California average (49%). Its reading result is higher than 68% of Bay Area K-12 schools, and it ranks 1st of 2 public K-12 schools in Richmond. Reading results in 2026 were about the same as in 2024, and math results were 8 points higher than in 2024.
Test scores, 2024 to 2026
| Subject | Spring 2024 | Spring 2025 | Spring 2026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reading (ELA) | 49% | 47% | 50% | 0 pts |
| Math | 25% | 27% | 33% | +8 pts |
Compared with nearby averages
| Spring 2026 | Reading (ELA) | Math |
|---|---|---|
| Making Waves Academy | 50% | 33% |
| Contra Costa County | 52% | 43% |
| California | 49% | 38% |
Results by grade, spring 2026
| Grade | Reading (ELA) | Math |
|---|---|---|
| 5th grade | 42% | 20% |
| 6th grade | 49% | 47% |
| 7th grade | 51% | 37% |
| 8th grade | 41% | 35% |
| 11th grade | 68% | 26% |
Students are tested in grades 3 to 8 and 11. Each grade is a different group of students, so differences between grades are not a trend.
Where graduates go
Share of the class of 2022-23 enrolled in college within 16 months of graduating.
For fall 2025, UC admitted 63 of 68 freshman applicants from Making Waves Academy (93%), and 21 enrolled.
Homes near Making Waves Academy
The typical home value in ZIP code 94806, where Making Waves Academy is located, is $571K, down 0.5% over the past year (Zillow Home Value Index). Prices inside the school's attendance zone can differ.
Charter schools usually admit by application or lottery, so where you live may not decide whether your child can attend.
Nearby K-12 schools
| Distance | School | Reading (ELA) | Math | Typical home value (ZIP) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.8 mi | Aspire Richmond Ca. College Preparatory Academy CharterRichmond · Grades 6-12 | 38% | 19% | $571K |
| 10.9 mi | Home and Hospital ProgramOakland · Grades K-12 | n/a | n/a | $604K |
| 11.5 mi | Oakland Military Institute, College Preparatory Academy CharterOakland · Grades 6-12 | 39% | 30% | $604K |
| 12.0 mi | Elite Public CharterVallejo · Grades K-12 | 20% | 25% | $495K |
| 12.9 mi | Oakland School for the Arts CharterOakland · Grades 6-12 | 60% | 30% | $531K |
| 13.2 mi | Downtown Oakland Science Academy CharterOakland · Grades 6-12 | 23% | 12% | $531K |
School details
- Address
- 4123 Lakeside Drive, Richmond, CA 94806
Get directions · See it on our map - Phone
- (510) 262-1511
- County
- Contra Costa County
- Grades
- 5-12
- Students
- 1,006 (2025-26)
- Type
- K-12 school · Traditional · Charter
- Opened
- 2007
- Website
- www.makingwavesacademy.org
- State school code
- 07100740114470
Common questions
How did Making Waves Academy do on state tests?
In spring 2026, 50% of students met or exceeded the reading (ELA) standard and 33% met the math standard, compared with 49% and 38% across California.
How many students attend Making Waves Academy?
1,006 students were enrolled in the 2025-26 school year, in grades 5-12.
How many Making Waves Academy students get into UC?
For fall 2025, 63 of 68 UC freshman applicants from Making Waves Academy were admitted. Of the class of 2022-23, 33% enrolled at a UC campus within 16 months.
How much do homes cost near Making Waves Academy?
The typical home value in ZIP code 94806, where Making Waves Academy is located, is $571K, down 0.5% over the past year (Zillow Home Value Index). Prices inside the school's attendance zone can differ.
Does living near Making Waves Academy guarantee a spot?
No. As a charter school it usually admits by application or lottery rather than by address.