Oakland Military Institute's mission is "to provide a structured and rigorous academic program where cadets develop as leaders, scholars, critical thinkers, and citizens.

Students are mentored by the military staff in these groups to grow as disciplined adults and leaders of character.

Governor Gray Davis helped secure the charter after local school boards rejected the proposals.

The school site, at its inception, was located on the Oakland Army Base - 2405 West 14th Street.

The amount of application for entry into the first class required the staff to hold a lottery for acceptance at the Oakland Army Base Theater to determine which applicants would be allowed to attend a two-week summer camp held in Camp San Luis Obispo.