Website for Holden High School: www.holdenhigh.org


Note: Holden High School was previously know as Contra Costa Alternative School

I want other parents of teens who have or are struggling in school with academic success, bullying, depression, ADHD, and learning disabilities, or just need a small school environment, to know about HOLDEN HIGH SCHOOL, (formerly Contra Costa Alternative School). This school was started 40 years ago, and is a small, nurturing, caring school in Orinda for sensitive teens. I am incredibly thankful for Holden High and the talented, caring professionals who work there. My son literally refused to go to school his last semester at public high school. This school has changed our lives, and my son is now hopeful about his future, confident about his intelligence and growing every day in positive ways. Call and go visit, or check them out online. I really cannot recommend them highly enough; they are a transformational school.holdenhigh.org You may also contact me by email if you have questions. joan

Re: Affordable private school for struggling teen
I would encourage you to contact Holden High School in Orinda, http://holdenhigh.org/ (925)254-0199. It is a tiny non traditional high school for kids like your son and mine who are not doing well in a cookie cutter setting. There are kids from Berkeley, El Cerrito, Albany, Richmond Annex etc. They truly want their students to succeed, so they have different approaches to helping them achieve their goal of graduating from high school and their future from there. I no longer have homework battles because he does it there. I am so glad my friends told me about the school after sending their son there. I am so relieved to see my son doing better, seeing himself be successful and be respected for the person that he is.

They have financial aid which will help offset your expense. They also assign Resource Specialists to each student who are interns and are the kid's advocates. They are able to provide clinical support as needed including the family.

If you contact them they will give you parents that you can talk to. I wish you luck, just know there are options.

Holden High School in Orinda has been a godsend for my 16 year old son. My son has executive functioning issues and has not done well in the public school system for years. He was not getting the help he needed in order to keep up with his peers and this had a detrimental effect on his self esteem. Holden is an amazing, small community where all kinds of teens are accepted and supported for who they are. The teachers and staff are amazing in terms of connecting with the students and helping them to grow as individuals. For the first time, I feel that the school has really gotten to know my son, cares about his overall well being, and is effective in parent communication as well. My son now loves school! We couldn't ask for more. Feel free to contact me if you have questions about Holden. rp

Re: Looking for a High School for unhappy Orinda teen
Holden High School in Orinda is a wonderful small alternative high school which might be just what you and your daughter are looking for. I worked there for two years and can't say enough good things about the immense support teens get at this wonderful, personal school from the dedicated directors, teachers and counselors: www.holdenhigh.org Tel.: (925) 254 0199 Good luck! Susanne

Re: Considering alternatives to public high school
My son has had great success at Holden High School in Orinda. The staff is supportive, understanding and dedicated. The class sizes are small so the students get more attention and are less distracted. There is also a counseling component built into the program. Found to be very helpful for teens. A great sense of community and acceptance is felt between staff, students and families. Check it out at www.holdenhigh.org. It is the East Bay's best kept secret in our opinion. Best of luck to you and your son. Sincerely, Jane

Re: Is boarding school a good solution for low motivation?
Boarding school seems like a wonderful solution when you have a difficult teen - I have had that idea running through my mind many times! However it doesn't always seem practical...especially if your teen is not keen on the idea. I hope you have looked into private school alternatives. My son was having a difficult time at a public high school and we opted for Holden High School in Orinda. They offer a caring relaxed environment to kids that find it hard to make it at traditional schools for whatever reason. One of the aspects I like most is that each student meets with his or her R&S person (counselor) once or twice a week to see what is up in thier lives and to help them through things. It is a small alternative school that may not be for everyone but it can be a very positive experience for some. nancy (Holden High parent)

Contra Costa Alternative School (CCAS) is a small (40 students) school in Orinda, walking distance from BART. The school is geared for students having problems in public high schools. They have openings for both boys and girls at this time. This school has worked well for my son, who was having trouble at Berkeley HS. Call them at 925/254-0199 for more information. They have drop in open house the last Wednesday of each month, from 6-8pm. Danny

Almost a year ago, my son graduated from Contra Costa Alternative (High) School (CCAS) in downtown Orinda (about 1/4 mile from the Orinda BART). The school is very welcoming of alumni assistance and he is now spending evenings there helping with their spring drama production. His renewed involvement is prompting me to recommend this high school to any parent whose teen is struggling--academically or socially. It's a small school, with tiny classes, and the staff pour appropriate and skilled attention on the students. When my son started there, as a freshman, he had been struggling academically for four years, had almost no friends in his life, and was exceptionally tough to deal with at home. Once at CCAS, he opened up to the staff almost at once, began making true friendships with peers, began cooperating at home, made dramatic improvements academically, got involved in drama productions, and eventually served on the student council. My impression is that they work similar wonders with the vast majority of their students. The school takes academics seriously, but puts emotional health first, which I think is a key to their success. Please e-mail me if you'd like to communicate about this option for your teen. I am so thankful that a tutor tipped me off to this school 5 years ago. Mary

My duaghter has been suspended from her middle school and the school district will not place her in another school in the district. She has been placed in an alternative school called Diablo Day School. We have heard that this school is for students with sever problems and my daughter does not fit that category. Since it is late in the year, we are having a hard time find an Independent school that will accept her. Any advice on schools that will be willing to take her, or other options? Running Out of Options

Contra Costa Alternative School (CCAS) is a small (40 students) school in Orinda, walking distance from BART. The school is geared for students having problems in public high schools. They have openings for both boys and girls at this time. This school has worked well for my son, who was having trouble at Berkeley HS. Call them at 925/254-0199 for more information. They have drop in open house the last Wednesday of each month, from 6-8pm. Danny

Re: What to do after the wilderness program?
I'm not sure what brought your kid to the wilderness program, but you might want to check out Contra Costa Alternative School(ccas-holden.org). My son is now at CCAS. He did not fit in at his public high school and suffers from depression. CCAS is very small and works well with kids who aren't thriving in traditional school settings. They also have counseling as part of their program. We are new at the school, but so far it seems like it is the right fit. The staff is very dedicated and they seem to have a nack at reaching teenagers. nina

Contra Costa Alternative School is a small private school in Orinda designed for high school kids who are having difficulties making it in traditional settings. Our son went to Oakland Tech for his freshman year and beginning of his sophomore year. He liked it. He did ok socially, but just could not handle the academics. He got lost in the crowd.

CCAS has less than 40 kids in the entire school. There are 5 to 10 kids per class. Teachers and directors are extremely supportive. A great deal of emphasis goes to music, art, drama etc. Good self-esteem and individualism is promoted.

Although my son has only been at CCAS a couple of months, it it clear that he is much happier. For those kids who truly need an alternative setting, I'd urge you to call CCAS at 925 254 0999 or look at their website www.ccas- holden.org Neil