Website for Holden High School: www.holdenhigh.org
Phone: 925-254-0199

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