Orinda Academy

OA is a school for bright kids who need a smaller, quieter environment. In 9th grade, my daughter attended a small public charter HS in Oakland and found it overwhelming -- too loud and too chaotic. I reached out to OA mid-year and the head of school showed so much compassion; she helped us figure out the right move for her. It has to be a good fit for both the school and the student. Attending the school has continued to feel like a team effort. The teachers are so good with young people and spend a lot of time getting to know them. A student can't hide at OA, but at the same time, alone time and quiet spaces are respected. My daughter started extremely shy and has blossomed. She finds the school incredibly social because all the grades know each other and so she can banter all day long with various people! It's an intentional community with shared experiences and a deep appreciation for everyone's learning styles and personal struggles.OA is not a special ed school but a place where kids can go at their own pace and won't fall between the cracks. Students with behavioral problems are not admitted. It's about a 50/50 split of students coming from each side of the tunnel. Classes are small, and robust conversations, games, and laughter are prevalent! When you ask my daughter what she thinks of school as a 10th grader, she says "It's so lovely; it's fun to go to school!"

My son has high-functioning ASD, and public high school became a challenge for him. He was bullied not only by the students but by the administration and some teachers as well. After years of arguing with the school district, we moved him to OA. The difference was enormous. The teachers and administrators were warm, welcoming, and accepting. When behavioral issues arise, they communicate in a way that makes results in a mutual level of respect between student and teacher and student and administrator. Expectations are conveyed clearly. Not only did my son make great friends, but he also enjoyed learning, and his teachers at OA are some of his fondest. He excelled at OA and was granted early admission to his #1 choice university, where he continues to thrive. OA is simply the best.

We have found Orinda Academy to have the lovely and healing environment we needed for both of our kids. OA`s combination of nurture and rigor has been just what we need. Each of our kids has their own learning needs, and OA has been able to meet them. The parent community is open and supportive. We also value an environment where teachers, administrators, and the entire school community know and care about our children. Our daughter is now 18 and in college and our younger one, now 14, just entered 9th grade at OA.

My son has been at Orinda Academy since 9th grade and is now a Senior. We came to this school because my son has ADD and had difficulty in public schools with large classrooms and little individual attention. Orinda Academy is a small school with a beautiful campus and small classes (most classes are 6-8 kids). The teachers are skillful not only in the subject areas but also in dealing effectively and compassionately with kids who have learning differences. Our son has excelled academically, grow emotionally, and is enjoying a social life with a great group of kids. The parent community is also friendly and supportive. Overall, we have had a good experience.

My daughter has completely become a new person since she started at OA. She has friends, cares about her education, and is even nicer to her younger brother. We are so grateful for this community.

This is our second year as members of the OA community. We are beyond proud of who our son has become since he started at OA. His teachers are kind, compassionate and deeply knowledgeable. We are grateful to OA for providing our son a wonderful education. Excellence at OA starts with the people both staff and students as mutual respect is central to the culture.