Orinda Academy - Orinda, California

Steve Podell

My son (a junior) has thrived at Orinda Academy, and has achieved a high level of success and newly found self motivation. The teachers are great, and make the effort for every student. The classes are small, and no student gets "lost in the system." Sue Porter, the new School of School is making big improvements in this school which has a 35 year history of quietly delivering quality education for kids with learning differences. It is a great school, highly recommended.

Trudy Hsu

My daughter attended Orinda Academy for 5 years starting from the 8th grade. She is thriving in college now and we both appreciate the support from teachers and staff. She gained confidence, dived into extracurricular activities such as student government and school spirit events and worked hard on academics with teachers who were ready to help with constructive feedback on homework, focused attention during office hours or breaks and helpful nudges as she explored different interests. The kind culture at OA also helped her reach out to peers and make friendships among students of all years beyond the usual high school boundaries.

Glenn Phillips

We moved to the East Bay from NYC during the pandemic to be close to grandparents. It was challenging for everyone, particularly our children, 16 and 12. We found Orinda Academy, the lovely and healing environment we needed. Our 16-year-old entered in 11th grade, made friends, and excelled academically. OA’s combination of nurture and rigor was just what we needed! 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. So far so good! They are making friends and love their teachers. Our second time around and we could not be happier!

Sarah MacKay Lynch

Our daughter will be attending Orinda Academy (OA) fall of 2017. We chose the school because of its ability to provide a solid college prep education without the excessive stress that accompanies so many other independent school programs in the area. Because of its small class size, teachers can work with students’ strengths and help them to stretch in areas where they may need more assistance. Our daughter is a straight A student but sometimes needs help organizing extended projects. She’s motivated in classes where the level of discourse is engaging and teachers encourage independent thinkers. OA can meet both of those needs/desires. In addition to the small community and strength of the academics, we were drawn to the school’s special programs such as elective offerings and Educational Adventure Week. Like many kids attending the school, our daughter will hop on BART, which is located just down the hill from the school—and the short walk is safe. That’s a relief after the harassment she faced daily at our local public school. Full disclosure: I taught at the school for several years (recently) and remained a fan of their caring brand of education and community.

Laura Cottril

We are big fans of Orinda Academy! My son is currently a senior and he has been there since middle school. I believe going to this school changed the trajectory of his life. Rather than being "the problem," because he learned differently, he was embraced as the bright, promising boy he is. Over the years he has gained tools to help him with his challenges and the confidence socially and scholastically to apply to colleges. He used to be a reclusive introvert with his head in a book, now he enjoys clubs at lunch with his friends and out of school activities too. The parent community and staff are super welcoming and engaged, so it is a fun school for parents to get involved. I highly recommend Orinda Academy!

Julia Friedman

While attending Orinda Academy from 8th grade until I graduated high school in 2009, I thrived in the supportive, friendly, and educational environment. The teachers made sure that all my needs were met, and that I was always learning through my personal learning style. My peers were from all over the East Bay, and from a diverse array of backgrounds; I learned a lot from each and every one of them.
I felt confident going to college, and then graduate school, based on my experiences at Orinda Academy. Most importantly, I learned how to be my own self-advocate, and that has brought me great success in communicating my educational, and now professional needs.

Nicole McCaughin

Amazing school! I’m constantly impressed with the school.
When all schools closed last Spring due to Covid I was extremely impressed by how quickly they pivoted to online learning.
Thank you for everything!

Kent Grelling

Excellent alternative high school with caring and responsive staff and adminstration