PLEASANT HILL, Calif. — Bidwell High School in Antioch, Olympic High School in Concord, Del Amigo High School in San Ramon, and Sylvester Greenwood Academy in Richmond have been named 2025 California Model Continuation High Schools, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced last week. These four schools are among 74 selected statewide for this prestigious award.
“Having four Model Continuation High Schools in Contra Costa County is something to celebrate,” Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools Lynn Mackey said. “Many students at continuation schools need someone who believes in them, roots for them, and helps show them their potential. It really comes down to the teachers, support staff, and leadership at these schools. It is obvious these schools have a spectacular staff and a strategy that works well in their community.”
The four schools were selected as Model Continuation High Schools based on a comprehensive and competitive application process, which included assessments, data analysis, and an onsite evaluation conducted by a peer review panel.
About the Schools
Bidwell High School serves students in grades 10 through 12, aged 16-18 years. Led by Principal LaTanya Williams, the school fosters a unique and nurturing environment with a small community setting, individualized graduation plans, an experienced staff, and a diverse student body. During the 2023-2024 school year, the school had an enrollment of 153 students.
Olympic High School previously earned the Model Continuation High School award in 2018 and 2020. Principal Courtney Lyon attributes the school’s success to its caring staff and innovative approach to education. Serving 280-350 students, Olympic High School provides a supportive environment with flexible scheduling, individualized graduation plans, and various support services to meet each student’s unique needs.
Del Amigo High School is guided by Principal Lynsie Castellano, who credits the school’s Model Continuation School status to its dedicated staff committed to supporting every student’s success. The small school setting, which serves between 38-60 students yearly, offers a nurturing environment with personalized support. Del Amigo High School provides extensive career counseling with staff trained in trauma-informed practices.
Sylvester Greenwood Academy, overseen by Principal Phillip Johnson, aims to help students progress towards graduation and future success by fostering strong academic habits and learning strategies that support socio-emotional development. The school operates on the belief that all students are capable of high levels of achievement. The school served 260 students during the 2023-2024 school year.
Model Continuation High Schools offer a pathway to a high school diploma for students who face barriers to traditional education. There are 429 continuation high schools serving 49,000 students across California. The 74 schools selected as California Model Continuation High Schools retain their designation for three years and will be recognized at the California Continuation Education Association (CCEA) Plus 2025 State Conference.
The Model Continuation High School Recognition Program is a collaborative partnership between the California Department of Education (CDE) and the CCEA Plus. Schools operate their own exemplary programs, but Model Continuation High School-recognized educators commit to supporting and mentoring their peers in other local educational agencies. For further information on continuation education, please visit the CDE Continuation Education web page.
About Contra Costa County Office of Education
One of 58 counties in California, Contra Costa County has the 11th largest public-school student population in the state (approximately 169,394 students). Officially established in 1932, CCCOE has a long history of providing direct services to some of our county’s most vulnerable students, including young people who are incarcerated, homeless, or in foster care, as well as students who have severe physical or emotional challenges.
CCCOE also provides support services to schools and school districts in Contra Costa County; services that can be handled most effectively and economically on a regional basis rather than by each of the county’s 287 schools or 18 school districts. These services range from budget approval and fiscal support to technology infrastructure, communication support, and high-level professional development opportunities for educators. CCCOE maintains a website at www.cocoschools.org.
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