Olympic High is named a 2025 California Model Continuation High School!

MDUSD is proud that Olympic Continuation High School in Concord has been named one of 74 Model Continuation High Schools in the state for 2025 by the California Department of Education (CDE)! “The priority of our Model Continuation High Schools is to give students more than a diploma," said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, in a news release. "The teachers and administrators aim to provide students with a student-centered approach that meets their diverse academic, social, and emotional needs and opportunities to explore options beyond high school, preparing students for the future whether they choose to pursue further education or join the workforce.” Continuation schools provide a high school diploma program for students ages 16 through 18 who have not graduated from high school, are required to attend school, and are at risk of not completing their education. Model Continuation High Schools excelled and provided exceptional opportunities for their students to pursue academic and social success. There are 429 continuation high schools serving close to 49,000 students throughout the state.

Olympic also received this recognition in 2018 and 2020, but this is the first time it has been recognized with this award since Principal Courtney Lyon has been at the helm. Now in her fourth year as Principal, Lyon attributes the award to the school's caring staff and their ability to "reimagine the educational experience for students" in an alternative setting, meeting the needs of learners who were not succeeding in traditional schools. The school serves about 280-350 students, mostly juniors and seniors, including many who were behind in credits, skipping classes or had social and emotional needs that weren't being met at comprehensive high schools.

Lyon said the staff focuses on re-engaging students in a variety of ways, building on their strengths, listening to their feedback and offering four "pathways" that include a general path that offers five classes per day and behavioral health support, as well as support from a social work specialist if needed; a "silver" path that cohorts students who need more support; a "teal" path for students who may have experienced trauma and need one-on-one support; and independent study for students with unique special circumstances needing an alternative schedule, such as caring for siblings or working. Next year, the school plans to launch a "customer service" career pathway that will place students in internships three days a week.

Olympic offers students more choices and flexibility than traditional high schools in smaller classes, with more intense support, Lyon said. "We have a really special staff that cares about kids," she said. "They are flexible, thoughtful, creative and they are student-first. They create this environment that makes kids feel seen. We take a lot of pride in the community we've built here. This is a place where kids can be served individually, in the way they need it, when they need it." 

Students said they believe the teachers and staff at Olympic genuinely care about them, which makes them feel supported, safe and motivated to come to school. "I love it," said Gio Gianquiento, a junior, who transferred to Olympic from College Park HS in search of something new. "In class, teachers come up to you and help you. They are nice and they are friendly." David Ramos, a senior, said the staff including therapists are open-minded and they check in with students to find out how they are doing both in school and at home. Senior Michelle Rivas is taking advantage of the 5th year option, after falling behind in credits at Mt. Diablo and Concord high schools. She said she wants to become a teacher after graduation, in part because she enjoys the Service Learning program where she helps younger students at Ayers Elementary. "That's what motivates me because I love little kids," she said. "And all the staff here are awesome in their own way." 

Yuliana Herrera, a junior, said she feels safe and supported at Olympic and that the College & Career Center staff is helping her find volunteer and educational programs that can lead to a career as a veterinarian. Her goal is to go to Diablo Valley College after graduation and study science, she said. Junior Tiffany Guevara said she likes the one-on-one attention she receives at Olympic and also enjoyed the Service Learning program last year at Ygnacio Valley Elementary. "I feel like the staff here is way more involved and they actually listen before taking any action," she said, adding that they treat all students with respect. Joel Rincon, a junior, said he is already making progress after transferring to Olympic from Mt. Diablo HS a week ago to catch up on credits. "The teachers here ask me if I need help and all the staff are really nice," he said, adding that he would recommend Olympic to other students who are not engaged at traditional high schools. "I think it's good because there's a lot of students like me that really messed up and now want to change and try to get a diploma," he said. "I want to work in car maintenance and go to trade school."

Watch this video to see what makes Olympic so special.