Facilities
The Orinda Academy campus is comprised of three buildings. The Main Building (19 Altarinda Rd.) houses classrooms, administrative offices, and computer labs. The GÇ£B BuildingGÇ¥ (15 Altarinda Rd.) houses Science, Art, Dance, and Weight Training. The GÇ£C BuildingGÇ¥ (Santa Maria Church) houses Music and Spanish. Students are permitted to travel freely to class on approved routes between buildings during passing periods. Students are to remain on the facility of the Main Building at all other times.
The Orinda Academy campus is comprised of three buildings. The Main Building (19 Altarinda Rd.) houses classrooms, administrative offices, and computer labs. The GÇ£B BuildingGÇ¥ (15 Altarinda Rd.) houses Science, Art, Dance, and Weight Training. The GÇ£C BuildingGÇ¥ (Santa Maria Church) houses Music and Spanish. Students are permitted to travel freely to class on approved routes between buildings during passing periods. Students are to remain on the facility of the Main Building at all other times.
Administration and Staff
Orinda Academy administration and staff are comprised of devoted, caring, and highly competent individuals. Each of them is committed to serving the needs of students and parents to the best of his or her ability.
As the leader and founder of the school, Director Ronald Graydon is responsible for executive decisions and operations. Cofounder and Academic Dean Norman Coleman is responsible for accreditation, standardized testing, AP examinations, and college planning.
As Business Manager, Judy Quittman does financial and operational analysis, assists the Director with planning and budgeting, and oversees billing systems.
Director of Admissions Debbie Parish is responsible for attracting quality students to OA and articulating and realizing the educational tone and spirit of the school.
The Assistant Academic Deans, Ryan Devine and Nathan Breitling, focus on academic infrastructure (grade reporting, scheduling, etc.), school coordination, and discipline.
Department Heads Mitch Goldman (Math, Science, Athletics), Jeff Quittman (Social Sciences), Ryan Devine (English), Katherine Saxby (Foreign Language), and Nathan Breitling (Arts and Technology) are responsible for the quality and content of all courses in their respective departments.
Administrative Assistant Lisa Graydon and Office Assistant Brandy Jordan handle the day-to-day operations of the school, issue transcripts, and perform office and registrar duties.
Support Staff Chris Corso and Juan Cardona manage and maintain school facilities, while Dianne Corso manages the school lounge and school store.
Orinda Academy administration and staff are comprised of devoted, caring, and highly competent individuals. Each of them is committed to serving the needs of students and parents to the best of his or her ability.
As the leader and founder of the school, Director Ronald Graydon is responsible for executive decisions and operations. Cofounder and Academic Dean Norman Coleman is responsible for accreditation, standardized testing, AP examinations, and college planning.
As Business Manager, Judy Quittman does financial and operational analysis, assists the Director with planning and budgeting, and oversees billing systems.
Director of Admissions Debbie Parish is responsible for attracting quality students to OA and articulating and realizing the educational tone and spirit of the school.
The Assistant Academic Deans, Ryan Devine and Nathan Breitling, focus on academic infrastructure (grade reporting, scheduling, etc.), school coordination, and discipline.
Department Heads Mitch Goldman (Math, Science, Athletics), Jeff Quittman (Social Sciences), Ryan Devine (English), Katherine Saxby (Foreign Language), and Nathan Breitling (Arts and Technology) are responsible for the quality and content of all courses in their respective departments.
Administrative Assistant Lisa Graydon and Office Assistant Brandy Jordan handle the day-to-day operations of the school, issue transcripts, and perform office and registrar duties.
Support Staff Chris Corso and Juan Cardona manage and maintain school facilities, while Dianne Corso manages the school lounge and school store.
Students
Orinda Academy is proud of its unique and diverse student body. Comprised of scholars, artists, musicians, techies, athletes, and activists, OA is dedicated to helping each student reach her or his potential. Our students are college-bound, successful, and happy at Orinda Academy.
Orinda Academy is proud of its unique and diverse student body. Comprised of scholars, artists, musicians, techies, athletes, and activists, OA is dedicated to helping each student reach her or his potential. Our students are college-bound, successful, and happy at Orinda Academy.
Rules, Policies, and Discipline
For information on Orinda Academy's rules, policies, and disciplinary procedures, please consult your printed Parent-Student handbook or contact the Dean's Office.
For information on Orinda Academy's rules, policies, and disciplinary procedures, please consult your printed Parent-Student handbook or contact the Dean's Office.
Transportation
Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from school. OA is conveniently located near Highway 24 and the Orinda BART Station. Drivers must use the turn-around area at the rear of the parking lot for drop-offs.
Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from school. OA is conveniently located near Highway 24 and the Orinda BART Station. Drivers must use the turn-around area at the rear of the parking lot for drop-offs.
Parking
The parking lot is primarily for Faculty, Staff, Parents, and Visitors. After this demand has been met, reserved parking for students will be made available for $50/year. Street parking is always available along Altarinda Rd. Students are not permitted to park at the 'B' and 'C' buildings at any time, nor are they permitted to drive from building to building.
The parking lot is primarily for Faculty, Staff, Parents, and Visitors. After this demand has been met, reserved parking for students will be made available for $50/year. Street parking is always available along Altarinda Rd. Students are not permitted to park at the 'B' and 'C' buildings at any time, nor are they permitted to drive from building to building.
Visitors
Any student wishing to bring a visitor to school must give advance notice, have the Director's approval, and obtain both the visitor's and student-host's parents' written permission.
Any student wishing to bring a visitor to school must give advance notice, have the Director's approval, and obtain both the visitor's and student-host's parents' written permission.
Grading Policy
Grade Point Average is based on a 4.0 scale. Physical Education is not included in the Grade Point Average. Honors and AP courses receive one additional grade point per course. Course grades are determined from the following percentages:
Honor Roll is earned with a 3.0-3.49 GPA per semester in academic courses (no D's or F's).
Dean's List is earned with a 3.5 or higher GPA per semester in academic courses (no D's or F's).
Student of the Quarter/Semester is earned by achieving 4 grade points or higher in each academic course.
Grade Point Average is based on a 4.0 scale. Physical Education is not included in the Grade Point Average. Honors and AP courses receive one additional grade point per course. Course grades are determined from the following percentages:
| 100% - 90% | A | Excellent (4 Grade Points) |
| 89% - 80% | B | Good (3 Grade Points) |
| 79% - 70% | C | Average (2 Grade Points) |
| 69% - 60% | D | Below Average (Passing) (1 Grade Point) |
| Below 60% | F | Fail (No Credit) (0 Grade Points) |
Honor Roll is earned with a 3.0-3.49 GPA per semester in academic courses (no D's or F's).
Dean's List is earned with a 3.5 or higher GPA per semester in academic courses (no D's or F's).
Student of the Quarter/Semester is earned by achieving 4 grade points or higher in each academic course.
Schedule
Classes begin every morning at 8:30 AM. Classes end at 3:25 PM on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays; and at 3:05 PM on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Students who are complete and in good standing may leave after their last class. In the rare event that a student does not have morning classes, s/he must still arrive to school by 10am. Students who are assigned Mandatory Study Hall must arrive by 8:30 AM and stay until the end of the day.
Orinda Academy has eight class-periods, each of which meet every Monday, Tuesday, and Friday. Block scheduling occurs on Wednesday, when periods 2, 4, 6, 7 and 8 meet, and on Thursday, when periods 1, 3, 5, 7 and 8 meet.
For safety and insurance reasons, we ask that no students arrive at school outside the hours of 8 AM to 4 PM Monday through Friday unless they are participating in a school-sanctioned activity.
Classes begin every morning at 8:30 AM. Classes end at 3:25 PM on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays; and at 3:05 PM on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Students who are complete and in good standing may leave after their last class. In the rare event that a student does not have morning classes, s/he must still arrive to school by 10am. Students who are assigned Mandatory Study Hall must arrive by 8:30 AM and stay until the end of the day.
Orinda Academy has eight class-periods, each of which meet every Monday, Tuesday, and Friday. Block scheduling occurs on Wednesday, when periods 2, 4, 6, 7 and 8 meet, and on Thursday, when periods 1, 3, 5, 7 and 8 meet.
For safety and insurance reasons, we ask that no students arrive at school outside the hours of 8 AM to 4 PM Monday through Friday unless they are participating in a school-sanctioned activity.
Lunch
Orinda Academy coordinates a lunch program at parents' expense. Additionally, OA provides vending machines for drinks and snacks. Students may eat only in the student lounge, outside, or in designated classrooms.
Seniors in good standing (not on probation; no incompletes for past 10 days of attendance) have the privilege of off-campus lunch.
Orinda Academy coordinates a lunch program at parents' expense. Additionally, OA provides vending machines for drinks and snacks. Students may eat only in the student lounge, outside, or in designated classrooms.
Seniors in good standing (not on probation; no incompletes for past 10 days of attendance) have the privilege of off-campus lunch.
Advisory Structure
All students are assigned advisors, and will meet two to three times per week in an advisory group. Advisors monitor students' well-being and academic progress as well as serve as an advocate for students and a point-of-contact for parents. Advisors also perform college planning in coordination with the Dean.
All students are assigned advisors, and will meet two to three times per week in an advisory group. Advisors monitor students' well-being and academic progress as well as serve as an advocate for students and a point-of-contact for parents. Advisors also perform college planning in coordination with the Dean.
Assignment Books, Signing Out,
and Complete/Incomplete
At the beginning of the year, each student is issued an assignment book to be used as a daily planner and brought to school each day. Students must write each of their classes into the book, and may choose to write their assignments as well. At the end of each class period, students are to obtain the signature of the teacher, indicating that they are 'complete' for that class. At the end of each day, students must report their status of 'complete' or 'incomplete' in order to be dismissed.
'Complete' indicates that the student has come to school prepared, turned in all assignments, etc. 'Incomplete' indicates that the student has not completed the requirements of the day, or has not followed certain school expectations/rules.
and Complete/Incomplete
At the beginning of the year, each student is issued an assignment book to be used as a daily planner and brought to school each day. Students must write each of their classes into the book, and may choose to write their assignments as well. At the end of each class period, students are to obtain the signature of the teacher, indicating that they are 'complete' for that class. At the end of each day, students must report their status of 'complete' or 'incomplete' in order to be dismissed.
'Complete' indicates that the student has come to school prepared, turned in all assignments, etc. 'Incomplete' indicates that the student has not completed the requirements of the day, or has not followed certain school expectations/rules.
Lockers
Students are issued a combination locker at the beginning of the year. It is the student's responsibility to keep his or her combination private and locker clean.
Students are issued a combination locker at the beginning of the year. It is the student's responsibility to keep his or her combination private and locker clean.
Study Hall/Mandatory Study Hall
During free periods, students may utilize the study hall, the lounge, or the outdoor facilities to do homework, research, etc. Students who sign out as 'incomplete' will be assigned mandatory study hall the following day during their free periods. In such cases, study hall is treated as a required class. Such students should utilize this time to catch up on any missed work, read, or get ahead in their classes. Although quiet collaboration is permitted, a library-environment must be maintained at all times in the study hall. Students who are disruptive in the Study Hall may receive warnings and other disciplinary action.
During free periods, students may utilize the study hall, the lounge, or the outdoor facilities to do homework, research, etc. Students who sign out as 'incomplete' will be assigned mandatory study hall the following day during their free periods. In such cases, study hall is treated as a required class. Such students should utilize this time to catch up on any missed work, read, or get ahead in their classes. Although quiet collaboration is permitted, a library-environment must be maintained at all times in the study hall. Students who are disruptive in the Study Hall may receive warnings and other disciplinary action.
Grade Reporting
To greater facilitate communication between parents, students, and teachers, grades are reported in progress reports every two weeks, and report cards quarterly/semesterly. Progress reports will have current grades-in-progress, as well as commentary from each teacher. Report cards have final term grades, teacher commentary, and credit/GPA information. OA does not archive teacher commentary.
To greater facilitate communication between parents, students, and teachers, grades are reported in progress reports every two weeks, and report cards quarterly/semesterly. Progress reports will have current grades-in-progress, as well as commentary from each teacher. Report cards have final term grades, teacher commentary, and credit/GPA information. OA does not archive teacher commentary.
Learning Center
Orinda Academy has a Learning Specialist on-site to assist students in skills, organization, and time management. For information on individual or group sessions with the learning specialist, please contact Maryanne Cattaneo at Maryanne@orindaacademy.org.
Orinda Academy has a Learning Specialist on-site to assist students in skills, organization, and time management. For information on individual or group sessions with the learning specialist, please contact Maryanne Cattaneo at Maryanne@orindaacademy.org.
Counselor
School counselor Leigh Lightfoot, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), provides brief therapy and referrals to individual students and their families, and serves as a confidential liaison to other health providers as needed. Students may, in certain cases, be assigned a consultation to the school counselor by the Director or the Deans.
School counselor Leigh Lightfoot, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), provides brief therapy and referrals to individual students and their families, and serves as a confidential liaison to other health providers as needed. Students may, in certain cases, be assigned a consultation to the school counselor by the Director or the Deans.
Special Needs
The administration and faculty of OA wish to remind each family that we will take steps that are readily achievable to accommodate students with special needs. In addition to providing a learning specialist and counselor on staff, we can give referrals for additional tutoring, testing, and counseling. We cannot make accommodations that create an unreasonable burden on the school.
The administration and faculty of OA wish to remind each family that we will take steps that are readily achievable to accommodate students with special needs. In addition to providing a learning specialist and counselor on staff, we can give referrals for additional tutoring, testing, and counseling. We cannot make accommodations that create an unreasonable burden on the school.
Attendance and Absences
Parents should report absences to the school on the day that they occur by 10:00 am. To report an absence 24 hours a day, parents may leave a voicemail (925-254-7553, ext. 4), fax a note (925-254-4768), or email a note (office@orindaacademy.org).
An absence will be considered GÇÜ+ä+¦unexcusedGÇÜ+ä+¦ if the school has not received parental notification within 24 hours. Unexcused absences will count as GÇÜ+ä+¦incompletesGÇÜ+ä+¦ for the student, and may result in disciplinary action.
If the student has been diagnosed as having a contagious disease (e.g. Chicken Pox, Strep Throat) and may have exposed it to others at school, please notify the office as soon as possible so that precautions can be taken and notifications sent home. If the student is not well prior to the beginning of the school day, parents are requested to keep the student home.
Any student who has 15 absences per semester in a class that meets daily, or 12 absences per semester in a class that meets less-than-daily GÇÜ+ä+¼ regardless of whether these absences are excused or not GÇÜ+ä+¼ will be dropped from that class and may receive an F. Students with excessive absences or cuts may be put on probationary status. Students with 20 or more absences in a semester (including appointments, tardies, cuts, and leaving ill) may be dismissed from the school or face other disciplinary action.
At no time during school hours are students allowed to leave school grounds GÇÜ+ä+¼ even during lunch or free periods GÇÜ+ä+¼ except by previous arrangement and permission. If arrangements have been made and the student is to be picked up, the parent or legal guardian must present him/herself to the office (not the classroom) before the student is released. If someone other than the parent or legal guardian is picking up the student, s/he must present a signed note from the parent or guardian before the child will be released. Students leaving school without giving prior notice and obtaining school permission will receive a cut. If a student is dismissed from school early and will not return to school that day, s/he must sign out. The school asks that parents schedule student appointments after school hours whenever possible.
Orinda Academy accepts no liability for a student absence unless the parent or legal guardian has contacted the school to inform the office that the student will not be in attendance that day. Orinda Academy further accepts no liability in cases where a student leaves school premises in violation of school policy.
Parents should report absences to the school on the day that they occur by 10:00 am. To report an absence 24 hours a day, parents may leave a voicemail (925-254-7553, ext. 4), fax a note (925-254-4768), or email a note (office@orindaacademy.org).
An absence will be considered GÇÜ+ä+¦unexcusedGÇÜ+ä+¦ if the school has not received parental notification within 24 hours. Unexcused absences will count as GÇÜ+ä+¦incompletesGÇÜ+ä+¦ for the student, and may result in disciplinary action.
If the student has been diagnosed as having a contagious disease (e.g. Chicken Pox, Strep Throat) and may have exposed it to others at school, please notify the office as soon as possible so that precautions can be taken and notifications sent home. If the student is not well prior to the beginning of the school day, parents are requested to keep the student home.
Any student who has 15 absences per semester in a class that meets daily, or 12 absences per semester in a class that meets less-than-daily GÇÜ+ä+¼ regardless of whether these absences are excused or not GÇÜ+ä+¼ will be dropped from that class and may receive an F. Students with excessive absences or cuts may be put on probationary status. Students with 20 or more absences in a semester (including appointments, tardies, cuts, and leaving ill) may be dismissed from the school or face other disciplinary action.
At no time during school hours are students allowed to leave school grounds GÇÜ+ä+¼ even during lunch or free periods GÇÜ+ä+¼ except by previous arrangement and permission. If arrangements have been made and the student is to be picked up, the parent or legal guardian must present him/herself to the office (not the classroom) before the student is released. If someone other than the parent or legal guardian is picking up the student, s/he must present a signed note from the parent or guardian before the child will be released. Students leaving school without giving prior notice and obtaining school permission will receive a cut. If a student is dismissed from school early and will not return to school that day, s/he must sign out. The school asks that parents schedule student appointments after school hours whenever possible.
Orinda Academy accepts no liability for a student absence unless the parent or legal guardian has contacted the school to inform the office that the student will not be in attendance that day. Orinda Academy further accepts no liability in cases where a student leaves school premises in violation of school policy.
Each year, Orinda Academy publishes a handbook of helpful information for parents and students about the school, its procedures, and it's policies and rules. Please familiarize with this document, as it contains pertinent information about how to report an absence, school facilities, administration, etc. For information on Orinda Academy’s rules, policies, and disciplinary procedures, please consult your printed Parent-Student handbook (available in the office) or contact the Dean’s Office.