Alpha: Cindy Avitia High

1881 Cunningham Avenue

School District

East Side Union High
Grade

9-12
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:19
Type

charter

School Map for East Side Union High School District

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by teacher on March 02, 2024

As someone who used to work there, not only was the school not compliant with standards set by the district, they would falsify them by training the staff the day before scheduled visits. The students constantly complained because of new untrained teachers without credentials and a high turnover rate. Also, the teachers complain yearly about not being supported, being overworked and not having time to prepare for class which overlaps with poor test scores and poor college success.
Submitted by student on December 11, 2023

My time at this school has been nothing short of a nightmare, exacerbated by the school's myriad shortcomings. As a new student, joining late has only highlighted the glaring issues with this institution. The students' reluctance to interact has created an unwelcoming atmosphere that is suffocating for newcomers.Many students seem disinterested, failing to grasp the importance of a serious academic commitment. The pervasive lack of effort undermines any semblance of a conducive learning environment.Adding insult to injury is the school's limited resources, making it nearly impossible to stand out to colleges. The uphill battle for recognition is made steeper by the administration's overworking of teachers. It's evident that the constant strain on the faculty directly impacts the quality of education offered.The incessant use of phones by students is emblematic of the school's lax discipline. The administration's failure to address this basic issue further detracts from the educational experience. It's disheartening to witness such a lack of control and commitment to maintaining a focused learning environment.The campus's small size is a microcosm of the overall inadequacy. The fact that the school has to borrow another high school's football field is a testament to its subpar facilities. This borrowing not only paints a picture of insufficient resources but also highlights the school's inability to stand on its own.In a final, appalling twist, the recent incident involving a racist art piece showcases the school's cultural insensitivity. The depiction of Vietnamese culture through a bowl of brownish noodles, with sharp chopsticks against a blinding yellow background is not only distasteful and offensive. The inclusion of two rudimentary drawings of 5-petal pink flowers further emphasizes the school's lack of cultural sensitivity and artistic nuance. It reflects not only a lack of awareness but also a profound insensitivity that has permeated the school's culture. Similar to how they borrow Overfelt's football field, they borrow cultural symbols without understanding, perpetuating stereotypes, and failing to cultivate a unique identity for the school.In summary, my experience at this school has been marred by a confluence of issues, ranging from an unwelcoming social environment to a substandard academic atmosphere, coupled with inadequate facilities.
Submitted by other on June 22, 2023

Good councelors they will keep u ontrack and into college, help my son out a lot to get into uc berkely
Submitted by parent on October 12, 2022

This school used to be a great place for students, but ever since the pandemic Alpha has been on a terrible downward spiral. Teachers quit constantly throughout the school year leaving us with long term subs who have no idea what they're doing or how to teach. Before this year started, more than half of our teachers quit because they were so unhappy with the way things were going at Alpha. We hardly have any teachers we know and the new ones are mostly first year teachers who are trying but mostly they are completely confused with how to teach or handle a class. The English classes used to be fun and exciting but now all we get is Studysync which has made me lose all interest in reading because of how boring the activities are. Our principal doesn't seem to care about how unhappy we are and one of our assistant principals is hated by almost everyone at the school because of the fact that she runs this place like its a dictatorship and she's the supreme leader. I never would've thought I would rather go to Overfelt but this is finally the year that I wish I switched schools before the year started.
Submitted by parent on February 21, 2019

As a founding parent, i highly recommend ACAHS based on my experience is a great school where not only do they focus on academics but they prepare our students for college, As parents we have a voice on adminstration highly considers our concerns and make us feel part of the school.
Submitted by other on December 07, 2018

Although it is a great school and all, one student carry the burden of all students. This school is not about teamwork as they use to be. Usually the smartest student have to do all the work so what is the point. Not only that many students may be doing bad things they are not suppose to be doing. So therefore the teacher can't really do anything about it.
Submitted by other on December 30, 2016

My son started Alpha when it first established its middle school, Alpha Blanca Alvarado. I was nervous because my son had an IEP and I wanted him to not be overwhelm with the load of expectation and work needed to pass middle school. Together my son and I received a lot of support. With the excitement and how much I enjoyed alpha middle school, we enrolled without hesitation to Alpha Cindy Avitia.He continues to get all the help needed! Alpha high school is the only one that requires all students to take four years of Computer science. The students like my son, get all the support that they need! Of course it is up to us as parents to become involve in this future academic journey and process. Alpha continues to be an extended part of my family! As an active parent leader and founding parent, I make sure that my voice during board meeting is not just for my son, but for all of our existing, growing, and future children.If you've tried public schools (like I tried) and you feel like the "system" failed you and your child(ren), then you have an alternate choice of a high school.My son is motivated! He struggles with AP courses, but he gets help from peers and teachers, and most important the school culture is still like another family. We help one another.I could say a lot more, but my time is limited. I am a firm believer that one school doesn't fit all our children, as we who have more than one child know that each is unique! On the other hand, why not try alpha out? The staff is friendly, approachable, professional, and really care about what a parent and student need to prepare the students to achieve their upmost potential and not just graduate high school but to transfer to college and continue to achieve their goals.Remember to aim high, our children cannot do it alone! At Alpha, parents, students, staff, and our community matter. Together We Can Make Anything Possible!
Submitted by parent on December 10, 2016

I chose Alpha Cindy Avitia because this school is a smaller size to compare to other high-schools for my son. He was planning to go to a local high school, but I was worried because he got distracted too easy. After tried out a shadow day at Alpha, he would like to choose this school.When my son took placement tests here, his math and english were way under level. He got to put into targeted classes, got attention from assistant principal, principal, and teachers. After a year he improved alot, and feels more confident about himself. The students at Alpha are respectful and friendly to each other. I also like the school staffs who are very engaged to students and families. They offer English classes for parents too. I would like to give 5 stars if the school have better facilities same as other local schools.
Submitted by parent on November 29, 2016

Estoy muy satisfecha con la escuela alpha cindy avitia