Original Research by School Decision on Chautauqua High (continuation)
Chautauqua High (Continuation) is a small alternative high school in Big Bear City, a quiet mountain community nestled on the east shore of Big Bear Lake and surrounded by San Bernardino National Forest. The school serves grades 8 through 12 and is part of Bear Valley Unified School District, which operates a handful of schools across the Big Bear Valley.
This is a continuation school, meaning it serves students who have not succeeded in the traditional high school setting. The enrollment is small, with the vast majority of students in grades 10, 11, and 12. A substantial majority of the student body qualifies for free or reduced-price lunch, reflecting the economic pressures of mountain communities where the local workforce leans toward construction, educational services, and hospitality work tied to year-round recreation. The student population is evenly divided between Hispanic and white students, with a small representation of multiracial and Asian students, and one student entering from grade 9.
Recent state assessment data for this school are not available. The most recent published results are from the early 2010s and are suppressed (too few students tested to report). The current year shows zero proficiency across tested subjects, which reflects a common reality for continuation schools: these programs prioritize recovery and completion over state testing, and many students may not be included in proficiency reporting because they are working toward a high school diploma or alternative credential rather than sitting for the full battery of exams used in mainstream schools. A parent should look into this further with the school to understand how academic progress is measured and what credential pathways the school offers.
Continuation schools serve a distinct population. They are not ranked or compared against traditional high schools in the state accountability system. Students here are typically those who have struggled with attendance, behavior, or academics in conventional settings, and the continuation model offers smaller class sizes, more individualized attention, and often flexibility around scheduling. This can be the right fit for a student who needs to catch up on credits, balance schooling with work, or benefit from a lower-pressure environment.
Big Bear City itself is a quieter, more affordable mountain community than its touristy neighbor Big Bear Lake. The area is car-dependent, with most residents driving personal vehicles; homes tend to be older cabins and vacation properties. The local economy has faced long-running enrollment decline, which led the district to close Big Bear Elementary School in 2023, consolidating the elementary footprint. Housing values and rents in the 92314 zip code are modest by state standards, though the community is experiencing modest price pressures alongside broader cost-of-living challenges in the region.
If your student is considering Chautauqua, the key questions are whether the school's smaller, recovery-focused model aligns with what they need, what credential options are available, and what support the school offers for students balancing school and work or other adult responsibilities. The school sits on Maple Lane in the Sugarloaf area of Big Bear City, and you may want to visit and speak directly with staff about transcript policies, graduation requirements, and post-secondary planning.
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