Original Research by School Decision on Natural High (continuation)
Natural High is a continuation school serving grades nine through twelve in Lakeport, part of Lakeport Unified. It is an alternative school, meaning it serves students who have left or struggled in traditional high school settings and are working toward graduation through a different structure and pace. The enrollment is very small, with a roster concentrated in the upper grades.
The student body reflects Lakeport's demographics and economic circumstances. A substantial majority of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, indicating significant economic need. The enrollment is diverse, with roughly two-thirds American Indian or Alaska Native and Hispanic students, and smaller numbers of white and multiracial students. The American Indian representation is notably higher than the student body of a typical public school, which aligns with the presence of tribal communities and tribal education initiatives in Lake County.
Academic performance data is limited. State testing results show proficiency in English language arts and mathematics in the most recent reporting year; both figures are substantially below the statewide midpoint. Science proficiency data was suppressed, likely because the small enrollment and number of tested students fell below the state's reporting threshold. With only one year of data available and no trend information, it is difficult to assess whether these results reflect the school's direction or are part of a pattern. The small school size, combined with the continuation school model, means the student population is inherently different from a traditional high school: these students have already experienced disruption or disengagement in mainstream settings, and they are in recovery pathways. A parent considering Natural High may want to ask the school directly about graduation outcomes, the structure of courses and support services, how the school works with students who enter below grade level, and what happens after completion.
Lakeport is a small county-seat town on the western shore of Clear Lake. Civic and commercial life is concentrated in a historic downtown with locally owned shops, restaurants, and civic buildings, including a preserved Carnegie Library and historic courthouse. Library Park, a lakefront green with public shore access and a summer concert series, is the community hub. The school campuses, including Natural High, sit separately from downtown on a shared cluster of buildings on Lange Street rather than being integrated into the walkable downtown core.
The local economy is anchored by government, healthcare, education, and tourism-related hospitality and retail. Lake County government, tribal entities such as Big Valley Rancheria, healthcare providers, and Mendocino College are major employers. Housing values in the zip code are below the state average, and rental affordability is slightly better than mortgage affordability, reflecting the town's modest economic position within California.
The district has recently experienced setbacks that may affect school quality and facilities. In June 2026, voters rejected a proposed school facilities bond, leaving aging district buildings without dedicated modernization funding. The district's previous bond measure is retiring, which will remove an associated property tax levy. On the positive side, the district is launching a Teacher Residency Program in partnership with Sonoma State University for the 2026-2027 school year, aiming to recruit and train new teachers locally and address staffing challenges. These developments suggest an unstable facilities picture but an effort to strengthen the teaching workforce.
Natural High is appropriate for a student who has left a traditional high school track and needs a smaller, more flexible setting to complete high school. Families should look closely at the school's graduation support, how it addresses gaps in foundational skills, and whether the specific programming and student community align with their student's learning style and recovery goals. The broader district context of deferred facility maintenance and recent voter rejection of funding is worth understanding as part of the school experience.
See more original research from School Decision →