Original Research by School Decision on Del Amigo High (continuation)
Del Amigo High is a small continuation school in San Ramon serving students in grades eleven and twelve, with an enrollment that reflects its role as an alternative placement. The school is part of San Ramon Valley Unified, a district that has faced significant budget pressures in recent years, including the elimination of more than sixty staff positions in 2024 and planned reductions in counselor, psychologist, and social worker positions for the 2025-26 school year. In November 2024, voters approved a parcel tax renewal that preserves local funding tied to classroom teachers, but this does not offset the broader staffing constraints the district faces.
Academically, Del Amigo's performance data reflects the student population it serves. The most recent testing data shows proficiency in English language arts at a low rate, no proficiency reported in mathematics, and science testing data was suppressed, likely due to the small sample size. These results are consistent with what continuation schools typically experience: they serve students who have not succeeded in traditional high school settings and often carry significant academic gaps. A parent considering this school should understand that continuation programs are designed as pathways for students who need smaller environments, alternative scheduling, or different instructional approaches to complete their high school diploma, not as college-preparatory tracks. The school's academic profile reflects that mission.
The student body is small and diverse. About a third qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, with representation across White, Hispanic, Asian, and other racial and ethnic backgrounds. Data on students with disabilities and English learners was not available. The concentration of enrollment in grade twelve suggests most students are in their final year of secondary education, working toward completion.
San Ramon itself is an affluent Bay Area community with very high housing costs, both for purchase and rent. Median home values substantially exceed the state average, and rents run well above national norms. The district's school funding challenges stand in contrast to the broader community wealth; budget cuts and service reductions are happening in a high-income area facing competing demographic and fiscal pressures.
Del Amigo High serves a specific population and purpose within the district. It is not a general high school, and its academic performance should be read through that lens. A parent evaluating this school would want to discuss with the administration what support systems are in place given recent staffing reductions, what the pathway looks like to graduation, and whether the school's schedule and structure match their student's needs. The district's recent adoption of an ethnic studies graduation requirement will apply to Del Amigo students entering the class of 2030, adding to the diploma requirements.
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