TIDE Academy student(2 messages)

Please don't shut down TIDE. TIDE Academy isn't just a school it's a safe place for students to be who they are, not only is TIDE doing an amazing job educating its students it makes us feel like we belong. TIDE Academy has been the only school that I've been able to truly make real friends. I used to dread waking up each morning knowing I'd have to suffer through another day of hating school and hating myself wishing for the day that this hell would be over but since going to TIDE that burden has been lifted and I know I'm not the only one.

In addition to the emotional wellbeing benefits of TIDE Academy has been proven to have incredible stats when it comes to its students' academics with a graduation rate of 100% which is well above the state median of 86%(1 & 2). The percentage of graduates who meet UC/CSU entrance requirements are 62% compared to the state average of 51%(2). Percentage of students enrolled in Dual Enrollment classes grades 9-12 are 50%(2) showing that many students are taking advantage of the unique opportunities only available at TIDE such as dual enrollment courses that provide students with a jump start in the future.

Not only are the graduation stats impressive, but according to the Smarter Balanced and California Science Test, in every subject TIDE students' average test scores are at least 15% higher than the state average and in science TIDE students score an average of 18% higher than the state average(1). When it comes to reading and science TIDE students score an average of 4% higher than the district average(1).

TIDE is so awesome that I actually chose to write this email.

Source 1:
https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/california/districts/sequoia-union-high/tide-academy-409862

Source 2:
https://www.greatschools.org/california/menlo-park/32887-Tide-Academy/

Dear [REDACTED],

Thanks for reaching out--and for caring about your school. I know uncertainty is stressful. No decision has been made to close TIDE Academy. On November 12, the Board asked the Superintendent to bring a process and timeline to the December 10 meeting that shows how the District will discuss and consider TIDE's future--and how students, families, and staff can be heard.

We respect what makes TIDE special--its small-school community and programs like dual enrollment, CTE, and Nucleus. Looking at a process doesn't take away from that value. At the same time, the District is facing a structural deficit, which means ongoing costs are rising faster than ongoing revenue (because of things like inflation, enrollment shifts, and limits in funding). Very small schools also tend to cost more per student, which can limit the number of classes and programs over time. That's why we need a careful, student-centered process.

There will be an opportunity in January for students to share input directly with the Superintendent; we'll send details once the date is confirmed.

What to know right now:

• No decision has been made, and school continues as usual.
• You can follow and speak during public comment at the December 10 Board meeting.

Thank you again for your message--your voice matters, and we're listening.

On Nov 14, 2025, at 8:36 AM, [REDACTED] wrote:

Please don't shut down TIDE. TIDE Academy isn't just a school it's a safe place for students to be who they are TIDE Academy has been the only school that I've been able to truly make real friends. I used to dread waking up each morning knowing I'd have to suffer through another day of hating school and hating myself wishing for the day that this hell would be over but since going to TIDE that burden has been lifted and I know I'm not the only one. In addition to the emotional wellbeing benefits of TIDE Academy has been proven to have incredible stats when it comes to its students' academics with a graduation rate of 100% which is well above the state median of 86%(1 & 2). The percentage of graduates who meet UC/CSU entrance requirements are 62% compared to the state average of 51%(2). Percentage of students enrolled in Dual Enrollment classes grades 9-12 are 50%(2) showing that many students are taking advantage of the unique opportunities only available at TIDE such as dual enrollment courses that provide students with a jump start in the future. Not only are the graduation stats impressive, but according to the Smarter Balanced and California Science Test, in every subject TIDE students' average test scores are at least 15% higher than the state average and in science TIDE students score an average of 18% higher than the state average(1). When it comes to reading and science TIDE students score an average of 4% higher than the district average(1). TIDE is so awesome that I actually chose to write this email. Source 1: https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/california/districts/sequoia- union-high/tide-academy-409862 Source 2: https://www.greatschools.org/california/menlo-park/32887-Tide-Academy/