Delta Charter High School at Cabrillo College
SUCCESS STORIES
Whether they are struggling academically or not, students enter Delta High School, graduate with a diploma, and leave with a sense of purpose and accomplishment, confident in their ability to succeed and excited about their future. Nearly ninety percent of Delta High School graduates go on to colleges and universities. Delta’s student matriculation includes Brooks College, Cabrillo Community College, Hartnell College, Berkeley, Pacific Northwest School of Art, San Francisco City College, UCSC, UCSF, UC Davis and others.
When my son arrived at Delta School as a junior, he felt frustrated and let down by traditional high school. Things were so bad that my partner and I weren't even sure he'd be able to graduate high school at all. However the administrators and teachers at Delta took our son under his wing and did everything possible to help him both academically and emotionally. The flexibility and shorter school days made Delta perfect for my burned out son, as well as the independent studies option which he took advantage of his senior year. To my surprise, my son ended up joining the military of his own volition upon graduation and scored exceptionally high on the military's entrance exam - and this was a student who was getting D's and F's in his freshman year at traditional high school! The instruction offered by Delta in math, science, social studies, and language arts was instrumental in my son's high test score, and the emotional safety net he felt at Delta gave him the space to succeed on every level. Delta School is a wonderful, safe space for teens of all backgrounds and needs.
Thank you Delta! - Meg parent of a 20-21 grad
To me it is only a miracle that my son is graduating at all. Delta made space for my son in ways I have never seen before. As a family we all had difficult trials and tribulations and Delta, Jen, and Jamie, held open a door of possibility. Giving room for my son to grow into the kind, radiant, loving, human he is today. We were pressured into putting him on meds for ADHD when he was in 2nd grade by a magnet school in Tahoe. He was kicked out of middle school. He ran up against wall after wall in public school. No teacher wanted him because no one could understand him. My son on meds could not sleep, had hallucinations and withered away. One day, I saw him in the kitchen doing homework with his shirt off and I could see every rib on his back. We stopped the meds then, decided to homeschool moving to Last Chance. For my son homeschooling meant no schooling at all. He could only learn about the world with his hands. Instead of writing and math, he camped, biked, hiked, fished ,forge, did metalworking, and beekeeping. For my son to put together a paragraph would be hours of excruciating torment for him and I. Math was impossible, but he was a genius with his skill to build and create anything imagined.
My son understands the world differently and connects to people differently. The world in which we live does not reward young people who are gifted with their hands as he is. I cannot tell you what it means to me to see my son writing with support, graduating, and walking away from Delta's embrace with not only a better understanding of who he is, but with some self-love about how he is different and who he is not.
Thank you for showing love and understanding to a boy who could never be understood. To me he has the biggest golden heart I have ever seen, and he will have so many reasons to forget that in this life, but for his high school experience it will always be a time he will remember as someone who was seen. Finally, he was seen.
with all my heart I thank you all. - Tawnya, parent of a 20-21 grad
The semester after I graduated from Berkeley, I returned to my true academic home—Delta—where I used what I learned at Berkeley, Cabrillo, and Delta to teach a philosophy class. I am currently studying for an MA in philosophy at San Francisco State University (recognized as one of the top 10 institutions to earn a terminal MA in philosophy), after which I plan to earn a PhD in philosophy. And of course, I keep writing. Without Delta, none of these things would have been imaginable. I regularly keep in touch with Delta teachers and staff, and return to visit the school as often as I can." - Steven McGannon
All These Things Make Delta, Delta:
One thing I really like about Delta is that the classes are not very crowded. This allows students more individual attention from the teachers. I myself find that Delta’s small class sizes allow me to learn at my own pace. The classes at my old school were very large and the pace of the class was too fast. This left me in the dust. At Delta I can stay on top and learn a lot.
- New Student
The teachers at Delta are very involved with all the students so that when the students ask for help they get it. The reason I think that the teachers are so good is because they can relate to all the students and how their high school experience was for them in high school. A traditional teacher would have too much to handle but here at Delta the teachers can help every student and still do their job very well. The way they teach is giving small assignments to the student so that the student doesn’t feel super overwhelmed. - Anonymous Delta Student
I came to Delta for five reasons. First, for the teachers because I need one on one time to succeed. Second, for the small classes so I can focus and get individual attention from the teacher. Third, for the college connection because I want to attend Cabrillo. Fourth, for the schedule because I have a horse that I need to take care of. Finally, because there is usually little to no homework so I have time to ride. Also, my best friend goes to Delta.
- Anonymous Delta Student
Something that is important to me about Delta is that Directed Studies help me out with my homework especially when I am stuck on it. The staff is cool too; all of my teachers are cool and care for each student. They also keep the class fun and entertaining. At my old school the teachers would just rush through the agenda and teach at a very fast pace. It was hard to keep up. I know Delta is the school for me, because I actually want to learn when I show up to school. I hated going to class knowing that I was going have a bad time learning. In conclusion Delta is the school for me because I feel comfortable and I am ready to learn.
- Armando, Delta Student
Delta has helped me in so many ways academically. I have an IEP and Delta has attended me with it. I get longer time on a mid term. It is also helpful that I know the teachers do care about my grades. They try to help me to get all my credit that I need. The teachers help and relate to the students. I love Delta because they attend to those who are suffering in school. I had an internship at Capitola Roasters, and I was an intern for twice a week before school. I love how if you are interested in something, Delta tries to get the best match for an internship.
- Anonymous Delta Student
Delta has helped me more than I can say in my high school years. If I hadn’t attended Delta I honestly don’t think I would be where I am today. When I started going to Delta I was behind on credits because my last school was not a good fit for me. But when I got to Delta, I understood the teachers better, and I got more attention than I did at my other school. It felt like the teachers cared more about how I was doing. Thanks to Delta I graduated early this year and I am now attending Cabrillo College.
- Angel Landa, Class of 2010
Hi, my name is Emily and I attended Delta Charter for my last two years of high school. Until this day I thank one of my best friends and sisters for begging me to come to Delta. So I did, and looking back on all of it now, it was the best decision I ever made. Delta is filled with excellent resources that immensely pushed me to some of my highest potentials. Another great asset is having Cabrillo College as our neighbor which was a tremendous advancement into my college career. And of course one cannot forget all the awesome teachers that make the school feel just like home. There are so many wonderful things about the staff that I don’t have enough time to talk about, but a few important things are that they are always there for the students, they truly care about our education and where we will end up. The staff is welcoming and they always have a positive attitude about their work. They as well know how to connect well with the students, sometimes it felt as if I wasn’t at school because I look at my teachers and staff as close friends and lifelong advisors. There’s especially one thing that they all do to well, they work too hard, and they sacrifice so much for their students, which in my eyes is the best kind of teacher you can ever ask for. I left Delta with huge accomplishments, I have learned far more than I ever thought possible in school, and I graduated valedictorian, which for me never seemed like a possibility. I am currently still at Cabrillo College and accomplishing the unimaginable, and I have Delta Charter to thank for my success.
- Emily Karis, Class of 2009
"Once I started at Delta, I began attending school more often and steadily increased my performance in class. I am now set to graduate early and have taken college classes. Since I started at Delta, I have taken more of a leadership role, partly because the school revolves around the students." - Patrick, Class of 2005
"TJ is doing great! He has been at Air Force Basic Training since August 12th and seems to have embraced the program and is working hard and thriving. J We will be flying down to Lackland, TX on September 30 for his Graduation and then he is off to his specialized training." - Tamara, graduate parent 2015
"Last night our daughter surprised us by telling us that she had also applied to Hawaii Pacific University’s Pre-Physical Therapy program, that it was her top choice, and that she had been accepted! She also finally let us know that Delta was “in on it” and that she was getting your support as she did her applications. I cannot express how grateful we are to you for being there for her, for respecting her wish to do it on her own without any help or moral support from us, and for the fact that without her time at Delta, none of this would have been possible. Delta gave our daughter the opportunity to keep achieving during a time when she would have failed at a big, conventional high school. Because you were there for her, we as parents could “back off” and let her find her own path. (I admit it took us a while to learn that part, but we finally did, thanks to you!!!) There really are no words to adequately express our thanks."
- Nancy, Graduate Parent 2011
Whether they are struggling academically or not, students enter Delta High School, graduate with a diploma, and leave with a sense of purpose and accomplishment, confident in their ability to succeed and excited about their future. Nearly ninety percent of Delta High School graduates go on to colleges and universities. Delta’s student matriculation includes Brooks College, Cabrillo Community College, Hartnell College, Berkeley, Pacific Northwest School of Art, San Francisco City College, UCSC, UCSF, UC Davis and others.
When my son arrived at Delta School as a junior, he felt frustrated and let down by traditional high school. Things were so bad that my partner and I weren't even sure he'd be able to graduate high school at all. However the administrators and teachers at Delta took our son under his wing and did everything possible to help him both academically and emotionally. The flexibility and shorter school days made Delta perfect for my burned out son, as well as the independent studies option which he took advantage of his senior year. To my surprise, my son ended up joining the military of his own volition upon graduation and scored exceptionally high on the military's entrance exam - and this was a student who was getting D's and F's in his freshman year at traditional high school! The instruction offered by Delta in math, science, social studies, and language arts was instrumental in my son's high test score, and the emotional safety net he felt at Delta gave him the space to succeed on every level. Delta School is a wonderful, safe space for teens of all backgrounds and needs.
Thank you Delta! - Meg parent of a 20-21 grad
To me it is only a miracle that my son is graduating at all. Delta made space for my son in ways I have never seen before. As a family we all had difficult trials and tribulations and Delta, Jen, and Jamie, held open a door of possibility. Giving room for my son to grow into the kind, radiant, loving, human he is today. We were pressured into putting him on meds for ADHD when he was in 2nd grade by a magnet school in Tahoe. He was kicked out of middle school. He ran up against wall after wall in public school. No teacher wanted him because no one could understand him. My son on meds could not sleep, had hallucinations and withered away. One day, I saw him in the kitchen doing homework with his shirt off and I could see every rib on his back. We stopped the meds then, decided to homeschool moving to Last Chance. For my son homeschooling meant no schooling at all. He could only learn about the world with his hands. Instead of writing and math, he camped, biked, hiked, fished ,forge, did metalworking, and beekeeping. For my son to put together a paragraph would be hours of excruciating torment for him and I. Math was impossible, but he was a genius with his skill to build and create anything imagined.
My son understands the world differently and connects to people differently. The world in which we live does not reward young people who are gifted with their hands as he is. I cannot tell you what it means to me to see my son writing with support, graduating, and walking away from Delta's embrace with not only a better understanding of who he is, but with some self-love about how he is different and who he is not.
Thank you for showing love and understanding to a boy who could never be understood. To me he has the biggest golden heart I have ever seen, and he will have so many reasons to forget that in this life, but for his high school experience it will always be a time he will remember as someone who was seen. Finally, he was seen.
with all my heart I thank you all. - Tawnya, parent of a 20-21 grad
The semester after I graduated from Berkeley, I returned to my true academic home—Delta—where I used what I learned at Berkeley, Cabrillo, and Delta to teach a philosophy class. I am currently studying for an MA in philosophy at San Francisco State University (recognized as one of the top 10 institutions to earn a terminal MA in philosophy), after which I plan to earn a PhD in philosophy. And of course, I keep writing. Without Delta, none of these things would have been imaginable. I regularly keep in touch with Delta teachers and staff, and return to visit the school as often as I can." - Steven McGannon
All These Things Make Delta, Delta:
One thing I really like about Delta is that the classes are not very crowded. This allows students more individual attention from the teachers. I myself find that Delta’s small class sizes allow me to learn at my own pace. The classes at my old school were very large and the pace of the class was too fast. This left me in the dust. At Delta I can stay on top and learn a lot.
- New Student
The teachers at Delta are very involved with all the students so that when the students ask for help they get it. The reason I think that the teachers are so good is because they can relate to all the students and how their high school experience was for them in high school. A traditional teacher would have too much to handle but here at Delta the teachers can help every student and still do their job very well. The way they teach is giving small assignments to the student so that the student doesn’t feel super overwhelmed. - Anonymous Delta Student
I came to Delta for five reasons. First, for the teachers because I need one on one time to succeed. Second, for the small classes so I can focus and get individual attention from the teacher. Third, for the college connection because I want to attend Cabrillo. Fourth, for the schedule because I have a horse that I need to take care of. Finally, because there is usually little to no homework so I have time to ride. Also, my best friend goes to Delta.
- Anonymous Delta Student
Something that is important to me about Delta is that Directed Studies help me out with my homework especially when I am stuck on it. The staff is cool too; all of my teachers are cool and care for each student. They also keep the class fun and entertaining. At my old school the teachers would just rush through the agenda and teach at a very fast pace. It was hard to keep up. I know Delta is the school for me, because I actually want to learn when I show up to school. I hated going to class knowing that I was going have a bad time learning. In conclusion Delta is the school for me because I feel comfortable and I am ready to learn.
- Armando, Delta Student
Delta has helped me in so many ways academically. I have an IEP and Delta has attended me with it. I get longer time on a mid term. It is also helpful that I know the teachers do care about my grades. They try to help me to get all my credit that I need. The teachers help and relate to the students. I love Delta because they attend to those who are suffering in school. I had an internship at Capitola Roasters, and I was an intern for twice a week before school. I love how if you are interested in something, Delta tries to get the best match for an internship.
- Anonymous Delta Student
Delta has helped me more than I can say in my high school years. If I hadn’t attended Delta I honestly don’t think I would be where I am today. When I started going to Delta I was behind on credits because my last school was not a good fit for me. But when I got to Delta, I understood the teachers better, and I got more attention than I did at my other school. It felt like the teachers cared more about how I was doing. Thanks to Delta I graduated early this year and I am now attending Cabrillo College.
- Angel Landa, Class of 2010
Hi, my name is Emily and I attended Delta Charter for my last two years of high school. Until this day I thank one of my best friends and sisters for begging me to come to Delta. So I did, and looking back on all of it now, it was the best decision I ever made. Delta is filled with excellent resources that immensely pushed me to some of my highest potentials. Another great asset is having Cabrillo College as our neighbor which was a tremendous advancement into my college career. And of course one cannot forget all the awesome teachers that make the school feel just like home. There are so many wonderful things about the staff that I don’t have enough time to talk about, but a few important things are that they are always there for the students, they truly care about our education and where we will end up. The staff is welcoming and they always have a positive attitude about their work. They as well know how to connect well with the students, sometimes it felt as if I wasn’t at school because I look at my teachers and staff as close friends and lifelong advisors. There’s especially one thing that they all do to well, they work too hard, and they sacrifice so much for their students, which in my eyes is the best kind of teacher you can ever ask for. I left Delta with huge accomplishments, I have learned far more than I ever thought possible in school, and I graduated valedictorian, which for me never seemed like a possibility. I am currently still at Cabrillo College and accomplishing the unimaginable, and I have Delta Charter to thank for my success.
- Emily Karis, Class of 2009
"Once I started at Delta, I began attending school more often and steadily increased my performance in class. I am now set to graduate early and have taken college classes. Since I started at Delta, I have taken more of a leadership role, partly because the school revolves around the students." - Patrick, Class of 2005
"TJ is doing great! He has been at Air Force Basic Training since August 12th and seems to have embraced the program and is working hard and thriving. J We will be flying down to Lackland, TX on September 30 for his Graduation and then he is off to his specialized training." - Tamara, graduate parent 2015
"Last night our daughter surprised us by telling us that she had also applied to Hawaii Pacific University’s Pre-Physical Therapy program, that it was her top choice, and that she had been accepted! She also finally let us know that Delta was “in on it” and that she was getting your support as she did her applications. I cannot express how grateful we are to you for being there for her, for respecting her wish to do it on her own without any help or moral support from us, and for the fact that without her time at Delta, none of this would have been possible. Delta gave our daughter the opportunity to keep achieving during a time when she would have failed at a big, conventional high school. Because you were there for her, we as parents could “back off” and let her find her own path. (I admit it took us a while to learn that part, but we finally did, thanks to you!!!) There really are no words to adequately express our thanks."
- Nancy, Graduate Parent 2011
