Mayra C. first arrived at Aviva at the tender age of 14, accompanied by her twin sister and not much else of her own. Both were placed at Aviva by the Department of Children and Family Services, after having been moved in and out of a series of six foster homes in the months preceeding placement at Aviva. Mayra had survived a childhood of devastating losses, trauma, and fears. She came to Aviva and began to heal.
Aviva High School was Mayra’s fourth high school, and thankfully her last. At her public high schools, Mayra had failed most of her classes. But once in our small, therapeutic, individualized program, Mayra began to flourish. Mayra successfully transitioned from Aviva’s residential program to become a community student while living at home. She increased her test scores by more than four grade levels, and passed the California High School Exit Exam with flying colors. Through three years of hard work, including ups and downs along the way, Mayra developed lasting relationships with her teachers and therapists at Aviva. She became a role-model student, who helped younger students get through some rough times and encouraged others to seek and accept the help that Aviva offers. When she graduated with her high school diploma in August 2008, we proudly commemorated her dedication and accomplishments.
Mayra is now a wife, mother, and licensed medical assistant. She continues to stay in regular and frequent contact with us at Aviva High School and we continue to support her every step of the way.
aviva high school
“We’re taking back our futures.” That’s how the girls at Aviva High School describe how their lives have changed. Many of our students first arrive with negative feelings about school, with histories of multiple failures, suspensions and expulsions. However, after a few months of working in classrooms with a 5:1 ratio of students to teaching staff, they start to imagine the coming years with specific plans and goals. They start dreaming not only of graduating but continuing their education beyond high school. And they know Aviva will be beside them and their families at every step.
Our students tell stories of being let down, frustrated and bounced around larger schools before they came to Aviva. They describe Aviva High School as having close-knit classes, teachers who understand their individual needs and teach without judgment, and counselors who are available down the hall when feelings get tough.
It’s about finally going to a school where students realize the value of their skills, discover their innate ability to help others, and learn how to be responsible for their choices and actions. In short, Aviva High School is a unique and safe place where girls can grow, strive and dream more than they dared to before.
Please review our Programs and Admissions page, explore our Educational Programs and Curriculum, and visit news updates for Current Students and Parents.
Aviva High school lunch program: USDA and NSD are equal opportunity providers and employers.
Executive Summary School Accountability Report Card, 2008-09 [Word doc: 214KB]
