Parents Rally to Save TIDE Academy

What happened

On Tuesday morning, December 9, 2025, students and parents gathered in front of TIDE Academy in Menlo Park for a rally to support the school and urge the district not to close it. Local coverage reported more than 30 people in attendance. Families stood shoulder to shoulder behind speakers at the podium, many wearing shirts that read “Keep it 100 for TIDE.”

Messages shared by parents, students, and mentors

Across the speeches, one theme came through clearly: families described TIDE as a school that works because it is small, relationship-driven, and built around student support—especially for students who struggled in larger settings.

Parent perspective (student supports and outcomes)
Parent and physician Rebecca O’Brien said TIDE serves a high number of students with IEPs and 504 plans, and shared that the graduation rate for TIDE students with IEPs/504s is 100%, compared with a district average of 80%. She emphasized that small schools can reduce anxiety, strengthen belonging, and increase teacher-student connection.

Mentorship and “strategic plan” alignment
Alumni parent and current TIDE mentor Ken Parekh said he helped develop the district’s 2024–27 strategic plan and argued that TIDE already delivers on many of the district’s stated goals—student wellbeing, belonging, academic growth, strong relationships with teachers, and college and career readiness. He described TIDE as a safe, wellness-centered environment with small classes, engaged staff and parents, and a neurodiverse student body, and said other campuses cannot replicate that experience at the same level.

Student stories (belonging and growth)
Students spoke about finding their voice and confidence at TIDE. A senior with a 504 plan shared that at a larger campus he did not feel students with accommodations received the support they needed, while at TIDE staff follow his plan closely and “go the extra mile” to help him succeed. Other students described how mentorship, internships, leadership opportunities, and the small-class setting helped them come out of their shells, build skills, and picture a stronger future for themselves.

What families said they still need from the district

TIDE Education Foundation President Andromeda Garcelon said that during November listening sessions, parents felt their questions were not answered despite the meetings being presented as a Q&A. She said families have not received responses to requests to meet with trustees, and that the community is asking the district to clearly define the problem, share the data behind the concerns, and begin with solutions—rather than starting from a closure discussion.