Every freshman has the support of an upper classman. They talk regularly and meet at the first sign of trouble. In acknowledging the similarities between their school and Columbine, Redwood students still point to important differences that make their school more hospitable. Students said while loners might be ignored, they weren't picked on. At Redwood, the drama program provides a positive context for students with purple hair.
Redwood also has a energetic social issues curriculum.
Although Redwood's students feel positive about the school in many ways, they said it is important to realize that the stresses of adolescence at some point were going to make people feel lonely and alienated.