Announcing our 2026 Model Continuation High Schools

California Model School Flag, CDE, CCEA Plus

State Superintendent Tony Thurmond Announces 2026 Model Continuation High Schools

California Department of Education News Release

California Department of Education

SACRAMENTO—State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced today that 59 schools throughout the state were recognized as Model Continuation High Schools (MCHS) for 2026. Model Continuation High Schools provide comprehensive services to at-risk youth through exemplary instructional strategies, flexible scheduling, and guidance and counseling services. Continuation schools provide a high school diploma program for students who have not graduated from high school, are required to attend school, and are at risk of not completing their education.

“Today, we celebrate 59 commendable schools for their tremendous efforts as alternative campuses of learning,” Superintendent Thurmond said. “The priority of our Model Continuation High Schools is to give students more than a diploma. The teachers and administrators aim to provide students with a student-centered approach that meets their diverse academic, social, and emotional needs and opportunities to explore options beyond high school and prepare students for the future—whether they choose to pursue further education or join the workforce.”

More than 428 continuation high schools serve close to 45,000 students throughout the state. These schools excel and provide exceptional opportunities for their students to pursue academic and social success. For example:

Southern California

Alta Vista High School, Vista Unified School District, San Diego County
Alta Vista High School stands out for its deep commitment to relationships, relevance, and real-world learning through a Big Picture Learning and project-based learning approach. A defining highlight is the internship and work-based learning program, where students apply their learning in the community, build confidence, and form real connections. Students also participate in intramural sports to support wellness, teamwork, and belonging. During the site visit, parents shared words like “awesome,” “fantastic,” “magnificent,” and “life-changing” in describing the school.

John Hope Continuation High School, Los Angeles Unified School District, Los Angeles County
Students feel welcomed rather than “judged.” Respect for student identity is embedded in daily practice, which includes the consistent use of students’ chosen pronouns and a strong commitment to culturally responsive teaching. Students receive both in-school and after-school therapy services, including weekly group sessions known as “The Lunch Bunch,” which address student-identified needs such as grief, anxiety, identity, and relationship-building. The Psychiatric Social Worker coordinates referrals for students requiring more intensive services, while teachers and staff are trained to recognize early signs of distress and respond appropriately.

Summit High School, Desert Sands Unified School District, Riverside County
Summit High School exemplifies a holistic approach to education through its Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) wellness program, a vibrant art program, and a deeply rooted culture of inclusivity and belonging. Complementing the MTSS wellness program is Summit’s dynamic art program, which serves as both a creative outlet and a therapeutic resource for students. Art classes are designed to nurture self-expression, build confidence, and provide students with opportunities to explore their identities and lived experiences in a safe and supportive environment.

Central California

Sierra Continuation High School, Tahoe-Truckee Unified School District, Placer County
Students at Sierra are engaged and proud of their learning. In every classroom, collaboration, curiosity, and confidence fill the air. The onsite teen pregnancy program and daycare facility provide essential support to allow young parents to continue their education while caring for their children. The agriculture program stands out as a model of creativity and applied learning methods. Students are developing and producing a film on the controversial reintroduction of wolves in California. Their work has earned recognition with an invitation to present at the International Wild Film Festival in Montana—an inspiring example of student initiative and storytelling with real-world impact.

Yosemite High School, Merced Union High School District, Merced County
Career Technical Education (CTE) pathways, including agriculture, welding, cosmetology, and energy and power technology, provide hands-on learning and industry certifications. Students engage in real-world projects such as growing produce in onsite greenhouses, designing solar-powered systems, and creating PurpleAir air monitors. These efforts have been showcased at statewide events like the California STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) Symposium and the California Green Schools Summit. Leadership, engagement, and community involvement thrive through student leadership programs, intramural sports, after-school clubs, and partnerships with organizations such as Merced College and the Police Activities League. Creative projects, including a large pottery mosaic of Yosemite National Park, celebrate student identity and community while fostering collaboration and pride. They give some students their first win.

Northern California

Boynton High School, Campbell Union High School District, Santa Clara County
A clear and consistent theme across all focus groups was that Boynton represents an opportunity for a fresh start grounded in strong relationships, high expectations, and a deep sense of belonging. Students shared that within the smaller class environment, they feel respected, known, and motivated by teachers who provide individualized attention they had not experienced previously. Teachers leverage instructional flexibility and project-based learning to make content meaningful, as demonstrated through the Arts, Media, and Entertainment CTE program featuring a recording studio, animation software, and industry-informed coursework. Boynton’s whole-child approach is further strengthened by a robust, trauma-informed social–emotional learning framework. Students benefit from coordinated supports provided by school-based staff and community partners such as Counseling and Support Services for Youth (CASSY), San José City College, and the 49ers’ life skills program. These supports include grief groups, family needs assessments, college and financial aid workshops, conflict mediation, and access to food through the on-campus pantry.

CDE CCEA Model School Seal (MCHS)The MCHS Recognition Program is a collaborative partnership between the California Department of Education (CDE) and the California Continuation Education Association Plus (CCEA Plus). Schools operate their own exemplary programs, but Model Continuation High School–recognized educators commit to supporting and mentoring their peers in other local educational agencies.

The 59 schools selected as MCHS retain their designation for three years. They will be recognized at the CCEA Plus 2026 State Conference. For more information on continuation education, please visit the CDE Continuation Education web page.

2026 Model Continuation High Schools

Listed by county first.

  1. Alameda, New Haven Unified School District — Conley-Caraballo High School
  2. Alameda, Fremont Unified School District — Robertson High School
  3. Contra Costa, Mt. Diablo Unified School District — Prospect High School
  4. Fresno, Selma Unified School District — Heartland High School
  5. Kings, Lemoore Union High School District — Donald C. Jamison Continuation High School
  6. Los Angeles, Paramount Unified School District — Buena Vista High School
  7. Los Angeles, West Covina Unified School District — Coronado High School
  8. Los Angeles, Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District — El Camino High School
  9. Los Angeles, Los Angeles Unified School District — Amelia Earhart Continuation High School
  10. Los Angeles, Covina-Valley Unified School District — Fairvalley Continuation High School
  11. Los Angeles, Los Angeles Unified School District — Frida Kahlo Continuation High School
  12. Los Angeles, Los Angeles Unified School District — George S. Patton Continuation High School
  13. Los Angeles, Los Angeles Unified School District — Independence Continuation High School
  14. Los Angeles, William S. Hart Union High School District — Jereann Bowman High School
  15. Los Angeles, Los Angeles Unified School District — John Hope Continuation School
  16. Los Angeles, Torrance Unified School District — Kurt T. Shery High School
  17. Los Angeles, Los Angeles Unified School District — Monterey Continuation High
  18. Los Angeles, Burbank Unified School District — Monterey High (Continuation)
  19. Los Angeles, Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District — Olympic Continuation High School
  20. Los Angeles, Los Angeles Unified School District — Phoenix Continuation High School
  21. Los Angeles, Claremont Unified School District — San Antonio High School
  22. Los Angeles, Rowland Unified School District — Santana High School
  23. Los Angeles, Los Angeles Unified School District — Whitney Young Continuation High School
  24. Los Angeles, Los Angeles Unified School District — Will Rogers Continuation High School
  25. Merced, Merced Union High School District — Yosemite High School
  26. Monterey, Pacific Grove Unified School District — Pacific Grove Community High School
  27. Orange, Newport-Mesa Unified School District — Back Bay High School
  28. Orange, Brea-Olinda Unified School District — Brea Canyon High School
  29. Orange, Anaheim Union High School District — Gilbert High School
  30. Placer, Tahoe-Truckee Unified School District — Sierra Continuation High School
  31. Riverside, Hemet Unified School District — Alessandro High School
  32. Riverside, Desert Sands Unified School District — Amistad High School
  33. Riverside, Beaumont Unified School District — Glen View High School
  34. Riverside, Lake Elsinore Unified School District — Ortega High School
  35. Riverside, Desert Sands Unified School District — Summit High School
  36. Riverside, Val Verde Unified School District — Val Verde High School
  37. Sacramento, Natomas Unified School District — Discovery High School
  38. San Benito, San Benito High School District — San Andreas Continuation High School
  39. San Bernardino, Morongo Unified School District — Black Rock Alternative/Continuation
  40. San Bernardino, Upland Unified School District — Hillside High School
  41. San Bernardino, Redlands Unified School District — Orangewood High (Continuation)
  42. San Diego, Grossmont Union High School District — Chaparral High School
  43. San Diego, Vista Unified School District — Alta Vista High School
  44. San Diego, Vista Unified School District — Major General Raymond Murray High School
  45. San Diego, Ramona City Unified School District — Montecito High School
  46. San Diego, Sweetwater Union High School District — Palomar High School
  47. San Diego, San Marcos Unified School District — Twin Oaks High School
  48. San Diego, Escondido Union High School District — Valley High School
  49. San Joaquin, Lodi Unified School District — Plaza Robles Continuation High School
  50. San Mateo, Jefferson Union High School District — Thornton High School
  51. Santa Clara, Campbell Union High School District — Boynton High School
  52. Shasta, Shasta Union High School District — Pioneer Continuation High School
  53. Solano, Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District — Sem Yeto Continuation High
  54. Sonoma, West Sonoma County Union High School District — Laguna High School
  55. Tulare, Porterville Unified School District — Citrus High School
  56. Tulare, Lindsay Unified School District — John J. Cairns Continuation High School
  57. Ventura, Oak Park Unified School District — Oak View Continuation High School
  58. Ventura, Fillmore Unified School District — Sierra High School
  59. Yuba, Marysville Joint Unified School District — South Lindhurst High School

Looking to Apply?

The “Intent to Submit” form for prospective Model Schools is usually due in the summer each year. So, to become a Model School for 2026-2027, you must submit your intent during late summer 2026 to begin the application process.  For more details, click here. The new application will be posted some time in the late spring / early summer, along with the deadlines.

Learn More

Tony Thurmond — State Superintendent of Public Instruction
Communications Division, Room 5602, 916-319-0818, Fax 916-319-0100

  Release: #26-15 — CDE press release (direct link)
Last updated: March 11, 2026

Contact: Communications
E-mail: communications (at) cde.ca.gov
Phone: 916-319-0818