State Superintendent Tony Thurmond Announces Model Continuation High Schools for 2024
California Department of Education News Release
SACRAMENTO—State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced today that 31 schools throughout the state were recognized as Model Continuation High Schools for 2024. Model Continuation High Schools provide comprehensive services to at-risk youth through the use of 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.
“Congratulations to these outstanding schools for their all-around excellence as alternative centers of learning,” said Superintendent Thurmond. “Teachers and administrators at our Model Continuation High Schools work to develop relationships with students to create a positive and personalized learning environment and provide them with opportunities to explore options beyond high school, preparing students for the next chapter in their lives.”
More than 430 continuation high schools serve close to 51,000 students throughout the state. Model Continuation High Schools excel and provide exceptional opportunities for their students to pursue academic and social success. For example:
- Black Diamond High School in Pittsburg fosters a warm and inclusive learning environment where dedicated adults prioritize the social–emotional and academic well-being of every student. The school maintains a commitment to understanding the challenges faced by students and educators. Black Diamond High embraces a culture of continuous reflection and growth, with administrators and teachers consistently striving to refine classroom instruction in response to students’ evolving needs.
- Calaveras Hills High School in Milpitas is committed to redefining alternative education through positive, close-knit relationships and by providing students with a unique and empowering learning experience that equips them for the challenges of the future. The school provides a dynamic and inclusive learning environment that caters to the diverse needs of all students in their care. The school’s emphasis on project-based learning, hands-on projects, real-world application, and collaborative problem-solving helps instill a sense of civic responsibility and social awareness where all students are valued for their unique insight and contributions to society.
- César E. Chávez Continuation High School in Santa Ana exhibits a strong commitment to the well-being and academic success of its students. The innovative approaches to curriculum and instructional strategies, coupled with a positive educational climate and comprehensive guidance and counseling services, contribute to a thriving learning community.
- Kings Canyon High School in Dinuba is a shining example of how amazing small schools can be. The campus is filled with staff who put the needs of the kids they serve first. Their genuine care and intentional relationship-building have created an authentic culture that is safe, inclusive and supportive. The community partnerships and wholistic supports for students and families set the bar for alternative education schools in California. Administration ensures that staff have access to appropriate and timely professional learning opportunities while also encouraging teacher autonomy.
- Raincross High School in Riverside emphasizes relationship building as a crucial area of concern for all stakeholders and understanding that individual students’ needs are a significant focus for their shared leadership professional learning community. Raincross has exemplary community partnerships supporting the site, creating a unique opportunity for customized personal and educational experiences that ensure every student can prepare for the challenges of becoming a young adult and responsible community member.
- Hillview High School in Tustin distinguishes itself as a nurturing and community-focused educational institution, deeply esteemed by various stakeholders. The leadership and staff at the school are all-in, demonstrating exemplary commitment and wholehearted dedication to providing the best for their students, emphasizing their role in fostering personal growth and comfort. Initiatives like volunteer requirements and customized education not only enhance academic skills but also instill a sense of purpose in the students.
The Model Continuation High School 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 31 schools selected as Model Continuation High Schools retain their designation for three years and will be recognized at the CCEA Plus 2024 State Conference in Los Angeles Burbank from April 25 – 28, 2024. For more information on continuation education, please visit the CDE Continuation Education web page.
2024 Model Continuation High Schools
- Aurora High School, Calexico Unified School District, Imperial County
- Black Diamond High School, Pittsburg Unified School District, Contra Costa County
- Broadway High School, San José Unified School District, Santa Clara County
- Calaveras Hills High School, Milpitas Unified School District, Santa Clara County
- Calico Continuation High School, Silver Valley Unified School District, San Bernardino County
- Cambridge Continuation High School, Fresno Unified School District, Fresno County
- Central Valley High School, Kern High School District, Kern County
- César E. Chávez High School, Santa Ana Unified School District, Orange County
- Chaparral High School, Bonita Unified School District, Los Angeles County
- Del Valle Continuation High School, Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District, Alameda County
- Delta High School, Santa Maria Joint Union High School District, Santa Barbara County
- Eric Birch High School, Fontana Unified School District, San Bernardino County
- Frontier High School, Whittier Union High School District, Los Angeles County
- Gateway Continuation High School, Clovis Unified School District, Fresno County
- George and Evelyn Stein High School, Tracy Joint Unified School District, San Joaquin County
- Hillview High School, Tustin Unified School District, Orange County
- Kings Canyon High School, Kings Canyon Joint Unified School District, Fresno County
- Liberty High School, Lodi Unified School District, San Joaquin County
- Metropolitan Continuation High School, Los Angeles Unified School District, Los Angeles County
- Mission Continuation High School, Los Angeles Unified School District, Los Angeles County
- Patricia Dreizler Continuation High School, Redondo Beach Unified School District, Los Angeles County
- Pershing Continuation High School, Central Unified School District, Fresno County
- Raincross High Continuation, Riverside Unified School District, Riverside County
- Rancho del Mar High School, Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District, Los Angeles County
- Robert Elliott Alternative Education Center, Modesto City High School District, Stanislaus County
- San Andreas High School, Tamalpais Union High School District, Marin County
- Sierra High School, Azusa Unified School District, Los Angeles County
- Sierra High School, San Bernardino City Unified School District, San Bernardino County
- Stoney Point High School, Los Angeles Unified School District, Los Angeles County
- Vista Continuation High School, Kern High School District, Kern County
- Vista Continuation High School, Lynwood Unified School District, Los Angeles County
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 2025, you must submit your intent during Summer/Fall 2024 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 MoreTony Thurmond — State Superintendent of Public Instruction
Communications Division, Room 5602, 916-319-0818, Fax 916-319-0100
Last updated: March 6, 2024
Contact: Communications
E-mail: communications (at) cde.ca.gov
Phone: 916-319-0818