Apply to Become a Model School
We invite all continuation high schools in the state to submit an application to become a “Model School” for 2025-2026, sponsored by the California Department of Education (CDE).
The Model Continuation High School (MCHS) Recognition Program identifies and recognizes outstanding programs and creates a resource list of quality programs for school visitations. These schools provide comprehensive services to at-risk youth through the use of exemplary instructional strategies, flexible scheduling, and guidance and counseling services. The CDE encourages continuation high schools that meet the eligibility criteria to submit an application.
Quick links: Timeline | Application Forms | Designation Period | Webinar Info | Invitation Letter | Pay Fee
Intent to Submit Deadline: Friday, May 30, 2025
Principals who intend to submit an application must complete the MCHS Application “Intent to Submit” Survey online here. The survey will close on Friday, May 30, 2025, at 4 p.m. Submission of the survey does not obligate the principal to submit an application.
Intent to Submit SurveyApplication Deadline: July 16, 2025
Applications must be submitted to the CDE electronically as a single PDF via the CDE exFiles File Transfer System. (See application for specific instructions.) Applications must be received by no later than 4 p.m. on Wednesday, July 16, 2025. The CDE will perform an initial review of applications. This will allow participants to ensure that the single PDF submitted in the exFiles File Transfer System is complete and has been uploaded properly. Corrected applications are due for final submission to the CDE by 4 p.m. on Wednesday, July 16, 2025.
Program Contact: Dan Sackheim, Educational Options Office, CDE
Email: CONTINUATIONEDUC@cde.ca.gov
Phone: 916-445-5595
Timeline
April 3, 2025 — Applications available to the field.
April 9, 2025 — Application Webinar (#1).
May 22, 2025 — Application Webinar (#2).
May 30, 2025 — Intent to Submit Survey to be completed.
July 16, 2025 — Applications due.
July 16, 2025 — Applications corrected per screening due.
September 5, 2025 — Central Applications reviewed and rated.
September 19, 2025 — Northern Applications reviewed and rated.
October 3, 2025 — Southern Applications reviewed and rated.
October 6, 2025 – December 22, 2025 — Site Validation Visits.
October 31, 2025 — Application fees due (click link to make payment).
December 15, 2025 — District Audit Reports due.
February 2026 — Schools notified.
April 2026 — Awards ceremony (Model Schools Gala).
Please note: it is strongly recommended that all schools process payments online rather than by mail to meet the deadline. You can now pay the Model School Applicant School Review and Evaluation fee online here.
Application Forms | Downloads
Invitation Letter — Letter inviting principals of continuation high schools to apply for the 2025–26 MCHS Recognition Program.
Intent to Submit — Online form will close on Friday, May 30, 2025, at 4 p.m.
Model School Application 2025-2026:
MCHS Recognition Program Application 2025-2026 | Overview and Instructions to complete and submit the application | PDF Version | Word DocAttachment A – Application Cover Sheet | PDF Version — either a wet signature or electronic signature will be accepted.
Attachment B – School Information Sheet | PDF Version
Attachment C – Certification Form | PDF Version — either a wet signature or electronic signature will be accepted.
Attachment D – Glossary | PDF Version
Annual Assurance of Services Forms for Current Model Schools (MCHSs):
2024 MCHSs | PDF Version — added 2/4/252023 MCHSs | PDF Version — updated 2/4/25
Schools selected as MCHSs are required to submit an Annual Assurance of Services Form to the CDE by June 30 for each of the second and third years of designation (see designation periods below). This form certifies that the school meets or exceeds the MCHS Recognition Program standards. Links to Annual Assurance of Services Forms for current MCHSs are provided above. Forms may include either an electronic signature or typed name and must be submitted to Dan Sackheim, Education Programs Consultant, Educational Options Office, by email at CONTINUATIONEDUC@cde.ca.gov.
From CDE, for current Model Schools: As a condition of continuing eligibility for designation by the California Department of Education (CDE) as a Model Continuation High School (MCHS), a completed Annual Assurance of Services Form must be submitted to the CDE by June 30, 2025, for schools selected in 2023 or 2024. On an additional sheet of paper, describe any changes that have occurred in the past year that could affect the status of your school as an MCHS. For example, describe whether the enrollment has increased or decreased. If enrollment has changed, describe how staffing has changed to maintain a low student-teacher ratio. If no changes have occurred, you are welcome to attach a statement describing any future developments related to student engagement and community collaboration. Your completed Annual Assurance of Services Form and any supporting documents (e.g., a description of changes or a “no change” statement), must be submitted by the deadline.
Alternately, you can download the latest application forms at CDE.
Designation Period for Current Model Continuation High Schools
To verify the designation period for current model schools (MCHSs), see below.
Program Year Applied: 2021-22
Designation Began: April 2022
Designation Ends: March 2025
Program Year to Reapply to Avoid Gap Period: 2024-25
Program Year Applied: 2022-23
Designation Began: April 2023
Designation Ends: March 2026
Program Year to Reapply to Avoid Gap Period: 2025-26
Program Year Applied: 2023-24
Designation Began: April 2024
Designation Ends: March 2027
Program Year to Reapply to Avoid Gap Period: 2026-27
To avoid a gap period in your school’s MCHS designation status, current MCHSs would need to submit a new MCHS Recognition Program Application consistent with the “Program Year to Reapply to Avoid Gap Period” shown above.
A list of current MCHSs is available as part of the 2025–26 Model School Application above. You can also see all current Model Schools here.
Webinar Information
Second webinar with CDE:
When: Thursday, May 22, 2025, from 1:30–3:30 p.m. (Pacific Time)
Topic: 2025–26 MCDS and Model Continuation High School (MCHS) Application
Hosted by: CDE
Register in advance for the webinar: 2025–26 MCDS and MCHS Application Webinar (click the link to register). After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
First webinar with CDE:
Held on: April 9, 2025
Topic: 2025–26 Model Continuation High School (MCHS) and MCDS Application
Hosted by: CDE
Download the 2025–26 Model School Application Webinar Slides: PowerPoint Format (.pptx) | PDF Format (.pdf)
From CDE: “The webinar held on April 9, 2025, provided an overview of the 2025–26 MCHS and Model Community Day School (MCDS) Application and how to complete and process each application. The webinar also pointed out items that have disqualified applicants in previous years. The slides outline the process and requirements to apply for the 2025-26 Model Continuation High School and Model Community Day School recognition programs.”
Find more program updates and info at CDE.Invitation Letter
Dear Continuation Education High School Principals and District Superintendents:
I invite you to participate in the Model Continuation High School (MCHS) Recognition Program sponsored by the California Department of Education (CDE) in collaboration with the California Continuation Education Association Plus (CCEA Plus).
The MCHS Recognition Program identifies and recognizes outstanding programs. In addition to celebrating excellence, a major goal of this program is to create and maintain a resource of exemplary programs for school visitations and other forms of peer mentoring to support other continuation high schools to adapt successful approaches and practices of these model schools in their communities.
California’s MCHSs provide comprehensive services to students whose needs and strengths can be better met within these specialized settings using exemplary asset-based positive instructional strategies and social, emotional, and mental health and guidance and support services.
The application primarily consists of five narrative statements, addressing the following topics:
- School Profile
- School Management
- Educating “This Whole Child” (Instruction)
- Educating “This Whole Child” (Social, Emotional, and Mental Health and Development)
- School Evaluation of Effectiveness
Principals who intend to submit an application must complete the Intent to Submit form online in order to be considered for model school status. The online form will close on Friday, May 30, 2025, at 4 p.m. Submission of the online form does not obligate the principal to submit an application.
The self-nomination application packet is available on the CDE’s MCHS Recognition Program web page and on the CCEA Plus Model School Recognition Program web page. The packet includes instructions for completing the application and required forms, reference materials, and instructions for submitting the application via the CDE exFiles File Transfer System. Applications are due to the CDE by 4 p.m. on Wednesday, July 16, 2025.
The application due date was adjusted from previous years to allow for the following:
- Applicants to obtain guidance in completing the application by attending the review session at the CCEA Plus Conference
- Provide additional time for CCEA Plus to recruit readers, increase the time allotted for Site Validation Visits, and include a third reading session for Central California applicants
The CDE will be hosting a webinar on April 9, 2025, for prospective applicants. Any principal interested in applying may participate. The principal may also designate someone else to attend in their place. The webinar will provide information regarding the application and the application process. To sign up for the webinar and receive the required login information, check for scheduling and details on the CDE’s MCHS Recognition Program web page at https://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/sr/mc/.
Successful applicants will be identified through an application evaluation and site visit process. Representatives from the CDE and CCEA Plus will honor and present awards to 2025–26 MCHS Recognition Program awardees at the annual CCEA Plus State Conference.
If you have any questions regarding this program, please contact Dan Sackheim, Education Programs Consultant, Educational Options Office, by phone at 916-323-2183 or by email at ContinuationEduc@cde.ca.gov.
Sincerely,
Richard Barrera, Senior Policy Advisor
Superintendent’s Initiatives Office
Last Update: Friday, April 04, 2025
Important Dates to Remember
- A webinar will be held on April 9, 2025 for prospective applicants, with a second webinar scheduled on May 22, 2025.
- The Intent to Submit online form must be submitted by 4 p.m. on Friday, May 30, 2025.
- A single PDF of the completed application must be submitted to the CDE via the exFiles Transfer System. Applications must be received by 4 p.m. on Wednesday, July 16, 2025.
- In accordance with the application screening process, if corrections are made, submit a revised single PDF of the application to the CDE via the exFiles File Transfer System. Corrected applications must be received by 4 p.m. on Wednesday, July 16, 2025.
Deadline requirement: Any applications that are not received by the July 16, 2025, deadline will be disqualified. Corrections may only be made to applications that are received by the July 16, 2025, deadline.
Last updated: May 13, 2025