Become a Model School
We invite all continuation high schools in the state to submit an application to become a “Model School” for the 2026-2027 school year.
The Model Continuation High School (MCHS) Recognition Program is co-sponsored by the California Department of Education (CDE) and the California Continuation Education Association Plus (CCEA Plus). Continuation high 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 to the MCHS Recognition Program.
Timeline | Application Forms | Designation Period | Webinar Info | Invitation Letter | Reimbursements
Intent to Submit:
CCEA Plus recommends that all schools that intend to submit an application begin by filling out this simple “Intent to Submit” Survey online here. Submission of the survey does not obligate the school to submit an application, but it will help us to assist you in the process.
Intent to Submit SurveyApplication Deadline: July 15, 2026
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 15, 2026. If this date presents a challenge, please reach out to the contact below in advance to discuss possible accommodations.
Program Contact:
Dan Sackheim, Education Programs Consultant, High School Innovations and Initiatives Office
Office: Educational Options, CDE
Email: ContinuationEduc@cde.ca.gov
Phone: 916-323-2183
Timeline
June 1, 2026 — Applications available to the field.
June 4, 2026 — Application Webinar.
July 14, 2026 — Intent to Submit Survey suggested to be sent before application deadline.
July 15, 2026 — Applications must be received by 4 p.m.
September 11, 2026 — Northern Applications reviewed and rated.
September 25, 2026 — Central Applications reviewed and rated.
October 9, 2026 — Southern Applications reviewed and rated.
October 13 – December 21, 2026 — Site Validation Visits.
November 30, 2026 — Reimbursements due (click link to make online payments).
December 15, 2026 — District Audit Reports due.
February 2027 — Schools notified.
April 2027 — Awards ceremony (Model Schools Gala).
Application Forms | Downloads
Invitation Letter — Letter inviting principals of continuation high schools to apply for the 2026–27 MCHS Recognition Program.
Intent to Submit — Recommended before submitting your application.
Model School Application 2026-2027:
MCHS Recognition Program Application 2026-2027 | Overview and Instructions to complete and submit the application | PDF Version | Word DocAttachment A – Application Cover Sheet | PDF Version — either electronic signatures or typed names will be accepted.
Attachment B – School Information Sheet | PDF Version
Attachment C – Certification Form for Applicant School and District | PDF Version — either electronic signatures or typed names will be accepted.
Annual Assurance of Services Forms for Current Model Schools (MCHSs):
2025 MCHSs | PDF Version — added 6/5/262024 MCHSs | PDF Version — added 6/5/26
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. 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, High School Innovations and Initiatives Office, by email at ContinuationEduc@cde.ca.gov.
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: 2023-24
Designation Began: April 2024
Designation Ends: March 2027
Program Year to Reapply to Avoid Gap Period: 2026-27
Program Year Applied: 2024-25
Designation Began: April 2025
Designation Ends: March 2028
Program Year to Reapply to Avoid Gap Period: 2027-28
Program Year Applied: 2025-26
Designation Began: April 2026
Designation Ends: March 2029
Program Year to Reapply to Avoid Gap Period: 2028-29
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 Model School Application above. You can also see all current Model Schools here.
Webinar Information
Webinar with CDE:
The CDE will be offering the 2026–27 Model School Application Webinar. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the respective webinar — Registration link is now closed.
Held on: Thursday, June 4, 2026, from 1:00–3:00 p.m. (PST)
Topic: 2026–27 MCDS and MCHS Application
Hosted by: CDE
Invitation Letter
Dear Continuation High School Principals and District Superintendents:
I invite you to participate in the Model Continuation High School (MCHS) Recognition Program co-sponsored by the California Department of Education (CDE) and 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 “The Whole Child” (Instruction)
- Educating “The Whole Child” (Social, Emotional, and Mental Health and Development)
- School Evaluation of Effectiveness
Each narrative statement includes several components for applicants to write to (please note that a number of the components are either new or have been revised from previous years as part of our standard updating.)
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 and instructions for submitting the application via the CDE exFiles File Transfer System. Applications are due on Wednesday, July 15, 2026.
The CDE will be hosting a webinar for prospective applicants. The date and time are listed below.
- Thursday, June 4, 2026, from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. (PST)
Any principal interested in applying may participate. The principal may also designate someone else to attend additionally or 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.
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 2026–27 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, High School Innovations and Initiatives Office, by phone at 916-323-2183 or by email at ContinuationEduc@cde.ca.gov.
Sincerely,
Erika F. Torres, Deputy Superintendent
Student Success and Career Readiness Branch
Important Dates to Remember
- A webinar for prospective applicants will be held on Thursday, June 4, 2026, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. (PST). Register in advance for the Model School Application Webinar.
- The due date for the application is Wednesday, July 15, 2026. If this presents a challenge, please reach out to discuss possible accommodations.
Last updated: June 02, 2026