California Department of Education News Release

SACRAMENTO—State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced today that 74 schools throughout the state were recognized as Model Continuation High Schools (MCHS) for 2025. These 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 74 commendable schools for their tremendous efforts as alternative campuses of learning,” said Superintendent Thurmond. “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, preparing students for the future whether they choose to pursue further education or join the workforce.”

Currently, there are 429 continuation high schools that serve close to 49,000 students throughout the state. MCHSs excel and provide exceptional opportunities for their students to pursue academic and social success. For example:

• Dario Cassina High School, Sonora Union High School District, Tuolumne County — Dario Cassina High School in Sonora exemplifies best practices in alternative education by providing a holistic, student-centered approach that meets the diverse academic, social, and emotional needs of its students. Serving a vulnerable population, the school integrates trauma-informed practices and community school models to create a safe, supportive environment where students feel valued and understood. Staff members are trained in methods such as the Personal Brain Model and Adverse Childhood Experiences framework, equipping them to address challenges with empathy and expertise. The school’s flexible scheduling accommodates individualized learning paths, including dual enrollment, work experience, and partial credit options, ensuring students remain on track to graduate while balancing personal responsibilities.
• Mount Toro High School, Salinas Union High School District, Monterey County — Mount Toro High School in Salinas and the district have become trendsetters by implementing a strong community-based mentorship program for students on campus. This program has given them strong pride in themselves and their school. Equally impressive is Mount Toro’s dedication to establishing an academic response to literacy and meeting the needs of the English learner population. Last year Mount Toro had a 24 percent increase in English learner progress. What makes this especially amazing is that Mount Toro is in the heart of one of California’s most significant farm-working communities.
• New Valley High School, Santa Clara Unified School District, Santa Clara County — Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, New Valley High School in Santa Clara prides itself on “educating the whole child” as more than just words. One student stated that this school “makes you care.” Another student remarked, “This school has taught me to say ‘thank you’ more.” These comments illustrate New Valley’s focus on the preparation of each student to be a citizen and not just gain a diploma. New Valley is a place where every student’s needs are promptly met. A pervasive ethic of caring is evident in the smiles of the students on campus. “You can’t be invisible here,” a student said about attending New Valley. The staff has developed a community that is never pushed or forced but is always present and available.
• San Andreas High School, San Bernardino City Unified School District, San Bernardino County — San Andreas High School in San Bernardino exemplifies excellence as a continuation school, creating transformative opportunities for its students. Guided by the motto “We are small enough to make a big difference,” the school fosters a close-knit community where every student is valued and supported. With an unwavering commitment to student success, San Andreas has implemented innovative programs addressing academic, social-emotional, and career-readiness needs. Flexible scheduling and personalized learning plans empower students to recover credits and graduate on time while preparing for post-secondary pathways. The school’s counseling services and dedicated staff ensure students receive individualized attention, helping them overcome barriers to success.

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 74 schools selected as Model Continuation High Schools retain their designation for three years. They will be recognized at the CCEA Plus 2025 State Conference. For more information on continuation education, please visit the CDE Continuation Education web page.

2025 Model Continuation High Schools

1. Contra Costa County, Antioch Unified School District — Bidwell High School
2. Contra Costa County, Mount Diablo Unified School District — Olympic High School
3. Contra Costa County, San Ramon Valley Unified School District — Del Amigo High
4. Contra Costa County, West Contra Costa School District — Sylvester Greenwood Academy
5. Del Norte County, Del Norte County Unified School District — Sunset High School
6. Fresno County, Fowler Unified School District — Fowler Academy
7. Fresno County, Parlier Unified School District — San Joaquin Valley High School
8. Fresno County, Sanger Unified School District — Kings River High School
9. Imperial County, Central Union High School District — Desert Oasis High School
10. Kern County, Kern High School District — Nueva High School
11. Kern County, Kern High School District — Vista West High School
12. Kern County, Wasco Union High School District — Wasco Independence High School
13. Los Angeles County, Bellflower Unified School District — Somerset High School
14. Los Angeles County, Centinela Valley Union High School District — R.K. Lloyde High School
15. Los Angeles County, Charter Oak Unified School District — Arrow High School
16. Los Angeles County, Downey Unified School District — Columbus High School
17. Los Angeles County, El Rancho Unified School District — Ruben Salazar High School
18. Los Angeles County, Glendale Unified School District —  Allan F. Daily High School
19. Los Angeles County, Glendora Unified School District — Whitcomb High School
20. Los Angeles County, Hacienda La Puente Unified School District — Valley Alternative High School
21. Los Angeles County, Los Angeles Unified School District — Boyle Heights High School
22. Los Angeles County, Los Angeles Unified School District — Jack London High School
23. Los Angeles County, Los Angeles Unified School District — Harris Newmark High School
24. Los Angeles County, Los Angeles Unified School District — Owensmouth High School
25. Los Angeles County, Los Angeles Unified School District — Walt Whitman High School
26. Los Angeles County, Los Angeles Unified School District — John R. Wooden High School
27. Los Angeles County, Los Angeles Unified School District — Zane Grey High School
28. Los Angeles County, Montebello Unified School District — Vail High School
29. Los Angeles County, Pasadena Unified School District — Rose City High School
30. Los Angeles County, Pomona Unified School District — Park West High School
31. Mendocino County, Fort Bragg Unified School District — Noyo High School
32. Monterey County, Salinas Union High School District — Mount Toro High School
33. Orange County, Fullerton Joint Union High School District — La Vista High School
34. Orange County, Garden Grove Unified School District — Marie L. Hare High School
35. Orange County, Huntington Beach Union High School District — Valley Vista High School
36. Orange County, Placentia Yorba Linda Unified School District — El Camino Real High School
37. Orange County, Saddleback Valley Unified School District — Silverado High School
38. Orange County, Santa Ana Unified School District — Lorin Griset Academy
39. Placer County, Roseville Joint Union High School District — Adelante High School
40. Riverside County, Corona-Norco Unified School District — Orange Grove High School
41. Riverside County, Jurupa Unified School District — Nueva Vista High School
42. Riverside County, Riverside Unified School District — Abraham Lincoln High School
43. Riverside County, San Jacinto Unified School District — Mountain View High School
44. Riverside County, Temecula Valley Unified School District — Rancho Vista High School
45. Sacramento County, Elk Grove Unified School District — Calvine High School
46. Sacramento County, Galt Joint Union High School — Estrellita High School
47. San Bernardino County, Chaffey Joint Union High School District — Valley View High School
48. San Bernardino County, Colton Joint Unified School District — Slover Mountain High School
49. San Bernardino County, Hesperia Unified School District — Mojave High School
50. San Bernardino County, Rialto Unified School District — John H. Milor High School
51. San Bernardino County, San Bernardino City Unified School District — San Andreas High School
52. San Bernardino County, Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District — Green Valley High School
53. San Diego County, Fallbrook Union High School District — Ivy High School
54. San Diego County, Oceanside Unified School District — Surfside High School
55. San Joaquin County, Lincoln Unified School District — Village Oaks High School
56. San Joaquin County, Linden Unified School District — PRIDE High School
57. San Joaquin County, Manteca Unified School District — Calla High School
58. San Joaquin County, Manteca Unified School District — New Vision High School
59. San Joaquin County, Ripon Unified School District — Harvest High School
60. San Luis Obispo County, Atascadero Unified School District — Paloma Creek High School
61. San Luis Obispo County, San Luis Coastal Unified School District — Pacific Beach High School
62. Santa Barbara County, Lompoc Unified School District — Maple High School
63. Santa Clara County, Mountain View Los Altos Union High School District — Alta Vista High School
64. Santa Clara County, Santa Clara Unified School District — New Valley High School
65. Solano County, Benicia Unified School District — Liberty High School
66. Solano County, Travis Unified School District — Travis Education Center
67. Stanislaus County, Patterson Joint Unified School District — Del Puerto High School
68. Sutter County, Yuba City Unified School District — Albert Powell High School
69. Tulare County, Visalia Unified School District — Sequoia High School
70. Tulare County, Woodlake Unified School District — Bravo Lake High School
71. Tuolumne County, Sonora Union High School District — Dario Cassina High School
72. Ventura County, Conejo Valley Unified School District — Conejo Valley High School
73. Ventura County, Simi Valley Unified School District — Apollo High School
74. Ventura County, Ventura Unified School District — Pacific 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 2025, you must submit your intent during late summer 2025 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.

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

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

The post Announcing our 2025 Model Continuation High Schools appeared first on CCEA Plus - California Continuation Education Association Plus.

California Department of Education News Release

SACRAMENTO — State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced today that nine schools have been selected as Model Community Day Schools (MCDSs) for 2025, the second year of implementation. Community day schools are schools for students who have been expelled from school or who have had problems with attendance or behavior. The MCDS Recognition Program is a partnership between the California Department of Education (CDE) and the California Continuation Education Association Plus (CCEA Plus).

“The exemplary achievements of our Community Day Schools are worthy of recognition—and yes, a celebration—as these institutions being honored today have shown exceptional dedication to their students and families,” said Superintendent Thurmond. “The holistic approach of these schools, which includes diverse educational options, mental health supports, and ancillary services, equips students with necessary skills to successfully complete high school, transition to higher education or trade school, and continue on to thrive in the workforce.”

During the three years that schools are designated as an MCDS, the CDE and CCEA Plus will identify them as resources for districts that are planning to establish new community day schools and for new and existing community day schools that would like expert support to expand and deepen their educational practices.

Schools were required to perform a self-evaluation focused on the following elements: (1) School Profile; (2) School Management; (3) Educating “This Whole Child” (Instruction); (4) Educating “This Whole Child” (Social, Emotional, and Mental Health and Development); and (5) School Evaluation of Effectiveness.

Each of the honorees retain their designation for three years and will be recognized at the CCEA Plus 2025 State Conference. Honorees are required to submit to the CDE an annual assurance of conformance to model school guidelines for the second and third years of designation. The Annual Assurance of Services Form will be available on the CDE MCDS Recognition Program web page.

The following were among the MCDSs that were named for 2025:

• Creekside Community Day School, Visalia Unified School District, Tulare County – Creekside stands out for its personalized approach to education, robust support systems, and commitment to addressing the academic, social, and emotional needs of its diverse student population. The school fosters a culture of inclusiveness, safety, and student empowerment, creating transformative educational experiences that prepare students for lifelong success, using its innovative and student-centered approach to alternative education. Creekside distinguishes itself through a deeply personalized approach to student success. The small class sizes enable teachers to develop strong, trust-based relationships with students, which are critical to the school’s culture. Students spoke about the profound impact of their teachers’ patience, care, and understanding. One student shared, “The teachers here actually listen to us, and that makes us feel like we matter.” Additionally, Creekside’s restorative justice practices foster positive relationships and promote accountability. Instead of punitive approaches, the staff emphasizes conflict resolution and social-emotional learning, leading to a significant reduction in disciplinary incidents.
• Redding Achieve Community Day School, Redding Elementary School District, Shasta County – The school stands out as a model environment for young learners due to its commitment to a student-centered education, holistic support, and innovative practices that foster a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment. The school’s motto, “unapologetically accommodating,” highlights its dedication to meeting the diverse needs of all students, breaking down stigma, and promoting a culture of acceptance and support. A cornerstone of Redding Achieve’s approach is its emphasis on trauma-informed practices including daily check-ins, regulatory strategies, and real-world learning opportunities that help students build coping skills and self-regulation. With a high staff-to-student ratio, students are provided with individualized attention, allowing them to openly discuss personal and academic challenges. Because of the ages and needs of its learners, Redding Achieve has an intentional focus on social emotional, and behavioral supports including on-site mental health services through a therapist and the use of restorative practices. Redding Achieve’s instructional model is adaptive and personalized, with teachers adjusting the curriculum annually based on the specific needs of students with a focus in real world relevance such as designing skate parks to learn core content.
• Woodlake Community Day School, Woodlake Unified School District, Tulare County – The school serves as a model setting because of its focus on hands-on learning, emotional and behavioral regulation, and academic readiness. The school, set on a 55-acre farm, offers students an uncommon experience to participate in the daily design, implementation, and maintenance of agriculture systems including irrigation, planting, maintenance of crops, and other agriculture-related activities. The farm, staffed by a full time curator, reports that students become so invested in their role with the farm that they often show up hours before school to help with planting and other tasks. Academic instruction and credit recovery systems ensure students have access to appropriate content instruction with the opportunity to repair credit gaps alongside the focus of the setting which is deeply invested in social emotional and behavioral support. Students are encouraged to take responsibility for their actions and connections with staff support the sense of belonging students experience. Parents and caregivers report that the focus of Woodlake Community Day School- with its small setting, supportive structures, and seamless integration of hands-on learning- has helped their children foster a sense of self, community, and success.
• Woodruff Academy School, Downey Unified School District, Los Angeles County – The school culture at Woodruff Academy School (WAS) is inclusive and empowering. Recognizing the diverse challenges faced by at-promise youth, WAS places a strong emphasis on social-emotional wellness. The on-campus Wellness Center provides students with a safe, supportive space and access to a range of mental health resources. To reduce stigma around mental health, school-wide wellness presentations are offered each semester. WAS’s trauma-informed approach identifies students’ social-emotional needs early, enabling tiered support through classroom presentations, workshops, counseling, and connections to external mental health resources. WAS’s personalized approach to learning includes strengths-based instruction, small class sizes, and a diverse curriculum with electives such as welding, botany, and a Teacher Assistant Program. The School Culture Committee fosters a positive environment through initiatives like Character Counts and anti-bullying campaigns. Students also participate actively in the Associated Student Body, helping shape school events and building leadership skills. Clubs, sports tournaments, and monthly Wellness Wednesdays contribute to a cohesive, supportive community, strengthening student belonging and engagement.

For more information on Community Day Schools, please visit the CDE Community Day Schools web page.

2025 Model Community Day Schools

1. Clovis Community Day School (Elementary), Clovis Unified School District, Fresno County
2. Clovis Community Day School (Secondary), Clovis Unified School District, Fresno County
3. Phoenix Elementary Academy Community Day School, Fresno Unified School District, Fresno County
4. Jewel City Community Day School, Glendale Unified School District, Los Angeles County
5. Woodruff Academy School, Downey Unified School District, Los Angeles County
6. Yosemite Community Day School (7-12), Manteca Unified School District, San Joaquin County
7. Redding Achieve Community Day School, Redding Elementary School District, Shasta County
8. Creekside Community Day School, Visalia Unified School District, Tulare County
9. Woodlake Community Day School, Woodlake Unified School District, Tulare 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 2026, you must submit your intent during late summer/ early fall 2025 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.

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

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

The post Announcing Our 2025 Model Community Day Schools appeared first on CCEA Plus - California Continuation Education Association Plus.