The state Department of Education has named Brea Canyon High School in the Brea Olinda Unified School District, Serra High School in Capistrano Unified and Marie Hare High School in the Garden Grove Unified School District as Model Continuation High Schools for 2019.
The three Orange County campuses are among 31 recognized this year for their innovative approach to instruction and helping students who have faced many challenges, including behavior issues, chronic absenteeism and truancy.
“These schools have created exemplary programs and strategies that provide students with a second chance at academic success,” Superintendent Tony Thurmond said in a news release. “The commitment demonstrated by the teachers and administrative staff, combined with a culture of caring that focuses on the emotional and education needs of the unique populations they serve, are what make these continuation high schools the best examples of how to help kids strive and reach their full potential.”
Continuation schools provide a high school diploma program for students ages 16 through 18 who have not graduated from high school, are required to attend school, and are at risk of not completing their education.
The schools were selected based on a comprehensive and competitive application process that involved effectiveness, assessments and use of data. The process included a peer-review panel and an on-site visit.
More than 51,000 students attended the state’s 435 continuation high schools during the 2017–18 school year.
The 31 schools selected as Model Continuation High Schools retain their designation for three years and will be recognized at the 2019 CCEA State Conference in Fresno April 26-28.