Yosemite High School, Merced Union High School District, Merced County

March 12, 2026 - SACRAMENTO - On Wednesday, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced that 59 schools throughout the state were recognized as Model Continuation High Schools (MCHS) for 2026. Model Continuation High 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.

Full List of Schools

“Today, we celebrate 59 commendable schools for their tremendous efforts as alternative campuses of learning,” Superintendent Thurmond said. “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 and prepare students for the future—whether they choose to pursue further education or join the workforce.”

More than 428 continuation high schools serve close to 45,000 students throughout the state. These schools excel and provide exceptional opportunities for their students to pursue academic and social success. For example:

Southern California

Alta Vista High School, Vista Unified School District, San Diego County

Alta Vista High School stands out for its deep commitment to relationships, relevance, and real-world learning through a Big Picture Learning and project-based learning approach. A defining highlight is the internship and work-based learning program, where students apply their learning in the community, build confidence, and form real connections. Students also participate in intramural sports to support wellness, teamwork, and belonging. During the site visit, parents shared words like “awesome,” “fantastic,” “magnificent,” and “life-changing” in describing the school.

John Hope Continuation High School, Los Angeles Unified School District, Los Angeles County

Students feel welcomed rather than “judged.” Respect for student identity is embedded in daily practice, which includes the consistent use of students’ chosen pronouns and a strong commitment to culturally responsive teaching. Students receive both in-school and after-school therapy services, including weekly group sessions known as “The Lunch Bunch,” which address student-identified needs such as grief, anxiety, identity, and relationship-building. The Psychiatric Social Worker coordinates referrals for students requiring more intensive services, while teachers and staff are trained to recognize early signs of distress and respond appropriately.

Summit High School, Desert Sands Unified School District, Riverside County

Summit High School exemplifies a holistic approach to education through its Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) wellness program, a vibrant art program, and a deeply rooted culture of inclusivity and belonging. Complementing the MTSS wellness program is Summit’s dynamic art program, which serves as both a creative outlet and a therapeutic resource for students. Art classes are designed to nurture self-expression, build confidence, and provide students with opportunities to explore their identities and lived experiences in a safe and supportive environment.

Central California

Sierra Continuation High School, Tahoe-Truckee Unified School District, Placer County

Students at Sierra are engaged and proud of their learning. In every classroom, collaboration, curiosity, and confidence fill the air. The onsite teen pregnancy program and daycare facility provide essential support to allow young parents to continue their education while caring for their children. The agriculture program stands out as a model of creativity and applied learning methods. Students are developing and producing a film on the controversial reintroduction of wolves in California. Their work has earned recognition with an invitation to present at the International Wild Film Festival in Montana—an inspiring example of student initiative and storytelling with real-world impact.

Yosemite High School, Merced Union High School District, Merced County

Career Technical Education (CTE) pathways, including agriculture, welding, cosmetology, and energy and power technology, provide hands-on learning and industry certifications. Students engage in real-world projects such as growing produce in onsite greenhouses, designing solar-powered systems, and creating PurpleAir air monitors. These efforts have been showcased at statewide events like the California STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) Symposium and the California Green Schools Summit. Leadership, engagement, and community involvement thrive through student leadership programs, intramural sports, after-school clubs, and partnerships with organizations such as Merced College and the Police Activities League. Creative projects, including a large pottery mosaic of Yosemite National Park, celebrate student identity and community while fostering collaboration and pride. They give some students their first win.

Northern California

Boynton High School, Campbell Union High School District, Santa Clara County

A clear and consistent theme across all focus groups was that Boynton represents an opportunity for a fresh start grounded in strong relationships, high expectations, and a deep sense of belonging. Students shared that within the smaller class environment, they feel respected, known, and motivated by teachers who provide individualized attention they had not experienced previously. Teachers leverage instructional flexibility and project-based learning to make content meaningful, as demonstrated through the Arts, Media, and Entertainment CTE program featuring a recording studio, animation software, and industry-informed coursework. Boynton’s whole-child approach is further strengthened by a robust, trauma-informed social–emotional learning framework. Students benefit from coordinated supports provided by school-based staff and community partners such as Counseling and Support Services for Youth (CASSY), San José City College, and the 49ers’ life skills program. These supports include grief groups, family needs assessments, college and financial aid workshops, conflict mediation, and access to food through the on-campus pantry.

The MCHS 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 59 schools selected as MCHS retain their designation for three years. They will be recognized at the CCEA Plus 2026 State Conference. For more information on continuation education, please visit the CDE Continuation Education web page.

Source: CDE