Multiple continuation high schools in Los Angeles and Orange counties have been recognized as 2026 Model Continuation High Schools for programs supporting students at risk of not completing traditional high school, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced Wednesday.
The recognition was awarded to 59 campuses statewide as part of the California Department of Education’s Model Continuation High School program, which highlights alternative high school programs serving students who have not graduated but are required to attend school, officials said.
Continuation schools provide diploma programs along with counseling, flexible scheduling and other support services designed to help students complete their education.
“The priority of our Model Continuation High Schools is to give students more than a diploma,” Thurmond said in a statement. “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.”
In Los Angeles County, recognized campuses are:
— Buena Vista High School in the Paramount Unified School District;
— Coronado High School in West Covina Unified;
— El Camino High School in Norwalk-La Mirada Unified;
— Amelia Earhart, Frida Kahlo, George S. Patton, Independence, John Hope, Monterey, Phoenix, Whitney Young and Will Rogers continuation high schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District;
— Jereann Bowman High School in the William S. Hart Union High School District;
— Kurt T. Shery High School in Torrance Unified;
— Monterey High in Burbank Unified;
— Olympic Continuation High School in the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District;
— San Antonio High School in Claremont Unified; and
— Santana High School in the Rowland Unified School District.
In Orange County, the schools recognized are:
— Back Bay High School in the Newport-Mesa Unified School District;
— Brea Canyon High School in the Brea-Olinda Unified School District; and
— Gilbert High School in the Anaheim Union High School District.
According to the California Department of Education, more than 428 continuation high schools serve about 45,000 students statewide.
The schools will be recognized at the California Continuation Education Association Plus state conference later this year.