CITY OF INDUSTRY – Hacienda La Puente Unified School District’s Valley Alternative High School has been named a 2022 Model Continuation High School (MCHS) by the California Department of Education, one of 36 schools to receive the recognition.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced the selected schools on Feb. 10, recognizing Valley Alternative as a MCHS for the fifth time. The MCHS Recognition Program honors institutions that foster a supportive learning environment for at-risk students and provide instructional strategies, flexible scheduling, guidance and counseling.

“Every student at Valley Alternative receives a personalized experience as we support our youth to re-engage with learning and successfully graduate with their cohort,” Valley Alternative Principal Joaquin Martinez said. “We are a family and it feels great to receive the affirmation from an outside source that our teachers and staff are doing right by our kids.”

There are more than 430 continuation education schools serving close to 78,000 students throughout the state. To be selected, schools completed a comprehensive application process that included detailed statements and data highlighting exemplary school operations and continuous improvement, a peer review panel and a virtual campus visit.

Valley Alternative serves students in the Hacienda La Puente Unified School District deemed at risk of not completing their education or requiring a flexible schedule due to jobs, family needs, or other related circumstances. The school’s efforts to promote academic and social success for every student, supported by individualized student plans and check-ins developed by teachers and staff, contributed to Valley Alternative’s redesignation as a MCHS.

The 36 schools selected as MCHS retain their designation for three years and will be recognized at the CCEA Plus 2022 State Conference in Long Beach from Thursday, May 5, through Sunday, May 8.

“Congratulations to Mr. Martinez and his leadership team on this well-earned achievement,” Superintendent Dr. Alfonso Jiménez said. “This honor indicates one of many exceptional learning experiences available at Hacienda La Puente Unified that encourages our students to excel in college, careers and beyond.”