WHITTIER – Frontier High School is one of 32 schools in the state to be recognized by the California Department of Education as a 2018 Model Continuation High School for creating innovative programs that address the academic, social and emotional needs of students who are in need of additional support as they pursue their paths toward graduation.

“These model continuation high schools provide a space where students can feel a sense of accomplishment and increased confidence and receive strong educational support,” State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson said. “Creating an academically challenging yet encouraging school climate can help turn an at-risk student on the verge of dropping out into a high school graduate prepared for a future career or college.”

This year, 32 of California’s 441 continuation schools were designated as Model Schools, which offer exemplary comprehensive services to students behind in high school credits or in need of a flexible school schedule due to employment outside of school, family needs or other circumstances.

This is the seventh time that Frontier has been honored with the three-year designation. The school will be recognized at the 2018 California Continuation Education Association (CCEA) State Conference in April.

“This designation validates what we do as a school every day to foster achievement among our students while providing them with a dedicated support system and caring community in which to learn,” Principal Margie Moriarty said. “I want to thank our team of educators who put in a mountain of effort to continually improve the quality of education for our students.”

The schools were selected based on a comprehensive and competitive application process that involves effectiveness, assessments and use of data. The process included a peer review panel and an on-site visit to validate the schools and the programs they have implemented to drive student success.

Frontier was recognized for cultivating a culture of respect, inclusion and acceptance on campus that has led to excellent teacher-student rapport, positive staff morale, improved student engagement, partnerships with local businesses and organizations, creative solutions to assist students with their educational endeavors and increased student pride in the campus.

Frontier has also earned a six-year Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accreditation in September 2017 – the highest term awarded to schools by the WASC commission. Frontier will remain fully accredited until 2024.

“I want to thank Dr. Margie Moriarty for being the motivational leader that Frontier High School needs to push our students to new heights, backed by a team of educators who are united in fostering change in the classroom and within our students,” Whittier Union High School District Superintendent Martin Plourde said. “I am proud that Whittier Union is home to one of the finest continuation schools in the state, helping to put our students back on track to reach their greatest potential.”