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Continuation Education

Continuation education is an alternative high school diploma program. It is for students who are sixteen years of age or older, have not graduated from high school, are still required to attend school, and who are at risk of not graduating.

Many students in continuation education are behind in high school credits. Others may need a flexible school schedule because they have jobs outside of school. Some students choose continuation education because of family needs or other circumstances.

Students who attend continuation high schools must spend at least 15 hours per week or three hours per day at school. They take courses that are required for graduation. They also receive guidance and career counseling. Some programs offer independent study, job-placement services, and concurrent enrollment in community college.

The California Department of Education is involved in the funding and management of continuation education programs.

  • For more information about continuation education, contact your local school district.
  • The Continuation Education - CalEdFacts page provides a more detailed overview of continuation education.
  • The links and information below were developed for educators and others who are directly involved with continuation education.

Program Information

Continuation education is a high school diploma program designed to meet the needs of students sixteen through eighteen years of age who have not graduated from high school, are not exempt from compulsory school attendance, and are deemed at risk of not completing their education . California Education Code (EC) sections that provide for continuation education include sections 44865, 46170, 48400-48438, and 51055.

Students enrolled in continuation education programs are often credit deficient or in need of a flexible schedule due to employment, family obligations, and/or other critical needs. For apportionment purposes, a minimum day of attendance in continuation education is 180 minutes. However, many continuation high schools offer academic programs that exceed the minimum daily attendance requirement.  

In addition to providing state mandated academic courses for high school graduation, continuation education emphasizes guidance, career orientation, and/or a work-study schedule. Supplemental programs and services may include independent study, Regional Occupational Centers and Programs, career counseling, job placement, and apprenticeships.

Accountability

The Alternative Schools Accountability Model (ASAM) provides accountability for educational options schools serving very high-risk, highly mobile students. These schools include continuation, community day, county community, juvenile court, Division of Juvenile Justice, opportunity, and other alternative schools that meet stringent criteria set by the State Board of Education.

Resources

Pupil Retention Block Grant

Beginning in 2005-06, funding for the Continuation Education program has been included in the Pupil Retention Block Grant (PRBG), established by Assembly Bill 825, (Chapter 871, Statutes of 2004) and the California EC sections that governed the Continuation Education program have been repealed.

Local educational agencies that received funding in 2003-04 for Continuation Education are eligible to receive funds from the PRBG and may utilize PRBG funding for any of the purposes of the programs included in that Block Grant, with only a few statutory limits. Please refer to the Pupil Retention Block Grant Web page for specific information regarding the use of PRBG funds as well as the other block grants established by AB 825.

Contact Information

Educational Options,Student Support, and American Indian Education Office
Jacie Ragland, Education Programs Consultant
916-323-2568
jragland@cde.ca.gov

Questions: Jacie Ragland | jragland@cde.ca.gov | 916-323-2568 
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