DASS Application Instructions

The Dashboard Alternative School Status (DASS) program is limited to schools that meet certain eligibility requirements established by the State Board of Education (SBE). Schools are identified as "alternative" through one of two methods: Alternative Schools Defined in Education Code (EC) or Application-Based DASS.

Schools that serve high-risk youth, but are not explicitly required to do so in the EC, may apply for DASS status through the California Department of Education (CDE). These include: (1) alternative schools of choice and (2) charter schools that serve high-risk students. These schools must have an unduplicated count of at least 70 percent high-risk students within the school's cumulative enrollment (upon first entry to the school) to be eligible for DASS. The high-risk student groups can be found on the following CDE website: DASS Eligibility Criteria.

Application-Based DASS Requests for 2026 Dashboard

The application process for alternative schools of choice and charter schools that meet the criteria to become application-based Dashboard Alternative School Status (DASS) schools will open the week of March 30, 2026. This application window is only for charter schools or alternative schools of choice that did not have DASS status on the 2025 Dashboard. The renewal application process for existing application-based DASS schools for the 2026–27 accountability year and 2027 Dashboard is anticipated to open later this year. LEAs and schools are encouraged to regularly monitor the CDE DASS webpage for the most current information, updates, and application timelines.

Schools that submitted a renewal application between March and July 2025 will retain their status as a DASS school through the 2026 Dashboard and 2025-26 Accountability Reporting Cycle.

Application-Based DASS Process

Schools that are requesting Application-Based DASS Status for the 2026 Dashboard are required to submit an application by June 1, 2026, with the following:

1. Approval of Intent to Apply for DASS from the Local Governing School Board/Charter Governing School Board
2. Draft Minutes from Board Meeting Where Approval was Given to Apply
3. Cumulative Enrollment File Documenting Unduplicated High-Risk Status for All Students
4. For charter schools only: Letter to Charter Authorizing Board containing above Documentation

Schools may use the DASS 2026 Application-Based SSID Template (XLSX) for submitting their student-level data within the application. 

Submitting an Application

A survey is required to complete the application process. Please gather the supporting documentation and follow the steps below:

• Navigate to the DASS 2026 Survey . Complete all fields before submitting the survey.
• Print a copy of the form before submitting.

Once the application has been submitted, the CDE will confirm receipt within 5 business days.

If you have any questions, please contact the Analysis, Measurement, and Accountability Reporting Division at Dashboard@cde.ca.gov for assistance.

Confirmation of Dashboard Alternative School Status

CDE will review each school’s DASS application and verify that the school qualifies for DASS status prior to August 1, 2026. An updated list of active DASS schools for the 2025-26 school year and 2026 Dashboard will be posted in September 2026.

Terms of Dashboard Alternative Schools Status Participation

All Application-Based DASS schools must serve 70 percent of high-risk students each year. If a school's enrollment of high-risk students falls below 70 percent, the school will be removed from DASS.

All Schools voluntarily participating in the DASS program will be required to re-apply for DASS every three years (that is, if a school is approved to participate in DASS for the 2024-25 Accountability year, this school must reapply in 2027 for the 2027-28 Accountability year to continue their participation in DASS). If a school fails to reapply, the school will be removed from DASS.