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Model Continuation High School Recognition Program

Honors outstanding continuation high schools for their comprehensive programs and provides a list of model continuation high schools for school visitations.

The Model Continuation High School (MCHS) Recognition Program is co-sponsored by the California Department of Education (CDE) and the California Continuation Education Association Plus (CCEA Plus).

Continuation high schools provide comprehensive services to at-risk youth through the use of exemplary instructional strategies, flexible scheduling, and guidance and counseling services. The CDE encourages continuation high schools that meet the eligibility criteria to submit an application to the MCHS Recognition Program.

Application Packet

Invitation letter, application, and forms for the 2026–27 MCHS Recognition Program. Applications must be submitted to the CDE electronically as a single PDF via the CDE exFiles File Transfer System (see application for specific instructions). The application due date has been extended until Friday, August 28, 2026, to accommodate the late release date of the application. Applications must be submitted to the CDE by no later than 5 p.m.

Document Description
Invitation Letter Letter inviting principals of continuation high schools to apply for the 2026–27 MCHS Recognition Program
MCHS Recognition Program Application (DOCX) Overview and Instructions to complete and submit the application
Attachment A (PDF) Application Cover Sheet (Either an electronic signature or typed name will be accepted.)
Attachment B (PDF) School Information Sheet
Attachment C (PDF) Certification Form for Applicant School and District (Either electronic signatures or typed names will be accepted.)

Webinar Information

The webinar held on June 4, 2026, provided an overview of the 2026–27 Model Community Day School (MCDS) and MCHS Application and how to complete and process each application.

Annual Assurance of Services Forms for Current MCHSs

Schools selected as MCHSs are required to submit an Annual Assurance of Services Form to the CDE by June 30 for each of the second and third years of designation. This form certifies that the school meets or exceeds the MCHS Recognition Program standards. Links to Annual Assurance of Services Forms for current MCHSs are provided below.

Due to current working conditions related to COVID-19, forms may include either an electronic signature or typed name and must be submitted to Dan Sackheim, Education Programs Consultant, High School Innovations and Initiatives Office, by email at ContinuationEduc@cde.ca.gov.

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Questions:   Educational Options | ContinuationEduc@cde.ca.gov | 916-323-2183
Last Reviewed: Wednesday, June 10, 2026
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