Model Community Day School Recognition Program
Identifies and recognizes outstanding community day school programs and creates a resource list of exemplary programs for school visitations and mentoring.The Model Community Day School (MCDS) Recognition Program is co-sponsored by the California Department of Education (CDE) and the California Continuation Education Association Plus.
Community day schools serve and support high-risk youths, including those referred by expulsion, probation, a School Attendance Review Board or other district level referral process. They provide challenging academic curriculum and develop pro-social skills and resiliency. The CDE encourages community day schools to submit an application to the MCDS Recognition Program.
Application Packet
Invitation letter, application, and forms for the 2026–27 MCDS 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). Applications must be received by no later than 4 p.m. on Wednesday, July 15, 2026.
| Document | Description |
|---|---|
| Invitation Letter | Letter inviting principals of community day schools to apply for the 2026–27 MCDS Recognition Program |
| MCDS 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 CDE will be offering the 2026–27 MCDS and (Model Continuation High School (MCHS) Application Webinar.
Webinar on the date listed below.
- Thursday, June 4, 2026, from 1:00–3:00 p.m. (PST)
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
Annual Assurance of Services Forms for Current MCDS
Schools selected as MCDSs 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 MCDS Recognition Program standards. Links to Annual Assurance of Services Forms for current MCDSs 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 Scheme, Education Programs Consultant, High School Innovations and Initiatives Office, by email at CommunityDaySch@cde.ca.gov.
News Releases
- State Superintendent Tony Thurmond Announces 2026 MCDSs
- State Superintendent Tony Thurmond Announces 2025 MCDSs
- State Superintendent Tony Thurmond Announces Inaugural MCDSs (2024)