Updated
Alternative Education Programs Shine with Statewide Recognition
Calla High School, New Vision High School, and Yosemite Community Day School have been recognized by the California Department of Education for their outstanding commitment to alternative education.
New Vision and Calla High Schools have been named Model Continuation High Schools (MCHS) for 2025, a distinction awarded to only 74 of the 429 continuation high schools in California. Yosemite Community Day School has been named a Model Community Day School (MCDS) for 2025, one of just nine schools statewide to earn this recognition.
These honors highlight the unique roles continuation and community day schools play in supporting students who face a variety of academic and social challenges. These schools offer flexible scheduling, individualized instruction, and wraparound support services to ensure students stay on track toward graduation and lifelong success.
Calla Culture
"School culture nurtures growth, inspires success, and creates a community where every student can thrive."
“Culture is the heartbeat of education. School culture nurtures growth, inspires success, and creates a community where every student can thrive,” shared Michele Bryson, Principal of Calla High School.
At Calla, culture is at the core of everything. From the moment a student arrives on campus, they are paired with a mentor who remains their consistent support provider throughout their time at Calla. This connection is part of the school's Directed Studies (DS) program—a homeroom course designed to foster strong relationships and increase graduation rates.
Each student is matched with a DS teacher during orientation. This teacher becomes a trusted advisor who helps monitor graduation progress, prepare for standardized testing, and plan for life after high school. The DS class provides students with a sense of stability, connection, and purpose.
Beyond the classroom, Calla staff are intentional about creating a culture where students feel a sense of belonging and pride. They strive to ensure students experience a full and enriching high school journey—even within an alternative education setting. Students at Calla have access to a wide variety of activities and events, including competitive athletics, yearbook, leadership opportunities, electives, the Calla Garden, clubs, prom, and Career Technical Education (CTE) pathways.
In alignment with Manteca Unified’s Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP), Calla High School has used specialized funding—Goal 5—to expand transportation options for students, increasing access to Career Technical Education (CTE) programs and other opportunities that help students’ graduate college and career ready. With increased transportation, 25% of Calla’s students are now involved in CTE courses. Calla also focused funding toward students learning English. Students learning English at Calla showed an 18.6% increase in scores on their English Language Proficiency Assessment of California (ELPAC) placement exams.
Inspiring a New Vision
“I am grateful for the relationships and community Alyssa has built with our students at New Vision.”
At continuation high schools, every staff member plays a vital role in supporting student success—a sentiment consistently echoed by site administrators.
Staff mentors are instrumental in guiding students through credit recovery, supporting them to either return to their comprehensive high schools or graduate from their continuation school ready for college and a career.
New Vision High School Counselor Alyssa Mendoza was recently honored as the Support Person of the Year by the California Continuation Education Association (CCEA) at its annual conference. This well-deserved recognition was based on student feedback and her profound impact on their academic journeys and personal lives. Ms. Mendoza is known for going above and beyond to support her students.
“I am grateful for the relationships and community Alyssa has built with our students at New Vision,” shared Principal Lemuel Vergara.
As part of our ongoing commitment to student achievement, New Vision High School has used its specialized funding — LCAP Goal 6 — for programs to support English learners and expand access to Career Technical Education (CTE).
These efforts are making a difference. Students learning English at New Vision showed a 4.5% increase in scores on their ELPAC placement exams. Even more impressively, New Vision students improved their state standardized testing scores by 26 points—an achievement that reflects the dedication of staff and the resilience of students. Over half of New Vision’s students are also involved in CTE courses.
Building Success in Community
“It’s the entire team— every staff member here plays a vital role in making this program work for our students.”
At Yosemite Community Day School, staff are committed to partnering with parents to support every student’s growth and success.
“It’s the entire team—every staff member here plays a vital role in making this program work for our students,” said Principal Brian Keeney.
On-site counseling services ensure students feel safe, seen, and supported. Each day, dedicated staff help students develop essential life skills—learning how to communicate with peers and adults, navigate challenges, and grow both socially and emotionally.
In addition, School Counselor Ms. D’drea Black leads parent groups where she shares practical resources and strategies that families can use at home. These sessions focus on Social Emotional Learning (SEL), effective communication, and strengthening relationships.
Academic success is equally prioritized. Students at Yosemite Community Day receive high-quality instruction aligned with the same rigorous standards as their peers at comprehensive school sites. Being in a community day school does not limit a student’s academic potential—it reinforces it.
At Manteca Unified, we believe every student can achieve when given the right tools, support, and opportunities. Yosemite Community Day, New Vision, and Calla High Schools are proof of the powerful outcomes possible when students are met with mentorship and compassion. Everyone learns differently—but everyone can achieve.
- Equity Multiper