Bellflower Continuation High School Named 'Model' School

BELLFLOWER, CA - A continuation high school in Redondo Beach was among the 37 model continuation high schools named this week by the state Department of Education, including more than a dozen campuses in Los Angeles and Orange counties.

The schools were recognized for innovative teaching approaches that enable students with diverse needs to complete their high school education, according to state education officials.

Those honored in Los Angeles County were Independence High School in Van Nuys, R.K. Lloyde High School in Lawndale, Park West High School in Pomona, Redondo Shores High School in Redondo Beach, Rose City High School in Pasadena, Ruben Salazar High School in Pico Rivera, Somerset High School in Bellflower and Whitcomb High School in Glendora.

Orange County continuation schools that named were Brea Canyon High School in Brea, El Camino Real Continuation High School in Placentia, Marie L. Hare High School in Garden Grove, Junipero Serra High School in San Juan Capistrano and Silverado Continuation High Schoo in Mission Viejo.

"I commend these schools for their exceptional work in keeping our students on the path to career and college readiness," said Tom Torlakson, state Superintendent of Public Instruction. "Thanks to the guidance and support offered, our students leave with a high-quality education and the self- confidence required to build a better future."

Continuation high schools serve students aged 16 years or older who have not graduated from high school, are at risk of not graduating, and are not exempt from compulsory school attendance. The minimum attendance is 15 hours per week or 180 minutes daily.

The CDE said students benefit from the supplemental programs and services like independent study courses, career counseling, job placement, apprenticeships and concurrent enrollment in community college.

More than 60,000 students attended the state's 460 continuation high schools in the 2014-15 school year, according to the CDE.

--City News Service, photo via Shutterstock