(San Diego, CA) – This week, State Superintendent Tony Thurmond announced on Monday that 37 California schools have been recognized as 2023 Model Continuation High Schools. Poway Unified’s Abraxas High School is proud to be included among that list, and is highlighted as an example school by the California Department of Education (CDE).
Of Abraxas, the CDE wrote, “Abraxas High School in Poway can best be described as a student-centered, student-first learning community wherein thoughtful adults have intentionally designed and redesigned all aspects of the student experience based on student needs. All stakeholders, administrators, teachers, staff, parents, district officials, community partners, and—most importantly—students have agency and voice in decision-making around school practices.” Abraxas High School’s Principal Alain Henry congratulated his staff, saying, “This is due to the work you all do for our students. You are amazing and deserve this honor!”Model 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 process to be recognized as a Model Continuation High School includes submitted reports and site visits. During the Abraxas site visit, representatives were impressed by the one-on-one attention that students receive, strong counseling initiatives, as well as the creative elective opportunities offered (such as culinary arts, construction, and agriculture/aquaponics). Abraxas was previously designated as a Model Continuation School from 2020-2023.
Abraxas was chosen out of 430 continuation high schools in California and will retain the designation for another three years, through 2026. All Model Continuation High Schools will receive an award during the California Continuation Education Association Conference in April. You can view a full list of the recognized schools here.