About Our Community Schools
The San Mateo County Office of Education's WASC-accredited Community Schools Program serves students from across the county. Students may be referred to these programs by their resident districts. They can also be referred by the San Mateo County Probation Department, the Human Services Agency, or the County School Attendance Review Board (SARB).
The Community Schools Program is designed for students who can benefit from an alternative school setting. Students are placed in a community school when referred by a local school district for expulsion, by Juvenile Probation, or as a result of a School Attendance Review Board (SARB) hearing. Community Schools may also serve students who are homeless, in foster care, or those referred by their local school district with parent consent. The community schools' program is student-centered and adapted to meet individual needs. The community school and receiving districts are frequently involved in collaborative planning and transition between the programs. Special education services and support are available to all qualified students.
Instructional Program
Students are enrolled in middle school or high school courses and earn credits to support their learning goals. Student learning plans are developed upon enrollment, with the goal of meeting students where they are academically. They also assist them in their progress toward a high school diploma and professional success. The curriculum is aligned to the Common Core Standards using textbooks adopted by the County Board of Education. Also, preparation for the High School Equivalency Test (HiSET) is provided for all eligible students. As a WASC-accredited program, students who enter on an "a-g" track may remain eligible to attend a four-year public college. Our program is WASC Accredited through June 30, 2028.
List of Schools
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Dr. James Vaughn
Principal, Court & Community Schools
Email: jvaughn@smcoe.org
Phone: (650) 598-2155
Jonas Barbour
Assistant Principal, Court & Community Schools
Email: jbarbour@smcoe.org
Phone: (650) 598-2175
Rachel Mahoney
Administrative Assistant II, Court & Community Schools