News

 

Nueva Vista High School provides a unique sense of belonging to about 220 Jurupa students who have missed blocks of class time and enrolled in an academic recovery program.

“I have never felt more accepted or appreciated [than] I do at Nueva Vista," said student Ziclary Garcia.

Thanks in part to the success of students like Ziclary, Nueva Vista has been named a 2019 Model Continuation High School by the California Department of Education. 

The Jurupa campus, one of just 31 high schools to earn the Model Continuation honor statewide, provides a diploma track for students who have fallen behind in class for reasons such as illness, job commitments or frequent family relocations. Each year, the school helps scores of students transcend adversity, graduate, and prepare for college and careers. 

“Being at an alternative education site, things are always different at Nueva Vista than at other schools," said Principal Michael Rogers. “So it is particularly validating to have a visiting team comprised solely of educators from other alternative education sites confirm that our results are impressive and that what happens here can be a model for other continuation schools to emulate."

This is the second time Nueva Vista has earned the Model Continuation distinction; the school also earned a spot in the three-year program – a partnership between the CDE and the California Continuation Education Association (CCEA) – in 2016. The school prioritizes relationships, support, consistency and accountability, educators say. Each student receives individualized help to make up missed work, meet state academic standards, and build a foundation for lifelong learning. 

“What sets Nueva Vista High School apart is the community that is intentionally fostered," Diana Johnson, an English Language Arts teacher, wrote on behalf of the school. “Feeling known is an essential part of human development and is something on which we place a high priority."

That culture – which helps students succeed not just academically, but also socially and emotionally – is one reason the school earned a second Model Continuation High School award.

In a February news release, state Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond said this year's winners “were selected based on a comprehensive and competitive application process that involved effectiveness assessments and use of data." 

The intensive application process accentuated areas of strength at Nueva Vista, including mentorship; small class sizes; and a mix of core academics and career-preparation courses such as welding and logistics.

​The school's educators, by weaving strong curricula with a tight-knit school community, help every Nueva Vista student learn without limits. “My teachers have been some of my biggest supporters not only mentally but emotionally too," Ziclary said. “This has been one of my hardest years and in their spare time they made sure I was doing fine and keeping up with my class and homework." 

Mr. Rogers said: “Our teachers are here because they love our kids and watching them overcome obstacles to achieve their goal of earning a diploma. The relationship between students and staff is at the core of what truly makes Nueva Vista a model for other continuation schools."

​