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Model Community Day School Recognition Program

Identifies and recognizes outstanding community day school programs and creates a resource list of exemplary programs for school visitations and mentoring.

The Model Community Day School (MCDS) Recognition Program identifies and recognizes outstanding community day schools and creates a resource list of exemplary programs for school visitations and mentoring. The MCDS Recognition Program is sponsored by the California Department of Education (CDE) in collaboration with the California Continuation Education Association Plus.

Community day schools serve and support high-risk youths, including those referred by expulsion, probation, a School Attendance Review Board or other district level referral process. They provide challenging academic curriculum and develop pro-social skills and resiliency. The CDE encourages community day schools to submit an application to the MCDS Recognition Program.

Application Packet

Invitation letter, intent to submit, application, and forms for the 2024–25 MCDS Recognition Program. Applications must be submitted to the CDE electronically as a single PDF via the CDE exFiles File Transfer System. (See application for specific instructions.) Applications must be received by no later than 4 p.m. on Thursday, September 12, 2024.

Document Description
Invitation Letter Letter inviting principals of community day schools to apply for the 2024–25 MCDS Recognition Program
Intent to Submit MCDS Online form will close on Friday, August 30, 2024, at 4 p.m.
MCDS Recognition Program Application (DOCX) Overview and Instructions to complete and submit the application
Attachment A (PDF) Application Cover Sheet (Either an electronic signature or typed name will be accepted.)
Attachment B (PDF) School Information Sheet
Attachment C (PDF) Certification Form (Either an electronic signature or typed name will be accepted.)
Attachment D (PDF) Glossary

Webinar Information

The webinar held on June 4, 2024, provided an overview of the 2024–25 Model Continuation High School (MCHS) and MCDS Application and how to complete and process each application. The webinar also pointed out items that have disqualified applicants in previous years.

News Releases

Questions:   Educational Options Office | CommunityDaySch@cde.ca.gov | 916-323-2183
Last Reviewed: Tuesday, June 25, 2024