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 2025–26 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 Wednesday, July 16, 2025.
| Document | Description |
|---|---|
| Invitation Letter | Letter inviting principals of community day schools to apply for the 2025–26 MCDS Recognition Program |
| Intent to Submit MCDS | Online form will close on Friday, May 30, 2025, 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 for Applicant School and District (Either electronic signatures or typed names will be accepted.) |
| Attachment D (PDF) | Glossary |
| Rubric (DOCX) | Included for informational purposes only |
Webinar Information
When: Tuesday, April 16, 2025, from 1:30–3:30 p.m. (Pacific Time)
Topic: 2025–26 MCDS and Model Continuation High School (MCHS) Application
Register in advance for the webinar: 2025–26 MCDS and MCHS Application Webinar
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
Annual Assurance of Services Forms for Current MCDS
Schools selected as MCDSs are required to submit an Annual Assurance of Services Form to the CDE by June 30 for each of the second and third years of designation. This form certifies that the school meets or exceeds the MCDS Recognition Program standards. Links to Annual Assurance of Services Forms for current MCDSs are provided below.
Due to current working conditions related to COVID-19, forms may include either an electronic signature or typed name and must be submitted to Dan Sackheim, Education Programs Consultant, Educational Options Office, by email at CommunityDaySch@cde.ca.gov.
News Releases
- State Superintendent Tony Thurmond Announces 2025 MCDSs
- State Superintendent Tony Thurmond Announces Inaugural MCDSs (2024)