Windsor Oaks earns state recognition
The news keeps getting better about Windsor Oaks Academy, Windsor’s alternative education high school. Last year the Western Association of Schools and Colleges gave the school its highest rating; this week, Oaks earned coveted status as a model continuation school from the state.
Windsor Oaks is one of 25 California schools named 2012 Model Continuation High Schools for their programs designed to help struggling students stay in school.
The school completed an application for the designation last September. In November, a team visited the school for several days. They observed in classrooms, interviewed a variety of school stakeholders and wrote an official recommendation evaluating school management, curriculum, instructional strategies, educational climate and guidance and counseling.
According to the official report, “students testified that strong, personal relationships with faculty and staff were on-going and formed the basis for their continued growth and achievements. Parents told of their children feeling successful ‘…within the first month’ and how their kids’ morning disruptions and sicknesses turned into daily rushes to get to school.”
Principal Patricia Law is proud of the students and staff that make up the school community.
“It really was a whole school community effort. It’s a feather in the cap for the school district and for the community at large. Not only are our kids and our staff proud, but it also speaks volumes to breaking down some of those misconceptions about our students,” said Law.
“The 75 students we have are real and authentic. They’ve had challenges in life that they’ve met, and they’re here because they want a second chance. They’re some of the hardest-working, most respectful, old soul people that I’ve ever met. They’ve learned lessons that many of us don’t really grasp until well into adulthood.”
“I’m extremely proud and honored to work with these students,” she said.
The students seem proud to be part of the Oaks community as well.
“Windsor Oaks has been a great environment for my education. The teachers do great at doing their job and more. If Windsor Oaks was not around I would not be able to continue my education. The original staff members at Oaks have built this school from the ground up,” wrote one student.
“The classes are smaller which make it easier for me to focus and get my work done. The teachers are more available to help out, they teach at the pace that we need to go which is extremely helpful. It’s also easier to get to know the people here. We’re like a family here,” wrote another.
Continuation high schools meet the needs of students aged 16 years or older who lack sufficient school credits, are still required to attend school, and are at risk of not graduating. Many of these students have jobs outside of school because of family situations or other circumstances. Continuation high schools offer these students an alternative high school diploma program that focuses on school-to-career education, individualized instructional strategies, intensive guidance and counseling, and flexible school schedules.
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