Visalia Unified school first to receive this distinction from state

VISALIA, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – The California Department of Education has recognized two non-traditional schools in the Visalia Unified School District for their work supporting at-risk students, the school district announced on Monday.

According to officials, the California Department of Education honored Creekside Community Day School and Sequoia High School as “Model Community Day Schools (MCDS)” and “Model Continuation High School (MCHS),” respectively.

Visalia Unified says Creekside is the only school in Tulare County to receive the MCDS distinction from the state. The school focuses on providing students with a second chance and early reinstatements for students maintaining high academic standards and completing necessary community service hours.

Sequoia High School, according to the school district, “helps students find an alternative path to earning their diploma” and it’s one of two schools in the county to receive this designation.

Both schools will be recognized at the CCEA Plus 2025 State Conference in April.