Alta Vista High School Overview

Alta Vista High School (AVHS) is the continuation high school for the Mountain View/ Los Altos Union High School District (MVLA) and the Palo Alto Unified School District (PAUSD). Continuation education is based on an alternative education model, which provides structured curriculum and well-defined expectations to meet the needs of students who, for numerous reasons, have not found success in traditional high schools. We offer a focused program that builds academic and functional skills, as well as basic work habits in a safe and caring environment in which assessment and experiential learning assist students in improving personal, social and academic skills so that they may assume a positive role in their community. Alta Vista High School provides:

·        An opportunity for students to complete the districts graduation requirements and attain their high school diploma

·        A program designed to enable students to earn credits and learn study skills which would allow them to return to a traditional high school or upon graduation be prepared to attend college

·        A program of instruction and guidance that emphasizes occupational skills and/or provides a modified work-study schedule in order to meet the unique needs of our working students

·        A program to meet the needs of each student, including, but not limited to: independent study, Regional Occupational Programs, career counseling, and job placement services as a supplement to classroom instruction

·        A program that prepares students to complete the California High School Proficiency Exam or GED

We enroll up to 170 students at a time, grades 10 through 12. The Palo Alto Unified School District contracts with the Mountain View/ Los Altos Union High School District for up to thirty students each year from Gunn and Palo Alto High Schools. Referrals to Alta Vista High School generally come from the assistant principals and counselors of the traditional schools; however, students are free to contact us directly. Alta Vista High School offers educational opportunities for students who:

·        Have not found success in a traditional high school setting as reflected by poor attendance, credit deficiency, or poor grades

·        Prefer a small school setting with individualized instruction

·        Work best at their own pace

·        Must work full-time

·        Require special school hours for special needs

Our staff includes one principal, one special education teacher, seven general education teachers, three instructional aides, a part-time computer support specialist, a director of coordinated services/case management, a mentor coordinator and an office manager. Additional counseling services are provided by the Community Health Awareness Council (CHAC) and from Asian Americans for Community Involvement (AACI). Lucille Packard Children's Hospital's Adolescent Health Van visits our campus every month.

All of our courses have been aligned to the Content Standards for California Public Schools and our English and math classes prepare students to pass the California High School Exit Exam. Our students must meet the same graduation requirements expected of the traditional school students. Special education services are available on site for those students who qualify. All courses required for graduation are offered on site, including such electives as Yearbook, Sports, Art, ROP Web Design, ROP Computer Information Technology, small engine repair and Masonry. Students also take additional classes at our local community colleges, adult education center, Moffett Independent Study Program and the traditional sites. In addition to passing all required courses, students must complete a comprehensive Exit Portfolio prior to graduation or transition back to the traditional school. The following are just a few reasons why Alta Vista High School enjoys an ever-growing reputation as a quality school:

Alta Vista High School received three full accreditations from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (1999-2004, 2004-2010, 2010-2017) and has been honored four times by the California State Department of Education as a Model Continuation High School (1999-2004, 2004-2009, 2009-2012, 2012-2015). This honor is akin to the California Distinguished Schools Program for traditional high schools, and is only given to the top continuation high schools in the state.