Hillside HS named ‘Model Continuation School’ for 2017 by State Superintendent of Schools

Upland, CA – Hillside High School in Upland has been designated a Model Continuation High School (MCHS) for 2017 by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson.

Hillside, which serves 250 students from 9th to 12 grades, was one of 35 continuation schools across California to earn MCHS designation for operative innovative academic programs that help prepare at-risk students for 21st century careers and college. The three-year award will be presented at the 2017 California Continuation Education Association State Conference April 28-30 in Fresno.

“I applaud the dedicated administration and staff on their work to assist and motivate at-risk students and help them reach their full potential,” Torlakson said. “The positive and nurturing climate these schools have created inspires students to do well in their academic work and also to contribute to their communities.”

Hillside was founded in 1987 to provide a flexible program to help students who need a second chance earn a high school diploma. Every student participates in the development and implementation of a personal academic plan that includes use of variable credit and continuous progress to satisfy subject matter and credit requirements, as well as intensive guidance services to meet pupils’ special needs. Success at Hillside is measured not only by the number of graduates but also by the number of students who complete requirements to return to the comprehensive high school. The A-G curriculum is designed to prepare students for a lifetime of learning.

“This is an extraordinarily proud moment for Hillside High School and the entire Upland Unified School District family,” said Dr. Nancy Kelly, UUSD Superintendent. “The work that is being done to provide an opportunity to students who need a second chance is transformational – for those students, their families and the community. The Hillside High School staff does remarkable work day in and day out, and this well-deserved recognition from the state means so much to all of us.”