The California Department of Education describes Continuation High School as follows:

"Continuation education is a high school diploma program designed to meet the needs of students sixteen through eighteen years of age who have not graduated from high school, are not exempt from compulsory school attendance, and are deemed at risk of not completing their education . California Education Code (EC) sections that provide for continuation education include sections 44865, 46170, 48400-48438, and 51055.

Students enrolled in continuation education programs are often credit deficient or in need of a flexible schedule due to employment, family obligations, and/or other critical needs. For apportionment purposes, a minimum day of attendance in continuation education is 180 minutes. However, many continuation high schools offer academic programs that exceed the minimum daily attendance requirement. 

In addition to providing state mandated academic courses for high school graduation, continuation education emphasizes guidance, career orientation, and/or a work-study schedule. Supplemental programs and services may include independent study, Regional Occupational Centers and Programs, career counseling, job placement, and apprenticeships."

Enrollment

Current Atascadero High School students must contact their counselor for an application and to discuss options. Students from outside our district must first complete an inter-district transfer from their home district. Once the application is complete, the application is sent to our Alternative Education Office, located at 10801 El Camino Real, Atascadero. The enrollment committee will review your application and our school secretary will call you for an appointment.

Eligibility

Any student who has not completed a high school education may be eligible to apply for enrollment in Paloma Creek High School. To initiate the transfer process, contact the counseling office at Atascadero High School. Most students who come to our school choose to remain at Paloma Creek High School for the remainder of their high school experience.

In order to maintain eligibility, students must attend school regularly, make positive progress toward their diploma, and comply with the school rules and expectations.