About Us

First page of the PDF file: AlternativeEdProgramVisual2018-2019

 

Alta Vista Independent Study (La Colina Location)
4025 Foothill Road
Santa Barbara, California 93110
(805) 966-0883
TDD (805) 564-4444

Alta Vista Alternative High School, an alternative school of choice, allows students to complete their high school graduation requirements through a variety of instructional models, each supported by a credentialed teacher. Students explore Language Arts, Social Studies, and practice study skills through Project Based Learning (PBL) units. In addition to PBLs, students complete coursework through online courses. Math I and Math II coursework is supported through small group instruction by a math-credentialed teacher. We are able to offer Physics through independent coursework and hands-on labs.

AV Independent Study serves the following student populations:

  • Traditional independent study students (working, professional athletes or musicians, or unique circumstances necessitating independent study)
  • Students choosing independent study as an instructional strategy best meeting their individual needs

 

Alta Vista Middle College

Alta Vista Middle College
721 Cliff Drive
Santa Barbara, California 93109
(805) 966-0883
TDD (805) 564-4444

Middle College is a unique, dual enrollment independent study program for students in grades 10 through 12 and is offered by Santa Barbara Unified School District in collaboration with Santa Barbara City College. The mission of Middle College is to develop worldly, critical thinkers who learn to manage their time effectively. The rigorous program integrates a curriculum based on current events that are discussed during weekly student-teacher meetings. This one-on-one relationship benefits students by providing guidance and support, as well as challenging them to delve into the course material. In addition to the Middle College curriculum, students enroll in SBCC classes every semester, giving them the opportunity to select courses from a wide variety of engaging subjects. This flexible course selection enables students to build an individualized schedule that suits their interests and helps them attain their academic goals. Middle College provides students with a smooth transition or bridge into the challenges and opportunities of the college environment.

Alta Vista Quetzal

Alta Vista Quetzal (La Colina Location)
4025 Foothill Road
Santa Barbara, California 93110
(805) 966-0883
TDD (805) 564-4444

Quetzal is a program designed to serve priority students in an asset-based environment, utilizing high-impact instructional strategies.  The Quetzal teaching staff use a co-teaching and co-facilitation approach, with integrated/interdisciplinary units of study.  We offer a low teacher to student ratio, and develop individual learning plans for all of our students focused on protecting their potential.  Academics are taught in the classroom, as well as in the community.  Students in the Quetzal program benefit from robust social-emotional supports and community partnerships.

The Quetzal program primarily serves students in grades 9-12, however, is able to serve 7-8 grades referred through our Student Services office.  We serve students who have not yet obtained credits during their 9th or 10th grade school years, students who have been expelled from the Santa Barbara Unified School District, students who are transitioning out of long-term incarceration, or who have been referred through the School Attendance Review Board (SARB) process. 

Alta Vista High School-- FLEX (formerly Senior Plus)

Alta Vista High School (La Cuesta Location)
710 Santa Barbara Street
Santa Barbara, California 93101
(805) 966-0883
TDD (805) 564-4444


FLEX is a an independent study program that is a blend of online learning and project-based learning. Students work on one or two classes at a time in this independent study program model. Students are expected to attend school three days a week and complete a minimum of 1.5 credits per week.

AV FLEx serves the following student populations:

  • Students seeking a more flexible program for their final semester of high school due to employment, parenting or child care needs, or other unique needs
  • Students engaged in short-term medical treatment, requiring more academic flexibility

La Cuesta Continuation High School

La Cuesta Continuation High School
710 Santa Barbara Street
Santa Barbara, California 93101
(805) 966-0883
TDD (805) 564-4444

La Cuesta Continuation High School is a comprehensive alternative education program offering a variety of instructional options to meet the educational needs of students. Classes are kept small to allow interaction and an exchange of ideas between students and teachers and between students themselves. As well as cooperative and collaborative classroom activities, each student’s individual educational needs are recognized and incorporated into the structured school day. Students are encouraged to become responsible citizens, academic achievers, problem solvers, and demonstrate strong moral and ethical values. La Cuesta is setup to allow for students to recover credits at an accelerated pace. Students are expected to attend daily. La Cuesta is geared to students that are 16 years old (or turning 16 during the semester they enroll) and who are at risk of not graduating.