El Camino Real High School Named 2025 Model Continuation High School

El Camino Real High School (ECRHS) was recently designated as a 2025 Model Continuation High School by the California Department of Education (CDE). The school, part of the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District (PYLUSD), was one of only six continuation schools in Orange County and 74 statewide to receive this distinction.

The CDE’s selection process for the Model Continuation High School designation involved a rigorous application, requiring a comprehensive narrative that outlined exemplary practices in school operations, the effective use of assessment tools, and data-driven approaches to continuous improvement. In addition, schools had to undergo a peer review and an on-site visit to demonstrate their commitment to best practices.

ECRHS earned this honor due to its holistic approach to student development, including the EDGE intervention period, which comprises two days focused on academic support, two days dedicated to Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) through the School Connect curriculum, and one day per week dedicated to College & Career Readiness via the Find Your Grind curriculum. The school also implements AVID strategies to promote best instructional practices and prepare students for post-secondary success.

Furthermore, ECRHS offers personalized intake meetings with students and their families to assess academic progress, address challenges, and identify strategies for overcoming obstacles. This collaborative approach helps ensure students’ needs are met and provides additional support for academic success. A culture of positive relationships between students and staff contributes to an environment where students feel heard and supported. The school’s flexible scheduling accommodates individual student needs, while events such as Welcome Week create opportunities for fostering a positive campus culture through student expectations, team-building activities, and acts of gratitude between students and staff.

Following the school’s review, the visiting team noted the importance ECRHS places on building resilience in students, helping them to realize their fullest potential both in the classroom and beyond. The school provides numerous opportunities for students to explore their interests and succeed, with courses in programs such as the Digital Design Academy, R.A.P.I.D., and various electives.

Principal Gina Aguilar expressed pride in the recognition, stating, “I am thrilled to see the exceptional efforts of our staff being recognized by the California Department of Education. As our mission emphasizes, we are committed to preparing students for future success by maintaining high expectations in a supportive environment where each student’s unique strengths, goals, and needs are valued. The Model Continuation High School program is centered around addressing the whole child, and this recognition affirms our staff’s dedication to fostering a culture focused on academic achievement, college and career readiness, and student wellness.”

ECRHS, previously recognized as a Model Continuation High School in 1996, 2003, 2009, 2016, and 2022, continues to cultivate a community of personalized attention and innovative teaching practices. For students at risk of not graduating, ECRHS provides an alternative pathway to earn their high school diplomas within a supportive and empowering environment.