Salinas Community School - MCOE Alternative Program

Organization Description

The mission of the Alternative Education Program of the Monterey County Office of Education is to prepare our students for future success by providing a supportive school environment that focuses on increasing academic and pro-social behaviors and skills, while providing functional life skills instruction. We respect and value the unique contributions of each of our students and our role in assisting them in becoming responsible, stable, and contributing members of society. We work to create a supportive learning environment for students who have been expelled from local school districts, have been detained in the county juvenile facilities, or who are otherwise at risk for academic failure. Our programs are unique because of the students we serve. Small classes and individualized approaches meet the needs of each student.

The Alternative Education Programs mission is deliberately and fully aligned to the four pillars of the Monterey County Office of Education:

  • Reach our goals for student achievement for all students
  • Ensure the safety and health of our students
  • Recruit and retain the most highly qualified teachers and staff
  • Provide fiscal accountability for every education dollar
Program Information

Salinas Community School (SCS) began in 1989 as a single classroom school. It now enrolls up to 50+ students in three classrooms, with three credentialed teachers, three instructional aides, and a school secretary. Students rotate into the different classrooms throughout the day where the educational staff provides traditional classroom instruction integrated with blended learning and independent studies, while still offering the extra attention each student may need. Off-campus learning opportunities are offered on a weekly basis to introduce the students to recreational and environmental experiences that expand their horizons. 

SCS works closely with the Monterey County Probation Office. A Probation Officer and two Probation Aides are on campus every day. A mental health professional is available to the students to address a wide range of therapeutic issues such as depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, abuse, neglect, and other trauma. This combination of a highly structured program with small class sizes and the collaboration between school staff, probation, and mental health makes SCS a safe and comfortable place for all students to improve their skills.

Health & Safety
Address 
1420 Natividad Rd.
Salinas, CA 93906
United States
General Phone 
(831) 753-6569
Student Contact 
A Site Staff with main contact indicated hasn't been created yet. Contact your program for more information.
Program(s) 
Service Learning
Organization type 
Education - Multi-level (Government)
Focus Population(s)
Children/Youth
Focus Area(s)
Education
Additional Focus Area(s)
Skill Development