Tahoe‑Truckee Unified highlights alternative programs serving students off the traditional high‑school path

Jeff Santos, principal of alternative programs for Tahoe‑Truckee Unified School District, presented a school showcase on the district’s three alternative education pathways: Sierra High School (continuation), the Coldstream independent‑study program, and the Truckee River program.

Sierra High, Santos said, serves students who are 16 or older and are “not making it at their local high school, Truckee High or North Tahoe High School.” He described the program as focused on a diploma and post‑high‑school preparation, with “creative and flexible scheduling and programming,” hands‑on and project‑based instruction, and a school‑wide creed that sets expectations for behavior and work. “We are here to serve youth no matter who walks through our door,” Santos said.

Sierra’s current enrollment and student makeup were presented: 35 students at the time of the presentation (down from about 45 the same time last year), roughly 74% Hispanic, about 20% on individualized education programs, and a majority on attendance contracts. Santos and staff identified chronic absenteeism and credit deficiency as the…