Alta Schools North County presents outcomes; dozens of families speak in support of charter renewal

Alta Schools North County presenters told the board the charter has been authorized by EUHSD since Dec. 12, 2017, and serves about 149 students (grades 6–12) with a hybrid model that blends one‑course‑per‑month pacing, resource‑center tutoring and a work‑experience component in a mall resource center. Alta staff said roughly 85% of students enroll credit‑deficient and that their DOS graduation rate was nearly 95% in 2023–24 and projected at 100% for 2024–25 pending state dashboard data.

Presenters highlighted NWEA MAP growth (many students meeting targets), low chronic absenteeism in their program relative to county averages, dual‑enrollment participation with Palomar College and a high pass rate (about 94%) for college courses taken through CCAP agreements. Alta representatives said many students reengage with schooling through their individualized pathways and that the program returns students to district campuses when appropriate.

During the public hearing, more than a dozen students and parents spoke in favor of renewal. Student testimony emphasized the flexible schedule, access to college classes and work experience (students noted convenience of the mall location), and parents recounted improved grades, better mental‑health supports, consistent IEP follow‑through and renewed engagement. Board members asked clarifying questions about enrollment, school comparisons (e.g., Valley High School) and MOU development with the district; staff and Alta representatives said the MOU and student measurable outcomes were developed with the authorizer and that the public hearing will be followed by a vote at a later meeting.