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Olive Grove Charter School presents renewal case; board to consider MOU in October
Summary
Representatives from Olive Grove Charter School outlined their flex-based independent-learning model, enrollment (35—45 students), WASC accreditation through 2029, growth in English learners, and new CTE cosmetology offerings; the board will consider an MOU and fiscal/academic oversight next month.
Olive Grove Charter School representatives told the Santa Ynez Valley board the school serves roughly 35 to 45 primarily high-school students across several learning centers with a flex-based independent-learning program and in-person supports. Learning Center Director Lisa O'Shea said the program serves families in transition, students with mental-health needs or travel obligations (for example, rodeo or elite sports), and offered local hands-on labs, art and guitar through partner programs. She noted Olive Grove is WASC accredited through 2029 and classified as "middle performing" by the state authorizer but meets renewal criteria for a five-year term.
Exenia Palacios, Olive Grove's director of enrollment, shared parent and student quotes praising the personalized approach: one parent said Olive Grove became "a space for healing" for a child experiencing bullying; a graduate said the program prepared them for college. Student Carla said she values interactive science labs and the cosmetology CTE classes. District staff explained that an MOU outlining fiscal and academic oversight will be brought to the October board meeting and said the district expects to bill about 1% of Olive Grove's budget for oversight services if the MOU proceeds.
Board members asked about curriculum platforms (FlexPoint), attendance/funding via ADA based on work completion and the academic probation process for students not meeting 80% weekly work completion. Staff noted Olive Grove uses STAR Renaissance (transitioning toward i-Ready) for local diagnostics and that the school has dual-enrollment options with Allan Hancock.
