SCOE Schools & Student Programs
The Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) offers many educational options through its community schools, court schools, and special education student programs. The goal of these schools and programs is to ensure that students with a unique set of needs throughout Sacramento County are provided with a high-quality education and an opportunity to graduate ready for college, career, and life.
Parents can work with their school district to enroll their student in these programs for academic credit recovery or for support in social, emotional, and behavioral development.
SCOE staff specialize in ensuring a well-rounded and supportive educational experience. SCOE schools and student programs provide essential academic courses, as required by California law, plus Career Technical Education courses, arts integration, life-skills training, mentoring, mental health counseling, and career exploration.
SCOE Schools
Both of SCOE’s Community Schools—Hickey in the central area and Colley in the southern area of the county—serve students referred by their home district in greater Sacramento. Each school offers two programs, one that serves students in grades 7–12 who attend for two semesters and another that serves young adults, ages 17–21, who need a flexible schedule and additional time to graduate. Students are encouraged to participate in counseling and extracurricular activities such as:
- Farm-to-Fork program, including construction, horticulture, and culinary arts
- 916 Ink creative writing program
- Arts programs
- Work Experience & Work-Based Learning
- Family Resources
- Mentoring for all students
- Mental Health and Wellness services
Student Programs
CARE Program
The CARE (Community Action for Responsive Education) Intervention Program is a Community Schools program serving students in grades 7–12 in Sacramento County. The program—a partnership between SCOE and local school districts—aims to decrease the high school dropout rate and the number of students referred to juvenile probation. CARE classes are offered at the student’s home school and provide a small, self-contained setting as part of select schools’ intervention systems. Students are included in the school’s elective and physical education courses and can participate in extracurricular activities including athletics.
CARE Program Locations
Middle Schools
- FOLSOM (Folsom Cordova USD)
- KATHERINE JOHNSON (San Juan USD)
- MITCHELL (Folsom Cordova USD)
- SUTTER (Folsom Cordova USD)
- WILSON C. RILES (Center Joint USD)
High Schools
- CENTER (Center Joint USD)
- DISCOVERY (Natomas USD)
- ESTRELLITA (Galt Joint Union HSD)
Senior Extension
Designed for 17- to 21-year-olds seeking a flexible high school completion path, Senior Extension offers an innovative Program tailored to each student’s unique schedule. Students receive a balance of independent study and classroom learning, allowing them to earn credits while still meeting work and family obligations. This flexibility makes high school graduation achievable. Students may be referred to the program by their school district. Dedicated SCOE staff focus on individual needs and boosting each student’s chances for success in college, the military, or the workforce.
Senior Extension Program Services
- Contracted Learning with a Flexible Schedule
- Work Experience Education
- Public Transportation
- Homeless Services & Transition to Independent Living
- Home Visits
- Childbirth and Parenting Resources
- Academic and Career Counseling
- Job Readiness and Career Exploration
- Access to Community Service
- Anger Management, Family or Trauma Counseling
- College Preparation
- High School Diploma & GED/HiSET
Senior Extension Program Services Offered in Sacramento County
- 2460 Cordova Lane, Rancho Cordova 95670
- 8182 Gerber Road, Sacramento 95828
- 4000 Pinell Street, Sacramento 95838
- 2040 Ethan Way, Sacramento 95825
Court Schools
El Centro Junior/Senior High School
Operated by SCOE, through a partnership with Sacramento County Probation, El Cento Jr./Sr. High School is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Students are provided with educational options leading to a high school diploma, High School Equivalency Test (HiSET), Associate’s Degree, and/or career readiness. El Centro Jr./Sr. High School utilizes California State Board of Education-adopted curricula, and all teachers are credentialed. Instruction is year-round, and students attend school five periods per day. The El Centro Jr./Sr. High School faculty is committed to providing students with opportunities for academic improvement, self-assurance, self-esteem, and life and coping skills. They strive to instill a passion for lifelong learning—empowering students with the ability to become contributing members of society. In addition, the school provides quality services that help students ready themselves for post-secondary and career readiness. The core academic curriculum is approved by the SCOE Board of Trustees.
Valley Oak Youth Academy
SCOE and Sacramento County Probation have partnered to serve youth housed in the Valley Oak Youth Academy (VOYA). VOYA provides custody, care, and supervision of youth formerly served by the Division of Juvenile Justice. The vision for VOYA is to develop individual rehabilitation plans for each youth through a comprehensive needs assessment. Youth housed in VOYA participate in all the educational programming and services provided by SCOE, including opportunities for a high school diploma, Career Technical Education (CTE), and dual enrollment through community colleges.
Special Education Services
Special Education Services
The Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) Special Education Department provides specialized educational services across all 13 school districts within Sacramento County to students ranging from birth to 22 years. Approximately 200 dedicated SCOE staff members work tirelessly throughout the county, providing essential support to students and families.
Infant Development Program
The Infant Development Program (IDP) supports children aged birth to three who experience delays in one or more areas of development. The IDP collaborates with families to enhance current strengths and abilities, address challenges, and develop personalized plans to promote their child’s development. Through play and parent education, the program empowers families to recognize teachable moments in everyday routines and activities. Staff members strive to achieve targeted outcomes aligned with developmental milestones and family priorities. IDP consults with the Sacramento County Quality Child Care Collaborative, a partnership of community agencies, educational institutions, and governmental organizations. Childcare providers in the area receive training and resources specifically for students with special needs and behaviors.
Foundations Academy
Guidelines and Reports
California Community Schools Partnership Program (CCSPP) Implementation Grant
The California Community Schools Partnership Program is a “whole-child” school improvement strategy where the local educational agency (LEA) and school(s) work closely with teachers, students, and families. LEAs supporting community schools partner with community agencies and local government to align community resources to improve student outcomes. These partnerships provide an integrated focus on academics, health and social services, youth and community development, and community engagement. Nathaniel S. Colley Sr. High and North Area Community School received grants to enhance and implement this work.
- Nathaniel S. Colley Sr. High CCSPP Implementation Plan
- North Area Community School CCSPP Implementation Plan
Funding for Arts and Music in Schools
California Proposition 28 (Arts and Music in Schools), which was approved in 2022, provides funding to supplement arts education programs. Local educational agencies with more than 500 pupils must expend at least 80 percent of the funds to employ certificated or classified employees to provide arts education instruction.
