Alternative Education
Building Rigor, Relevance and Relationships in Alternative Education Classrooms
The Sonoma County Office of Education (SCOE) operates alternative schools for Sonoma County students who are seriously at risk of school and/or societal failure. These schools provide small school settings for referred students who are experiencing difficulties in traditional schools, offer home and independent study alternatives, and deliver daily instruction for incarcerated youth and juvenile wards of the court. In operating these programs, SCOE strives to offer education alternatives that connect students to positive opportunities for learning.
Important Notificatiion
The parent, guardian, or education rights holder of a pupil or, for a pupil 18 years of age or older, the pupil who was enrolled in high school and enrolled in a course during the 2020-21 school year may apply to Sonoma County Office of Education (SCOE) to have a letter grade earned for that course, as reflected on the pupil's transcript, changed to a Pass or No Pass grade. You may use this application template developed by the CDE to request a grade change to Pass/No Pass. Some postsecondary educational institutions, including those in other states, may not accept a Pass or No Pass grade instead of a letter grade for admission purposes. This list of postsecondary educational institutions found here have all indicated they will accept Pass/No Pass grades. Students age 18 or older, and parents/guardians, have until 15 calendar days after the posting of this, i.e. until Aug. 13 to fill out the application template and return it to SCOE. We are prohibited by law from accepting applications after that date.
Programs & Services
Community Schools
The purpose of Community School is to retain students in the education system during periods when they are experiencing problems that put them at serious risk of dropping out. The emphasis of the program is to reestablish students’ educational direction. The goal is for students to successfully transition back to a regular school setting or another learning environment that meets their needs. For students who elect to remain in Community School, the program is designed to help them meet their educational and academic goals. Learn more about Community Schools.
Court Schools
Court Schools provide instruction for school-age children and youth residing in court-supervised programs, such as Juvenile Hall and Probation Camp.
Countywide Plan for Expelled Students
In addition to offering alternative school programs for students, the Alternative Education department coordinates the development of the Countywide Plan for Providing Educational Services to All Expelled Students in Sonoma County as required by Education Code Section 48926. The plan is updated every three years.
SCOE 2018 Plan for Expelled Students
Accessibility Notice
The Sonoma County Office of Education is committed to making its online materials and information accessible to individuals of all abilities.
Individuals may obtain an alternate, accessible version of the content in these documents by contacting webmaster@scoe.org and by including a copy of the document as an attachment. If you are unable to attach a copy of the document, please indicate the document name and website location. SCOE staff will respond to your request within two business days.
