ALTERNATIVE LEARNING OPTIONS
Your Journey to the Same Destination: Graduation
Santa Teresa High School is committed to supporting each student’s academic success. While staying enrolled at Santa Teresa can offer the most rewarding path for anyone, we recognize that some situations require alternative solutions.
This page offers information on local recovery programs to support students who are severely credit deficient or at risk of not graduating on time. These programs offer specialized support, flexible schedules, and expand credit recovery options beyond the resources available at traditional high schools. Together, these options ensure every student has a pathway to success.
If you’re considering one of these options, see your school counselor to determine the best path for your situation.
Each Alternative Learning Option Features:
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Key Features
CREDITS & DIPLOMA
Eligibility
How to Apply
1
ESUHSD Learning Options
Phoenix High School
CALERO High School
APOLLO High School
Foothill High School
Pegasus High School
Small But Necessary Junior/Senior Options
2
ESUHSD Alternative Programs
ESUHSD Alternative Programs
East Side Adult Education
ACCEL Middle College Program
HHI | Home Hospital Instruction
ISP | Independent Studies Program
Accommodating Adaptive Achievable Alternatives
3
Regional Success Options
Regional Success Options
Opportunity Youth Academy
GRIZZLY Youth Academy
San Jose Job Corps Center
San Jose Conservation
Corps+Charter School
Pathways to Diploma
Career Skills & Beyond
1 ESUHSD Learning Options
PHOENIX
HIGH SCHOOL
HIGH SCHOOL
a school of choice located next to Santa Teresa High School for juniors and seniors low in credits.
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Click Here to Learn more!
Contact your counselor for a referral if you are interested.
CALERO
HIGH SCHOOL
HIGH SCHOOL
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APOLLO
HIGH SCHOOL
HIGH SCHOOL
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FOOTHILL
HIGH SCHOOL
HIGH SCHOOL
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FOOTHILL
HIGH SCHOOL
HIGH SCHOOL
2 ESUHSD Continued Options
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EAST SIDE ADULT EDUCATION
📍 Address & Map 🗺️
625 Education Park Drive
San Jose, CA 95133
📞 Phone: 408-928-9300
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Adult Education offers a high school diploma program for adults 18+ or 17.5 years with a counselor referral.
This program features a standards-based curriculum designed for self-paced and small-group learning, with flexible course options available in-person, hybrid, or online.
^^ The newest brochure will always be in the bottom right corner of the adulteducation.esuhsd.org website.
Key Features
Flexible Course Load:
Choose how many courses to take at once, unlike high school’s typical six-class daily schedule.
Expert Support:
Access credentialed teachers, counselors, and career transition specialists to guide your success.
Convenient Scheduling:
Attend classes either:
Mon - Fri 8:50 am - 12:00 pm
or
Mon - Thu 6:00 pm - 9:10 pm
CREDITS & DIPLOMA
Credits | Course Required
40 English
20 Math
10 Biological Science
10 Physical Science
10 World History
10 U.S. History
5 Government Civics
5 Economics
10 Fine Arts/Foreign Lang.
15 Electives
150 TOTAL
Eligibility
Must be 18+ to self enroll or 17½ + with counselor referral.
Current high school seniors cannot enroll until Spring semester.
Schedule an appointment with an adult education counselor to develop a graduation plan.
Complete a placement exam.
(case by case requirement)Attain enrollment confirmation from Adult Education before you disenroll and transfer.
How to Apply
High School Seniors:
Must be at least 17½ years old and finish Fall semester of senior year before transfer.
Request a transfer through your school counselor.
The school counselor submits a referral to adult education.
Adult Education follows up to schedule an initial meeting.
Obtain confirmation to enroll in Adult Education.
Once confirmed, finalize your registration with Adult Education and disenroll from your current enrollment.
Adults 18+
Contact Adult Center.
Schedule an appointment.
Map your graduation plan.
Finish strong.
ACCEL
Middle College Program
Middle College Program
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3 Regional Success Options
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Opportunity Youth Academy
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The main focus of OYA is to help disengaged youth earn their high school diploma.
OYA offers a blended learning model for ages 16-24 combining online coursework and teacher-led instruction.
⬇️ Learn More ⬇️
⬆️ Learn More ⬆️
Key Features
Personalized Learning Plans
Work with teachers and counselors to develop a plan tailored to your goals.
Flexible Schedule & 1-on-1 Help
Choose flexible schedules, drop-in meetings, and individualized assistance.
Attend in person between
1-20 hours per week, based on your personalized learning plan and current life circumstances.Attendance is based on work production, expecting 20 hours.
HS Diploma & Job Training
Earn your diploma access to employment services, job training, and skill-building.
Diverse Support Services
Diverse support from childcare to housing, and transportation as needed.
OYA Navigator
Stay connected to resources and services through your assigned OYA Navigator!
CREDITS & DIPLOMA
Eligibility
Be within age 16 to 24
Be either:
Significantly low in credits
Disengaged in school
At-risk of drop-out
Already dropped out
Willing to set academic and career goals.
Requires proof of residence, birth certificate, immunizations.
How to Apply
Expect a 2-3 week enrollment process, based on seat availability
The OYA Online Registration (included below) should take about 20-30 minutes for a parent or legal guardian to complete.
Wait for the OYA registrar to schedule you for orientation based on seat availability.
Submit required documents
Proof of Residence (3 are required)
Cable Bill
Car registration or Insurance
Credit Card Bill
Doctor Mail
Home mortgage/Lease Agreement
Identification Card/Consular Identification Card
Internet Bill
Paystub
PG&E
Phone Bill
Tax Bill
Water bill
Proof of Birth (1 is required)
Birth Certificate
Baptismal Certificate
Passport
Immunization Record with TB Risk Assessment (TDAP)
Complete an Individual Learning Plan with an OYA counselor.
Learn More: OYA New Student FAQ
⬇️ Start the OYA Online Registration Below ⬇️
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To visit Grizzly Youth Academy: You must be scheduled to arrive at Grizzly Academy or have arranged a tour. Unscheduled visits are not allowed.
Please see the Locations page for more information.
📍 Address & Map 🗺️
721 Mendocino Ave,
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
📞 Phone: 1-800-926-0643
Note: Calls from Grizzly Youth Academy will appear as a five-digit number.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Grizzly Youth Academy (GYA) is a collaborative effort between the California National Guard and the Grizzly Challenge Charter School to support 16- to 18-year-olds who are:
Significantly behind on credits.
At risk of dropping out.
Already dropped out.
This 22-week residential program provides a highly structured and supportive environment focused on leadership, academic success, and personal growth.
Through credit recovery, mentorship, and life skills training, cadets develop cooperation, pride, and confidence.
GYA emphasizes leadership development and career readiness, equipping graduates with the discipline, education, and resilience to thrive as productive, engaged citizens.
Learn more: GYA Program Overview
Key Features
Credit Recovery:
Earn up to 60 transferable high school credits during this 5 ½ month residential program. Students within 60 credits of graduation may finish their high school diploma.
Structured Mentorship & Development:
Experience a disciplined, military-style environment that fosters leadership, self-discipline, and confidence through personalized mentoring and teamwork.
Post-Graduation Support:
Graduates receive a customized action plan for education, careers, and life goals, plus 12 months of ongoing mentorship and case management.
Holistic Approach
Build social, emotional, and physical skills through leadership training, life skills development, fitness, and extracurricular activities such as field trips and internships.
Career & Vocational Readiness:
Participate in career workshops, internships, and vocational programs (automotive, construction, office administration) to prepare for the workforce or higher education.
Learn more: GYA Core Competencies
CREDITS & Diploma
All cadets attend the Grizzly Challenge Charter School, earning credits transferable to any high school. Cadets can earn up to 60 credits over 22 weeks. Upon completion, each cadet receives two sets of official transcripts.
Cadets arriving with fewer than 60 credits remaining for graduation may complete those credits and earn a high school diploma issued by Grizzly Challenge Charter School. Diplomas are awarded at the residential phase commencement ceremony.
Credits Course Required
30 English
20 Math
10 Biological Science
10 Physical Science
5 Health
10 Fine Arts
5 US Government
5 Economics
10 U.S. History
10 World History
20 PE
65 Electives
200 TOTAL
Learn more: GYA Academics
EligibilitY
Applicant MUST:
Volunteer (not be forced by others)
Be 16–18 years old by their first day
Be credit deficient or at risk of dropping out
Be a U.S. citizen/legal resident of California
Be clear of felony charges/pending felonies.
Live within one of these counties:
Cities of Lancaster & Palmdale
FRESNO
INYO
KERN
KINGS
MADERA
MERCED
MONTEREY
SAN BENITO
SAN LUIS OBISPO
SANTA BARBARA
SANTA CLARA
SANTA CRUZ
TULARE
VENTURA
Learn more:
GYA Eligibility or Residency Requirements
How to Apply
CLICK HERE and scroll to the middle of the page.
Click the Fill Out Interest Form button.
Complete and submit the interest form.
Proceed to the MANDATORY virtual orientation (linked after form submission).
Watch the orientation in full.
Access the application upon completing the orientation.
Learn more: GYA Steps to Join
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CREDITS & DIPLOMA
Students at can pursue a high school diploma or GED, with pathways tailored to individual needs.
Credit requirements and program specifics may vary, ensuring flexibility and support for every learner.
Learn More: SJJCC Contacts
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
San Jose Job Corps helps young adults earn their high school diploma or equivalency while preparing for high-demand careers through industry-specific training.
This no-cost program offers residential accommodations, comprehensive career counseling, and hands-on training to equip students with the skills needed for workforce success.
Learn More: San Jose Job Corps Center
Key Features
No Cost Education
Earn your High School Diploma or equivalent, with supplies and materials covered.Achievement Bonuses
Earn up to $1200 for completing milestones like a diploma, GED, or vocational training.Rolling Admissions Year-Round
Accessible with free enrollment (no tuition) and flexible options in scheduling classes.Books & Supplies
Everything you’ll need for your academic and career training.Living Allowance
Receive a living allowance of about 50 to 100 dollars in cash twice a month.Housing
Furnished dorms for you and a roommate(s).Training Clothing
Basic uniforms and specialized safety equipment will be provided for your training, with up to $400+ for additional clothes.Networking Opportunities
Get to know your fellow Job Corps students through Campus Activities, Student Organizations, or the Wellness & Recreation Center.English Learners
Develop English language skills with accommodations available as needed.Tutoring Options
By your instructor or peer student tutor.Basic Medical Care
Medical, dental, eye care, mental health, etc.Nutritious Meals
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided every day.Supportive Community
Lasting connections with instructors and other students on campus.Child Care
We can help you find affordable child care options nearby.
Learn More: SJJCC Academic Skills
Eligibility
Be within the ages of 16 to 24.
Meet low-income eligibility.
Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or other approved status requirements to legally work.
Meet background requirements.
Are ready and motivated for success.
Learn More: SJJC Eligibility
How to Apply
Express Your Interest
Fill out and submit this Express Interest Tool with your basic info.Make a MyJobCorps Account
Once you submit your interest you can then create an account.Start Your Application
Your application is included in your MyJobCorps Account.Answer the questions.
Sign the required agreements.
Upload the required documents included in this checklist.
Complete your application.
You can check your status once you’ve completed it.
Interview With Admissions
Your Admissions Representative will schedule a conversation with you to assess your eligibility and understand your goals.Complete Enrollment
Admissions will help enroll you into one of the many centers that offer your preferred career track.
Learn More:
SJJCC Get Started & SJJCC FAQs
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📍 Address & Map 🗺️
1560 Berger Dr, San Jose, CA 95112
2650 Senter Rd, San Jose, CA 95111
408-318-9043 📞 408-639-9486
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
San Jose Conservation Corps & Charter School provides dual pathways for students aged 17½ to 27 to:
Earn a high school diploma through their Charter High School.
Join paid job training programs
in environmental and community service projects.Blend both options to gain credits and skills, and finish job-ready.
Learn More:
SJCCCS Job Training & Charter School
Key Features
Fast-Track to Diploma
Graduate with just 150 credits
Comprehensive credit recovery program
WASC-accredited high school
Flexible & Accessible
Rolling admission year-round
Independent study options available
Free enrollment (no tuition)
Schedule classes to fit your needs
Holistic Support
Personalized college & career counseling
Emotional counseling & support services
VTA Clipper discounts for transportation
Earn up to $12,300 🤑 in AmeriCorps scholarships
Paid, year-round job training programs
Learn More: SJCCCS Enroll
Eligibility
Be within age 17½ to 27
No minimum education requirements
All you need is the drive to succeed!
CREDITS & DIPLOMA
150 Credits +10 hours of Service
Learn More: SJCCCS for Students
How to Apply
⬇️ Hit Start, Answer Questions & Submit! ⬇️