February 24, 2021
In a major win for Opportunity Youth in California, an appeals court overturned a 2019 ruling that would have closed five public schools for teens who have previously struggled in traditional schools. Opportunity Youth is defined as people ages 16-24 who are not in school or have a job. The ruling affects more than 1,100 students – 65 percent of whom had already aged out of public school and would be left with few options to graduate high school.
In 2019, a San Diego Superior Court ruled that three Learn4Life high schools located within the boundaries of Grossmont Unified School District (GUSD) and two schools operating within the San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) must close because of a discrepancy over geographical boundaries.
Learn4Life schools have been operating in compliance with the California Charter Schools Act and providing a quality education for hundreds of students. The charters in question are authorized by neighboring districts in the county, and are sanctioned to locate and serve students where the need is greatest within the county. Learn4Life schools appealed the decision, and last week the ruling was overturned, ensuring the area’s most needy students can continue their path to graduation, and 96 teachers and staff will keep their jobs.