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About MCS

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WELCOME TO MARIN'S COMMUNITY SCHOOL

We are excited to offer several alternative programs for students and families who are seeking a smaller setting with a higher staff-to-student ratio, personalized learning, and increased supports so that students we help prepare for college, career, and life. As we challenge the traditional identity of alternative education programs, we encourage referrals earlier for students who would benefit from the programs we have here.

We serve youth from all across Marin County. We are committed to ensuring every student gets the resources and opportunities they need to fulfill our mission of students following their passions to lead purposeful lives.

 

 

 

What is Alternative Education?

We are the Alternative Education Department for the Marin County Office of Education. We offer alternative programs for the students and families within Marin County. Our programs include: the Marin's Community School (MCS), Phoenix Academy which operates in tandem with MCS, Oracle Independent Study and Loma Alta hosted at the Marin County Juvenile Hall. 

All our programs focus on supporting students in their academics (attendance, credits, learning loss, smaller class size, etc.) as well as focusing on their socio-emotional needs that prevents them from being successful in and out of school.  

To view our the Marin County Office of Education Alternative Education Page, please click here

Our Instructional Model

Marin’s Community School (MCS) is reimagining alternative schooling to close opportunity gaps and better prepare students for a future that we can only begin to imagine. Our world is filled with opportunities and problems for our students to solve, and we believe our students are capable of working towards solutions today. At MCS, we begin our planning process by listening to our students and community members to create learning experiences where students make meaningful impacts on their communities. Through the process, they build relationships, learn essential skills and knowledge, and most importantly, develop a belief that they can make the world a better place. Our instructional model integrates the following design elements:

 

Our Mission & Vision

Mission:

To empower each other to follow our passions and lead purposeful lives.

Vision:

We will prepare ALL students with the knowledge, skills, and habits needed for success in college, career, and life. By deeply engaging each student through personalized learning experiences, our students will master rigorous academic content and develop skills for the modern workplace. Our students will become conscientious global citizens as they solve real world problems and strengthen their connections to other people and the environment. Through our collaborative, supportive, and inclusive environment, our diverse students will develop their social and emotional skills and find individual pathways to achieve their goals.  At Marin’s Community School, we value:

  • Multiculturalism: Solving complex global problems requires cultural understanding, empathy, and the ability to learn and work with others from diverse backgrounds; as well as a deep connection with one’s own cultural background.

  • Achievement: Educational equity is the foundation of a more just society. With the appropriate support and hard work, we can all achieve at high levels.

  • Resilience: Through robust supports and caring relationships, we can help each other remove barriers to live healthy, purposeful lives.

  • Innovation: Through reflection, collaboration, and creative problem solving, we will continually improve.

  • Networks and Relationships: By developing strong relationships, we can positively change the world. Through our networks and relationships, we will support each other to take positive academic and social risks in school and beyond.

Student Outcomes

All students are prepared for success in college and career upon graduation.

  • Academics: Students will master content knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in the modern economy.

  • Mindsets, Essential Skills and Habits: In addition to academic mastery, all students will develop the skills of self-efficacy, self-management, growth mindset, and social awareness to enable them to continue to learn as they set and achieve their goals.

  • Personal Goals: All students will identify a postsecondary path to lead a healthy and purposeful life that allows them to follow their passions and become financially independent.