Schools & Programs
Marin's Community School
Marin's Community School
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MCS Instructional Model
Marin’s Community School (MCS) is a 5-day, full day program (see our bell schedule here). At MCS, we are re-imagining 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.
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:
Oracle Independent Study
Oracle Independent Study
It is our continued belief that most students are best served in our five-day per week program where they can get the academic and social/emotional support they need. However, some students need the independent study option for multiple reasons, including health concerns.
The Oracle Independent Study Program is for students referred from their Districts and is only available as a “last resort” for students who for various reasons cannot attend school full time (5-day program). The program is designed to support students in the 11th and 12th grade whom the district has deemed it is the best place for them and who are close to graduating.
What does the school schedule look like?
We currently have two teachers for independent study. Depending on the student's interest, they are scheduled to meet with a teacher once a week for an hour.
My student has an IEP or an Education Plan?
If the student is in process of an assessment, we wait until any assessment is completed and work with the IEP or 504 teams to ensure we would be the right placement given the students needs and the services we are able to offer.
If the student already has an IEP or 504 in place and a referral has been sent, our team will review the referral and documents to see if we are able to provide services.
Independent Study Option for MCS/Phoenix Students
Per AB130, signed into law by Governor Newsome, all students have the option to enroll in independent study instead of our traditional five-day program this year. Please see the guidelines below.
- You may inform us at any time that you would like the independent study option. If you do not request independent study, your student will be enrolled in the in-person, five-day per week program.
- If you would like to request a meeting with your student and a school representative to discuss this option before you choose, please contact Saul Godinez at 415-491-6613. During this conference you can find more information about all educational options, curriculum, and other non-academic support available to the student.
- If you choose to return from independent study to the regular program, we can make the change as quickly as we can, but no longer than five school days after the request. You cannot, however, continue to move back and forth between the programs.
- If a student is not engaging in independent study, not submitting work, or not attending weekly meetings, we will attempt to re-engage him or her by:
- Verifying contact information for the student and family.
- Notifying the family as soon as the student misses a meeting or does not submit work.
- Meeting with the student and family to determine a plan of action and to reconsider the placement if the student misses three consecutive meetings or six total meetings in a semester; or if a student does not submit work for three consecutive or six total weeks.
FAQs
I am interested in signing up my student to independent study?
Please contact Saul Godinez at sgodinez@marinschools.org or by phone at (415) 491-6613
My student is already enrolled in MCS/Phoenix, how can they participate?
We will be reaching out to you individually as applicable, but please call if you have any questions, 415-491-0581. We look forward to serving your students for the coming school year, and helping them set and achieve their goals.
Phoenix Academy
Phoenix Academy Charter operates in tandem with Marin's Community School as a 5-day/week, full day program. We are excited to offer this viable alternative program 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 can be prepared for college, career, and life.
School Year: 2024-2025
Open Enrollment: CLOSED
School Year: 2025-2026
Open Enrollment: Will open March 1, 2025
The enrollment window for Phoenix Academy Charter in the 24-25 school year is now CLOSED. Families can directly apply to enroll their student(s) in the 2025-2026 school year in March of 2025. Please note: To enroll or express interest in enrolling for the next following year, families must complete the "Intent To Enroll" form that will be posted during the enrollment window in March. If there are more applications than we have room for students, we will conduct a public random drawing on March 31, 2025.
If you have any questions please contact our office at (415) 491-0581 or send an e-mail to mcsinfo@marinschools.org.
Loma Alta
Loma Alta is the school program at the Marin County Juvenile Hall. If you are looking for a copy of transcripts or have questions about an academic record, please contact our office at (415) 491-0581 or you can e-mail the Administrative Secretary Alma Castro at Acastro@marinschools.org.
Please note, for any questions in regards to detainment, court date, or case information regarding a youth please contact the Probation Officer assigned to them or call (415) 473-3293.