By SIERRA HORTON

Manteca Unified

Communication specialist

New Vision High School and Calla High School have been named Model Continuation High Schools for 2025 by the California Department of Education.

Both are Manteca Unified School District schools. 

New Vision is located at Weston Ranch in Stockton and Calla at Austin Road and Highway 120 on Manteca’s eastern city limits.

Continuation high schools are alternative high school diploma programs for students facing unique circumstances and barriers to learning. 

"This recognition is a beautiful reminder that Calla’s personalized approach to education — along with our amazing, dedicated staff — is truly making a difference,” said Michele Bryson, Calla High School Principal. “Every student deserves a learning journey that’s as unique as they are, and this award is proof that when we lead with heart, incredible things happen." 

In Manteca Unified, administrators and staff at continuation high schools provide individualized support to students by offering instructional strategies, flexible scheduling, and robust guidance and counseling services so that students successfully reach graduation.

 New Vision and Calla have been recognized for their overall excellence as alternative learning centers, excelling in personalized education that empowers students to achieve academic and social success—whether their next steps lead to college, careers, or beyond.

Out of 429 continuation high schools across California, only 74 were selected as Model Schools by State Superintendent Tony Thurmond.

New Vision High School Principal Lemuel Vergara   "At New Vision, we’ve created a school culture where students feel connected and seen. When students feel validated, they are free to grow.” New Vision Principal Lemuel Vergara said. “We are truly proud to be named a Model Continuation High School, but we are even prouder of the school community we’ve built and continue to nurture — together."