"the school day at Alta Vista ends earlier s -- between 12:45 p.m. and 1:05 p.m. Also, most assignments are finished in class, which means there isn't much homework"

That alone should tell you what kind of joke of a school this is. Teach kids that less is more and the easier way out. This is not a recipe for success. It's coddling to low achievement and victimization.

The Mountain View Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation has awarded scholarships to many graduates of Alta Vista over the years. The students were successful at Alta Vista because the structure was different from "mainstream" high school. The teachers were able to work with them in smaller classes and engage them in a way that sparked an interest in learning when they had given up. We should be grateful that our school district provides this path for those ready to drop out.

I know Doreen Bracamontes personally and I can tell you that she is truly a dedicated teacher. I met her via PTA, and she is a really motivated, dedicated, and awesome person. I believe in her 100% and I would trust her to work with my kids. Bear in mind that not all kids fit in the track, but many of them are still extremely bright and very motivated. For example, my son has learning differences, and he would benefit from the smaller classes and the one on one he would be receiving. He can not concentrate long enough to do alot of homework, so this would work for him, and he can still attend junior college (which he wants to do). I am glad that this school offers this kind of program and I fully support Alta Vista High School.

"That alone should tell you what kind of joke of a school this is. Teach kids that less is more and the easier way out. This is not a recipe for success. It's coddling to low achievement and victimization."

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Really?

The article states that many students are attending because of economic situations or other disruptive personal life events, such as the young lady that fell behind at regular high school to care for her 2 younger brothers with learning disabilities. Perhaps the shorter school day and minimal out-of-class homework is to allow students to concentrate on the other unavoidable problems and issues they have to deal with at home.

I can think of many icons in our history who never attended formal education, one who is currently the wealthest man on earth, with only a high school diploma.

Good for Alta Vista! From a Shoreline High School Class of 1984 Alumni (Old Mountain View's Continuation school)I graduated and lead a productive life. Most continuation students will.

I go to alta. I love it.