Silver Star Youth Program

Rancho Cielo's flagship program offers intensive educational instruction to students between the ages of 15 1/2 and 18. All students are screened prior to acceptance and must have a desire to make positive changes in their lives. Most students are on probation when referred to Rancho Cielo but recommendations may also come from the juvenile court, schools or parents. Graduates receive a high school diploma or GED.

The program is operated in partnership with the Monterey County Probation Department, which provides supervision, case management for students involved in the juvenile court, meals and transportation; the Monterey County Office of Education, which provides teachers and classroom aides for Rancho Cielo’s Community School.

Rancho Cielo Community School

Students, who range in grade-level proficiencies between third and twelfth grade, benefit from a small classroom size and a curriculum tailored to meet their needs. They are taught a California State Standards-based core curriculum in English, math, social studies, science, physical education, and fine arts. Classes are held daily, Monday through Friday, through the school year.

In addition, students are offered a variety of elective enrichment classes such as wood shop, sports, arts and crafts, music instruction and gardening. Students are able to develop vocational skills in a project-based learning environment.

Job training

Employment preparation classes are offered through a partnership with Turning Point of Central California, Inc Resume writing, interviewing skills and networking classes are provided.

Support Services

In conjunction with the high school curriculum, students have access to a number of support services, including drug and alcohol counselling, family planning, gang intervention, conflict resolution, anger management, grief counselling, health education, family counselling and career planning.

Students must also submit to twice weekly drug testing.