Buena Vista Continuation High

Buena Vista Continuation High is a small, alternative public high school serving about 121 students in grades 9-12 within the Chino Valley Unified School District, designed specifically for students who have struggled in a traditional high school setting.

The school operates very differently from larger comprehensive high schools like Chino Hills High or Ruben S. Ayala High, with a much lower student-teacher ratio of 8-to-1 and a primary focus on helping at-risk students graduate. This approach is successful, as Buena Vista consistently achieves graduation rates above 90%, which often exceeds both district and state averages, despite students entering with significant academic challenges. However, the school's standardized test scores in subjects like math and science are very low, and it faces a serious challenge with chronic student absenteeism, which is significantly higher than at other local schools.

When compared to other alternative schools in the area, such as Chino Valley Learning Academy or Boys Republic High, Buena Vista shows particular strength in graduating its students. Its performance can vary from year to year, partly due to its small size, but it appears most effective in supporting specific groups like students in special education. In essence, Buena Vista provides a vital second-chance pathway to a diploma for students who need a more personalized and supportive environment than a traditional high school can offer.