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CARE

(209) 468-9210

The Community Active Response to Education (CARE) program is a partnership between the San Joaquin County Office of Education (SJCOE) and local school districts designed to provide ninth grade students in need of additional support with the tools, resources, and other assistance to be successful during their freshman year and set them on a path to success throughout their high school career. Students in the CARE program are dually enrolled with the SJCOE and their district high school.

Many freshmen struggle with the transition to high school. CARE provides a smaller class size that allows teachers to make sure students are not getting overwhelmed— academically, socially, or emotionally. The CARE program uses the high school’s adopted curriculum in all academic areas. CARE is a general education program where most of the instruction in core academic courses will occur in one classroom with the CARE teacher.

CARE is offered at the following high schools: East Union, Lathrop, Sierra, Weston Ranch high schools (Manteca Unified School District), and Merrill F. West High School (Tracy Unified School District).

What to Expect:

As dually enrolled students, CARE students receive support through staff from both the SJCOE and their traditional school site. This includes academic counselling, social-emotional counseling, and other supports. Other benefits include:

  • • The CARE classroom is located on the traditional high school campus.
  • • Classes have a max enrollment of 22 students.
  • • Students can play on sports teams and join school clubs.
  • • The same teacher provides instruction for most core classes. Teachers also provide tutoring during lunch and after school.
  • • CARE teachers stay in frequent contact with parents or guardians about student progress.
  • • Bell and lunch schedules are aligned with the school's schedule..
  • • The CARE program's principal and counselor work directly with on-site high school administration to assist students with needed resources.
  • • CARE students build organizational and study skills.
  • • Students also have more motivation, better grades, improved attendance, and a better outlook on their education as they move into the 10th grade.
  • • While in the CARE program, students develop career and post-secondary school goals.

Who is Eligible?

Any incoming ninth grader who has been recommended by school staff for any of the following reasons are eligible for CARE:

  • • Failed classes in eighth grade
  • • Poor attendance in eighth grade
  • • Need extra motivation for school
  • • Struggle socially at school because of anxiety

Additional Resources

Community Active Response to Education (CARE) Program Brochure

Community Active Response to Education (CARE) Program Power Point Presentation

How to Enroll

Those interested enrolling their incoming freshman in the CARE program may fill out the CARE Interest Form for the Class of 2028.

For more information, contact CARE Principal Lonnie Cox at (209) 468-9009 or lcox@sjcoe.net.