Welcome to Vineyard High School

Making a Difference,

One Student at a Time

Sheryl Howser
Principal

APPLY FOR OPEN ENROLLMENT - SCHOOL CHOICE OPPORTUNITY
Open Enrollment allows families to apply for their children to attend school other than the one assigned by residence.  Intra-district transfer applications are processed based on space availability.  Grades 8 - 11 applications are due February 17 while grades 1 - 7 are due March 2.  Click HERE  for more information. 

2011 - 2012 Calendar

Vineyard High School, an alternative education program within the Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District, recently learned it has earned a six-year accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). WASC believes that the goal of any school should be to provide for successful student learning. Ultimately, the accreditation process is all about fostering excellence in elementary, secondary, adult, postsecondary and supplementary education programs.

WASC has tightened its accreditation process so that few schools earn the prestigious six-year term. "We are tremendously proud of our program and of the work done by staff, students, and parents," Principal Sheryl Howser said.

In November 2011, Vineyard High School, hosted a visiting evaluation team from WASC comprised of administrators and teachers from throughout California. Before the three-day visit by educators, members of the Vineyard High School community participated in rigorous self-evaluation (starting in the fall of 2010) of all aspects of the school’s program.

"Under the experienced leadership of Principal Howser, we were able to conduct an incredibly comprehensive study focused on our always on-going review of our program," said Helen Daniel, mentor teacher and one of the co-chairs of the self-study. "If she had not been willing to let Lucille (Holloway), the other co-chair, and me structure the process, we would certainly not have been so successful."

"In some small schools, the principal will write the whole report without input from all the interested parties. I think Principal Howser worked hard to ensure that all voices were represented," said Holloway.

In previous years, Vineyard has earned six-year evaluations. But in recent years, the association has tightened its requirements for attaining this top honor. No other high school in the Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District has earned such a distinction in the past few years.

Since Vineyard High School is an independent study school, many of its students need a differentiated learning environment. "To be successful at Vineyard, students must be independent learners in order to progress in a high school program. It’s a bit like a continuation of home study, but it is for high school students," says Daniel. "Most of our students continue their education at our local community college, but we have had a number students who attend UC Berkeley, Santa Barbara, or Santa Cruz, Stanford, UT and BYU. "

Vineyard High School welcomes applications. The experienced staff is willing and able to address the individual needs of all students.  

December 2011 District Newsletter