Middle College

Overview

Middle College is an alternative education program in the seven-school San Mateo Union High School District (SMUHSD). Middle College is located at College of San Mateo, one of three colleges in the San Mateo County Community College District.

The program, which began in August 1998, includes up to 35 juniors and 35 seniors, selected from among the students in the SMUHSD. Cabrillo Unified School District students may be eligible to participate with approval of the site administration.

Students take high school courses that adhere to the SMUHSD-approved curriculum and satisfy high school graduation requirements. Juniors take integrated courses, American Literature and United States History. Seniors take English, and semester courses of Economics and American Government. Additionally, students take a study skills class, designed to ensure that students take advantage of the many instructional support services available at CSM.

Students complete their schedules with three or four college classes. For many courses, students can earn both high school credits and college units. Middle College students may not have to pay tuition for their courses.

Students can participate in some of the most prominent college programs, such as Computer and Information Science, Ethnic Studies, Administration of Justice, Fire Technology, Photography, and Multimedia.

Academic and career advising is a major component of the program. The two teachers, along with CSM staff members, help the students adjust to a college environment and outline occupational and educational plans.

Students benefit from the CSM Career Development Center, which schedules workshops and seminars for Career Assessment Skills and Job Search Skills. It also sponsors a Career and Job Fair. Students also may participate in activities in the CSM Transfer Center, which provides information about transferring to other college and universities.

Seniors will be expected to serve job-related internships and participate in work experience through Cooperative Education. During the spring semester, juniors are required to perform community service.

CSM offers a library, Math Lab, Integrated Science Center, Writing Center, a Reading Center, a Speech Lab, a Computer Writing Center, and Disabled Students Center--all services available to the students.

Expected Impact on Students
The impact on Middle College students is expected to include...

• High School graduation
• Strong connection and identification with a community of learners
• Increased motivation and engagement in project-based learning
• Accumulation of college credits and early preparation for college admission
• Improved communication skills and media literacy
• Increased maturity, independence, and evidence of coping skills
• Work experience and exploration of career options, particularly in Multimedia and Broadcasting Arts
• Improved attendance and academic achievement

"The San Mateo Union High School District believes - all students have the right to participate fully in the educational process, free from discrimination and harassment.  These rights are assured to students by CA Education Code Section 200 and Penal Code Section 422.55."