What We Believe
Everything we do – from who and how we teach, hire, and partner – is guided by our truths:
Respect connects us.
Community strengthens us.
Originality defines us.
We Conform To Our Students. Not The Other Way Around.
John Muir Charter Schools (JMCS) is the best alternative high school in California for students looking to earn their diploma and prepare for a career their way. We meet you where you are and help you get where you want to go.
What We Do
We equip 14- to 26-year-olds to earn a high school diploma and prepare for a fulfilling career through job training and educational, social, and emotional support that fits into their lives. At JMCS, we fully believe you can graduate – because of and regardless of your experiences, skills, and dreams.
We make high school
practical – and profitable.
We don’t have to conform to fit in here. Our school gives 14- to 26-year-olds with diverse academic needs a personal, flexible, and rewarding pathway to graduation.
We open up
exciting career paths.
Every JMCS learner receives active — and often paid — job training. We partner with local workforce leaders looking to hire our students onto their teams.
We prioritize
everyday wisdom.
We intentionally practice skills that matter at work and in our personal lives. Our curriculum is designed to support financial goals and social-emotional health as part of academics.
We build
purposeful community.
We take the time to learn about and share our stories. Connected by respect and guided by love, we push each other because of and regardless of our experiences, skills, and dreams.
Convenient Locations To Learn And Work
We partner with workforce leaders across California looking to hire our students onto their teams.
Central California
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Southern California
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Train With Organizations Committed To Your Growth
Are you a workforce leader looking to partner with our high school?
JMCS exclusively works with organizations that provide California young people and adults with job training. We structure our model to support the independence and distinct goals of each partner, at each site, for each student.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick facts about how to enroll in, partner with, or advocate for John Muir Charter Schools.
What makes John Muir Charter Schools (JMCS) the best alternative high school in California?
We are the longest running free alternative high school & job training option in California. We offer students the following personalized benefits:
- Individualized high school graduation plans
- Credit waiver eligibility
- Career-related workshops
- Paid job training
- Electives based on student interests and goals
- Small class sizes
- Flexible school hours that accommodate job training
No matter where you’ve been, what you’ve been told, or why you’re here, you can graduate from our high school. Because here, we conform to you – not the other way around.
How do I enroll at John Muir Charter Schools?
Enrolling at JMCS is easy:
- Apply to an eligible job training program.
- When prompted, choose JMCS as your high school.
