Academics

Brad Goudeau
Deputy Superintendent, Educational Services
Modesto City Schools
[email protected]

Modesto City Schools provides a rigorous and relevant K-12 instructional program that facilitates the development of students’ diverse interests and talents. Our goal is clear: Students will graduate on time, college and career ready, with the knowledge, abilities, and character traits needed to thrive in a modern economy. Students learn critical thinking and problem solving by intertwining skills that may be used in multiple contexts. Students actively participate by interacting with the curriculum, their peers, and the learning environment.

Twenty-two (22) elementary schools (grades TK-6) provide a classroom ratio of 24 to one in grades TK-3rd and 34 to one in grades 4-6. Nineteen (19) of the elementary sites house the Early Childhood Education consisting of State Preschool and Head Start. Standards-based instruction dovetails into increasingly sophisticated skills taught in Junior High and High School. Students receive a standards-based report card each trimester that provides parents information on progress toward mastering grade level standards. All core subject areas include a focus on reading fluency and comprehension, with an increasing focus on text complexity. Mathematics focuses on building a strong foundation of number sense, fluency, and mathematical practices needed for success at the higher grade levels. Modesto City Schools offers programs such as GATE, Dual Language Academy, Open Plan, Campus Club, and After School Programs at specific sites.

The four Junior High Schools provide standards-based instruction in all core subjects and offer honors classes for advanced students. Students can join a variety of clubs based upon individual interests, providing them an opportunity to apply knowledge and learn communication and leadership skills in the school community. Students can select from a variety of electives to further their interests or experiment with new subject matter. Specialized program offerings include Honors/GATE, Language Institute, AVID, and California Junior Scholastic Federation membership. Parents receive letter grade report cards communicating student progress.

The seven comprehensive High Schools provide coursework to ensure students are both college and career ready. Sites offer a multitude of pathways and academies to allow a focused area of interest. Standards-based instruction allows for production of relevant work that can be transferred to future learning and tasks. Students have the option of taking course work through Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, or the Middle College program that enables students to earn college units while in high school. All sites offer a full range of CIF Athletics where students learn both skills and sportsmanship. A wide variety of clubs are present on all campuses providing students an opportunity for authentic practice in social and civic roles.

In Modesto City Schools, there is a place to challenge and enrich the lives of all students.