Author: Jennifer Ketring

Members of the GC are the trustees of the nonprofit organization
that runs PCCS. They delegate professional, day-to-day operations of the school
to the Management Team and to the staff, and oversee the financial health and
viability of the organization, and how well the organization is fulfilling its
vision and goals. They make the final decisions on hiring, firing, and renewal
of employment agreements. 

Check the latest GC meeting agenda and minutes.

Pacific School teachers work collaboratively to select and integrate curricula. Text books are used in all core subjects, but teachers teach beyond the text, supplementing these basics by integrating music, art, literature, field studies and other “real world experiences” into the classroom. Since it is a converted residence, the K-8 site helps create a family atmosphere.

Read our K-8 Blog for current updates and announcements.

Pacific Community Charter High School (PCCHS) offers an alternative curriculum through a unique combination of small class, multi-grade instruction and the Passage program of six project-based student designed courses. PCCHS extends course offerings through a collaborative relationship with Point Arena High School. The Pacific Charter High School site is located on the Point Arena High School campus. 

The Pacific Community Charter School provides the California coastal communities from Salt Point (Sonoma County) to Elk (Mendocino County), including Gualala and Point Arena, with a publicly funded kindergarten through 12th grade charter school. All K-12 students in these geographic areas are eligible for enrollment. No tuition is charged.

Pacific Community Charter High School requires that each student complete a minimum of eighty (80) hours of community service as a requirement for graduation.

One half of the hours (40) are met through volunteer service contributed to the Pacific School. One half of the hours (40) are met through volunteer service to non-profit organizations or service oriented for-profit organizations or community individuals in need of assistance who are not able to acquire service elsewhere.

Most students try to complete 10 hours of Community Service and 10 hours of School Community Service each year.

There are many opportunities to complete your Service hours. At school, we practice taking care of ourselves, and others, by completing simple work chores each week to keep our environment safe and clean. Students earn School Community Service for completing these chores.

In our community, many organizations thrive on volunteer help, including the Coast Community Library and the Arena Theater.

Opportunities to earn Service Hours are regularly announced in your Community Leadership and Service class.

• Family Participation: We believe that education happens best when students, parents and teachers participate in the learning process.
• History: Learn more about the school’s history.
• Governance Council: Members of the GC are the trustees of the nonprofit organization that runs PCCS.
• Student-Led Conferences: help build students’ self esteem and develop communication skills.

What distinguishes the PCCHS program from other area high schools?
An emphasis on project-based learning through Passages based in a small community-minded environment makes PCCHS unique. 

What is a Passage?
A passage is a student initiated course of learning and self-development. Students explore personal, professional and academic interests through a project which they plan, document and display when completed. Each Passage is guided and evaluated by a Passage Council made up of a faculty member, a peer, and a community mentor. Each Passage is awarded 10 credits. Passages are a way for students to personalize their high school education.

Are there any other requirements?
All PCCHS students must pass the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE) prior to graduation. Students take the CAHSEE in the spring of their 10th grade year and have the opportunity to retest in subject areas they do not pass in both their 11th and 12th grade years. The state requires that all students pass both the language arts and math portions of the test prior to graduation.

Students must complete 80 hours Community Service, half of the hours must be service to the Pacific School and half must be to anon-profit or service oriented for-profit organization. For more about Community Service, see the Community Service How To page.

Students progressing to the University of California or the California State University must successfully complete two years of a language other than English and follow other coursework requirements. See the Courses Required for Graduation and University Admission page.

1. What is a Charter School?
Charter schools are independent public schools with rigorous curriculum programs and unique educational approaches. Charter schools do not charge tuition.

2. Is PCCHS accredited?
Yes. PCCHS is accredited through WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges).

3. Do PCCHS college prep courses meet the UC guidelines?
Yes. You may check the list of PCCHS courses approved by the UC at https://doorways.ucop.edu/list/.

4. Will I get help to complete my Passages?
Yes. You will get help in your Community Leadership and Service (CLS) class.

5. Can I go on the Point Arena High School campus?
Yes. Students enrolled in Pacific Community Charter High School can take up to 3 classes at PAHS and students enrolled in PAHS can take up to 3 classes at PCCHS.

6. Can I participate in sports?
Yes. You may compete to play on any of the sports teams throughout the year.

7. Can I attend PAHS dances and special assemblies?
Yes. You should plan to purchase a student body card to save money.

8. Can I participate in the cafeteria’s free and reduced lunch program?
No. Unfortunately, PCCHS does not yet qualify for this program. However, you may purchase meals at the regular price.

9. Is PCCHS an open campus?
Juniors and Seniors may leave campus during lunch.