Monarch School

Monarch School is an innovative collaboration between the San Diego County Office of Education and the nonprofit Monarch School Project, aimed at inspiring and supporting unhoused students to pursue an education. The brainchild of teacher Sandra McBrayer, Monarch School has been open since 1987 and has grown from a single-room educational center to a comprehensive K-12 school that serves students between kindergarten and 12th grade. Today, the school serves up to 350 students daily and is considered a leader in the movement to educate youth impacted by homelessness.

Monarch School's approach is multi-faceted; every student's personalized path to success includes support in academics, emotional growth, social skills, and life skills. These areas of focus work together to not only ensure that students succeed academically and socially during their time at Monarch School, but also to encourage and equip them to pursue postsecondary education or a career of their choice. This innovative structure allows students to excel in a safe and consistent environment.