C.A.R.E. Buchanan

What is C.A.R.E.?

There are three Centers for Academic Re-entry and Empowerment (CARE) programs in different parts of San Francisco. These programs are a partnership between the San Francisco County Office of Education (part of SFUSD) and the Y of San Francisco. The Buchanan YMCA has one small high school. There is another high school and middle school campus in the Bayview Hunters Point YMCA. The CARE programs serve students who have missed significant amounts of school or who have dropped out entirely. 

What are the requirements to enroll, and with whom does C.A.R.E. work?

• C.A.R.E. serves all middle and high school students. The high school primarily serves students in their first and second year of high school (typically 14 and 15 years old).
• C.A.R.E. also serves students who are in foster care, experiencing homelessness, recommended for expulsion, or chronically and severely truant with shared documented interventions.
• Most students are recommended by a Case Manager or Probation Officer. However, students and families can work with their School Counselor to complete a formal referral process. A County Form must be completed and submitted to the transfer panel (transferpanel@sfusd.edu). A referral does not equal or mean a school placement. An exploratory must be completed before a student is enrolled in the program.
• The exploratory process involves a student and caregiver intake and safety assessment to ensure that the services best suit the student and family. Students and families opt into the program (not mandated). 

What classes are offered?

• Classes include all required high school diploma graduation requirements: English Language Arts, Science, Math, Social Studies, Health, P.E., and Advisory.  Electives are also offered. We are fully WASC accredited.
• C.A.R.E. offers a one-room schoolhouse model with one General Education Teacher and a Special Education Teacher. 
• YMCA staff and an SFUSD School Counselor/Social Worker offer Advisory classes in partnership with other Community-Based Organizations.

How much credit can students earn?

• Students can earn up to 36 credits a semester or 12 credits a hexamester (3 hexes in one semester).
• C.A.R.E. is not a credit recovery program but a re-entry program for students who have had interrupted schooling or need additional support to reengage in school.
• If students do not fully attend, then partial credit may be awarded.

How long do students typically stay?

• There is no maximum stay.  Most students typically attend for one semester.  Each student's transition plan is developed individually with input from both the student and the family.

What other services are available through the YMCA?

• College and career exploration opportunities
• Regular field trips in San Francisco
• Case Management
• Resources and referrals for families
• Job readiness training
• Entrepreneurship and micro-loan opportunities