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Good Things Are Happening

in Our Schools
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Innovative Education

Our schools creatively and effectively address the needs of learners in a rapidly changing world.

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Career Pathways

We provide local career-ready skills and qualifications so students can live here and thrive here.

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Local Impact

We’re creating a focal point for community pride and unity, while improving society as a whole.

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Proud of our achievements. Determined to reach even higher.

Our public schools and programs actively benefit individuals, families, and communities in San Luis Obispo County. Through innovative and effective strategies and programs, we are helping learners of all ages reach their full potential and positively contribute to society.

SLO COUNTY EDUCATION

Where Futures Unfold

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
Makenna La Blue
Behavior Intervention Services Specialist

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Makenna La Blue
Behavior Intervention Services Specialist
" I feel like I'm most proud of the work that they put in everyday and when you know, you see that click, when things click in for them, and it's because of all the hard work that they have put in."
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LOCAL SUCCESS
Josy Aguilar
Identification and Recruitment Manager

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Josy Aguilar
Identification and Recruitment Manager
"Having such a positive experience through the migrant program in our county was the reason why I returned here and I started working for San Luis Obispo County Office of Ed because I also wanted to impact and influence other migrant families that are currently residing here and that are attending our schools in our counties. "
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LOCAL SUCCESS
Jessica Juarez
Recent High School Graduate, SLO Partners Dental Assistant Bootcamp Graduate

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Jessica Juarez
Recent High School Graduate, SLO Partners Dental Assistant Bootcamp Graduate
"I do recommend this bootcamp because it gives you a great opportunity and you do get all these certifications and then at such a low cost."
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LOCAL SUCCESS
Jillian VanCura
Braille Specialist, SLO County Office of Education

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Jillian VanCura
Braille Specialist, SLO County Office of Education
"The education I received here locally really shaped me into the person that I am today. I moved from LA area before coming to the Central Coast in middle school. So I went from a school of very large 1,400 kids to a smaller school of 600 where I felt like teachers saw my skills and they encouraged me to be a part of clubs, academics, volunteer opportunities as well as sports. "
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LOCAL SUCCESS
Bryce Kortge
Special Education Teacher, SLO County Office of Education

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Bryce Kortge
Special Education Teacher, SLO County Office of Education
"What I really appreciate about working here is that the community usually rallies for our children. I've seen business owners step up, I've seen families step up to provide a great experience for their kids and that translates to a great job experience so I'm able to surf and enjoy the outdoors and find that healthy work-life balance while doing really cool things and great things for the kids here in this county."
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LOCAL SUCCESS
Matthew Clarke
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, Arroyo Grande

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Matthew Clarke
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, Arroyo Grande
"I feel very privileged that I was able to come up through the Templeton Unified School District, graduated high school from Templeton, and then was able to do post-graduate work at Cal Poly. I have had an absolutely wonderful education, feel like not only I learned a lot but connected to some real great people, some of my best friends, including my wife. It's quite an honor and a privilege to give back to the community in the way I do. Helping the youth as I was helped through this community."
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LOCAL SUCCESS
Elizabeth Preibe
Pleasant Valley School Instructional Aide

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Elizabeth Preibe
Pleasant Valley School Instructional Aide
“I'm happy to live in San Luis Obispo because it's just such a small community of people. I'm able to walk downtown and run into so many people that I either grew up with or had chances to work with. The school communities are super nice. I can't really say I ever had a bad experience. The teachers really do care about their students. I was lucky enough at Pleasant Valley to have small class sizes, so teachers and students was really one-on-one. And they just really knew my strengths and they worked through that, and now I found a career.”
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LOCAL SUCCESS
Marlena Lewis
Mantis Composites, Technician

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Marlena Lewis
Mantis Composites, Technician
“Without SLO Partners I would have never known these jobs existed in SLO county, or have been considered qualified for any of these positions.”
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LOCAL SUCCESS
Liam Limon
Edge Autonomy, Supervisor

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Liam Limon
Edge Autonomy, Supervisor
“I signed up for the SLO Partners Modern Manufacturing Bootcamp because I was unhappy in my previous role, and I was looking to make a change in my career. In the class, I had the opportunity to get hands-on with 3D printers and CNC machines and that's something that I've always wanted to do and it kind of opened the door to being able to really pursue building those types of precision electrical machines.”
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LOCAL SUCCESS
Loreli Cappel
City of Atascadero, Deputy Director of Economic and Community Development

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Loreli Cappel
City of Atascadero, Deputy Director of Economic and Community Development
“I don’t take one minute for granted that I am homegrown in this beautiful County with a perfect balance of scenic landscape and beautiful urban design. I love that you can find innovation and hustle that stimulates the mind in a community and region that takes care of one another so well and calms the soul. It’s truly extraordinary.”
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LOCAL SUCCESS
Hiram Burrus
Baywood Elementary, 5th Grade Teacher

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Hiram Burrus
Baywood Elementary, 5th Grade Teacher
“Growing up in SLO County, experiencing our amazing education system, and then getting to give back and become an educator myself has been incredibly fulfilling. Our community here is so strong and supportive, I'm happy.”
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LOCAL SUCCESS
Sarah Iba
Middle School Science Teacher

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Sarah Iba
Middle School Science Teacher
"SLO schools helped prepare me for a career in education because I was inspired by many great teachers and administrators in my K-12 experience. I think back so fondly and can remember every teacher I had since kindergarten because of the care they showed to students and the level of engagement I experienced."
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LOCAL SUCCESS
Jen Gaviola
Cayucos Elementary School District, Superintendent

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Jen Gaviola
Cayucos Elementary School District, Superintendent
"There is something special about SLO County that most people don't realize, until you go somewhere else and feel it missing. Here in our SLO county educational community, love and connectivity is felt throughout our schools. Students, like my 1990's younger self, are invested in, known, and seen. My favorite place to be, other than the beach, is at school. For over 40 years I have attended or served in schools- and, second to raising my own children, this is my greatest honor. As a first generation college going student, I needed guidance, support, and educators who believed in- I found genuine care and dedication in SLO county schools. The positive impact our educational community has had on my life, and the life of my daughters, fuels my heart and daily drive to have the same positive impact on the lives of my students."
BY THE NUMBERS

SLO County Schools

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90.8%
High School Graduation Rate
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27%
Dual Enrollment Participation
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13
Local Education Agencies
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84
Total Schools
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3,841
Employees
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32,615
Students Enrolled
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Innovative Education

Inspired schools. Inspiring futures.

Our schools are embracing change, challenging the status quo, and striving to create inclusive, equitable, and engaging learning experiences that empower students to thrive.

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Our schools are preparing students for the future, integrating technology in meaningful and engaging ways to develop a range of skills, including problem-solving, collaboration, and communication. For example, Skate Warehouse sponsors a competition annually for students to design, brand, and market a deck. Students combine entrepreneurial thinking, design skills, and creativity to pitch their decks to the leadership at Skate Warehouse.
Learn about SLCUSD's iINNOVATE Initiative

Every individual is unique and SLO County public education offers programs to help meet students and families where they are. With programs ranging from early intervention and out-of-school youth services to Leveled Literacy Intervention, family biliteracy, and more, our schools are committed to helping each student reach their full potential.
Learn about Raising a Reader

Our schools incorporate an interdisciplinary approach, offering opportunities in science, technology, engineering and math education to help students prepare for college and beyond. Hands-on, problem-based learning in STEM fields broadens students’ awareness of future careers and helps carve their paths forward.
Read about our partnership with STEM Center USA Learn about Field Studies Collaborative

College and Career Access Pathways Program and Dual Enrollment establishes partnerships between local high schools and community colleges to give students access to college courses while in high school, especially students who may not be college bound or are underrepresented in higher education. In 2021-22 academic year, San Luis Obispo County had the highest CCAP enrollment participation rate for high school students in the state.
Watch an overview of Cuesta College's College and Career Access Pathways (CCAP) Program & Dual Enrollment

The Arts is one of the most popular Career & Technical Education (CTE) pathways selected by San Luis Obispo County students, and our schools are proud to offer arts education programs and improve the access and quality of elementary and secondary arts education. The Central Coast Economic Forecast points to the positive impact of arts on our local economy. What’s more, many studies link involvement in the arts to better child development and overall higher student achievement. The San Luis Obispo County Office of Education Arts Partnership with Opera San Luis Obispo is just one of the ways we are fostering arts education in our schools.
Read Dr. Brescia’s article about arts in our schools Learn about the San Luis Obispo County Office of Education (SLOCOE) Arts Collaborative Learn about Opera San Luis Obispo's "Opera in Education" program Watch a re-run of the SLOCOE Fine Arts Awards 2024

Learning a new language is shown to increase overall academic performance, enhance empathy and understanding of other cultures, and bolster future career opportunities. SLO County schools offer a variety of K-12 language programs in French, Spanish, Latin, ASL, including beginner levels, AP, Spanish-English dual immersion, and Spanish Heritage classes.

Special education services in San Luis Obispo County are essential for helping students with unique learning needs succeed both academically and socially. San Luis Obispo County schools offer a wide range of programs, including Early Intervention for young children, Special Day Class (SDC) Integrations for those needing more structured support, and Designated Instructional Services such as speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and assistance for students who are deaf or hard of hearing. Through these services, our schools ensure that all students have access to the tools and instruction necessary to reach their full potential.
Learn about Designed Instructional Services Learn about Early Intervention Programs Learn about Special Day Class (SDC) Integrations Learn about San Luis Obispo County Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA) Watch the SLO County Students with Disabilities Virtual Art Gallery 2025 Showcase from SELPA

The San Luis Obispo County Mock Trial Program is an academic competition in which student teams study a hypothetical case and take part in simulated trials. Middle and High School students across the County participate each year, gaining a hands-on understanding of our judicial system, while also developing their analytical abilities and communication skills.
Watch an overview of the Mock Trial Program Listen to students talk about the Mock Trial Program Hear what parents have to say about Mock Trial

The Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI) is part of the Master Plan for Kids’ Mental Health, a historic investment by the State of California. Here in SLO County, we are working through the CYBHI to transform the way our schools support young people and families.
Visit the SLO County CYBHI Website Watch the CYBHI Vision Video Learn About the CYBHI Fee Schedule
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CAREER PATHWAYS

Learn here, thrive here.

We help make our communities better by equipping students with career-ready skills and qualifications to meet the demands of local employers. Collaborating with local employers and industry stakeholders, we help promote workforce development through targeted training and education that aligns with local opportunities.

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The technical, academic, and employability skills that students gain through CTE courses in SLO County public high schools are essential for college and career success. Career Technical Education improves student achievement in high school, college, and beyond. The San Luis Obispo County Office of Education supports our local public high school’s technical education (CTE) pathways through additional funding and professional support for teachers and administrators.
Check out the CTE Fact Sheet from the SLO CTE Foundation

SLO Partners is an economic development initiative of the San Luis Obispo County Office of Education. SLO Partners works with local employers to uncover their hiring needs and design specific fast-tracked bootcamp training programs to teach in-demand skills to local residents. Registered local companies have the opportunity to interview and hire SLO Partners' graduates.
Visit the SLO Partners website for more details Watch KSBY’s coverage of the SLO Partners Dental Assistant Bootcamp

Ticket 2 Teach is an earn-and-learn apprenticeship program for aspiring local residents entering the field of early education. It addresses the challenge of finding quality early childhood education, creates career pathways for aspiring early educators, and provides a sustainable, motivated workforce for local preschools and early education centers.
Visit the Ticket 2 Teach website to learn more Watch an explanation of how Ticket 2 Teach works Hear what our graduates say about Ticket to Teach Watch KSBY's Coverage of Ticket 2 Teach

Agriculture is a significant portion of the county’s total direct economic output. By embracing programs such as FFA, agriculture education, and CTE, we are creating socially interactive environments that maintain discipline, create learning “fun”, and teach the positive use of new technologies that benefit our daily lives.
Read Dr. Brescia’s statement on the importance of agricultural education
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Local Impact

Our future is here.

Beyond the classroom, the work of SLO County public schools extends far into our local communities, contributing to general well-being, prosperity, and safety.

Learn more about our local impact.

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Grizzly Youth Academy (GYA) is a partnership between the California National Guard and the Grizzly Challenge Charter School. For youth between the ages of 16 and 18 who have dropped out of high school, or are at risk of dropping out, we offer a highly structured environment that promotes leadership, cooperation, and academic skills, while building self-esteem, pride, and confidence.
Visit the Grizzly Youth Academy website to learn more See how GYA is changing lives in SLO County

Wellness Centers in our schools incorporate Social Emotional Learning (SEL) best practices as well as a youth development framework, which provides opportunities for young people to create environments where students feel safe and connected. For example, the Shandon Center, which opened in 2023, provides a place for students and their families to access mental health services, telehealth appointments, and read academic counseling. The Center also serves as a meeting facility for other agencies to meet with students and their families.
Read about the SLO County Friday Night Live Partnership Grant Read about the Shandon Wellness Center Read about the Nipomo High School Wellness Center Read about the SLO High School Wellness Center

SLOCOE’s Early Learning Centers provide high-quality, no-cost preschool services to families and children ages 3-5. There are 8 centers in San Luis Obispo County. The Early Learning Center Preschool Programs are funded by the California Department of Education and First 5 of San Luis Obispo County and administered by the San Luis Obispo County Office of Education.
Visit the Early Learning Centers website to learn more

We are proud to follow the California Department of Education (CDE) in highlighting educational innovation, student learning, the rewards of teaching, and the positive aspects of our education system through the Teacher of the Year program. We recognize outstanding teachers and staff in San Luis Obispo County each year through this important initiative.
Get to know the 2023 Teacher of the Year, Jon Bedrosian Explore our YouTube playlist to learn about all of the 2023 honorees

Good News from SLO County Education

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Contact the Office of Dr. Brescia
County Superintendent of Schools

James J. Brescia, Ed.D.

San Luis Obispo County is a special place to live, we can all agree. Our schools have an incredible impact on shaping the unique character of SLO County. Our schools are the beating heart of our communities.

With a steadfast commitment to education throughout my career, I am thrilled to unveil a new initiative we refer to as ‘Good Things.’ In recognition of the ways public education advances society, I want to honor, acknowledge, and amplify the positive strides that schools and districts in our county are making to meet the needs of students and families. Together, we are shaping a brighter future for our communities and for every individual who calls this place home.

Quality public education is essential for prosperous economies, safe and healthy communities, and future generations. I am proud to celebrate the hard work of our students, families, staff, teachers, and administrators, who are helping drive progress to ensure a better tomorrow for all.

I hope you’ll join me in recognizing and amplifying the positive strides of SLO County public schools.