Adults with special needs run weekly cafe in Templeton
Every Wednesday morning in Templeton, participants in the school district’s COAT program run the COAT Cafe.
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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
LOCAL SUCCESS
Bryce Kortge
Special Education Teacher, SLO County Office of Education
Watch the Video
LOCAL SUCCESS
Loreli Cappel
City of Atascadero, Deputy Director of Economic and Community Development
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LOCAL SUCCESS
Hiram Burrus
Baywood Elementary, 5th Grade Teacher
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LOCAL SUCCESS
Sarah Iba
Middle School Science Teacher
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LOCAL SUCCESS
Jen Gaviola
Cayucos Elementary School District, Superintendent
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BY THE NUMBERS
SLO County Schools
90.8%
High School Graduation Rate
27%
Dual Enrollment Participation
13
Local Education Agencies
84
Total Schools
3,841
Employees
32,615
Students Enrolled
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.
Education Spotlights
Technologies in the Classroom
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.
Personalized Learning
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.
STEM Programs
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.
Dual Enrollment
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.
Arts Education
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.
World Languages
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 Day Programs
The Special Day Class (SDC) provides services to students who have more intensive needs than can be met by the general education class with Resource Specialist and Designated Instructional Services (DIS) support. This may include students identified as learning disabled or emotionally disturbed. Students are served in special education classes for the majority of their school day.
Mock Trial Program
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.
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.
Education Spotlights
Career Technical Education (CTE)
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.
SLO Partners
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.
Ticket 2 Teach
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.
Agricultural Education
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.
Local Impact
Our future is here.
Beyond the classroom, the work of SLO County public schools extends for into our local communities, contributing to general well-being, prosperity, and safety.
Learn more about our local impact.
Education Spotlights
Grizzly Academy
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.
Wellness Centers
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.
Early Learning
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.
Teacher of the Year
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.
Good News from SLO County Education
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.