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Bay Academy and University

Bay Academy

  • Designed for students to address their intensive educational support service needs
  • Housed at Burlingame, Hillsdale and Mills High Schools
  • Bay Academy Students:
    • Access general education electives/classes 
    • Will graduate with a Certificate of Educational Achievement
    • Will complete four years of high school then transition to one of our Bay University programs to support goals for life after high school from 18-22 (Certificate of Completion) 
       
  • Bay Academy programs are designed to support:
    • Life and social skills development
    • Functional Academics: personal economics, literacy, communication, technology
    • Vocational training and job development
    • Self-Advocacy and independence
    • Community-based instruction
    • Health and social sexuality instruction 


Bay University

  • Housed at Burlingame and Capuchino High Schools

  • Serves 18-22 year old students

  • Paid work experience 

  • Independent Living Skills Instruction and Practice

  • Work Skills Instruction

  • Travel training and community-based instruction

  • Social skills and after-school social opportunities

  • Students have the option to enroll in community college classes

  • Transportation provided to and from school

Bay Quest at College of San Mateo (CSM) 

  • Housed on a community college campus

  • Designed to serve students in their 3rd and 4th years of transition

  • Paid work experience 

  • Independent Living Skills Instruction and Practice

  • Work Skills Instruction 

  • Travel training and community-based instruction

  • Social skills and after-school social opportunities

  • Students will enroll in at least one community college class

  • Students will be encouraged, with staff member support, to get to campus independently

Bay Quest Scholars Program Wins Grazer Outstanding Achievement in Learning Award

​The Bay Quest program was a recipient of a California Advisory Commission on Special Education (ACSE) 2023-24 Grazer Outstanding Achievement in Learning (GOAL) award. GOAL Awards recognizes innovative and replicable programs that result in positive outcomes for students with disabilities in the State of California. The award was presented at the ACSE meeting on June 12, 2024.

Bay Academy Holiday Boutique

The Bay Academy program hosted its second Annual Holiday Boutique at the District Office on December 8, 2023. Students from Hillsdale, Burlingame, and Mills participated by selling their handmade creations including bracelets, tye-dye apparel, ornaments, bath scrubs, Doggie treats (which sold out), candles and more! The MHS Vikings Coffee crew was also on hand serving up coffee and desserts to the more than 50 staff and community members who came through to shop.

Julia Payne is the SMUHSD Vocational Specialist who coordinates the Bay Academy Holiday Boutique. If you would like more information on Bay Academy, please email Julia at jpayne@smuhsd.org.