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Bay Academy and University

Bay Academy and Bay University

Bay Academy

  • Designed for students to address their intensive educational support service needs
  • Housed at Aragon, 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 School 

  • 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


2023 Activities

The Bay Academy program hosted its second Annual Holiday Boutique at the District Office on December 8. Students from Hillsdale, Burlingame, Aragon 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.

Bay Academy is a program serving students at AHS, BHS, HHS and MHS. Some of the components of the program are to support life and social skills development and vocational training and job development. The Holiday Boutique provides an opportunity for students to work on their customer service and social skills.

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.