My child is an incoming kindergartener. What will these changes mean for me?

We understand the changes ahead may feel very uncertain, especially since you may still be getting to know our school communities. The unknowns around Ocean Shore School (OSS) and other schools make this a challenging time for everyone and you’re not alone. We share your concerns and are working hard to get clarity.

One thing remains constant: our community. Ocean Shore is built on strong relationships and the weeks since the January 11, 2025 proposal to close OSS have only reinforced how much we care for one another. We will welcome you with open arms, and no matter the challenges, our values and people remain at the heart of our school. 

Although we hope we can reverse the district’s resolution to close the Ocean Shore campus, our teachers and families are deeply committed to making the transition to a K-5 school (at the Sunset Ridge campus) as smooth as possible and preserving key elements that make Ocean Shore special – our experiential learning program, award-winning Oceans 411 marine conservation program, cross-grade project POD Days, and field trips. We have weathered many changes over our 50-year history, but have adapted and always emerged stronger. If this is the kind of education you want for your child, we recommend you put Ocean Shore as one of your top choices on your kindergarten lottery card.

The district has not changed the lottery process. However, you can resubmit your lottery card before the February 5, 2025 deadline. The lottery will take place on February 7, 2025.

If you have additional questions, you can email the Ocean Shore Parent-Teacher Organization Presidents.

What will Ocean Shore School look like for the 2025-2026 school year?

Although we are hopeful that our multi-prong efforts will be successful in pushing off any relocation and reconfiguration efforts the district has intended for the 2025-2026 school year, we are planning for a smooth transition in any case. 

Ocean Shore School (previously the Alternative School) has weathered many changes over our 50-year history. We have proven to be resilient and adaptable, always emerging stronger. Our teachers and families are forming a task force focused on making the transition to a K-5 school as smooth as possible and preserving key elements that make Ocean Shore special – our experiential learning program, award-winning Oceans 411 marine conservation program, cross-grade project POD Days, and field trips. Our task force will be working with Sunset Ridge Elementary School to ensure that both programs have the space and resources to thrive.

In the midst of all the changes, one thing remains constant – our community. We will carry the heart and soul of Ocean Shore forward. All of us are part of this together.

What are my child’s options to stay in a K-8 program?

Beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, Cabrillo K-8 will be Pacifica’s only public middle school besides Ingrid B. Lacy (grades 6-8). When your child enters 5th grade, you can make a transfer request for Cabrillo. A lottery will be conducted to determine placement if there are more applicants than available spots.

For more information, please contact the district office. Alternatively, you may consider enrolling your child in nearby private middle schools.

What can I expect if my child currently attends Ocean Shore or Vallemar?

Although we are hopeful that our wide-ranging efforts to delay the district’s planned relocation and reconfiguration for the 2025-2026 school year will be successful, our teachers and families will actively work towards a smooth transition.

If your child is currently in Kindergarten, 1st grade, 2nd grade, 3rd grade, or 4th grade at Ocean Shore School, your child will remain enrolled at Ocean Shore School. However, your child will no longer attend class at the Ocean Shore campus (411 Oceana Boulevard). Instead, they will attend classes at 340 Inverness Drive (on the Sunset Ridge campus). Details about classroom assignments, leadership, or budget remain unclear.

If your child is currently enrolled in 5th, 6th, or 7th grades at Ocean Shore or Vallemar, your child will be placed at Ingrid B. Lacy Middle School (IBL) for the next school year. Your child won’t be part of Ocean Shore or Vallemar anymore. IBL will incorporate these students into their general school population. If your child wants to transfer to Cabrillo K-8, we anticipate the district will hold a special lottery. (Details unknown at this point.)

What are the equity issues?

Reduced K-8 access. K-8 seats in middle school will drop from 43% to 17%, excluding many families from the K-8 model. This reduces choice for families.

Demographic imbalance. Sunset Ridge (29% Asian, source: GreatSchools) and Ocean Shore (24% Asian) have higher Asian student populations than Cabrillo (9%). State law (Assembly Bill 1912) and subsequent guidance from Attorney General Rob Bonta strongly emphasize the necessity of equity impact analyses before school closures. The district has yet to produce such an analysis.

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