HILLCREST AT YOUTH SERVICES CENTER

Hillcrest at Youth Services Center is a Title I public high school that is part of the San Mateo County Office of Education school district, located in San Mateo, CA with about 48 students offering grade levels from 5th Grade to 12th Grade. A Title I school provides supplemental financial assistance to school districts for children from low-income families. Its purpose is to provide all children significant opportunity to receive a fair, equitable, and high-quality education. With about 6 teachers, Hillcrest at Youth Services Center has a student/teacher ratio of about 8:1. The national average for public schools is about 15:1. A lower student/teacher ratio is a key factor that determines how much a teacher can devote his/her time to each individual student thus improving, or reducing (in the event of a higher student/teacher ratio) the attention each student is given for their educational needs.

Hillcrest at Youth Services Center is an educational program operated by the San Mateo County Office of Education (SMCOE) specifically designed to serve youth who are currently residing in the county's juvenile detention facilities. Located on the campus of the Youth Services Center in San Mateo, the school provides a highly structured and supportive learning environment. Its primary mission is to ensure that students maintain academic continuity while navigating the justice system, helping them stay on track toward graduation or high school equivalency despite the interruptions in their traditional schooling.

The curriculum at Hillcrest is tailored to meet the diverse needs of its student population, emphasizing core academic subjects, credit recovery, and individualized learning plans. Because the facility serves students with a wide range of academic backgrounds and grade levels, the instruction is often personalized to address specific skill gaps. Beyond academics, the program works in tandem with the broader juvenile justice system to provide a stable, consistent environment that fosters personal growth, encourages positive decision-making, and prepares students for a successful transition back into their home schools or the workforce upon their release.

For more information, contact Hillcrest at Youth Services Center at (650) 312-5323 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.