MERCED COUNTY JUVENILE COURT

Merced County Juvenile Court is a Title I public school that is part of the Merced County Office of Education school district, located in Merced, CA with about 40 students offering grade levels from Kindergarten 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 4 teachers, Merced County Juvenile Court has a student/teacher ratio of about 10:1. 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.

The educational facility located at 2840 W. Sandy Mush Rd. in Merced, California, operates under the jurisdiction of the Merced County Office of Education (MCOE) as a specialized instructional program for youth within the juvenile justice system. The school is integrated into the juvenile hall complex, providing mandated educational services to students who are currently detained. Its primary objective is to ensure that these students maintain academic continuity and continue their progress toward high school graduation or the completion of a high school equivalency diploma despite their temporary confinement.

The curriculum is designed to be highly individualized and flexible to meet the diverse academic levels and credit requirements of the student body. Recognizing the unique needs of this population, the program emphasizes core subjects—such as English and mathematics—while incorporating restorative justice practices and social-emotional support. By maintaining a structured, supportive classroom environment, the school strives to provide students with the necessary academic foundation and behavioral tools to facilitate a successful transition back into their home communities and traditional school settings upon their release.

For more information, contact Merced County Juvenile Court at (209) 381-1414 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.