Woodlake Community Day School appointed one of nine Model Community Day schools in the state

Tular County, California (KFSN) – A farm on the outskirts of Woodlake is recognized nationwide.

Students help to carry out the operation and at the same time work on their diploma.

Austin Smith and his classmates worked hard to harvest the salad planted in their garden.

The second year is one of 14 current students of the Woodlake Community Day School.

He started there at the beginning of the school year and said it was different from what he expected.

“To be honest, CDs got a bad name, but it's a great, super nice place. It's how you can learn super. It is super funny and frankly, that is something that you don't get in a normal school experience,” said Smith.

The school is located on a 55 hectare farm in which the students help curator Jeff Jackson to lead it.

“We try to do our best to get involved in every aspect, sell from the seed, and to work with the projects we will work on,” said Jackson.

The students work on irrigation, planting and harvesting. They also create cost estimates and develop marketing strategies.

Jackson says the goal is to show the students their potential.

“This is our job, shows them that they are valued and show them how they appreciate themselves and what they do,” said Jackson.

According to Melissa Lawson, director of the Woodlake Educational Options program, the school pursues a holistic approach when it comes to the students.

“We have a multi -stage support system in which we contact the students emotionally, academically and behavior and offer opportunities for working experience,” said Lawson.

It was the commitment to the well-being of the students who landed the Woodlake Community Day School in the list of state superintendent Tony Thurmond from 2025 Model Community Day schools.

It was one of nine in the state.

“We just want to make sure that our students are being cared for, and this is only proving that we are on the right path to maintain our students,” said Lawson.

Smith said he was surprised to hear from the distinction, but as a student understands why school is noticeable.

“To be honest, I loved everything here. It was great fun. It was a good experience overall,” said Smith.

The students entered the salad they grew.

The nutritional services are granted and used to feed students and families in the entire district.

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