Alternative education programs offered by the Monterey County Office of Education have received the stamp of approval by the Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Accreditation by WASC, as it's usually referred to, certifies that the schools meet the required criteria that demonstrates to students their studies will be accepted elsewhere.

The programs offered by the Alternative Education Department reach students across Monterey County. Students who attend Alternative Education Programs are foster/homeless youth, students on inter-district transfers, youth who have been referred by probation, or students who were expelled from their home district. Full service programming and support are offered to all students, including in-house social workers, mental health counselors, and aides in every classroom who help providing individualized instruction. Each program is unique so needy students with can be successful and prepared for college and careers after high school.

Alternative Education Programs include:

Salinas Community Schools
Rancho Cielo Silver Star Program
Silver Star Center, Independent Studies Program
South County Independent Studies Program
Warner Davis Program
Innovative Arts Technology Pathway
Sea Air Fire Earth Transportation Pathway
 MCOE Court Schools
Wellington M. Smith, Jr. School
Salinas Valley Education Center