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Harris Newmark High School near downtown LA is celebrating today after being named a Model Continuation High School by the California Department of Education.

The event scheduled for 11:30 included a keynote address from LA Unified school board member Monica Garcia.

A total of 29 schools received the honor from the state this year, and Harris Newmark was the only school from LA Unified selected. Continuation high schools are small campuses with low student-to-teacher ratios for students that are deemed at risk of not completing their education.

“Our school is a great story for at risk students who need a second chance to re-build their futures,” Harris Newmark’s principal, Justin Lauer, said in an email.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson congratulated Lauer and the school in a letter.

“The innovative programs at your school demonstrate an enduring commitment to provide young people with the educational options and support services they need to successfully complete high school,” Torlakson wrote.

The schools honored this year will retain the title of a Model Continuation High School for three years, and information about their programs and approach will be disseminated to other continuation schools throughout the state.