Rebuilding from Within: A Transformative Year at John Morse Therapeutic Center - K-8 School (CA)

This school year (2024-2025) has marked a period of meaningful transformation at John Morse Therapeutic Center (JMTC) - K-8 School (CA), a specialized site within Sacramento City Unified School District serving students in grades 1–8 with significant social, emotional, and behavioral needs.

When the school year began, JMTC served 12 students. Since then, the school has experienced remarkable growth and progress in both enrollment and student transitions:

• Two students successfully transitioned from non-public school (NPS) placements to JMTC, joining a more integrated and district-supported environment.

• Eight additional students were enrolled directly into JMTC this year, avoiding placement at NPS altogether—a major step toward inclusive and cost-effective services within SCUSD.

• Staff continue to review student’s IEP who attend NPS to determine which student can transition back.

• One student has already transitioned back to their comprehensive school campus, demonstrating meaningful academic and emotional readiness.

• Five 8th-grade students are preparing to move on to their respective comprehensive high schools for the 2025–26 school year, marking an important milestone in their educational journeys.

• Four more students are expected to transition from NPS to JMTC next year, reinforcing the center’s reputation as a high-quality alternative to outside placement.

• Creation of process for consideration of students entering and exiting JMTC. This also includes a Co-Enrollment process that supports CALPADs. 

• Attendance Rate went from 29.4% to 91.60%.

• Suspension Rate was 39.4% and is currently 20%.

• The school is currently rated 43 out of 72 school. They were rated 66 before partnering with CLS.

• Family Engagement opportunities increased from 2 to 5.

Equally significant is the site’s shift toward district-embedded staffing. For the upcoming school year (2025-2026), JMTC will be hiring eight new SCUSD employees, replacing previously outsourced positions. This transition is not only a financial investment but also a commitment to stability, continuity, and connection—key components of a healthy school climate and culture.

The decision to prioritize in-house staffing reflects a broader philosophy: students thrive when the adults around them are fully part of the same system, community, and mission. Staff connected to the district bring long-term commitment, shared values, and a deeper investment in school success. These elements are critical to addressing students’ mental health needs and fostering meaningful relationships on campus.

At CLS, we are honored to support this transformation through on-site coaching, strategic planning, and collaborative leadership development. The work at JMTC is a model of what’s possible when a school community aligns around the shared goal of building strong, sustainable systems from within.

Our experienced consultants can support the needs of your schools and districts through professional development training workshops, coaching sessions, and ongoing systems support. Contact Us to request a free consultation.