Skip to main content
MIT Relocation » MIT Relocation

MIT Relocation

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Mount Olive Innovation & Technology (MIT) Relocation

When is the effective date of the move?

Effective August 2026, Mount Olive Innovation & Technology (MIT) will relocate to the Duarte High School (DHS) campus.

Why does MIT need to move?

Due to the planned Crestfield Development at the Andres Duarte/MIT site, all programs must vacate the property by Summer 2026. As a result, the District is required to relocate the MIT program to an appropriate alternative location.

Why is this move necessary?

Because the current MIT site will no longer be available after Summer 2026, the District must ensure MIT continues to operate in a safe, accessible, and fiscally responsible location that supports students and staff.

Will MIT continue to operate as a separate school?

Yes. MIT will remain a separate school with its own administration, office, and dedicated staff. While it will be located on the DHS campus, MIT will continue to function independently and maintain its unique program identity.

Will this move impact DHS programs or displace DHS classes?

No. There is sufficient space at Duarte High School to accommodate MIT without negatively impacting DHS programs.

DHS previously served approximately 1,200 students and currently enrolls just over 670 students. MIT typically serves 40–70 students, which can be accommodated within existing campus capacity. There are currently multiple unused classrooms on campus, along with dedicated student support spaces.

Will MIT and DHS students share classrooms or interact throughout the day?

MIT and DHS will operate on separate bell schedules and academic programs, which significantly limits student interaction during the school day. There is no expectation that students will share classrooms.

Some shared use of common spaces may occur, such as:

  • Counseling or mental health support spaces
  • Nurse’s office access
  • Cafeteria or assembly spaces, as needed

MIT students do not participate in traditional physical education classes. Their athletic teams compete in the Alternative School Sports League and already use DHS facilities for select games. Practices occur during the school day and will be carefully coordinated to avoid conflicts. Adequate space is available to support this coordination.

Will MIT's educational quality and program fidelity be maintained?

Yes. The District is committed to maintaining the full integrity and fidelity of the MIT program. This includes:

  • Small class sizes
  • Personalized instruction
  • Credit recovery and acceleration opportunities
  • Restorative practices
  • Mental health and counseling supports

The relocation is designed to preserve what makes MIT successful while ensuring continuity for students and staff.

What happened to the original relocation plan?

An earlier proposal considered building a stand-alone campus on the southwest field. The estimated cost was approximately $9 million (or nearly $180,000 per student) and would have required significant additional infrastructure for utilities and access. After careful examination of design, cost, and long-term operational impact, the District determined this option was financially impractical and not fiscally responsible.

What other spaces were considered?

The District evaluated multiple options, including Building 100 at DHS and The Falcon’s Nest. Building 100 was selected as the most cost-effective and logistically appropriate option, offering safe access, adequate space, and alignment with program needs.

Are there other high schools that share campus space with alternative or continuation schools?

Yes. Co-location models are common across California. Examples include:

  • Fullerton High School / La Vista High School
  • Fremont High School / John C. Fremont Continuation
  • Modesto High School / Elliott Alternative Education Center
  • Oxnard High School / Oxnard Middle College High School
  • Santa Ana High School / Santa Ana Alternative Education

These models demonstrate that shared campuses can successfully support multiple programs while preserving each school’s identity.

What are the construction or site improvement needs?

Several site improvements will be completed to support the relocation, including:

  • Classroom build-outs
  • Updated signage
  • Landscaping enhancements
  • Casework and cabinetry
  • Restroom adjustments
  • Additional parking

All improvements are designed to ensure safety, accessibility, and program readiness.

How many students will the new space accommodate?

The space is designed to serve approximately:

  • 40–50 students during the first three months of the school year
  • 60–70 students by the second semester, as enrollment increases

Best practice for alternative education emphasizes smaller class sizes to support individualized instruction and student success.

What about parking for staff?

The relocation plan includes five additional staff parking spaces. In addition, an existing parking lot on campus is currently underutilized and will help accommodate staff needs.

Will staffing change?

No, the district has no plans to change MIT staffing as a result of the relocation. The move is a change in location only.

What about the Falcon Resource Center and Community Schools Initiative?

Funding for the Falcon Resource Center has ended. This change is not related to the MIT relocation, and the center was already scheduled to close regardless of this move.

What is the difference between an alternative school, a continuation school, and a community school?

  • Alternative High School
    A non-traditional high school model offering smaller classes, flexible scheduling, personalized instruction, and multiple learning pathways. MIT is an alternative high school serving grades 9–12.
  • Continuation School
    A program defined in California Education Code that focuses primarily on credit recovery and graduation completion, typically serving older students who are behind in credits.
  • Community School
    A school model that integrates academics with health, mental health, and social services through community partnerships. Community schools can be traditional or alternative programs.

In short:

  • Alternative school: a different way to do high school
  • Continuation program: a focused pathway to graduation
  • Community school: a school plus wraparound supports

What is the fiscal impact of this move on DUSD?

The fiscal impact is currently being evaluated, and cost estimates are in development. The District will share additional information as the analysis is completed.