Monarch School Temporary Location Change

Updated Sept. 4, 2026

The health and safety of our students, families, and staff members is of utmost importance to Monarch School. That’s why, as soon as we heard of emerging concerns about possible mold on our campus, we immediately took action.

The San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) operates the educational program at Monarch School in partnership with the nonprofit Monarch School Project, which owns the facility. Monarch School currently serves about 180 students who are experiencing homelessness, and ensuring they have a safe and welcoming space to learn is at the center of our work. We understand that any changes to the school schedule have real impacts for our students and families, however school often can be the safest place for our young people to be with access to school meals, support services, and caring adults.

After being notified of concerns late on Thursday, Aug. 27, we made the decision to cancel classes on Friday, and find alternate locations for the following week from Aug. 31 to Sept. 4. Families and staff were notified of the situation Thursday and Friday evening with reminders throughout the weekend about the plan, which has now been extended through Sept. 11.

During the temporary relocation, our students in kindergarten through 5th grade are walking to the nearby Perkins K-8 school with their teachers and classroom staff. We are incredibly grateful to the San Diego Unified School District and Perkins K-8 principal for providing classroom space and a welcoming environment for our teachers and youngest learners. 

Our students in grades 6 through 12 are being transported by bus to the South County Regional Education Center in National City where they are greeted by teachers and support staff members. Families also have the option of independent study. 

As the facility owner, the Monarch School Project (MSP) is leading its own environmental testing, results, and recommendations. SDCOE will also conduct our own testing and ensure MSP complies fully with the terms of our lease. We will not resume operations at the school until our own testing has shown that the facility is safe. In the meantime, we remain focused on ensuring our students and staff have a clean and comfortable environment for teaching and learning.

This is the second report of mold in the building in the past year. Our staff raised concerns about two rooms across the 50,000-plus square foot campus. SDCOE quickly communicated them to building owner and landlord MSP for investigation and remediation, and took actions to keep students and staff from entering those areas. In February 2026, MSP replaced HVAC filters, installed a new HEPA filter, installed new hard flooring in one room, conducted a thorough cleaning and antimicrobial treatment of the other room, and performed certified inspections of the dehumidification and HVAC systems. 

We are committed to ensuring learning and essential supports can continue with as little disruption as possible during this time. We are grateful to our students, families, and staff for their flexibility, understanding, and ability to pivot quickly during this temporary adjustment.