Original Research by School Decision on Laguna High
Laguna High is an alternative school serving grades 10-12 in Forestville, operating on the former El Molino High School campus on Covey Road. The school is small, with the great majority of students in grade 12, and serves roughly a majority of students from low-income families. The student body is predominantly white, with a meaningful share of Hispanic students and smaller numbers of Asian and American Indian/Alaska Native students. Data on the enrollment of students with disabilities or English learners was not provided.
Laguna High exists in the context of significant district upheaval. In 2021 the West Sonoma County Union High School District closed El Molino High School, consolidating its students into Analy High School in Sebastopol about a short drive away, to cut costs and address enrollment decline. The closure triggered community tension, including a failed recall effort against board members who supported it. The former El Molino campus then became home to the Laguna continuation program, and as of fall 2025 a new small school called the Academy of Innovative Arts also opened there, though far smaller than the comprehensive school that once operated on the grounds.
An alternative high school serves students who have struggled in traditional settings or need a different pathway. Laguna's small enrollment and grade composition suggest it functions as such a program for students pursuing a diploma through an alternative model or pacing, or who have fallen behind in credits. The school offers students a second chance, a more personalized setting, or a different instructional approach rather than the comprehensive high school experience.
State assessment data for this school was sparse. Proficiency rates reported for the most recent school year were very low in English language arts and zero in mathematics and science. A parent may want to look further into what these assessments measure at Laguna, whether they are administered to all students or are optional, and how the school's instructional model aligns with state standards. The school's small size and alternative status mean it may sit outside typical accountability measures designed for comprehensive high schools. Graduation rate data was not available.
Forestville itself is a rural, laid-back unincorporated community in the Russian River Valley about a scenic drive north of Sebastopol, known for its mix of vineyards, small-town character, and growing wine-tourism scene. The downtown is compact and walkable, with bakeries, coffee roasters, and restaurants clustered along Front Street, though driving is the practical way to get around otherwise. The town is anchored by the Forestville Community Library, three river parks, and the annual Youth Park Parade each June. Transit through Sonoma County Routes 20 and 26 connects residents to Santa Rosa, Sebastopol, and other Russian River towns.
The housing market is overwhelmingly single-family homes, with median prices in the mid-range for the region. The area is also undergoing significant change. Sonoma County designated Forestville as a focal point in its recent housing element, and multiple residential projects with primarily rental units are proposed within walking distance of downtown, which could bring substantial new population over the next several years if approved and built. This growth trajectory may reshape the town's character and school demand.
For a family considering Laguna High, the key is clarity about its role and fit. This is an alternative program serving a specific student population, not a path for most high school students. Parents would want to understand what specific supports, curriculum, and outcomes it offers, how it helps students earn credits and move toward graduation, and whether the school's model matches their student's needs.
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