POWAY, Calif. -- The California Department of Education named Abraxas High School one of 13 model continuation high schools in the state, it was reported Thursday.

The honor is aimed at making Abraxas, part of Poway Unified, a school to emulate, the San Diego Union-Tribune reported.

Principal Rudy Casciato told the newspaper that Abraxas will retain the title for three years, and school officials will be available to other continuation school educators who want to learn more about Abraxas' successful programs.

Statewide, about 70,000 students attend 521 continuation schools, which are for students who, for whatever reason, cannot attend regular high schools.

Abraxas also was named a model continuation school in 1998, when the title was awarded for five years.