Laurel Ruff modernization and temporary relocation

San Juan Unified is preparing for a significant modernization of Laurel Ruff Transitional School that will create an updated campus designed to better support Laurel Ruff students, staff and programs.

Modernization of the Laurel Ruff campus is expected to begin in summer 2027 and continue through summer 2028. Because of the extent of the planned work, the campus will need to be unoccupied during construction. Laurel Ruff programs will temporarily relocate for the 2027–28 school year, from June 2027 through July 2028.

Temporary locations for 2027–28

Most Laurel Ruff programs will temporarily relocate to San Juan Unified facilities located at 4640 Orange Grove Ave. in Sacramento, approximately two miles from the current Laurel Ruff campus.

In addition, three classrooms at Mesa Verde High School will be used to accommodate Laurel Ruff programs during the temporary relocation.

District and school staff are continuing to plan for the transition, including classroom assignments, transportation, student services and other day-to-day needs. Families will receive information about their student’s specific program location as those details are finalized.

Preparing the Orange Grove site

Preparations at the Orange Grove site are expected to begin in March 2027 to ready the campus for Laurel Ruff students and staff.

The site currently serves programs operated by UCP and Aim Higher. San Juan Unified is working closely with both organizations as they adjust their programming and use of the campus to accommodate all three programs during Laurel Ruff’s temporary relocation.

What families can expect

We recognize that temporarily relocating a school community is a significant transition, particularly for students who benefit from consistency in their learning environment, services and routines.

San Juan Unified and Laurel Ruff staff will work throughout the 2026–27 school year to prepare students, families and staff for the transition. Additional information will be shared as plans are finalized, including details about:

• Student program and classroom locations
• Transportation
• Student services and supports
• Preparing students for the transition
• The timeline for moving to the temporary locations
• Returning to the modernized Laurel Ruff campus

Our goal throughout the process is to maintain the services and supports Laurel Ruff students rely on while minimizing disruption during construction.

Modernization timeline

March 2027: Preparations at the Orange Grove site are expected to begin.

June 2027: Laurel Ruff programs begin transitioning to temporary locations and the current Laurel Ruff campus becomes unoccupied for construction.

2027–28 school year: Laurel Ruff programs operate from temporary locations at Orange Grove and Mesa Verde High School.

July 2028: Modernization is anticipated to be complete, with Laurel Ruff programs returning to the modernized campus.

Dates are anticipated and may change as planning and construction progress.

Questions and feedback

We know families, staff and community members may have questions as planning continues. San Juan Unified will continue to provide updates and opportunities to learn more throughout the modernization and relocation process.

Questions and comments about the Laurel Ruff modernization project or temporary relocation can be submitted through the online feedback form.