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Classical Academy is Leading the Way in Distance Learning

Before the COVID-19 pandemic forced schools and businesses to shut down and switch gears, the Classical Academy High School, Personalized Learning Campus (Classical Academy) in Escondido, was already teaching students how to learn in a rapidly shifting environment. The Classical Academies are a group of seven Certified California Public Charter Schools throughout North County with over 4,500 students in grades K-12. Classical Academies are classified as independent study charter schools. Schools are critical to economic and workforce development as they support the local workforce to return to work and return to adult upskilling programs as well as teach the next generation of our workforce and future business owners practical skills.

These schools give students a personalized program that allows them to learn independently, at home and on campus. Before the shutdown and under normal circumstances, full-day, on-campus learning is open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, with most students on campus these days. On-campus classes are called workshops and are run by certified teachers in their subjects. Mondays and Fridays are home learning days with office hours available to students on Fridays. This hybrid learning environment provides live classes to students, online learning, tutoring support, academics, and all the social clubs, sports, and extracurriculars that are provided in traditional K-12 schools. This school structure also gives older students who have internships or jobs flexibility to work and stay in school.
 

Dr. Stacey Perez, Principal at Classical Academy, says this philosophy of learning is ideal for students who need or are seeking an individualized learning environment. “We have a lot of musicians, traveling kids, missionaries, and students who have other needs for education than a traditional classroom.”  Perez added that when schools were forced to shut down, Classical Academy’s transition was nearly seamless. “When we went into our shut down on March 13, our students were prepared because they already knew how to do distance learning.” 

In fact, since the shutdown, many new families have inquired about the school and Classical Academy now has an enrollment waitlist, she said. For Perez, communication is one of the central reasons Classical Academy was able to pivot during the beginning stages of the pandemic and as the school reopened virtually. “I feel like we worked a lot harder than before the shutdown,” she said.

The school provided constant communication through updates, videos, and social media to keep students and parents informed and ready as school was preparing to re-open. Classes began again, completely online, on August 20. Before opening, Perez and her staff met with each student one-on-one virtually to make sure each one was prepared for school and to answer any questions they had about the adjustment to a 100% virtual learning environment. 

She also met with the parents.“We have a really large parent partnership,” said Perez. “One of our support staff runs a parent boot camp to bring parents on board with their students.”  These meetings give parents an understanding of expectations, school safety measures, and the quality education Classical Academy is providing their children. 

The Classical Academies began in 1999 in Escondido with a small group of parents who were looking for an alternative form of learning for their kids. Their participation in Escondido community events and service is at the heart of the school’s mission. 

“We have a high student community service requirement,” said Perez. “Every student must complete 37.5 hours per year.”  By graduation, every student will have committed 150 community service hours.  “We feel the community gives to us and we want to give back to the community,” Perez added.

Schoolwide community events have included clean up days at Grape Day Park and at the San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum.  These partnerships have also evolved into internships and jobs for many of the students while in school and after they have graduated.  “Students had internships at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido and the Children’s Museum,” said Perez. 

This work experience gives the students school credit and helps them discover interests in jobs throughout the community such as marketing, catering, and coding, that could evolve into careers. 

Meanwhile, Classical Academy’s Special Education Department is in a collaborative program with the Transition Partnership Program (TPP) under the Department of Rehabilitation (DOR), to give students 16 and older assistance finding work. The program focuses on five specific areas: job exploration counseling, work readiness training, work-based learning experiences, self-advocacy training, and post secondary counseling. Many juniors and seniors from Classical Academy have been placed in jobs throughout North County. 

“Schools such as Classical Academy are important to the growth and success of the City,” said Amber Tarrac, Deputy Director of Economic Development. “As stakeholders in the community, their partnerships with workforce readiness programs such as TPP help our community grow and develop a diverse workforce.”

Whether it's helping students find jobs or guiding them on their path to higher learning, Dr. Perez sees their success come from the direction and support they are given. “If you give students the tools to be successful, every student will be successful,” she said. “We are glad to have The Classical Academies in Escondido,” said Tarrac. “They provide an alternative education to families and their workforce commitment helps bring bright and thoughtful leaders to our community.”

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