The Classical Academy is dedicated to developing self‑motivated, life‑long learners through this six fold vision:

To pursue academic excellence with an emphasis on mastery of the “basics” and development of critical skills through clearly articulated standards in all subjects.

1. To pursue academic excellence with an emphasis on mastery of the “basics” and development of critical skills through clearly articulated standards in all subjects.
2. To encourage individualized learning through smaller workshop size, understanding of learning styles, the teaching of specific study strategies, and the understanding of each child’s uniqueness.
3. To maximize the effectiveness and enjoyment of learning through multi‑sensory, interactive methods of instruction inclusive of critical thinking skills, use of effective innovative teaching strategies, and integrated teaching across the curriculum.
4. To provide a content‑rich education that inspires excellence by holding forth examples of classic works of literature, music, and art, which have stood the test of time and been widely recognized as the very best.
5. To give high priority to an enriched curriculum inclusive of computer technology, science technology, art, music, drama, Spanish, and PE.
6. To foster the development of the whole child through strong parental involvement with an emphasis on positive character development and service‑learning in the community at large.

One of our core values is that “rigor and relevance is personalized, acknowledging that all learn differently.” For this reason, personalized learning is part of the educational environment, curriculum design, and is infused within the content delivery.

Personalized Learning is the tailoring of instruction, curriculum, and learning environments to meet the needs and aspirations of individual learners. Teachers, working with parents, create learning plans for students that can include technology, classrooms, labs, electives, and independent study options to complete their assigned academic program.

It is a core belief at The Classical Academies that every parent partnership starts with trust, builds on collaboration, and culminates with accountability.  The partnership that we share with parents is the cornerstone of everything we do at The Classical Academies and one that we have come to rely on in helping all students become thinkers, communicators, and achievers.

Experiential learning allows students to develop knowledge, skills, and values from direct experiences outside the traditional academic setting. Experiential learning can stimulate academic inquiry by promoting interdisciplinary learning, civic engagement, career development, cultural awareness, leadership, and other skills. Students can experience the world beyond their neighborhood or community. Students in grades 4-8 have the opportunity to attend overnight field trips, such as Astro Camp, Adventure Camp, Catalina Island, Safari Park, Sacramento, and the East Coast.

Students in grades 9-12 have the opportunity to participate in internships, tour colleges, and travel abroad. All students are encouraged to volunteer and serve in their communities.

The 8 Keys of Excellence is a character education program that provides a common framework for both teachers and students to use. The 8 Keys inspire students to model excellence in and out of the classroom.

The Classical Academies focus on the 8 Keys of Excellence through specialized lessons, assemblies, workshops, speakers, community service, and field trips. Teachers begin the year by presenting an overview lesson of the 8 Keys of Excellence to their students and reinforcing positive behavior throughout the year.

1. Integrity – Match behavior with values
Demonstrate your positive personal values in all you do and say. Be sincere and real.

2. Failure Leads To Success –Learn from mistakes
View failures as feedback that provides you with the information you need to learn, grow, and succeed.

3. Speak With Good Purpose – Speak honestly and kindly
Think before you speak. Make sure your intention is positive and your words are sincere.

4. This Is It! – Make the most of every moment
Focus your attention on the present moment. Keep a positive attitude.

– Speak honestly and kindly
Think before you speak. Make sure your intention is positive and your words are sincere.

4. This Is It! – Make the most of every moment
Focus your attention on the present moment. Keep a positive attitude.

5. Commitment – Make your dreams happen
Take positive action. Follow your vision without wavering.

6. Ownership – Take responsibility for actions
Be responsible for your thoughts, feelings, words, and actions. “Own” the choices you make and the results that follow.

7. Flexibility – Be willing to do things differently
Recognize what’s not working and be willing to change what you’re doing to achieve your goal.

8. Balance – Live your best life
Be mindful of self and others while focusing on what’s meaningful and important in your life. Inner happiness and fulfillment come when your mind, body, and emotions are nurtured by the choices you make.

The 8 Keys of Excellence were developed by Bobbi DePorter and our friends at the Quantum Learning Network – www.QLN.com

Teaching and learning is enhanced using visual and performing arts as integral pathways to learning. Arts integration differs from traditional arts education by its inclusion as both an arts discipline and a traditional subject as part of learning.

The goal of arts integration is to increase the depth and breadth of general subject areas while concurrently fostering a greater understanding and appreciation of visual and performing arts throughout the grades, K-12.

EXAMPLES

Music, rhythm, movement, and dance are often used in our classes to enhance and enrich learning.

Students create works of art utilizing the Elements and Principles of Art that are thematically aligned with historical events or literary greats.

Students create art based on literature, historical events, historical themes, and cultural events.

The Classical Academies values civic responsibility and encourages students to give back to their community through volunteerism and service. By participating in community service projects, students form positive habits such as focusing on others, empathy, service, and the ability to collaborate as part of a team.

For each academic year that a student attends Classical or Coastal Academy High School the student is required to log 37.5 community service hours, resulting in a total of 150 volunteer hours. Through community service, students build relationships with community members, gain valuable experience work experience, develop their character, and help strengthen their community.