Classical Academy Middle School
Escondido
7-8

Welcome to the Best Middle School Program

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Thank you for your interest in Classical Academy Middle School. My name is Jennifer Morrow and I am honored to serve as your Principal. Classical Academy Middle School is a dynamic, tuition-free public charter school serving students in grades 7 and 8 since 2014.

Our mission is to partner with parents to create self-directed, passionate learners equipped with the skills and strategies to think, communicate, and achieve in middle school, high school, and beyond. Classical Academy Middle School (CAMS) blends the best of the traditional classroom experience with independent study. Students attend classes three days a week, and complete assignments under the guidance of their home educator two days a week.  All assignments are created by credentialed teachers who partner with the home educator to ensure student success.

As a California Distinguished School and recipient of the Gradient Learning Rise Award, our school provides a positive school culture, high academic standards, and a variety of enrichment opportunities for students to engage in and explore.

Our team is committed to instilling a love for learning and ensuring students acquire the skills for success in high school and beyond. We look forward to partnering with you on this journey!

Jennifer Morrow

Principal

Program Overview

Classical Academy Middle School (CAMS) provides 7th and 8th grade students with a well-rounded middle school experience. Our program combines classroom instruction by credentialed teachers with independent study guided by a parent educator.

We partner with parents to create self-directed, passionate learners who can think, communicate, and achieve. Our school provides a positive learning environment that offers the right balance of academic rigor and support, enabling students to maximize their potential, grow, and thrive. Students are encouraged to pursue academic excellence by mastering foundational content and skills. 

CAMS students attend classes on campus on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. On Mondays and Fridays, students complete assignments in all subjects at home with the support and instruction provided by the homeschooling parent.

On campus, students attend all core classes, including math, science, English, and history. Our teachers employ various methods—direct instruction, hands-on activities, collaborative learning, labs, and projects—to teach a challenging and interesting curriculum. The aim is to combine digital and traditional resources to make learning effective and engaging. During the school day, teachers guide activities that promote critical thinking, collaboration, and practical application of knowledge. Additionally, students participate in an elective class each week. These Elective options cover diverse interests like art, soccer, STEM, pickleball, Spanish, and more.

Courses are aligned to Common Core State Standards and other standards relevant to specific disciplines. Courses are rich in technology instruction, and all classrooms offer access to devices in daily activities.

Rise Award

In the Spring of 2023, Classical Academy Middle School received the Rise Award, a national recognition that honors schools that have systems, structures, and culture that prepare students with the skills and knowledge to succeed in life beyond the classroom. The Rise committee specifically recognized our school’s:

  • High levels of student engagement
  • Positive classroom and school culture
  • Commitment to continual improvement
  • Despite the logistical challenges of not having students on campus every day, we have demonstrated strong implementation of the tenets of Rigor, Customization, and Self-Direction
  • Our whole-campus approach and collaboration between teachers

Student Activities

Associated Student Body (ASB)
ASB (Associated Student Body) students are leaders on campus and in the community. They are positive role models and put leadership skills into action, initiate positive changes, and promote community on campus. ASB meets after school most Thursdays from 3:15 pm – 4:45 pm.

K-8 ASB

Field Trips
Students attending Classical Academy Middle School have the opportunity to take enriching, educational, overnight class trips to Catalina Island and the East Coast. While attending CAMS, students also have the opportunity to participate in all-school field trips throughout the year. Past trips have included: Medieval Times, California Science Center, and Riley's Farm.

Sports
Classical Academy Middle School has an after-school sports program for 7th and 8th-grade students. Sports change about every eight weeks, depending on student interest and parent-volunteer coaches. Practice and games are held weekly, including volleyball, flag football, soccer, basketball, cross-country, and track, and field. Sporting teams compete with other schools in the Escondido Small School's League.

Campus Fun
Throughout the year, students will enjoy spirit days, school-wide positive culture campaigns, a school dance, CAMS in the Community, Scholastic Book Fair, Science Fair, History Fair, food drives, community service projects, pep rallies, Cohort Competition, and more!

Dance Team
CAMS offers dance team once a week where students will explore various dance styles while making new friendships and learning new skills. Students will develop a lifelong appreciation for the art of dance as well as become more physically fit, increase muscle memory, gain strength, improve stamina, and increase flexibility while developing meaningful relationships.

Musical Theater
Musical theater plays an essential role in a well-rounded education. Integrating voice, acting, and dance, the performing arts programs offer a creative and experiential approach for students to think, communicate and achieve while engaging and enriching the broader community.
Classical Academy Middle School offers students the opportunity to participate in two productions a year: a fall "Best of Broadway" showcase and a full musical theater production in the spring. Past spring performances have included Aladdin, Lion King, Wizard of Oz, and Peter Pan.

Special Education

The Classical Academy Department of Special Education's mission is to ensure that children with disabilities receive a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). We work with families, students, teachers, and other professionals to promote student success through individualized learning and support. The Classical Academy is committed to serving the needs of all students. Our schools believe that the Least Restrictive Environment begins in the general education classroom/setting for all students, and supplemental aids and services are added to students' education settings according to their individual needs. Students with learning or behavioral disabilities are provided a comprehensive range of services as specified in students' Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). The Classical Academy, Special Education program includes various services for eligible students under the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The Classical Academy believes in a team approach: student, parent, general education teacher, special education teacher, and any instrumental team member.

Conferences

Teachers meet with students and parents four times per year. Teachers collect reading logs, review student work, answer questions, and discuss student progress at these conferences. Teachers support parents with communication and collaboration as partners in the educational process. Conferences are a time to review objectives, ask questions, and ensure students are on track with their learning.

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