Welcome to Classical Academy High School

It is my privilege to serve as Principal of a school that is both academically distinguished and deeply committed to student growth. At Classical Academy High School (CAHS), every student is seen, known, and valued. We want each student to know and trust that they are loved and that they belong while living life to the fullest right now.
Our goal is for every student to be actively engaged in school life beyond the classroom through activities that are fun, build friendships, support personal fitness, and prepare them for the future as they grow in both character and purpose.
Our passionate team partners closely with parents to provide a flexible, rigorous academic experience designed to develop Thinkers, Communicators, and Achievers. We proudly meet the University of California A-G requirements and offer a variety of learning pathways tailored to individual student needs.
As a California Distinguished School and Gold Ribbon Award recipient, CAHS was named one of only 12 high schools in North County San Diego to rank in the top 10% nationally by U.S. News & World Report in 2024.
Located in the heart of downtown Escondido, our campus is easily accessible—just one mile from the 78 and 15 freeways, and a short walk from the Sprinter station on Valley Parkway.
We would love to welcome you for a tour and show you what makes CAHS a place where students thrive.
To schedule a tour, call us at 760-480-9845.
Dana Moen
Principal
Program Overview

CAHS offers a flexible academic program with various college preparatory, advanced placement, and elective courses. Current advanced placement (AP) courses include World History, US History, Government, Calculus BC, Statistics, Language and Composition, Language and Literature, Biology, Physics, Environmental Science, Psychology, Drawing, 2D/3D Art and Design, Art History, and Spanish. (Additional AP courses are offered through UC Scout.) Elective courses include sports medicine, anatomy and physiology, creative writing, art, graphic design, photography, video production, yearbook, journalism, drama, band, choir, play production, dance, engineering, leadership, woodshop, life skills, and others. Students also have the opportunity to take courses at a local community college for dual credit.
CAHS Studio courses follow the quarter system. This allows students to focus on 3-4 courses at one time. Most courses are “accelerated,” covering a year’s worth of content in 18 weeks. Year-long courses include all levels of math, Advanced Placement courses, physical education courses, and electives.
Vision
We believe learning best occurs when students have a:
- Safe & Collaborative Environment - Your child thrives in a secure space where families and teachers work as partners to help unlock their unique gifts and talents
- Personalized Learning Experience - Every student receives education designed for how they learn best, with smaller class sizes that build strong relationships and address individual needs
- Focus on Rigorous Academic Excellence - High expectations and quality curriculum work together to help your child develop strong critical thinking and reach their full potential
- Real-World Application - Students connect classroom learning to everyday life through hands-on experiences that make education meaningful and exciting
- Opportunity for Higher-Order Thinking Development - Your child learns to solve problems creatively and adapt confidently to new situations, preparing them for future success
Program Options

Classical Academy partners with parents to prepare students to be Thinkers, Communicators, and Achievers. Students can choose an educational program that best fits their learning style. CAHS offers four educational programs across two campuses, and all core CAHS curriculum meets UC/CSU A-G guidelines. Students on either campus can participate in CAHS combined athletic and/or performance teams. Each campus offers student-led and initiated activities such as clubs, dances, and other social events.
Classical Academy High School - Studio Campus
(207 E Pennsylvania Ave)
Studio Program (Four Days on Campus)
The Studio Program is designed for students who prefer a traditional classroom setting, attending classes four days a week (Tuesday through Friday), and working independently on Mondays. Studio teachers utilize lectures, small-group interactions, labs, field trips, and projects to deliver an engaging and rigorous curriculum that fosters student learning. All core classes except for math and Advanced Placement (AP) are taught in an accelerated format of 18 weeks.
Classical Academy High School - Personalized Learning Campus
(130 Woodward Ave, Escondido, CA)
Workshops Virtual (School-At-Home) Independent Study (Homeschool)
Students at the Personalized Learning Campus have the most flexibility in their programming options. Students can select from on-campus workshops or the virtual version of college prep courses, in addition to options available through Dual/Concurrent Enrollment or Independent Study coursework. Students who choose this campus prefer the smaller, more personal environment and the yearlong classes, which utilize inquiry-based and student-driven learning strategies in a customized learning platform. Students enrolled in any of the programs offered at the Personalized Learning Campus are able to participate in CAHS athletics and/or performance teams.
Workshop Program (Three Days on Campus)
This program allows students who appreciate more structure and in-person instruction to attend a typical high school setting on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, and work independently on Mondays and Fridays, with virtual office hours offered on Friday morning. Our award-winning, student-centered curriculum is delivered through a customized learning platform, in partnership with Gradient Learning, and offers rigorous college-preparatory coursework. Students complete various assessments, including projects, to demonstrate mastery of the content standards.
Virtual Program
The Virtual Program offers a robust online curriculum and options for both synchronous and asynchronous instruction, with credentialed teachers providing oversight and grading. Our college preparatory curriculum is offered to students through an engaging digital learning environment, available 24/7 for flexibility in scheduling. Students work under the guidance of credentialed subject-area teachers and follow a rigorous curriculum that meets UC and CSU A-G guidelines. Course teachers are available via online messaging Monday through Friday, during Virtual Class times, and in Office Hours on Fridays from 9:00 am to 11:00 am, where students can check in with their teachers for direct assistance. Additionally, each student will meet with their Cohort Teacher for a 15-minute check-in every week.
Independent Study Program
The independent study program supports the parent as the primary educator. An Educational Specialist will assist parents in choosing curricula. As the primary educator, the parent will teach the curriculum, grade all student work, and provide documentation to the Education Specialist to support the student's progress. A CAHS transcript for completed coursework will be issued if the student meets all the independent study requirements. While courses in the homeschool program are not considered A-G approved, many of these students are college-bound and apply to community colleges, private institutions, and out-of-state colleges. Students who do not meet the UC/CSU a-g requirements may still apply through “Admission by Exception.”
Student Life
Students discover their passions and forge lasting friendships through an exciting array of activities. Whether scoring the winning goal on the athletic field, commanding the stage in performing arts programs, or building the next championship robot, there's a place for everyone to shine.
The campus is busy with energy from student-run clubs, award-winning journalism programs, competitive Academic League teams, and unforgettable school dances. The Associated Student Body keeps the excitement going year-round with special events that bring our entire school family together.
What sets CAHS apart is our genuinely welcoming community, where every student feels at home. Students have the support to take risks, try new things, and build new friendships.
Robotics
CAHS Robotics Team
Students can develop and expand their skill sets and knowledge base through industry-standard robotics. An Advisor and several mentors work side by side with the students to guide their efforts in completing real-world projects that apply robotics to actual problems and issues that cobots (collaborative robots) can address. The CAHS Robotics Team is open to any CAHS students interested in participating and willing to contribute their time and effort. Skills acquired during the year include computer-aided design (CAD), programming and coding, wireless networking, 3D printing, machining, and tool utilization (under supervision), as well as electrical wiring, grant writing, and team logistics. Currently, the CAHS Robotics Team meets on campus on Monday late afternoons/evenings during the school year (subject to change). For more information, contact the current CAHS Robotics Advisor.
Engineering Courses (Introductory and Advanced):
In addition to our after-school Robotics program, CAHS offers introductory Engineering (CAD/Fusion) and Advanced Engineering (Coding/Python) elective courses on campus. These two courses are open to all students, with no prerequisites or prior knowledge. For more details on these courses, please consult the CAHS Course Description Catalog and peruse the courses under Engineering.
Music
Classical Academy High School offers the following band and music programs.
Band/Advanced Band The Caiman Corps is a fully-featured instrumental music program that performs at pep rallies, home football games, and local and state competitions. In the Winter and Spring, the program shifts to a combination of Jazz Band and Symphonic Orchestra programming. The band is offered as a performing arts class during the school day. Members are encouraged to explore a variety of instruments and are welcome to participate, regardless of their previous experience.
Drumline Classical Academy High School's Drumline is a competitive ensemble of marching drums, mallet keyboards, synthesizers, and guitars. The drumline competes in tournaments through the American Drumline Association. This program is open to any student from any Classical or Coastal Academy campus, with workshops and auditions held each December.
Choir The Caiman Choir Singers learn music reading, vocal techniques, and performance concepts and participate in performances and concerts throughout the year. This program is open to students from both CAHS campuses.
Visual and Performing Arts
Art is a powerful language that helps students express what words alone cannot capture. The visual and performing arts programs don't just teach technique; they unlock new ways of thinking, problem-solving, and connecting with the world around us.
When students step into our art studios, music rooms, and theaters, they're not just learning to paint, sing, or perform; they're discovering how to see problems from multiple angles, celebrate diverse perspectives, and find their unique voice. These skills ripple through every aspect of their education, making them stronger writers, more creative scientists, and more thoughtful leaders.
Explore Your Creative Path Minimum Graduation Requirement: 10 credits
Diverse course offerings span visual arts, music, dance, drama, and digital media, giving students the freedom to explore widely or dive deep into their passion. Many courses are offered at both campuses, and several provide the rigorous, college-preparatory experience of our honors and AP programs.
Clubs
Student-led clubs are a vibrant part of campus life. With 20-30 active clubs offered each year, students have the chance to explore their interests, connect with peers, and develop new skills outside the classroom.
Clubs offer students opportunities to grow personally, collaborate with others, and maximize their high school experience.
Each fall, Club Rush Day invites students to explore the various clubs available. It’s a fun way to connect with the community on campus. CAHS welcomes and supports students in launching new clubs throughout the year.
For club-related questions or to start a new club, please contact the current ASB Advisor.
Athletics
Athletics plays a vital role in developing students of strong character. Our athletic programs are designed to be fun, foster friendships, support personal fitness, and prepare students for the future as they grow in both character and purpose.
Athletics are more than competition; they’re a powerful platform for developing character. Through “The Caiman Way,” student-athletes are taught to work hard, live pure, lead with courage, honor their team, and grow in discipline, resilience, and teamwork.
Coaches partner with parents to guide and support our student-athletes as they grow into young adults who make meaningful contributions to their communities long after their high school sports careers have ended.
Please follow the link to our athletic website or download the “Caiman Sports” app.
Please go to this link below for contact information for each CAHS athletic team as well as the information for sports clearances:
Athletic Department – athletics@classicalacademy.com
Student Leadership
The Associated Student Body (ASB) is a student-led leadership team whose primary responsibilities include promoting school spirit, developing leadership skills, and organizing relevant school activities. ASB sponsors various events throughout the year that allow students to participate while developing social skills and healthy relationships. ASB-sponsored events include spirit days, dances, events, student club promotion and management, and many community service and outreach projects. ASB students are elected every spring by their fellow students after going through an application and interview process. For more information, please contact Corie Shields at cshields@classicalacademy.com. Students not elected into ASB may enroll in the Leadership Development course, which focuses on early leadership development in preparation for future opportunities on campus. Juniors and seniors may also apply to Link Crew, a group of upperclassmen dedicated to mentoring and supporting incoming freshmen during their first year of high school. For more information on Link Crew, please contact Shanda Lee at slee@classicalacademy.com.
Special Education
Classical Academy High School Department of Special Education’s mission ensures that children with disabilities receive a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). We collaborate with families, students, teachers, and other professionals to foster student success through personalized learning and support. Classical Academy High School is committed to serving the needs of all students. Our schools believe that the Least Restrictive Environment begins in the general education classroom or setting for all students, and supplemental aids and services are added according to each student’s individual needs. Students with learning or behavioral disabilities are provided a comprehensive range of services as specified in their Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). Classical Academy High School's Special Education program offers a range of services for eligible students under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
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