Welcome to the Most Personalized High School Program

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 in the present moment.
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 of our campus, call 760-317-9143.
Dana Moen
Principal
Program Overview

The Personalized Learning Campus offers three distinct academic programs: Workshops (3-day on-campus programs), Virtual (Fully Virtual or Hybrid Options), and Full Independent Study.CAHS also offers all students opportunities to participate in articulated courses with Palomar College, as well as dual and concurrent enrollment options through Palomar College. Students at the Personalized Learning Campus have access to workshops, virtual classes, and independent study courses, creating a flexible learning model that is ideal for students who thrive in a more personalized educational environment. In addition to award-winning academic programs, students at the CAHS Personalized Learning Campus are eligible to participate in CAHS athletic, performance, and extra-curricular teams alongside CAHS Studio students. Each campus offers its own student-led and initiated activities such as clubs, dances, and other student events.
Both the workshop and virtual programs utilize a dynamic learning platform called Gradient Learning, which provides students access to high-quality, mastery-based, student-inquiry-focused learning with an emphasis on whole-student growth. Most CAHS PL courses are centered around alternative forms of assessment, which allow students to demonstrate mastery of the content and skills through dynamic and engaging inter-disciplinary projects. Projects are facilitated by highly qualified and credentialed teachers who encourage students to demonstrate their creativity and unique perspectives throughout their learning.
Academic 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 small 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
New Family Informational Meetings
For registration and tour information, please contact our front office receptionist, jcardenas@classicalacademy.com.
Program Options

Classical Academy partners with parents to prepare students to be Thinkers, Communicators, and Achievers. Students have the flexibility to choose an educational program that best fits their learning style. CAHS offers four educational programs across two campuses with all core CAHS curriculum meeting UC/CSU A-G guidelines. Students enrolled on either campus are eligible to participate in CAHS combined athletic and/or performance teams. Each campus offers its own 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 - 4 days on campus
The Studio Program is designed to serve students who would like to attend class in a traditional classroom setting four days per week (Tuesday - Friday) in an accelerated classroom environment. Studio teachers use lectures, small group interactions, labs, field trips, and projects to deliver an engaging and rigorous curriculum. Students in this program agree to exhibit respectful conduct and academic responsibility, including the timely completion of quality work and daily attendance. 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)
3-Day Workshops Full Virtual Full Independent Study
Students at the Personalized Learning Campus have the most flexibility in blending classroom and independent study options with college prep coursework while maintaining respectful conduct, academic integrity, and the timely completion of quality work. Students who choose this campus prefer the smaller, more personal environment and the yearlong classes which utilize project-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.
Three Day Workshop Program
This program allows students who appreciate more structure and in-person instruction to attend a typical high school setting on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday with virtual office hours offered on Friday morning. Our award-winning and student-centered curriculum is provided via a customized learning platform through partnership with Gradient Learning and offers rigorous college preparatory course work. Each student will be assigned to meet with their mentor for a 15-minute check-in every week.
Five-Day Independent Study Program - 2 Options
Full Virtual Program
The Full Virtual Program uses E-Learning to offer online curriculum and virtual instruction with our credentialed teachers providing oversight and grading. Our college preparatory curriculum is offered to students via an engaging digital learning environment, which is available to students 24/7 for flexibility in scheduling. The student will work under the guidance of credentialed subject-area teachers and follow a rigorous curriculum that meets UC and CSU A-G guidelines. Course teachers will be available to the student via messaging Monday through Friday, and during Virtual Office Hours 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.
Full Independent Study
Our Full Independent Study program is where the parent is the primary educator. An Educational Specialist will assist the parent with choosing curriculum. The parent, as the primary educator, will teach the curriculum, grade all student work, and provide documentation to the Education Specialist to support the student's progress. If the student meets all the independent study requirements, a CAHS transcript will be issued for completed coursework. While courses in the homeschool program are not considered A-G approved, many of these students are college bound and apply to community, private, and out of state colleges. Students who do not meet the UC/CSU a-g requirements may still apply through “Admission by Exception.” The Full Independent Study Program allows parents to homeschool their students, choosing from various curricula. Families may choose from several options:
- Selecting their curriculum.
- Selecting Gradient Learning courses.
- Working with outside co-ops or vendors.
- Taking community college courses.
Approved for Palomar College Articulated Courses
CAHS-PL offers Keyboarding, Digital Art- Illustrator, and Digital Art- Photoshop as articulated college courses with Palomar College. Students who complete articulated courses with a letter grade of B or higher receive high school and (free) college credit, as the courses are comparable to community college courses. These classes are the first strand of the Career Technical Education Program in Business and Graphic Communications. Classical Academy High School plans to articulate more courses in the future, increasing student readiness for college and career.
New Family Informational Meetings
For registration and tour information, please contact our front office receptionist, jcardenas@classicalacademy.com.
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.
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
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 provide students with opportunities to grow personally, collaborate with others, and enhance their high school experience.
Each fall, Club Rush Day invites students to explore the diverse range of 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.
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.
Student Leadership
The Leadership team is a student-led group whose primary responsibility is to promote school spirit, develop leadership skills, and provide relevant school activities. Leadership sponsors various events throughout the year that allow students to participate while developing social skills and healthy relationships. Leadership-sponsored events include spirit days, dances, and various student club promotions and management, as well as numerous community service and outreach projects. Leadership students are selected every spring after going through an application and interview process. For more information, please contact Lindsey Williams at lwilliams@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).
4 Year College Acceptances - 2023
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