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 that has been 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 critically, communicate effectively, and achieve success in middle school, high school, and beyond. Classical Academy Middle School (CAMS) students thrive through a blend of classroom learning and home 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, upholds high academic standards, and offers a variety of enrichment opportunities for students to engage in and explore.

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

Jennifer Morrow

Principal

Program Overview

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.

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 a range of instructional methods, including direct instruction, hands-on activities, collaborative learning, labs, and projects, to deliver a challenging and engaging 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. 

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 with systems, structures, and cultures 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

Electives
CAMS students participate in an elective class each week, which is embedded in their schedule. These Elective options cover a diverse range of interests, including art, soccer, STEM, pickleball, Spanish, and more.

Associated Student Body (ASB)
ASB (Associated Student Body) students are leaders on and off campus. They are positive role models who put leadership skills into action, initiate positive changes, and promote a sense of 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. 

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

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 that enables students to think critically, communicate effectively, and achieve their goals while engaging and enriching the broader community.
Classical Academy Middle School offers students the opportunity to participate in three productions a year: a "Best of Broadway" showcase, a talent show, and a full musical theater production in the spring. Past spring performances have included Aladdin, The Lion King, Wizard of Oz, and Peter Pan.

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 while also becoming more physically fit, increasing muscle memory, gaining strength, improving stamina, and increasing flexibility, all while developing meaningful relationships.

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 collaborate with families, students, teachers, and other professionals to foster student success through personalized learning and support. The Classical Academy is dedicated to meeting the diverse needs of all students. Our schools are committed to ensuring that the Least Restrictive Environment begins in the general education classroom for all students, with supplemental aids and services tailored to meet 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). The Classical Academy's 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, involving students, parents, general education teachers, special education teachers, and any other instrumental team members.

Conferences

Teachers meet with students and parents four times per year. These are student-led sessions to review progress, reflect on goals, and discuss next steps in learning. 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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