Welcome to a Flexible and Supportive Learning Environment
Thank you for your interest in Coastal Academy. My name is Marcy Cashin, and it is my pleasure to welcome you to our school community.
Coastal Academy is a tuition-free public charter school serving students in grades TK–8 and has proudly partnered with North San Diego families since 2003. We are committed to providing a flexible, high-quality educational experience that supports students in becoming confident thinkers, effective communicators, and lifelong learners.
We believe education is most successful when schools and families work together. Our rigorous and flexible academic programs allow families to choose the learning environment that best supports their child’s unique needs, interests, and goals. Students are encouraged to grow academically, socially, and personally within a nurturing environment that values both academic excellence and strong character.
As part of The Classical Academies organization, Coastal Academy is grounded in a long-standing commitment to innovation, personalized learning, and strong parent partnerships. We are proud to offer students meaningful opportunities to explore, discover, and maximize their potential in a supportive and engaging learning community.
I look forward to getting to know your family and supporting your educational journey at Coastal Academy.
Marcy Cashin
Principal
Program Overview
Coastal Academy offers flexible, high-quality academic programs designed to support a variety of learning styles and family needs. Our programs combine the benefits of independent study with the support of credentialed teachers, creating a personalized learning experience where students can thrive academically and personally.
Parents serve as active partners in their child’s education while receiving guidance and support from highly qualified teachers. Families have access to multiple program options, allowing them to choose the educational path that best fits their goals, schedule, and learning preferences.
Instruction is organized into learning units developed by credentialed teachers and aligned with California Content Standards. These units provide engaging lessons and resources in core subjects, including language arts, literature, math, science, and history.
All assignments and instructional materials are delivered through our online learning platform, Schoology, making it easy for families to access lesson plans, resources, and support. Parent educators and teachers connect regularly through scheduled conferences to review student progress, celebrate growth, and provide ongoing academic support.
Coastal Academy is committed to creating meaningful learning experiences that encourage curiosity, flexibility, academic excellence, and strong family involvement.
Program Options
Coastal Academy offers flexible program options for students in grades TK–8.
Track A - (Grades K-6) Hybrid
Students attend on-campus classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:00 am - 2:15, 2:30, or 2:45 pm. Classes include instruction in language arts, math, science, music, art, and STEAM (Elective Wheel - 2 units of art, 2 units of music, 2 units of STEAM) along with traditional recess and lunch breaks. Students complete assignments at home on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays in language arts, literature, math, and history, with parents or guardians serving as the primary educators. Parent-teacher conferences are held four times per school year to review student progress and learning.
Track B - (Grades K-6) Hybrid
Students attend on-campus classes on Wednesdays and Fridays. Classes include instruction in language arts, math, science, music, art, and STEAM (Elective Wheel - 2 units of art, 2 units of music, 2 units of STEAM) along with traditional recess and lunch breaks. Students complete assignments at home on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays in language arts, literature, math, and history, with parents or guardians serving as the primary educators. Parent-teacher conferences are held four times per school year to review student progress and learning.
Track M - (Grades 7-8) Hybrid
M Track is a middle school hybrid program designed for 7th and 8th-grade students to help prepare them academically and socially for high school. Students attend on-campus workshop classes on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays and receive instruction from credentialed teachers in math, language arts, science, history, music, art, and STEAM. On Mondays and Fridays, students complete school-assigned curriculum and independent work at home under the supervision of a parent or guardian.
Track C (TK–8) Independent Study
Track C offers families greater flexibility in scheduling and curriculum choices through an independent study model. Students learn at home five days a week while remaining connected to a credentialed Educational Specialist (ES), who provides guidance and accountability. Parents communicate regularly with their ES through email, phone, or in-person meetings, and in-person parent-teacher conferences are required after each unit to assess student growth and success.
Track C families may also choose from several supplemental learning opportunities:
C’lectives - (Grades TK-8)
C’lectives are optional on-campus enrichment classes that provide students with classroom interaction and friendship-building opportunities. Credentialed teachers lead both core academic and elective courses, including history, science, math, writing, reading, art, PE, gardening, home economics, computers, STEAM, and more. Classes are year-long and offered on Mondays and/or Fridays.
Virtual Classes (Grades 1–5)
Students in grades 1-5 enrolled in Track C may participate in virtual classes taught by a credentialed grade-level teacher two days each week. On the remaining three days, parents guide instruction at home using the curriculum provided by The Classical Academies.
Sora (Grades 6–8) Virtual
Sora is a virtual Track C option for middle school students in grades 6–8. Students participate in project-based online instruction with subject-specific teachers three days per week and may also attend optional in-person community-building activities on Fridays with other Sora students enrolled at their campus.
Student Activities
Field Trips
Students and families can participate in a variety of educational field trips that extend classroom learning through hands-on experiences. Trips often connect to history, science, leadership, and team-building concepts while creating lasting memories for students and families.Grade-level trips may include:
4th Grade: California History trip to Sacramento and San Francisco
5th Grade: Pathfinders Camp and BizTown
6th Grade: Science Camp at AstroCamp
7th Grade: Marine Biology experience on Catalina Island
8th Grade: East Coast U.S. History Tour
Additional field trips throughout the year may include museums, farms, zoos, theaters, and other educational destinations.
On-Campus Activities
Students and families enjoy a vibrant school community with opportunities to participate in events throughout the year, including the spirit days, movie nights, service projects, science fairs, and other community-building activities.
Physical Education
Coastal Academy values health and wellness. C’lectives students may enroll in PE classes as space is available. Families also support students in meeting independent physical fitness requirements throughout the year.
Art
Coastal Academy offers engaging visual arts experiences for students in kindergarten through eighth grade. All students have the opportunity to explore creativity through interactive and multimedia art instruction.
Spring Art Show
Each spring, students showcase their creativity and talents during the annual Spring Art Show. Families and community members are invited to enjoy student artwork along with musical, dance, theater, and instrumental performances celebrating the arts across campus.
Associated Student Body (ASB)
ASB is open to students in grades 6–8 and provides opportunities for leadership, service, and student involvement. ASB students help plan school events, organize fundraisers and community service projects, and develop leadership skills through mentorship and teamwork. Interested students may apply and interview for participation.
Special Education
Coastal Academy is committed to supporting the unique learning needs of all students. Our Special Education Department partners closely with families, teachers, and support staff to ensure students receive individualized instruction and services designed to help them succeed. Students who qualify for special education services receive support through an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) tailored to their specific strengths and needs. Services are provided in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE), with a strong belief that students thrive when supported within general education settings whenever appropriate.Our collaborative team approach includes parents, students, general education teachers, special education staff, and related service providers working together to create meaningful learning opportunities and promote student growth. Coastal Academy provides a continuum of services aligned with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and is dedicated to ensuring that every student has access to a high-quality education.
Conferences
Parent-teacher conferences are an important part of the partnership between families and teachers. Conferences are held at the conclusion of each learning unit and provide an opportunity to review student progress, celebrate successes, and discuss academic goals.During conferences, teachers assess student learning, review completed work, answer questions, and provide guidance and support for continued growth. These meetings help ensure students stay on track academically while strengthening communication and collaboration between families and teachers.