Charter School of San Diego

For a downloadable version of our Student FAQs, click here (PDF).

YES. The Charter School of San Diego is a fully accredited California State Charter School.  It is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Its courses meet California State curriculum standards and are approved by the University of California (meeting UC a-g requirements).

What grade levels do you serve?

CSSD serves students in grades 7 – 12.

No. CSSD is a public school. It is a publicly funded program which is free to all students.

 

What is the focus of CSSD academic program? 

CSSD focuses on academics through our rigorous, standards-based program. While students participate in labs, workshops, and field trips, CSSD does not offer extra-curricular activities, such as sports, clubs, etc.

YES. Students can receive a California high school diploma from CSSD. Our courses are a-g approved and acknowledged by the university system.

Students may also choose an educational plan which prepares them for the California High School Proficiency Exam (CHSPE) or the General Educational Development (GED). CSSD students go on to four year colleges, community colleges, vocational schools, and serve in the military.

CSSD holds a very special cap and gown graduation ceremony at the Balboa Park Organ Pavilion to honor the achievements of the student graduates.

YES. CSSD offers courses that meet California State Standards and that have been approved by the University of California for admission. The most current selection of state adopted textbooks are used.

CSSD is an independent study program. Independent study is an alternative education strategy for students who may have special challenges, need targeted instruction, or want an individualized approach to education.

Students work on their own according to written agreements and under the supervision of credentialed teachers. Independent study offers flexibility to meet individual students' needs, interests, and styles of learning while independent study students follow the State adopted curriculum and meet the graduation requirements similar to the neighboring school districts. Independent study is available only as a voluntary option chosen by students and parents. 

Students work from individualized academic plans which may include in-learning center coursework from 2 to 5 times per week.

Students are expected to work on their assigned courses 4 to 6 hours a day – whether or not they are in the learning center.  Students work more at home than in a traditional school. They move at their own pace completing one or two courses at a time. Each course takes approximately three to four weeks to complete.

 

CSSD is an "around the year" program to maximize the number of days and time that student can earn credits. Students work on their academic program during the fall and spring, as in the traditional school.  In addition, student continue their academic work through the summer. 

The calendar includes observance of the traditional holidays and breaks (winter—2 weeks, spring—1 week, and summer—1 week).  However, students are encouraged to work independently throughout the year to accomplish their academic goals. 

Learning Centers are located throughout the community in: Clairemont, Downtown San Diego, El Cajon, La Mesa, Horton Plaza, Mid-City, Mira Mesa, North Park, Pacific Beach, Point Loma, Paradise Hills, Poway, Spring Valley, Southeast San Diego, Tierrasanta, and University City. Other locations may be added depending on the need in the community.

 

Yes, on a space available basis. A student may begin at one location, and transfer to another learning center when space is available AND if student is making satisfactory progress.

If it your goal to return to your resident high school, your teacher and counselor will assist you in developing a plan to achieve that goal.  The plan may include the satisfactory completion of required courses to assist you in making the transition. 

 

No. Parents are responsible for providing transportation to the school site.

Parents/guardians are advised to discuss the CSSD as a voluntary option with their student’s current school counselor.

Parents/guardians may opt to begin the process by attending an Informational Appointment with a CSSD Student Services Representative who will share information regarding the school and assist with the admission process.

Informational Appointments are an opportunity to learn about the CSSD program educational program and requirements.  When the family decides to choose CSSD as the option for their student, the parent/guardian will complete admission documents and the student will participate in reading, math, and a writing assessment. The duration of these appointments may be from one to two hours.  (NOTE: Completing the documents and assessment DOES NOT mean the student is enrolled in the school – it begins the process.)

In addition to the documents you will complete at the Informational Appointment, CSSD needs the following:  

Admissions application (available online) or School Initiated Placement-SIP form (San Diego City Schools)

Transcript

Immunization/health records

Memo/note from previous school regarding student’s Special Education status or, if available, Encore Screen Print/Special Education information (San Diego City Schools)

If you qualify for public assistance, please bring social security numbers, certification letters, caseworker information.

NOTE:  Informational Appointments may be scheduled even if you don’t have ALL the documents.  CSSD’s Student Services Representative will assist in obtaining the documents from the previous school after the appointment

 

Call 858-678-2020.  Parent/guardian and student are required to attend the appointment together. 

Individual family appointments are held at CSSD Old Town Office (2245 San Diego Avenue, Suite 125) and at CSSD Sorrento Mesa Administrative Center (10170 Huennekens Street, San Diego 92121).

Appointments are available at

The Old Town Office: 

Additional locations and times will be scheduled as needed.

 

The counselor reviews records and assessments to initiate the personalized education plan for the student.

Student will be assigned to a Learning Center based on stated preferences AND the availability at the location.

Parent/guardian may need to assist in gathering documents to complete the process.

Students must continue attendance/enrollment in their current school until the family receives a call from the Learning Center teacher to meet. STAY IN SCHOOL!

How soon can I start?

You may get a call to meet with your teacher between two to three business days after your Information Appointment, IF there is space available in your learning center of preference AND IF your documents have been received, such as immunization records (a legal requirement to attend school), and transcripts (previous course and grade information), special education or 504 reports so that counselors and teachers are able to plan your school program.

Your parent/guardian will receive a call/email from the teacher to schedule your first meeting. Together parents, students, and teacher will review/modify the personal educational plan based on the student's academic and post-high school/career goals.  This is a very important meeting and both parent and student must attend this meeting.  At this meeting, the student will receive their first course and materials.