ABOUT US

OUR MISSION

Escondido Charter High School is committed to providing a safe and orderly learning environment in which teachers are responsible for implementing a curriculum based on the fundamental skills that form the foundation of learning: reading, writing, mathematics, and computer skills. Accomplishment in academic areas is stressed. In addition, Escondido Charter High School emphasizes the understanding and appreciation of American Civilization and United States History. Escondido Charter High School believes that parents and the school share a dual responsibility in developing the education plan that will provide the individual student the opportunity to succeed both as a scholar and as a citizen.

OUR VALUES

We partner with parents to encourage academic success. We keep our parents informed and involved. We encourage them to meet with their student’s teachers to learn how they can assist their student at home. We invite participation through parent groups and individual volunteers on campus.

We honor parents and support families. We believe that parents are responsible for teaching their own family values and beliefs. We respect parental authority and seek to affirm the role of parents as leaders in the home. We promote family-friendly activities, and encourage our students to dress and behave in a manner that bolsters success.

Academic Excellence | We hold our students to high academic standards. We set high expectations and help our students to reach them. We challenge our students to excel with assignments that require them to think critically. Our grading scale and grade-based promotions are based on merit and performance.

We are committed to providing a rigorous college-prep education. We offer an advanced academic curriculum that meets or exceeds the entrance requirements of highly-competitive universities. Many of our students take additional years of science and math. We encourage our students to take AP courses, and they have regularly performed well on the AP exams.

We ensure a solid base of fundamental knowledge and skills. Our college prep courses meet or exceed all state standards and have been accepted by the University of California system as meeting their entrance requirements. We require our students to demonstrate mastery in core academic subjects, and our students routinely perform well on standardized tests and the California High School Exit Exam.

We motivate our students to develop higher-order thinking skills. We challenge our students to move beyond an understanding of the facts, and encourage them to develop creative problem-solving skills. Our teachers prepare students for the rigors of college coursework by requiring analysis and evaluation of concepts and principles.

Educational Innovation | We provide customized instruction for our students. We evaluate each student’s progress to determine what areas require additional emphasis, and then we tailor our coursework to meet the students’ needs. Our teachers are continually seeking new ways to differentiate instruction to make an impact on every student.

Our teachers provide focused mentoring to their students. Our teachers get to know their students as individuals. They build trusting relationships that help them to identify their students’ educational needs and structure their mentoring efforts to meet them. They take a personal interest in the success of their students.

We encourage “artisan” instructors who take pride in their work and develop their own successful teaching styles. We hire great teachers and give them the freedom to teach to the best of their abilities. Individuality and creativity are rewarded at ECHS, and our teachers are allowed to develop innovative and unique instructional techniques.

We use technology to supplement personal instruction. Technology enhances the educational environment, but does not replace quality teachers. It provides our teachers with supplemental tools to create a richer educational experience. Technology enables our teachers to use their time more effectively.

Character Building | We provide a supportive environment to help students strengthen positive character traits. We believe in fostering honesty and integrity. We promote the development self-discipline. We help our students to gain a healthy respect for hard work and encourage self-sacrifice through community service.

American Heritage | We believe all students should appreciate American Heritage and understand America’s unique position in the world. We believe in the free-market system, the rights of the individual, and the American entrepreneurial spirit. We promote a healthy respect for America’s founding principles and patriots and promote a love of Liberty.

OUR HISTORY

The Beginning | In 1992, the California State Legislature passed the Charter Schools Act, which allowed for the formation of independent public schools that were free from many of the bureaucratic burdens placed on regular district schools. These schools were required to operate under a “charter” granted by a local school district.

Early in the charter movement, Dennis “Coach” Snyder, took up the challenge to create a new type of high school, with a focus on fundamentals and a passion for American Heritage. Coach Snyder was a long-time teacher in the Escondido High School District, and in 1996, he gave up his career to found Escondido Charter High School.

ECHS had humble beginnings in a business park along East Valley Parkway in Escondido. Starting with only 30 students, the school soon grew to fill all of the offices in three buildings. A close-knit school culture emerged, with teachers, students, and parents working together to provide a quality education.

As demand increased, Escondido Charter High School sought a new location for its campus. In 2003, the school purchased the Edwards Cinema across the street and built Phase One of the new campus, which included a beautiful library, modern computer labs, and an athletics field. The focus on American Heritage continued, and statues of Abraham Lincoln and students reciting the pledge around the flagpole were added.

Three years later, Phase Two of the project was completed adding a 400-seat theater and gymnasium complex. Over 15 years, the school has grown to serve nearly 900 students and has achieved some of the highest test scores in the state. It is one of the top-ranked schools, and has seen its students accepted to highly-competitive universities throughout the country.

OUR CAMPUS

Our Campus | Our campus has a collegial atmosphere that inspires students to act in a mature manner. The academic environment is free from distractions, and students are expected to maintain proper decorum while on campus. Our students respect the facilities and assist us in maintaining a clean and inviting campus.

Student Body | Our students are respectful of others and of the school. Our students are friendly, caring, and conscientious. They are dedicated to excellence in education. Our students treat each other like family.

OUR FAMILY

United for Success | Our administrators, faculty, and staff are united for success. We have avoided artificial labor and management divisions. We work together as a team to provide the best possible educational experience for our students. We are a non-union business, with very satisfied employees. We are dedicated to providing the best possible services to our clients – the students and their parents.

Quality Teachers | We have excellent teachers who are dedicated to their profession and their students. Our teachers are enthusiastic about teaching and about their subject matter and are genuinely interested in each student’s success. All of our teachers are highly qualified and credentialed, and many have advanced degrees.

Dedicated Staff | Our support and maintenance personnel are committed to the school’s vision. They support the school’s educational goals and work hard to ensure that the day-to-day operations run smoothly. They are helpful to parents and treat students with respect.

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THE ECHS INDIVIDUALIZED LEARNING PROGRAM

One-on-one Instruction | Your student will be assigned a personal teacher who will be the key person and primary teacher throughout their academic experience. Their teachers will provide in-depth, one-on-one instruction and assist with course selection and sequence. These specialized teachers are adept at tailoring the instruction to the individual student’s needs.

Each personal teacher really gets to know his or her students. In most cases, students and teachers stay together for the entire four years of high school. We take care in matching student personalities and learning styles with the right teacher for them. Through the strong relationships they build, the personal teachers are able to hold students accountable for the completion and comprehension of course material.

Each personal teacher also functions as an academic advisor for each student. They make sure their student is meeting graduation requirements and planning for his or her future. If a student plans to go on to college, pursue a career, or join the military, their personal teacher will help coordinate all necessary requirements.

Flexible Schedule | As opposed to a traditional school schedule, Individualized Learning Program (ILP) students have a flexible, part-time schedule similar to that of college students. ILP students meet with their personal teachers for one-hour each week and attend school on a year-round basis. In addition to their weekly one-on-one meeting, students will also take modular courses for computers, math and career courses. Modular courses are generally two hours per day, two days per week for a 16-20 week period.

ILP students must possess the motivation and skills to work independently with parental oversight. The majority of course work will be completed at home; therefore each ILP student must have proficient reading and research skills. Students typically work on only one or two subjects at a time, allowing them to focus on the material more intently.

ILP provides each student the ability to work at his or her own pace and pursue outside activities and interests. Some students opt to accelerate their studies and graduate early. Others are simultaneously enrolled in Palomar College courses and earning college credit while completing high school. Many are pursuing outside interests such as amateur/pro-athletics as well as entertainment careers.

College and Career Preparation | ILP is a fully WASC accredited program that provides the widest range of options for high school students. All ECHS teachers are credentialed. The personal teachers work extensively with students and parents to determine the academic plan that helps each individual student reach his or her highest potential.

ILP students have a wide range of options available for them to pursue at ECHS. Listed below are two college-bound plans, a basic high school graduation plan, and a career technical education path available to all ILP students. Civil Air Patrol is also offered for students interested in military careers.

Advanced Academic Diploma (260 Credits): This diploma plan is designed for students who are planning to attend the University of California system or other highly competitive schools. All students entering this program must be prepared to take college preparatory courses in English, science, mathematics, and first year foreign language as a freshman.

Academic Diploma (230 Credits): This diploma plan is designed for students who are planning to attend California State Universities and colleges with equivalent entrance requirements. Students entering this program must be prepared to take college preparatory courses by their sophomore year.

General Diploma (210 Credits): This diploma plan is designed for ILP students who are planning to enter the work force and/or attend community college or vocational training programs after graduation. Although focused on general level courses, students may take college preparatory courses in the major academic areas.

Career Technical Education (AATech) courses are available to all ILP students regardless of their chosen credit plan. ECHS is currently offering modular courses in career pathways that require additional training beyond high school and offer higher starting salaries. Courses are connected with Palomar College and students may receive college credit for courses completed. Students are encouraged to continue with their chosen field of study after high school. We currently offer a series of courses in the following career pathways:

Fire Technology
Criminal Justice
Digital Imaging
Entertainment Technology
Information Technology

Student Enrichment | Both TCP and ILP students have many options to participate in enrichment activities that complement their academic program. At ECHS academic achievement is the priority, therefore, in order for students to participate in extracurricular activities they must maintain a minimum 2.5 grade point average.

In order to allow students to develop skills that will be useful in their future professional endeavors, ECHS offers academically oriented activities including: ASB, Key Club, Robotics, Choir, and Drama.

ECHS Athletics provide the opportunity to build character, maintain physical fitness, and cultivate a spirit of teamwork. ECHS currently offers the following team sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross-Country, Football, Golf, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, and Volleyball.

ECHS provides social activities in a family-friendly environment where all students are welcome to participate and show their school spirit. Social Activities include Homecoming Dance, Prom, ECHS Arts Festival, and Grad Night.

CLICK HERE for ILP Admissions

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THE ECHS TRADITIONAL CLASSROOM PROGRAM

Classroom-Based Instruction | By design, the Traditional Classroom Program (TCP) is a small, intimate learning environment.TCP class sizes average 20 students, as opposed to over 35 in many district schools today. By keeping the teacher to student ratio low, we create close-knit environment where students benefit by receiving personalized instruction.

Even though the classroom setting is traditional, the instructional approach is innovative and engaging. The TCP instructors take advantage of the small classroom environment by providing meaningful conversation, debate, and student interaction. Students are given collaborative learning and project-based assignments which make the curriculum more relevant.

The TCP Academic Advisor meets with each student individually on a regular basis to plan for their high school success and college preparation. Students work with the advisor to optimize their academic program based on specific college and career goals. The advisor periodically meets with students to review progress, assess aptitudes, and make recommendations.

Traditional Schedule | The TCP schedule is a typical high-school schedule familiar to all. TCP students are required to attend classes five days a week, six periods a day, two semesters a year with summertime off and vacation time on major holidays. All instruction takes place on campus in a classroom setting.

Classroom instruction prepares students to be college-ready after graduation. Lecture/note-taking, study habits, and daily homework are hallmarks of a classical education. Being on campus for the required hours provides daily social interaction and fosters a unique, family-oriented campus culture. TCP students are required to complete community service activities each school year. This experience provides an opportunity for personal growth and recognition of the value of giving back while adding depth to their college application resumes.

College Preparation | TCP offers college preparatory, honors and advanced placement classes. All TCP curriculum is promotes critical thinking, creative problem solving and other important academic skills. TCP places heavy emphasis on college-prep reading, writing, math and science. Students pursuing the advanced academic diploma will complete three years of lab science and a fourth year of higher-level math.

Advanced Academic Diploma (260 Credits): This diploma plan is designed for students who are planning to attend the University of California system or other highly competitive schools. All students entering this program must be prepared to take college preparatory courses in English, science, mathematics, and first year foreign language as a freshman.

Academic Diploma (230 Credits): This diploma plan is designed for students who are planning to attend California State Universities and colleges with equivalent entrance requirements. Students entering this program must be prepared to take college preparatory courses by their sophomore year.

The TCP Academic Advisor offers assistance and guidance to parents and students who are preparing to apply to colleges and universities. At each grade level there are specific training sessions focused on the steps to be taken and goals to be achieved during that academic year. During the senior year, the series of training sessions culminate in applications for scholarships and college/university entrance. Because of this program, ECHS TCP students have a tremendous track record for receiving scholarships and gaining entrance to the most competitive colleges and universities.

Student Enrichment | Both TCP and ILP students have many options to participate in enrichment activities which will complement their academic program. At ECHS academic achievement is the priority, therefore in order for students to participate in extracurricular activities they must minimally maintain a 2.5 grade point average.

In order to allow students to develop skills that will be useful in their future professional endeavors, ECHS offers Academically Oriented Activities including: ASB, Key Club, Robotics, Choir, Drama, and Saxon Day.

ECHS Athletics provide the opportunity to build character, maintain physical fitness and cultivate a spirit of teamwork. School families and the community rally in support of all participants. ECHS currently offers the following team sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross- Country, Football, Golf, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, and Volleyball.

ECHS provides social activities in a family-friendly environment where all students are welcome to participate and show their school spirit. Social Activities include: Homecoming Game, Homecoming Dance, Winter Formal, Spring Formal, Prom, Arts Festivals, Grad Night, and Graduation Ceremonies.

CLICK HERE for TCP Admissions.