SLO Classical Academy High School
campus life
People who are concerned with ‘the eternal verities’ would do well to remember that fun is one of them.
– John Steinbeck
We are continually offering opportunities to cultivate the SLOCAHS social life—we like to have fun! These include, but are not limited to: our Fall Retreat, movie nights, local outings, sporting events, hikes, plays, travel opportunities, and dances (Homecoming, Winter Formal, and Prom). Students are formally inducted into one of our four high school houses—each with its own culture, traditions, rituals, social activities, and governing bodies. Belonging to a house provides students with even more opportunities to connect, to create, and to lead in the high school community. From our community-oriented campus to our many events, high school students find a place where they not only love learning, but are also known and have found their people.
campus
In February of 2023, SLOCA HS moved from the multi-house High School campus on Grand Ave. to a newly-renovated building and outdoor area near downtown SLO. The new building was beautified with a colorful mural painted outside the building as well as indoor art by community artists. A large outdoor area with picnic tables, grass areas, ping pong, spike ball and more plus lots of room to move around was added, and we now have more classrooms and indoor areas for socializing and doing homework.
house system
Modeled on the residential college system of schools like Oxford and Cambridge, our campus houses are more than just classrooms: they are hubs of social activity—each house with its own culture, traditions, rituals, and governing bodies. All students are formally inducted into houses (we don’t have a Sorting Hat, unfortunately) which will provide them new opportunities to connect, to create, and to lead in the high school community.
“I need lots of time, a big house with room for lots of desks, and a batch of people to befriend—people who are also working among bits of paper all day…. I like having a class of smart students to teach, like watching them learn. Day after day you can study, or simply love, the variety of human good nature…. It is all a parade. It is all interesting. Dig anywhere.”
-Annie Dillard
clubs + extracurriculars
Students can join a variety of clubs including Student Council, The Hanging Lantern Review (our annual literary journal), Yearbook team, Poetry Out Loud, Ancient’s Club, Surf Club, Pickleball Club, Chess Club, and our Scholar-to-Scholar program. Students are also encouraged to pursue their own interests and develop personal initiative by establishing, with the school’s support, new clubs and activities. Here is a look into some of our more established clubs:
Hanging Lantern Review
The Hanging Lantern Review is SLOCAHS’s online literary arts/culture blog and annual print magazine showcasing the talents and ideas of young adults throughout San Luis Obispo County.
Student Council
SLOCAHS Student Council offers students the opportunity to develop their leadership skills and contribute to our campus culture. Elected officials represent the interests of their respective campus houses, serve as liaisons to the SLOCA staff, and plan and host the creative, unique events that make SLOCAHS a spirited, fun, student-centered community.
social events
In addition to all our activities and campus events, we have many social events throughout the year including potlucks, movie and discussion nights, read-alouds, bonfires, holiday gatherings, and dances (including Homecoming, Winter Formal, and Junior/Senior Prom).
retreats
We start the school year off with a High School Fall Retreat. We spend three days together in a beautiful part of the state—getting to know one another, engaging in orientation activities, and having fun!
Field trips
We incorporate field trips into several of our Winter/Spring Term classes and sometimes other classes—from local day trips to out of town museums, amusement parks or camping excursions.
Spirit Week
Twice a year, we set aside a full week to celebrate SLOCAHS and our Campus Houses. Packed to the brim with athletics events, parties, dances, and friendly house competitions, our Spring and Fall Spirit Weeks are the most lively times for students to come together.
Senior trip
As graduation nears, each senior class gets to choose and plan a trip together at a destination of their choice.
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