high school university model
university model
Our high school program continues in the classical model of our K-8 program with an emphasis on students learning to thoughtfully and effectively express themselves through writing, discussion, and oral presentations.
The SLO Classical Academy High School (SLOCAHS) program is set up as a University Model, where students attend school three days weekly (M/W/F) and study independent two days weekly (T/Th), much like in a college setting. Students are required to remain at a full-time status and enrolled in at least four classes, but there is some flexibility in course selection. We also offer a 5 days/week on-campus option (click below for more details!). Our students have a reputation for the love of learning and are willing to work hard. Parent involvement is important, but they are no longer considered “home educators” as student independence is required.
5-day program
More time on campus with mentorship, increased community, and added enrichment opportunities.
In addition to our University Model 3-day program—where students attend a full load of classes Monday, Wednesday, and Friday with independent study at home on Tuesdays and Thursdays—we also offer a five days/week on-campus option with additional teacher support and electives. Students in the 5-day program experience increased community building with their peers, supported independent study and mentorship with teachers, and added enrichment opportunities. This 5-day program follows our proven University Model with students attending their full class load on M/W/F, while on T/Th they are on campus with teacher-directed mornings, student-directed afternoons, as well as an optional enrichment elective (examples include Art, Theatre, or Physical Education). This program supports more students in becoming independent, collaborative leaders equipped with the life skills for high school and beyond.
Rather than two 17-week semesters of six classes each, we have two 14.5-week semesters with five classes each followed by two 2.5 week specialty terms with a one class concentration. These speciality terms are known as Winter Immersives and Spring Immersives. This schedule gives students fewer classes at a time, allowing them more time to focus on each subject without loss of class opportunities. In fact, this structure allows SLOCAHS to offer more experiential learning options like Marine Biology, Shakespeare + The Globe (with a week long trip to Ashland, Oregon to attend the Shakespeare Festival), and Woodworking.
