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California Virtual Academy @ San Mateo School

Charter | K-12 | 908 students

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4 stars

Based on 16 ratings

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16 reviews of this school

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Posted April 30, 2013

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My son began at this school to remove him from the abusive environment he endured in the "traditional public schools" around where we live. He had been scoring so poorly in regular school, and was assaulted weekly due to his medical issues, and the school provided no support for him even disregarding when one teacher would verbally abuse him during classes. So I decided to try CAVA, and we were placed in CAVA-San Mateo district last school year. This program gave me back my child. We had freedom to work on his medical treatments, no lapses in his education during hospital stays, doctor's appointments didn't mean he missed any lessons, and his attitude changed so much. I had a happy child again, who smiled freely and had no reason to fear bullies anymore. His grades improved drastically and his test scores shot back up. This was the best thing that happened to my son's education in years. And his teacher has been beyond amazing, supportive, and so helpful. I even loved that when our area was transferred to CAVA-San Joaquin this year, that he got to keep the same teacher. This was the best academic choice ever for him. I'm so grateful for this school program.
—Submitted by a parent

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Posted December 18, 2012

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As a student, I prefer online over traditional school. I'm able to focus without social distractions and I've learned to manage my own time. Also, I have more available hours to work and volunteer.

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Posted December 30, 2011

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Our kids were in this program for only 3 months this fall but we had to pull them out because they were becoming starved for the company of other kids. So my review is based on that little time. We LOVED the curriculum and the technology. Homeschooling is a complicated process and it's done for a variety of reasons so CAVA can't possibly meet everyone's needs. So please view this as a critique, and not criticism. We thought there was just too much work being assigned. We're smart, educated people. Our kids are smart little bookworms. But it took every minute of our day to get through all of the assignments. We went from not enough science, art, and history in public school, to WAY TOO MUCH. My kids loved the courses (except for music, which we all agreed was really lame) but they became burned out on always being behind and always playing catchup. Also, the teacher was very disorganized and inexperienced. She had never taught public school before. She was inadequately trained on the school website/learning system and I found myself having to explain to her how some stuff worked. She had poor communication skills, which led to a lot of parent confusion.
—Submitted by a parent

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Posted October 27, 2011

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I have been with this school for going on the 6th year. My kids LOVE the program. We like the teachers they give us to help us out as needed. I do have to say that this year we have had more issues with the program than in the past 5 yrs. We are going into our 3rd teacher for my oldest child because of the school changing the grades each teacher is assigned to, and with each change different assignments are expected as the quarterly samples. I have called the head office and haven't had any luck in getting a response as to who our new teacher is going to be or when they are assigning us one. So far one week with no assigned teacher. NOT GOOD!
—Submitted by a parent

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Posted September 28, 2011

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We started with CAVA San Mateo this fall after removing our kids from the local school. It is wonderful! The teachers and administrative staff are so responsive I feel like they are in the room with me answering questions immediately. My kids are so happy and challenged - the hard part is slowing them down so they don't do school stuff all day long. It is an absolutely fabulous curriculum and we have the best teacher we have ever had in my kids' schooling experience. There are advanced programs for kids above grade level and the whole program is so flexible its amazing! There are lots and lots of social activities that allow the kids to meet others in the program. The only challenge is the ammount of work required by the parent, but for us its totally worth it to give our kids the kind of education we wish for them.
—Submitted by a parent

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Posted August 15, 2011

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I recently found out that many students are not scoring well on standardized tests and there is a huge push to get children at grade-level. This could be good, but if your child is not testing-age (2nd-12th) they are completely ignored. Also, there is very little concern about making sure your kids are soaking up the information. The emphasis is on making sure you log daily attendance rather than true education. I DO NOT RECOMMEND this school. There are a myriad of homeschool options out there. Look into them.
—Submitted by a parent

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Posted August 15, 2011

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I would NOT recommend this school, specifically for summer coursework. There is no oversight and it's hard to find assistance when problems arise. My student had technical issues from the 1st day of enrolling in CAVA summer school. She was booted out of CAVA a few days after enrolling during a system dump. Then the entire system crashed causing all students to lose the work they'd done. Subsequently, my niece was told she had to redo all the work she'd completed. To fix their mistake, her instructor excused her from some of her work & told her to complete exams only but she was locked out of all exams. The teacher said not to worry as she was getting a D-. My niece said she didnt want a D & was told that's all she could get due to the excused work. The technical problems were CAVA's & work was excused as a result, but the teacher ended up giving her 0's for the excused work. The administration said there was nothing they could do about it. This was a waste of time & $150. DONT REPEAT OUR MISTAKE.
—Submitted by a parent

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Posted April 27, 2011

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GREAT school and supportive staff! I will never put my children in traditional school again. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the curriculum and the format!!! The Cupertino Co-op helps with staying on pace and provides an excellent opportunity for socialization. :))
—Submitted by a parent

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Posted January 4, 2011

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We are new this year to CAVA. We left a "traditional" school b/c a "transional" school did not meet our expectation. Our family moves every couple of years and noticed that local elementary schools were at a low standard. I feel like CAVA is much more advanced in LA, Science and Math (right on the money) but History and Art are way above grade level and Music should be dropped or encouaged in a different way (like pre-school music). All in all our child is a second grader who reads on a fifth grade level (b/c of CAVA) Math is on a forth/fifth grade level and is not "timed" or rushed like a traditional school (not sure why they "time" kids). They have a great approach to learning. I do wish parents were more open to weekly "playdates".
—Submitted by a parent

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Posted August 30, 2010

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Great program for home schooling. Excellent materials such as books and teacher guides. You meet with the consular 3-4 times a year and she will test the child. Structured too. I highly recommend it if you are looking for the homeschooling of your child.
—Submitted by a parent

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Posted April 29, 2010

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school is on probation as having not met the criteria of no child left behind. the teachers and adminisators do not have the childrens best interest at heart. it is a ok program for home schooling.
—Submitted by a parent

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Posted February 21, 2010

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CAVA which operates under the national K12 organization provides a good home schooling alternative. Support for advance students is nil, teacher support while advetised in their brochures, is non existent.
—Submitted by a parent

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Posted February 10, 2010

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as a parent whose son started the 6th grade a year and a half ago, the learning expierence between this school and the former public school, which had the highest rating in redwood city is day and nite. my son who the public school put into remedial programs without my knowledge is excelling. he is ontime to finish 8th grade this year, that's 3 years of schooling in 2 years. having said that it's been a lonely battle to get new courses, school resist advancing students, teachers are worthless.
—Submitted by a parent

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Posted November 12, 2009

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The classes and everything is very good and it teaches and explains thing way better than regular school. The thing that upsetted me was they did not put my daughter in the classes she signed up for. I had to leave the school because of it.
—Submitted by a parent

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Posted September 20, 2009

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The curriculum is top notch, and I appreciate how it offers even kindergartners history, science, art and music. I feel like my kids are getting a complete and well rounded education.
—Submitted by a parent

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Posted August 18, 2008

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My son had trouble learning at a fantastic Charter school, but needed 1:1. CAVA saved us. We went up a whole grade level in 6 months. I learned so much about my son and his LD. CAVA teachers and curriculum are the best!
—Submitted by a parent

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2360 Shasta Way
Unit A
Simi Valley, CA 93065
Website: Click here
Phone: (866) 339-6787

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All Students	58%
Females	48%
Males	64%
African American	n/a
Asian	n/a
Filipino	n/a
Hispanic or Latino	n/a
American Indian or Alaska Native	n/a
White (not Hispanic)	54%
Economically disadvantaged	36%
Non-economically disadvantaged	67%
Students with disability	n/a
Students with no reported disability	60%
English learner	n/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only	58%
Migrant education	n/a
Gifted and talented	n/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate	n/a
Parent education - high school graduate	n/a
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)	46%
Parent education - college graduate	80%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate	67%
Parent education - declined to state	n/a

All Students	60%
Females	48%
Males	68%
African American	n/a
Asian	n/a
Filipino	n/a
Hispanic or Latino	n/a
American Indian or Alaska Native	n/a
White (not Hispanic)	62%
Economically disadvantaged	36%
Non-economically disadvantaged	67%
Students with disability	n/a
Students with no reported disability	62%
English learner	n/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only	60%
Migrant education	n/a
Gifted and talented	n/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate	n/a
Parent education - high school graduate	n/a
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)	38%
Parent education - college graduate	80%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate	73%
Parent education - declined to state	n/a

All Students	49%
Females	53%
Males	47%
African American	31%
Asian	n/a
Filipino	n/a
Hispanic or Latino	28%
American Indian or Alaska Native	n/a
White (not Hispanic)	62%
Economically disadvantaged	40%
Non-economically disadvantaged	51%
Students with disability	30%
Students with no reported disability	52%
English learner	n/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only	51%
Migrant education	n/a
Gifted and talented	n/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate	n/a
Parent education - high school graduate	n/a
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)	30%
Parent education - college graduate	59%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate	67%
Parent education - declined to state	n/a

All Students	53%
Females	57%
Males	50%
African American	17%
Asian	n/a
Filipino	n/a
Hispanic or Latino	28%
American Indian or Alaska Native	n/a
White (not Hispanic)	68%
Economically disadvantaged	33%
Non-economically disadvantaged	56%
Students with disability	n/a
Students with no reported disability	52%
English learner	n/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only	53%
Migrant education	n/a
Gifted and talented	n/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate	n/a
Parent education - high school graduate	n/a
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)	20%
Parent education - college graduate	64%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate	77%
Parent education - declined to state	n/a

All Students	68%
Females	67%
Males	69%
African American	n/a
Asian	n/a
Filipino	n/a
Hispanic or Latino	n/a
American Indian or Alaska Native	n/a
White (not Hispanic)	64%
Economically disadvantaged	69%
Non-economically disadvantaged	67%
Students with disability	n/a
Students with no reported disability	69%
English learner	n/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only	68%
Migrant education	n/a
Gifted and talented	n/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate	n/a
Parent education - high school graduate	n/a
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)	47%
Parent education - college graduate	92%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate	86%
Parent education - declined to state	n/a

All Students	79%
Females	84%
Males	75%
African American	n/a
Asian	n/a
Filipino	n/a
Hispanic or Latino	80%
White (not Hispanic)	95%
Economically disadvantaged	56%
Non-economically disadvantaged	86%
Students with disability	n/a
Students with no reported disability	78%
English learner	n/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only	79%
Migrant education	n/a
Gifted and talented	n/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate	n/a
Parent education - high school graduate	62%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)	82%
Parent education - college graduate	82%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate	93%
Parent education - declined to state	n/a

All Students	61%
Females	63%
Males	59%
African American	n/a
Asian	n/a
Filipino	n/a
Hispanic or Latino	53%
White (not Hispanic)	72%
Economically disadvantaged	44%
Non-economically disadvantaged	66%
Students with disability	n/a
Students with no reported disability	61%
English learner	n/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only	60%
Migrant education	n/a
Gifted and talented	n/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate	n/a
Parent education - high school graduate	38%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)	47%
Parent education - college graduate	71%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate	80%
Parent education - declined to state	n/a

All Students	41%
Females	40%
Males	43%
African American	n/a
Asian	n/a
Filipino	n/a
Hispanic or Latino	18%
American Indian or Alaska Native	n/a
White (not Hispanic)	54%
Economically disadvantaged	18%
Non-economically disadvantaged	49%
Students with disability	n/a
Students with no reported disability	42%
English learner	n/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only	41%
Migrant education	n/a
Gifted and talented	n/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate	n/a
Parent education - high school graduate	8%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)	26%
Parent education - college graduate	55%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate	68%
Parent education - declined to state	n/a

All Students	14%
Females	11%
Males	18%
African American	0%
Asian	n/a
Filipino	n/a
Hispanic or Latino	6%
White (not Hispanic)	15%
Economically disadvantaged	6%
Non-economically disadvantaged	18%
Students with disability	n/a
Students with no reported disability	15%
English learner	n/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only	14%
Migrant education	n/a
Gifted and talented	n/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate	n/a
Parent education - high school graduate	3%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)	0%
Parent education - college graduate	15%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate	47%
Parent education - declined to state	n/a

All Students	19%
Females	n/a
Males	n/a
African American	n/a
Asian	n/a
Filipino	n/a
Hispanic or Latino	n/a
White (not Hispanic)	n/a
Economically disadvantaged	n/a
Non-economically disadvantaged	n/a
Students with disability	n/a
Students with no reported disability	18%
English learner	n/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only	20%
Gifted and talented	n/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate	n/a
Parent education - high school graduate	n/a
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)	n/a
Parent education - college graduate	n/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate	n/a
Parent education - declined to state	n/a

All Students	65%
Females	66%
Males	63%
African American	46%
Asian	n/a
Filipino	n/a
Hispanic or Latino	53%
American Indian or Alaska Native	n/a
White (not Hispanic)	68%
Economically disadvantaged	42%
Non-economically disadvantaged	76%
Students with disability	n/a
Students with no reported disability	67%
English learner	n/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only	66%
Migrant education	n/a
Gifted and talented	n/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate	n/a
Parent education - high school graduate	47%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)	52%
Parent education - college graduate	83%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate	68%
Parent education - declined to state	74%

All Students	27%
Females	n/a
Males	n/a
African American	n/a
Asian	n/a
Filipino	n/a
Hispanic or Latino	n/a
White (not Hispanic)	n/a
Economically disadvantaged	n/a
Non-economically disadvantaged	n/a
Students with disability	n/a
Students with no reported disability	27%
English learner	n/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only	n/a
Gifted and talented	n/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate	n/a
Parent education - high school graduate	n/a
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)	n/a
Parent education - college graduate	n/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate	n/a
Parent education - declined to state	n/a

All Students	16%
Females	0%
Males	36%
African American	n/a
Asian	n/a
Filipino	n/a
Hispanic or Latino	n/a
American Indian or Alaska Native	n/a
White (not Hispanic)	8%
Economically disadvantaged	n/a
Non-economically disadvantaged	14%
Students with disability	n/a
Students with no reported disability	17%
English learner	n/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only	17%
Gifted and talented	n/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate	n/a
Parent education - high school graduate	n/a
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)	n/a
Parent education - college graduate	25%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate	n/a
Parent education - declined to state	n/a

All Students	29%
Females	23%
Males	34%
African American	n/a
Asian	n/a
Filipino	n/a
Hispanic or Latino	14%
American Indian or Alaska Native	n/a
White (not Hispanic)	29%
Economically disadvantaged	18%
Non-economically disadvantaged	31%
Students with disability	n/a
Students with no reported disability	28%
English learner	n/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only	29%
Gifted and talented	n/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate	n/a
Parent education - high school graduate	15%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)	31%
Parent education - college graduate	43%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate	n/a
Parent education - declined to state	n/a

All Students	8%
Females	10%
Males	4%
African American	n/a
Asian	n/a
Filipino	n/a
Hispanic or Latino	0%
White (not Hispanic)	14%
Economically disadvantaged	0%
Non-economically disadvantaged	10%
Students with disability	n/a
Students with no reported disability	6%
English learner	n/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only	8%
Gifted and talented	n/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate	n/a
Parent education - high school graduate	0%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)	0%
Parent education - college graduate	12%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate	n/a
Parent education - declined to state	n/a

All Students	45%
Females	50%
Males	37%
African American	n/a
Asian	n/a
Filipino	n/a
Hispanic or Latino	24%
American Indian or Alaska Native	n/a
White (not Hispanic)	58%
Economically disadvantaged	23%
Non-economically disadvantaged	50%
Students with disability	n/a
Students with no reported disability	44%
English learner	n/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only	43%
Gifted and talented	n/a
Parent education - not a high school graduate	n/a
Parent education - high school graduate	17%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)	40%
Parent education - college graduate	65%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate	55%
Parent education - declined to state	45%

All Students	88%
Females	91%
Males	84%
African American	n/a
Asian	n/a
Filipino	n/a
Hispanic or Latino	90%
American Indian or Alaska Native	n/a
White (not Hispanic)	92%
Declined to state	85%
Economically disadvantaged	81%
Non-economically disadvantaged	93%
Economic Status Unknown	n/a
Students with disability	n/a
Tested with modifications	n/a
English learner	n/a
Language Fluency Unknown	n/a

Ethnicity	This school	State average
White	44%	28%
African American	14%	7%
Multiple or No Response	13%	3%
Hispanic or Latino	11%	49%
Asian	10%	8%
Filipino	4%	3%
American Indian or Alaska Native	2%	1%
Pacific Islander	2%	1%

	This school	District average	State average
English language learners ¹	1%	N/A	24%
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program ²	36%	N/A	52%

Students typically attend these schools prior to attending this school	Brick and Mortar Public School
Read more about resources at this school

	This school	District average	State average
Average years teaching in district	2	N/A	11
Average years teaching	9	N/A	13

	This school	District average	State average
Full credential	100%	N/A	96%
Emergency credential or waiver	0%	N/A	2%

Level of special education programming offered	Basic - the school offers or partners to provide services based on the needs of individual students
Extra learning resources offered	Differentiated learning programs

Music	Theory
Media arts	Graphics Technical design and production
Clubs	Art club Arts and crafts Dance club: Flamenco Sewing/knitting club

Foreign languages taught	French German Latin Spanish
Level of ESL/ELL programming offered	Basic - the school offers or partners to provide services based on the needs of individual students
Clubs	Foreign language club: Spanish, French, German

California Virtual Academy @ San Mateo School

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4 stars

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16 reviews of this school

751

-5

3 / 10

8 / 10

API Growth scores over time

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API Growth scores by subgroup

Did this school meet all the API goals for student subgroups this year?

751

What is the API?

-5

Change from 2011 to 2012

3 / 10

API Statewide Rank (2011)

8 / 10

API Similar Schools Rank (2011)

English Language Arts

Math

About the tests

English Language Arts

Math

About the tests

English Language Arts

Math

About the tests

English Language Arts

Math

Science

About the tests

English Language Arts

Math

About the tests

Algebra I

English Language Arts

Math

About the tests

Algebra I

English Language Arts

General Mathematics (Grades 6 & 7 Standards)

Geometry

History - Social Science Grade 8 Cumulative

Science

About the tests

Algebra I

Algebra II

Biology/Life Sciences

Earth Science

English Language Arts

General Mathematics (Grades 6 & 7 Standards)

Geometry

Integrated/Coordinated Science 1

World History

About the tests

Algebra I

Algebra II

Biology/Life Sciences

Chemistry

Earth Science

English Language Arts

Geometry

High School (Summative) Mathematics (Grade 9-11)

Science

World History

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Algebra I

Algebra II

Biology/Life Sciences

Chemistry

Earth Science

English Language Arts

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Instructional and/or curriculum models used	Advanced placement courses Gifted / high performing Honors track
Extra learning resources offered	Acceleration
College preparation / awareness resources offered	College prep programs/courses during the year College presentations or information sessions School-sponsored trips to college campuses
Clubs	Debate National Honor Society

School Leader's name	Katrina Abston
Best ways for parents to contact the school	Phone
Gender	Coed
Special schedule	Part-time study
Is there an application process?	Yes
Fax number	(805) 581-0330

Instructional and/or curriculum models used Don't understand these terms?	Advanced placement courses Gifted / high performing Honors track Independent Study Virtual school
Specific academic themes or areas of focus Don't understand these terms?	None
Bi-lingual or language immersion programs offered Don't understand these terms?	No
Level of special education programming offered	Basic - the school offers or partners to provide services based on the needs of individual students
Foreign languages taught	French German Latin Spanish
Level of ESL/ELL programming offered	Basic - the school offers or partners to provide services based on the needs of individual students
Vocational or skills-based training offered	None

Extra learning resources offered	Acceleration Career/college counseling Counseling Differentiated learning programs Mentoring
College preparation / awareness resources offered	College prep programs/courses during the year College presentations or information sessions School-sponsored trips to college campuses
Transportation provided for students by the school / district	None
School facilities	None

Visual arts	None
Music	Theory
Performing arts	None
Media arts	Graphics Technical design and production

Dress Code	Neither uniforms nor dress code
Bullying policy	This school has a bullying and/or cyber bullying policy in place.
Parent involvement	Attend parent nights Chaperone school trips Organize cultural events Organize fundraising events (school auction, bake sales, etc.) Present special topics during curricular units Tutor Volunteer in the classroom
More from this school	At CAVA, we put extra effort into creating social and academic opportunities outside of the home, so students and their families can make friends and stay connected. In addition to ongoing in-person and online events, we offer the Community Day program for CAVA families, as well as parents to enjoy the best of two learning environments—a traditional brick-and-mortar setting and online learning—with the support of an entire community of students and their families, CAVA teachers and staff.