SOMIS ACADEMY TESTIMONIALS

TESTIMONIALS of Somis Academy Charter High School Parents & Students

"My son has grown so much since he has gone to Somis Academy. He is doing much more schoolwork now and he actually has a goal for his future."
~ A.T.

"Somis Academy is the only way to go for me, since I have a busy life. It fits my schedule, allowing me to spend more time with my mom and hold a part time job. It also allows me to focus on what I love- music. I don't know if I'll be famous one day, but I'll get pretty close with as much time as I have now to practice!"
~ Anonymous student

"It has shown me a new perspective on school. I am enjoying it and I like that it gives me more time to do my assignments. Also the teachers that this school has are great and they help me a lot with my homework."
~ Anonymous student

 

EXPERIENCING SOMIS ACADEMY CHARTER SCHOOL

History of Somis Academy Charter High School

Somis Academy was chartered through the Somis Union School Board at the December 2002 board meeting to be a High School for home schooled students.

Somis Academy opened its doors in August 2003. An outgrowth of the popular Somis Home Study Program, Somis Academy was designed by teachers and parents of that program to enable students to attend high school after finishing in the K-8 program. The first year the school was in session, the school was housed in Room 6 of the Somis Union School. The doors opened to 78 home study students.

Growth came quickly, and the school moved to Camarillo after a diligent search was made to find a location in Somis. The academy found its home in a storefront on Pickwick in Camarillo, and stayed there for one year.

Then the school found its home on Flynn Road in Camarillo. Easy freeway access, and pleasant surroundings have made this our home for several years.

About Home Schooling

In the early days of our country, mostly all students were home schooled, taught by their parents, the values and character of their family. Tutors, or mentors, were hired in to teach what the parents could not teach.

Today, there is a resurgence of parents who feel that the classroom experience is not working for their student. Yet, tutors and mentors are expensive, and parents are questioning their abilities to home school their students.

Somis Academy has created a hybrid approach to education—taking the best of all forms of education. Parents can support their students at home, credentialed teachers create lesson plans, and assess the performance of the students, and Subject Specialists will be available for the student when there is a difficult time with the subject material. Thus, this form of Personalized Learning, is well suited for most students.

About The Patriot

In honor of the roots of home schooling in our country, the Patriot became the symbol of Somis Academy. Standing as a sentinel, safeguarding the home and hearth, stretching out to build new experiences, and being ready to protect values, the character of the Patriot represents the character of the Somis Academy family.

Families who step out of the mold of traditional education are pioneers, and soon learn that they step up to the challenge. Students as well, learn of strengths they have that were undiscovered before. Leadership becomes a part of the student’s makeup as they process through Somis Academy experience.

Addition of Kindergarten—Eighth Grades

Kindergarten through 8th grades were added August 2007. With the addition of these grades, we were able to offer a consistent program to families with students of multiple grade levels. Now the school offers rich curriculum to all 12 grades.

What is a Charter School?

Charter Schools are non traditional schools that are created for a variety of reasons. The charter is granted for a period not to exceed 5 years. Charter Schools in California are granted by Local Education Agencies (LEA).

Somis Academy’s first five year Charter was renewed in Spring of 2007 for an additional five years.

The Somis Union School Board, an elected board of education, is the board for Somis Academy, and the fiscal representative for the school is Ventura County Schools Business Services Authority.

Visual and Performing Arts School

In a response to students who were involved in performing arts in the community, the Academy developed a School of Visual and Performing Arts during the 2005-2006 school year to ensure students be given the opportunity to study academically that which they enjoy the most. (See High School section for more information)

Business School

Not all students are academic achievers in college preparatory materials. Many students are interested in careers that are outside the scope of formal academic training. For that purpose, Somis Academy provides a Business school for students who desire to learn about business.

Students who want to explore trades may do so through the career electives offered at Somis Academy and through the Regional Occupational Programs located in the community where the student lives. (See High School section for more information)

Jumpstarting College

We encourage 11th and 12th grade students who desire to jumpstart their education to attend courses at the local community colleges. Students can be concurrently enrolled at the community college while earning their high school diploma Somis Academy. Student must meet certain requirements before concurrent enrollment can be approved (see counselor).