Overview

Mt. Everest Academy (MEA) is a K-12 alternative school that offers a blended program of independent study and in person classroom instruction. We do not offer an online program.

Mt. Everest Academy is a Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accredited K-12 school that assists student learning at home using state-adopted curriculum with the support, guidance, and supervision of credentialed teachers. Students and parents are supplied with educational materials and educational workshops.

Mt. Everest offers a truly unique school option that includes flexibility for the highly motivated student.

Mission Statement

The mission of Mt. Everest Academy is to support the academic, emotional, and social development of all students in a collaborative learning environment that is a blend of independent work and in-person classes.

Our Vision

Mt. Everest Academy, in partnership with parents, will offer a dynamic K-12 educational opportunity that promotes student-centered learning and prepares students to live meaningful and fulfilling lives as positive contributors to our society and world.

Independent Study vs. Home Schooling

The difference between homeschooling and independent study has to do with satisfying the requirements of the California Education Code.

Home Schooling describes an educational method that occurs outside the public education system.

Independent Study (home-based) is the public option where the student does school work under the guidance of a credentialed teacher to meet state standards with materials provided by the school. Our families receive the same standards-based texts and teacher support materials that are used in the neighborhood schools.

Supervising Teachers

All students have a supervising teacher who facilitates enrollment, distributes materials, coordinates their studies, and collects student work. The parent, student, and supervising teacher sign a contract that outlines what is to be studied and when the work is due.

Student Work

All students turn in their work monthly and present it to the supervising teacher on or before the due date. Supervising teachers and subject teachers review the work and evaluate academic progress. The work is then returned to the parent or student with feedback.

Classes

The MEA instructional model combines independent study with participation in required weekly classes. Weekly classes and labs support the California content standards-based curricula. Students may not have scheduled classes every day of the week; however, many valuable clubs, activities, and enrichment opportunities are offered on campus throughout the week.

Classes are taught by credentialed teachers who assess student work. Classes offer direct instruction, collaborative learning, and enrichment.

Some of our high school students also enroll in a community college during high school.

Extracurricular Activities

MEA offers several extracurricular activities on campus. Many of MEA's extracurricular activities are student-led. Check out MEA's club page for more information.

Features

Available to MEA students:

• Required weekly in-person classes.

• California content standards-based curricula.

• Small campus with individualized attention

• Interactive learning with i21 SDUSD technology

• Standardized testing and district benchmarks

• Two distinct CTE (Career Technical Education) pathways: Information Technology and Biomedical Science.

• School counseling program (ASCA Model)

• Science lab and regular lab activities

• Computer classroom for the Information Technology CTE pathway

• Parent/student resource center and school library

• Music instruction: band, orchestra, choir, guitar

• GATE-certified teachers and Honors/AP courses

• Challenging high school courses with an intensive college preparatory focus

• Supportive and safe learning environment

• Responsive staff willing to help at every step

School Expectations

Parent involvement and collaboration in a student's education is a key factor in the high rate of success for independent study students. Younger students need strong parental involvement. High school students need continued parental guidance as they develop increasing levels of self-discipline.

Successful families in our program plan on an enrollment of at least one year and meet the following expectations:

• Students who can work well individually and/or with one-to-one instruction.

• Parents who can provide their K-8 child with at least 4 hours of supervised instruction daily.

• K-8 parents who will create and implement weekly lessons based on teacher assignments.

• K-8 parents who feel confident teaching in all subject areas and who will maintain a weekly activity log.

If you meet the expectations listed above and are interested in this unique opportunity, please call Mt. Everest Academy at (619) 605-8700.