What is the Exemplary Independent Study Recognition Award (EISRA)?

The Exemplary Independent Study Recognition Award (EISRA) is a joint project of the California Consortium for Independent Study (CCIS) and the California Department of Education (CDE) that recognizes excellent educational practices in public schools where independent study is the primary mode of instruction. The EISRA is based on the Elements of Exemplary Independent Study. (Local Education Agency Support, Teacher Quality, Student Admissions, Standard Aligned Teacher and Materials, Student Achievement, School Leadership, School Culture, and WASC Accreditation)  Both The Classical Academy and the Coastal Academy hold this recognition and are the only two charter schools in the state to be included in this honored group of independent study schools.  

What is the (Academic Performance Index) API?

The Academic Performance Index (API) is a single number, ranging from a low of 200 to a high of 1000, which reflects a school’s performance level, based on the results of statewide testing. Its purpose is to measure the academic performance and growth of schools.  The API was established by the Public School Accountability Act (PSAA), a landmark state law passed in 1999 that created a new academic accountability system for K-12 public education in California. The Classical Academy consistently scores in the mid to high 800’s on the API. The goal statewide for all schools is 800.

Why is Accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Significant?

The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) provides validation to the public at large that an educational organization is a trustworthy institution of learning. WASC holds its own independent and rigorous review of a school’s programs, curricula, instruction, governance, assessments, student transcripts, operations, and leadership, to ensure that student learning is the highest priority.