There are as many reasons for choosing Carlsbad Seaside Academy as there are students in the program. The individualization this forum affords is unique in the public school system. This is the greatest advantage parents and students see in this school.

In our K-8 Home Education Program, parents have made this choice to have more direct control over their children’s education, enhancing the educational and cultural experiences of their children through visits to museums, performances in the arts, science and math exhibits/fairs among others. Parents and teachers can select the best activities to complement each student’s learning style, while supporting students who learn at a different pace. Most of the home school students learn through inquiry—discovering through investigation, a method which gives the students a better understanding of underlying principles while helping them also to retain the knowledge they’ve acquired. Many parents have also expressed their desire to take this opportunity to spend more time getting to know their children. Home schooling offers a wonderful chance to understand what their children are thinking and feeling and to really get to know the children as individuals.

In our 9-12 Independent Study Program, motivation for choosing this school is even more varied. Many students choose this school because they prefer a smaller environment. They feel less pressure and more control in their lives. Often they indicate that they feel more distracted in the traditional setting of a comprehensive high school. Others choose this program because they want to move faster in their academic career. The flexibility in this school allows these students to take college classes at Mira Costa and Palomar (we currently have 7 students at these campuses). This flexibility also allows students to pursue other interests. Many K-12 students participate in the performing arts, dance, theatre and music. Two of our students are in the San Diego Youth Symphony (Lea Kunesh and Kim Gualtiere). Last year seniors Alisha Leone (our salutatorian) and Jessica Cantrell (The Globe Theater Award recipient) were in community theatre. Junior Janica Smith is in the professional troupe of City Ballet. She will be Clara in The Nutcracker at the Spreckles Theater this December. Other students pursue their interest in sports, participating in school sports (7 of our students are on CHS teams) or on community teams. Internationally ranked snowboarder Shaun White is one of our students. Independent study allows him to compete all over the world. So far this school year he’s been to Australia and to Europe. Sixth grader Willie Woo is outstanding on “anything with wheels.” Checkout the photos on his website. In addition, many of our students are getting a jump-start on their careers. Two of our current students are pursuing modeling careers. Two years ago one of our students was needed in the family business, so independent study was the only feasible option. Michelle Crosby encouraged him to create a business plan for a business he wanted to establish. He opened his own business last September, garnering press coverage where he thanked Ms Crosby for her encouragement and support in helping him realize his dream. Finally, this school is in a unique position to support traveling families. One family has traveled the United States, exploring the history and culture of each area they pass through, while keeping up with their studies through CSA. We also have had a family who spent a year in Europe, another in Japan and a third in South Africa.