Fresh Start is an independent study program designed to enable high school students to complete the same graduation requirements in a non-classroom (independent study) environment as students attending a comprehensive high school. Fresh Start utilizes the same textbooks and publishers’ materials, including tests, as the comprehensive high schools. Capistrano Unified School District credentialed teachers administer and assess all student lessons and assignments.

Since Fresh Start is a program and not a school, the full-time or dual-enrolled student remains a student at his or her resident high school. The diploma is issued from the resident high school. Fresh Start students who graduate are eligible to walk in the resident high school’s graduation ceremony.