March 2, 2026
Happy Monday Stingray parents,
As we continue to prepare for the 2026–2027 school year, I am pleased to share an important leadership update with our Coastal Academy High community. These leaders were selected through a thoughtful process focused on alignment with our mission, commitment to student-centered practices, and the ability to strengthen the collaborative culture that defines our Coastal High campus.
We are excited to announce our incoming Assistant Principals, who will support the continued growth and success of CAH students, staff, and families. Earlier this week, incoming CAH Principal Chalese Young and I, held a finalist conversation with Grant Stephenson and Jessica Leahy regarding the Assistant Principal positions for the 2026–2027 school year and beyond. Jessica is the current Program Specialist at Coastal Academy High School and Grant currently serves as a math teacher and coach at Classical Academy High School. We are pleased to share that both Grant and Jessica will serve as Assistant Principals at Coastal Academy High School for the 2026-2027 school year.
Grant and Jessica each bring complementary strengths that will serve our Coastal Academy High School community well. Their partnership, alongside Chalese’s leadership, positions us well for a stable, focused and exciting 2026–2027 school year. To learn a bit more about Grant and Jessica, click here. Grant will be joining the Stingray team within the next month or so. This will allow him time to gain institutional knowledge, build relationships and have crossover with the current administration.
Additionally, for those who may have missed it, we are resharing our CEO’s formal announcement regarding the appointment of our next Principal. Thank you for your continued partnership and trust as we move forward with clarity, stability, and excitement for what lies ahead.
In grateful partnership,
Samantha Martinez
Principal, Coastal Academy High School
Message From The CEO (previously shared Thursday, 2/12/26)
We’re pleased to share that Chalese Young has been named the Principal of Coastal Academy High School, beginning July 2026. Chalese currently serves as Assistant Principal and Site Lead of the Classical Academy High School Personalized Learning Campus and brings extensive experience, strong relationships, and a deep understanding of our Classical Academies community.
Throughout the selection process, Chalese stood out for her steady leadership, commitment to students, and partnership with families. She leads with clarity, collaboration, and care, qualities that align closely with Coastal’s culture and values. Her focus on academic excellence and character development positions her well to lead the school forward.
“Coastal Academy High School has a special culture and an incredible community,” Chalese shared. “I’m honored to step into this role and look forward to partnering with students, staff, and families as we continue building a strong Stingray community together.”
We are currently finalizing dates for a spring “Meet the Principal” session. In the meantime, Chalese will be introducing herself at our upcoming Parent Coffee Chat on Tuesday, 2/17 at 9:30 am. Please refer to your Monday newsletter for the Zoom link. We look forward to welcoming you for coffee and conversation and to formally introducing Chalese to our community soon!
Principal Samantha Martinez will continue serving in her role through the end of this school year. We are deeply grateful for her leadership, and over the coming months, Chalese will work closely with Samantha and the leadership team to ensure a smooth, intentional transition that provides continuity for all students and families.
Thank you for your ongoing partnership and trust.
Please join us in welcoming Chalese as she prepares for this next chapter.
In partnership,
Kurtis Indorf
CEO, The Classical Academies
Charter School Appreciation Night – St. Louis Cardinals vs. Padres
Family, friends, and charter school supporters are invited to join The Classical Academies at Petco Park to celebrate Charter School Appreciation Night on Thursday, May 7, 2026! Discounted tickets start at just $30.00 each and can be ordered online here: TCA @ Padres 2026
The first 40,000 fans will receive a Mason Miller Bobblehead, so arrive early to grab yours! The game starts at 7:10 PM, and tickets will be sent electronically to the email address you provide for easy printing at home. This event is expected to sell out, so be sure to get your tickets early. The final day to pre-order is April 27, 2026.
If you have any questions, please contact Caitlyn Avila at cavila@classicalacademy.com
COMMUNITY FOOD ASSISTANCE:
-San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) has compiled a list of local organizations offering free or low-cost food assistance across San Diego County. Please contact the sites directly for more information.
-211 San Diego: Go online or call 2-1-1 to connect with food pantries, meal programs, and essential services.
-San Diego Food Bank: Find a nearby food distribution site.
-Feeding San Diego: Explore countywide food assistance options.
-San Diego County Food Pantries: Visit for a list of regional food pantry locations gathered by SDCOE.
MEAL PROGRAM: The Classical Academies is pleased to offer every student one free breakfast meal kit and/or one free lunch meal kit each day they are on campus for an educational purpose lasting longer than 2 hours. Students must sign up online. Sign up for the meal program. Our meal program is available to all students, regardless of eligibility status, who are on campus for longer than two hours for an educational purpose. Please reach out to cwyrick@classicalacademy.com if you have any questions.
REMINDER: As a California independent study school, we are required to offer synchronous (live) instruction opportunities for students. This provides a chance for students to connect with a credentialed teacher in real time for academic support. In the 4-day program at Coastal Academy High School, synchronous (live) instruction opportunities are offered through Monday mentoring opportunities. Our independent study program offers separate synchronous touch points with teachers that can be scheduled directly with your I.S teacher. If you would like more information about times available to your student, please reach out to their advisory teacher directly.
We want to partner to create meaningful and fun opportunities to foster a connected Stingray community, support our dedicated staff, and enrich our children’s high school experience.
On March 18th we are treating our Stingray Staff to a “Step Into Spring and Dream of Summer” luncheon! Please click the SUG for opportunities to help!
Book Nook:Our English Department Head, Mrs. Eberspacher, is looking for volunteers to help organize our school Book Nook! This project would love at least one team lead and a few willing participants. Please message stingrayfamilypartners@gmail.com for details.
Interest Form: Click here to fill it out — we’ll be in touch soon!
Donation Opportunities: Faculty Favorites Link: Celebrate our staff with their favorite treats and help support their classrooms by shopping from their wishlists!
Stingray Family Partners Donations: All donations go straight into making our campus events more exciting, creative, and fun for both staff and students! Choose any amount between $1 and $250. Click here to donate.
2025-2026 WishList: Click here to view and purchase items from the school wishlist.
Submit Parent Volunteer Hours: CAH- Parent Volunteer Submission Form
Please contact us if you intend to regularly volunteer in person to receive Live Scan information (stingrayfamilypartners@gmail.com)
Thank you!
The Counseling Team is here for students and their families to assist with your academic needs, provide you with college and career resources, and support your social and emotional needs.
Counseling Team:
Kennedy Ursua, Counselor (student last names A-L)
Mary Reihner, Counselor (student last names M-Z)
Daisy McDuffee, Counseling Technician
To report an excused absence, tardy, or early pickup, email cahattendance@classicalacademy.com so the appropriate team member is notified.
Early Release Request: For early dismissals, call (760) 477-5174 or email cahattendance@classicalacademy.com in advance. Students will need an early release slip to leave class. Please notify us the day before or morning of the dismissal when possible.
ParentSquare: Parents will receive a message at 6:00 PM if their student has an unexcused tardy or absence. To excuse an absence or tardy, please notify the attendance office on the same day.
Box Tops for Education
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