8:00 am - 2:30 pm
Transitional Kindergarten
AM Session: 8:30 - 11:20
PM Session: 12:00 - 2:45
K-6th grade
Period 1: 8:30-9:55 am
Period 2: 10:00 -11:20 am
Lunch: 11:20 - 11:55 am
Period 3: 12:00 - 1:20 pm
Period 4: 1:25 -2:45 pm
7-8th grade (NEW START TIME)
Period 1: 8:30 -9:55 am
Period 2: 10:00 - 11:20
Snack Break: 11:20 - 11:35am
Period 3: 11:35-12:55 pm
Lunch: 12:55 - 1:25pm
Period 4: 1:25-2:45 pm
September 29th - October 3rd, 2025
October
October 2nd & 3rd - Coffee Chat - 8:15 - 9:00, Parent Lounge
October 6th-8th - 6th Grade Astro Camp
October 7th - 10th - Scholastic Book Fair
October 13th-17th - Unit 1 Conferences
October 17th - 18th - Bear Family Campout
October 27th - 29th - 5th Grade Pathfinder Ranch Camp
October 28th & 29th - Unit 2 Spirit Days (Book or Movie Character)
November
November 4th - Best Pizza & Brew Fundraiser - 11:00 - 4:00
November 11th - Veterans Day (No School)
November 17th - Unit 2 field trip - Riley's Farm
November 13th - 20th - 8th Grade East Coast Trip
November 24th - 28th - Thanksgiving Break
December
December 1st - 5th - Unit 2 Conferences
December 9th - 10th - Chick Fil A Lunch (must order ahead)
December 9th -10th - Unit 3 Spirit Days (Christmas)
December 22nd - January 1st - Christmas Break
A/B Assemblies (7:58 am)
10/28 & 10/29
11/18 & 11/19
C Track Assemblies:
K-8 (8:28am)
10/28 & 10/29
11/18 & 11/19
Morning Gates Will Be Open: 7:45am-8:35 am
Afternoon Gates Will Be Open: 2:20pm-3:00pm
C’lectives Back Gate Schedule
9:40-10:05
11:20-11:35
11:45-12:05
12:50-1:05
1:15-1:30
A/B Track Students and Parents- A/B Track Morning Drop-off & Pick Up
C'lectives Students and Parents C Track Morning Drop-off & Pick Up
Please note that we do not have after school supervision on the playground.
Please make sure all kids are supervised and following playground rules!
Staying Cool on Hot Days
On hot days we want to remind families that student safety is always our top priority. On hot days, students are welcome to take breaks in the shade, cool off in front of the swamp cooler, or enjoy a book in the air-conditioned Book Barn. When temperatures rise above 95 degrees, we will also open a classroom space for students to cool down. We encourage all students to take advantage of these options to stay safe and comfortable during the school day.
What’s Included?
Tent Camping - Bring your own tent and camp on the grassy field.
RV Camping- Bring your own RV or camper and park in the back parking lot.
Friday Night - Costco pizza slices available for an additional cost
Saturday Morning - Pancake breakfast (included in cost)
A relaxing evening with your family and friends and fun activities to join in… making s’mores, crafts, stargazing, campfire songs, glowsticks, lawn games and more!
*Please note this is an overnight, closed-gate event. Please plan to stay until the morning.
Registration Google Form Link HERE
Payment Link for $60 Campsite HERE
*Registration will close Friday, October 10th to allow adequate time to plan for all our campers. Thank you!
Questions? Email Andrea Roberts andimroberts@gmail.com
Math Kangaroo Competition at TCA
What is it? Math Kangaroo USA is a national nonprofit organization with a mission of helping students love math. For over 28 years Math Kangaroo has organized an annual international mathematical competition for thousands of students in grades K-12. Math Kangaroo's focus is on improving students' math scores and teaching them new strategies for solving word and logic problems, helping them with critical thinking, and gaining confidence in the classroom.
Who can sign up? Any TCA student 1st grade through 8th grade
How much is it? $18 per student before December 31st
When will it happen? Thursday, March 19th after school at TCA (3:00-4:15)
Where do I register? Math Kangaroo Registration Website
How can I practice?
1. Math Kangaroo Practice Website
2. Optional after school practice on Wednesdays from January to March
(Please complete this form by December 19th if you’re interested in participating in the practice test sessions.)
More Questions? Contact Didi Pressley
Conference Notebooks
We’re excited to share a new tool we’re introducing this year to support your child’s learning journey - Conference Notebooks! Each student will receive one when you pick up your books from your A/B teacher or ES.
The purpose of the Conference Notebook is to help guide our conference conversations in a focused, meaningful way. It’s designed to highlight the most essential standards at your child’s grade level and give us a shared lens for looking at progress, strengths, and next steps.
In education, there’s a powerful process known as the PLC - Professional Learning Community - where teachers regularly come together to look at student data, collaborate on best practices, and determine how to best meet the needs of every learner. We want to take that same thoughtful, student-centered approach and extend it to you, our valued partners in learning. Together, we can better identify what each student needs to thrive academically.
We look forward to using these notebooks to celebrate growth, set meaningful goals, and work as a team to support your child.
Please review our school's Cell Phone and Smartwatch Policy. Highlights from the policy are written below. To see the full policy and all details, CLICK HERE.
Students may have personal cell phones and smartwatches on campus but they must be turned off or silenced and placed in their backpacks while on school grounds (including break, lunch, and after school activities).
If a student needs to contact a parent or guardian for any reason during the school day, they may use the front office phone or they may use their cell phone/smartwatch in the front office with permission. If a parent needs to contact a student, they should contact the front office, not the student’s personal cell phone/smartwatch.
Students may use their cell phone/smartwatch after dismissal time, once they are off campus, when the school day has concluded.
Important Dress Code Reminders
Student dress code applies to all students when on campus or at a school-sponsored activity.
Clothing must cover areas from one armpit across to the other armpit, down to a 3-inch inseam. Tops must have at least 1-inch shoulder straps.
Students found out of compliance with the dress code will be asked to change their clothes before returning to class or any school-sponsored activity. If the student does not have a change of clothes, they will be calling home to ask for a change of clothes to be brought to school.
Thank you so much for your support!
🐻 Volunteering at TCA Bear Valley 🐻
We’re so glad you’re here! At TCA, parent volunteers are a big part of what makes our campus special.
Whether you're helping in the classroom, supporting events, or donating items — every bit counts!
🎯 Volunteer Hour Goals
A/B Track: 25 hours per family, per year
C Track: 10 hours per family, per year
💵 Every $10 spent = 1 volunteer hour
👋 Volunteering in Class?
Always check with your student’s teacher first.
Sign up using the Volunteer Form before arriving.
Bring your driver’s license to check in at the front office and get your campus pass.
🎉 Volunteering for Special Events
We host lots of fun events throughout the year — and we’d love your help!
🎪 From our Old Fashioned Family Fair to Pizza Lunch and more, there are plenty of ways to get involved.
Fill out the Volunteer Interest Form so we can reach out when it’s time to start gathering event volunteers.
Keep an eye on the Bear Buzz for sign-up links and upcoming opportunities!
🎭 JR Musical Theater
If you’ll be working directly with students:
Fill out the Criminal History Form
Send a copy of your Criminal History Form along with your confirmation email to: nschreiber@classicalacademy.com
Schedule a TB Screening with John Fitzgerald
💡 Volunteering is encouraged (not required) — but your involvement helps us shine when applying for grants and reporting to the State!
Stay tuned to the Bear Buzz for year-round opportunities — big and small.
Don’t forget to Record Your Hours!
Questions? Contact us at
📞 (760) 546-0101 | 📧 nschreiber@classicalacademy.com
Mark your calendars! Here's what you need to know:
Location: Room 24
Student Shopping Hours: Teachers will have the opportunity to bring their classes during the school day.
Parent Shopping Hours: 7:45 PM - 3:30 PM daily
For the safety of our students, all visitors who wish to attend the Book Fair during school hours must enter through the front office. Upon arrival, you will need to present your photo ID to be issued a visitor’s badge. Once you have finished at the Book Fair, we kindly ask that you exit the campus promptly.
For details about the eWallet system, visit: Scholastic eWallet.
If you're available to volunteer, please sign up here: Volunteer Sign-Up.
Visit our scholastic homepage to make online purchases, 10/6 to 10/19.
Social Butterflies is here! Making friends isn’t always easy, especially when students aren’t on campus every day. This small group will help your child connect with peers while learning about friendship, communication, emotional regulation, and problem-solving—all in a fun and supportive space.
For more information or to sign up, please CLICK HERE!
Click HERE to fill out the interest form. You are welcome to show up to any rehearsal.
Questions? Email Michelle Taylor michelletaylor@classicalacademy.com
Choir
Mondays at CAHS - PLC Upper Auditorium
8:30 - 9:00 - Grades 1-2
9:00 - 9:50 - Grades 3-5
9:50 - 10:50 - Grades 6-8
Choir Interest Form HERE
Questions? Email Brandon Sherman bsherman@classicalacademy.com
Band
Mondays at CAHS - PLC Music Room
Beginning Band - Mondays 12:30 -1:30 & Wednesdays 4:30 - 5:30
Advanced Band - Mondays 11:00 - 12:00 & Wednesday 3:30 - 4:30
Band Interest Form HERE
Questions? Email Sam Roberson sroberson@classicalacademy.com
Dance Teams
TCA Bear Valley Dance Team
Questions? Email Carla Reichel creichel@classicalacademy.com
Middle School Dance Team
Questions? Email Halley Baker hbaker@classicalacademy.com
Musical Theater
Jr. Musical Theater (3rd - 5th)
Questions? Email Jennifer Guttiere jguttiere@classicalacademy.com
Middle School Musical Theater (6th - 8th)
Questions? Email Kara Howard khoward@classicalacademy.com
TCA Reads presents Mrs. Moen's Book Club
This year, TCA Reads is excited to support Mrs. Moen’s Book Club as we kick off with Mr. Popper’s Penguins during Units 1–3.
This classic, humorous tale follows a house painter whose life takes an unexpected turn when a penguin, and then a whole colony, arrives at his home, leading to fun adventures and heartwarming moments.
Check out this new TCA Reads section in The Buzz each week for reading tips, creative ideas, and activities to go along with the story.
We would love for you to join us in reading Mr. Popper’s Penguins this year!
Experience a sojourn in America’s past, exploring the great conflict that
divided state from state and brother from brother. Bring history to life and live a day in the life of a Civil War soldier.
On this field trip you will debate the war then decide whether to secede, join the union or stay neutral.
The Civil War comes to life as you experience activities such as a regiment drill, a visit to the Surgeon’s infirmary, and perhaps a lesson in 19th century etiquette.
Once finished with all your camp posts, you will be given a soldier’s ration of lemonade, cornbread, cheese, an apple and dried beef. Concluding our visit, we will participate in a large mock battle, reenacting the Battle of Malvern Hill.
Make the most of your trip, stick around and visit the bakery and barn store.
Visit RileysFarm.com to explore what they have to offer.
CLICK HERE to register for the field trip now!
PLEASE REGISTER BY SEPTEMBER 21ST!
Field Trip Ideas!
We love field trips and wish we could plan even more throughout the year! While we're limited in how many official events we can host, the adventure doesn't have to stop there. Check out this list (click the drop down arrow) of creative and fun field trip ideas you can enjoy with your children on homeschool days.
Learning happens everywhere—so why not make it an adventure?
Amusement Parks
Knott’s Berry Farm - Buena Park - Educational Programs available for groups of 15+
Sea World San Diego - San Diego - Discounted pricing for groups of 10+
Bates Nuts Farm - Valley Center - Bates offers Educational Experiences for groups of 15+
Pumpkin Patch Field Trips, weekdays in October 🎃
Pony Experiences and Pony Rides
Petting Zoo Experience
“Nuts for You” Tour, weekdays January - September
Harvest Tour, weekdays November - December
Birch Aquarium - La Jolla - Gather a group of 10 or more people and you can use our schools Affiliate Account to get discounted tickets! Contact TCAEvents@classicalacademy.com for more information.
Cabrillo National Monument - Point Loma - While you are there, visit the Point Loma Tide Pools but don’t forget to check the schedule for low tide 🌊 The best time of year to visit the tide pools is in late fall and winter when low tides occur during daylight hours.
The Flower Fields in Carlsbad - Groups of 25+
Field Trip Flyer
Kumeyaay-Ipai - Poway - (Maximum of 28 people)
A tribe of Indigenous peoples of the Americans, Historical Tours
Mission San Diego de Alcala - Mission Valley
Donation request for each school group of 30.
Mission San Juan Capistrano - San Juan Capistrano
Mission Trails Regional Park - East of Tierrasanta - 15+ Students
Mountain Adventure to Julian, CA
Julian Mining Company - 30+ People
Fort Cross Old Timey Adventures - 25+ Students
Julian Farm and Orchard - 25+ People
California Wolf Center - Up to 30 People
Julian Pioneer Museum - Self guided or call for special arrangements for larger school groups.
Eagle Mining - Group rates available for 20+ people
Museums
San Diego Museum of Art
San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum - Group rate for 10+ people
View the Schedule for when you can explore these museums for FREE
USS Midway - 10+ Students
San Diego Zoo - 15-150 People
San Diego Zoo Safari Park - 15-150 People
Strawberry/Berry Picking
Temecula Berry Co. - Educational experiences for groups of 20+
STEM Field Trip at iFLY - Oceanside or Mission Valley
Visit your local Fire Station
Escondido Fire Station #1 - Call to Book a Tour
Escondido Fire Station #4 - Fire and Water Expo - September 20th, 2025
Visit you local Police Station - Escondido
Local Camping
Mission Trails Regional Park Campground
Dixon Lake Campground
Please send any questions regarding class trips to tcaevents@classicalacademy.com
All 4th grade students at The Classical Academy, Bear Valley, Vista and Coastal campuses have the opportunity to attend this class trip to Northern California where you will visit San Francisco, Coloma and Sacramento. This is a 3-day, 2-night class trip for parents to attend with their 4th graders.
Quick Facts:
Informational Zoom Meeting was held Tuesday, September 9th @ 7:00pm
Recorded Video LINK
Trip Dates: March 16th - 18th, 2026
To Register: Visit StudentsOnTour.com
Trip Code: T266001A
Password: 2948926
5th Grade Fall 2025 Pathfinder Ranch
All 5th grade students at The Classical Academy, Bear Valley have the opportunity to attend camp at Pathfinder Ranch. This is a 3-day, 2-night class trip to Mountain Center, California in the San Jacinto Mountains!
Quick Facts:
Dates: October 27th - 29th, 2025
Registration: Click HERE
Cost: $350
Guaranteed registration will be open to the first 50 students (waiting list will be available after 50 students)
6th Grade Fall 2025 AstroCamp
All 6th grade students at The Classical Academy, Bear Valley have the opportunity to attend camp at AstroCamp. This is a 3-day, 2-night class trip to Idyllwild, California!
Quick Facts:
Dates: October 6-8th, 2025
Registration: $400 per student
Cost: Click HERE to be added to a waitlist
8th Grade Fall 2025 East Coast Trip
The East Coast Trip for current 7th graders that will be 8th grade TCA middle school students next school year is now accepting registrations.
Quick Facts:
Dates: November 13 - 20, 2025
Registration: Open now to the first 50 and then a waitling list (lifted around 65)
Deposit Due: April 25, 2025
Cost: $3,269
More information can be found on the attached flyer.
See the Frequently Asked Questions link below for more information. See you on the trip!
For CAMS Middle School Sport Schedule and updates, please check out the CAMS Sports Page
Check back after Unit 1 to see our Students of the Unit
All kits must be pre-ordered online, using the links below. You only need to register your student once for the year.
The Classical Academies is pleased to offer every student one free breakfast and lunch meal kit. When students are on campus during a breakfast or lunch period, they will be able to choose from the available pre-packaged breakfast kit or pre-packaged lunch kit at the scheduled appropriate meal time.
Breakfast is scheduled from 7:45 am till 8:25 am and lunch will be provided the first 10 minutes of each lunch period.
Breakfast will be served outside rooms 18 & 20 and lunch will be served outside of the Parent Lounge (which is located across from the lunch tables and in front of the swimming pool).
Each pre-packaged breakfast kit includes breakfast cereal, dried fruit, unsweetened regular or flavored applesauce, graham crackers, and low-fat milk.
Each pre-packaged lunch kit includes an entree like chicken salad, Wow Butter cup, or hummus, along with sides like sunflower kernels, cheese stick, or soy nuts. It also includes unsweetened regular or flavored applesauce or dried fruit, a vegetable juice blend, crackers/chips, and low-fat milk.
Our meal program is available to all students, regardless of eligibility status, who are on campus longer than two hours for an educational purpose.
Questions? meals@classicalacademy.com
Here are some important reminders regarding our sickness policy:
Students who appear ill (ie. fever, stomach aches, diarrhea, stomach pains, vomiting) should not be sent to school.
If your student is sick, please email your teacher/ES (you do not need to call the front office).
A student must be fever free without the use of fever-reducing medicine (i.e. acetaminophen, ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen) for 24 hours before returning to school.
Parents: You may not send students to school with medication (including over the counter medication).
ALL medications must be kept in the front office. Medication may not be kept in a student's backpack, lunch bag or on their person. Exceptions may be made if a licensed health care provider certifies that the student’s well being would be jeopardized unless the medication is carried on his/her person, the student has demonstrated competency in self-administering the medication, and a parent confirms the same.
Click Here to print the required medication form to get authorization to keep medication in the front office.
Questions? Email Stephanie Pillsbury spillsbury@classicalacademy.com
Please review our school's Cell Phone and Smartwatch Policy. Highlights from the policy are written below. To see the full policy and all details, CLICK HERE.
Students may have personal cell phones and smartwatches on campus but they must be turned off or silenced and placed in their backpacks while on school grounds (including break, lunch, and after school activities).
If a student needs to contact a parent or guardian for any reason during the school day, they may use the front office phone or they may use their cell phone/smartwatch in the front office with permission. If a parent needs to contact a student, they should contact the front office, not the student’s personal cell phone/smartwatch.
Students may use their cell phone/smartwatch after dismissal time, once they are off campus, when the school day has concluded.
As a California independent study school, we are required to offer optional synchronous (live) instruction opportunities for students. This provides a chance for students to connect with a credentialed teacher in real time for academic support. There is no negative impact for the student if they do not attend.
At The Classical Academy synchronous (live) instruction opportunities are offered through scheduled meeting times with your A/B teacher or Educational Specialist. If you would like more information about times available to your student, please reach out to their teacher directly.
We are required to notify families when students do not take part. No action is required.
Thank you for your continued support.
Click HERE for the Parent Student Handbook landing page
Logic of English Training Resources
This week we offered training for our Logic of English Foundations and Essentials curriculum. We were excited to see so many parents attend. If you were not able to join us, our TCA literacy specialists have put together a resource with everything you need to get started or to complement and strengthen your current teaching:
LOE Foundations (K-2) Resources
Math Helpline for 4th-8th Grade Students
The Classical Academies will be offering live online math help for students and parents!
Come and work on current, recent, and approaching lessons with Ms. Aguilar!
The Helpline will be available on the following days and times:
*Mon and Fri: 9 am-noon and 12:30-4 pm
*Tue/Wed/Thu: 8-11 am only
Join by checking your Schoology math course or tcalearn.com/mathhelpline
Do you want help teaching history?
A/B and C Track students in grades 1–6 have the option to take an alternate TCA history course created by Mrs. Broyles. Please note that students enrolled in this course will not have access to a history teacher. Instead, parents are responsible for guiding their students through the course materials independently at home.
This course is designed to support families with video lessons, engaging read-alouds, differentiated assignments, optional crafts, and extension videos. The structure intentionally aligns history learning across grade levels so that families can experience and enjoy learning history together.
If you want to join TCA History with Mrs. Broyles, use this access code: 7BZ8-FT94-N38BX to add it to your student's Schoology dashboard.
For instructions on adding a Schoology course using a code, click HERE.
*The information in this section is provided as a convenience and for informational purposes only. It is independent of The Classical Academy and is not affiliated with, sponsored or endorsed by The Classical Academies. Please contact the service provider directly with all questions or concerns. *
Join the Academy of Baseball squad --
Run by the Classical Academy High School baseball coaches and players!
AoB has openings in all age groups 12-18. The goal of the program is for our competitive groups of players to stay together as they progress through high school, fostering deep team cohesion, recognizing that consistency and camaraderie are essential for developing not only skilled athletes but also lifelong friendships. For the older squads, college prep is emphasized.
Find more information at academyofbaseball.org!
TCA Carpool
Are you looking to set up a carpool for your student? Fill out this form and we will post contact information here for you to connect with other parents. Your information will be shared here for the duration of the school year. If you would like your information to be removed from the BUZZ please contact the front office at 760-546-0101.
Parent Name: Amy Ward
Parent Email: spencernamy@aol.com
Location: Poway (near Twin Peaks & Community)
Track: C
Parent Name: Melissa Felker
Parent Email: felker.melissa@gmail.com
Location: Southwest Poway, near Poway Rd and Pomerado
Track: C
Parent Name: Elissa McNabb
Parent Email: elissaredondo@yahoo.com
Location: Escondido, near Humane Society and Orange Glen Elementary
Track: A
Do you have a comment, suggestion or idea to share?
We have a special email address just for you, comments@classicalacademy.com.
Your partnership is valued. Your ideas strengthen our programs. We look forward to hearing from you soon.