Classical Academy Vista
Corner News
August 17-21, 2026
Embedded Files
Mark your calendars with these important dates!
Monday, Aug 17 - Expect an email from your cohort teacher(s) by 4pm today
Thursday, Aug 20 - Jumpstart Parent Conference (Free event! Sign up here)
Friday, Aug 21 - Book Pick Up and Picture Day for all tracks 9-3pm
Tuesday, Aug 25 - 1st day of school (1st week is a Homeschool Week)
Tuesday, Sept 1 - 1st day on campus for Tracks A and M
Thursday, Sept 3 - 1st day on campus for Track B
Friday, Sept 4 - 1st day of C'Lectives
Welcome to the 2026-2027 School Year!
PRINCIPAL WILLIAMS WELCOME BACK LETTER
Earlier this week, Principal Williams sent out his official Welcome Back letter. In case you missed it, we have included the full message HERE.
Email is CAV’s primary tool for schoolwide updates and important announcements. If you did not receive this email directly to your inbox, please:
Check your SPAM or junk folder.
Contact the Front Office if it isn't there so we can make sure we have your correct email address on file. The Front Office can be reached at (760) 330-9800.
Jumpstart Registration is OPEN
Registration is now open for the annual JumpStart Parent Education Conference on Thursday, August 20th. This free half-day event will inspire and equip parents with practical tools and insights for every stage of the educational journey. This year’s keynote speaker, Lyndsay Morris, M.Ed., founder of Generation Wellness, will present “From Chaos to Calm,” sharing brain-based parenting strategies to strengthen communication, build resilience, and create a calmer home environment. Learn more about the keynote speaker, sponsorship opportunities, and event details here.
Parent Launch Week August 24-27th
PARENT LAUNCH WEEK: ENSURING NEW FAMILIES FEEL CONNECTED & SUPPORTED
Whether you are new to homeschooling or a seasoned pro, welcome to CAV! We are committed to ensuring you feel supported, connected, and encouraged every step of the way.
Parent Launch Week (August 24th–27th)
Our first week is a Homeschool Week (students work from home), paired with Parent Launch Week—a series of optional workshops to help you start the year with confidence.
Monday, Aug 24: Schoology 101 & Family Connection
Schoology 101 (In-Person): Learn our LMS system at 10:00 AM or 1:00 PM.
Family Connection: Refreshments and networking at 12:00 PM.
Tuesday, Aug 25: Coffee with Admin
Drop by the lunch area from 9:00–10:00 AM for coffee and chat with Principal Williams and Assistant Principal Weber.
Wednesday, Aug 26: Teacher Connect (Virtual)
Join your child’s teacher on Zoom (link sent via email Aug 17) to ask any early homeschooling questions.
Thursday, Aug 27: Parent-Led Workshops (9:00–11:30 AM)
Attend in-person sessions led by veteran parents, including Homeschooling 101 and Curriculum Unlocked.
Childcare & RSVP: Free supervision is provided for CAV students during in-person events (Mon, Tue, Thu). Please complete the RSVP form so we can plan accordingly!
Missed The C'lectives Sign-Up? Spots Are Still Open!
C-Track Families,
In case you missed our summer announcement, enrollment for our exciting Fall 2026 CAV C'lectives is still open!
We’ve designed a hands-on, high-energy lineup of semester-long enrichment courses tailored specifically by grade band—from culinary arts and deep-space STEM labs to outdoor gardening and global art.
Fall Course Highlights:
Kindergarten & 1st Grade: Tiny Trowels & Stories, Squiggles, and Giggles!
2nd & 3rd Grade: Art Around the World & Sprout Squad!
4th & 5th Grade: Passport to Flavor & Space Explorers STEM Lab!
6th – 8th Grade: Mission to Mars & The Traveling Chef!
Spaces are limited, so don't wait to reserve your child's spot for the upcoming school year.
TK Friday Friends
TK FRIDAY FRIENDS
Welcome to our school community, TK families! To help you and your little learner build lasting friendships, we invite you to join us for TK Friday Friends—informal stay-and-play dates hosted on campus most Fridays.
Event Details
Who: TK students, parents, and siblings. (Note: Parents/guardians must stay with their children; this is not a drop-off event.)
What to Expect: Casual playground fun, connection with other parents, and cooperative play. Feel free to bring coffee and snacks!
Lead Teacher: Educational Specialist Ms. Laura Slough will lead the program and send updates via a group thread.
Friday Schedule
8:45 AM – 9:00 AM: All school Morning Assembly
9:00 AM – 10:30 AM: Playground Play Date
Our first gathering is Friday, September 4. We can’t wait to see you there!
Fun Opportunities at Coastal High School for our TK-8th Graders
Help Support CAV with Givebacks!
SUPPORT CAV AND SPORT YOUR SWAG
This year, CAV is launching our new Fundraising Platform and Student Store on Givebacks. Families will be able to support various programs—including Athletics, Musical Theater, STEM, ASB, and more—through several fundraisers hosted on our Givebacks page throughout the year.
We are excited to announce that our new Student Store launches this fall! Students and families can show their school spirit with CAV shirts, hoodies, zip-ups, hats, and more. CAV swag will be available for purchase both on our Givebacks page and in the Front Office.
Stay tuned for our fall launch!
STRONGER TOGETHER: JOIN THE RIPTIDE PARENT ALLIANCE
Parent involvement and support are the heart of a healthy, thriving school community! Strong family partnerships build a vibrant environment where our students truly flourish, and there are many ways to get connected.
Join the Riptide Parent Alliance (RPA) This incredible group of parent volunteers coordinates key campus fundraisers and beloved community events—including the annual CAV Talent Show, Shark Shack lunches, Trunk-or-Treat, and more! To learn more or get involved, reach out to riptideparentalliance@gmail.com.
Unit 1 Field Trip Information
Our first field trip of the year is scheduled!
Sign ups will begin on Friday, August 21st (Book Pick Up and Picture Day)
CAV Sports needs a coach!
IN SEARCH OF A SOCCER COACH!
Our sports program needs a Boy's Soccer Coach! If you are interested (or know someone who is), please reach out to Courtney Bean.
cbean@classicalacademy.com
OPTIONAL SYNCHRONOUS (LIVE) INSTRUCTION OPPORTUNITIES
As a California independent study school, we are dedicated to providing meaningful support for all our students. While our program is designed for maximum flexibility, we are also required to offer optional synchronous (live) instruction opportunities. These sessions are an excellent resource for students to connect with their credentialed teachers in real time for additional academic guidance.
At Classical Academy Vista, these opportunities are available via In-person Office Hours. If you would like to explore these options for your student, please feel free to contact their teacher directly.
Please note: Participation in these sessions is entirely optional. While we are required to notify families when a student does not participate, please rest assured that there is no negative impact on your student’s standing or progress if they choose not to attend. No action is required on your part.
Thank you for your continued partnership.
School Meals Available at Community Locations
Through USDA's summer meal programs, approved sites in communities across the country can serve meals to kids up to age 18 at no cost, regardless of the school they normally attend. Visit San Diego County Summer 2026 Meal Sites for Students to view a list of summer meal sites in your neighborhood. Please contact the site directly for more information.
Please also visit these other community resources:
Medication Administration Policy
Medication Administration Policy and Forms Required
Dear The Classical Academies’ Families,
Under California Education Code §§ 49423, students who require medication administration assistance to support learning and attendance during the school day must meet certain requirements before a school may assist with that medication. Medication administration is provided under the direct and indirect supervision of the School Nurse. If a student needs medication during the school day, the following guidelines must be followed:
Complete a Medication Request Form for all prescription, over the counter, and herbal medications that includes the name of the medication, dosage, route, and time needed. The form requires signatures by both the parent and the student’s primary care physician. The physician must be licensed in the state of California.
The completed form should be given to the Health Technician at the same time as you deliver the medication.
The medication must be in the original pharmacy-labeled container stating the student’s full name, medication name, proper dosage, and time to be given. Please check the expiration date on all medications you provide to the school and update the medications as needed. A one month supply is preferred and then replenished as needed.
Please let your student know that they will be asked to come to the front office to receive their medications. Students are not allowed to self-carry medication UNLESS the self-carry form is filled out and approved by the school. Note: the school does not have standing orders to supply over-the-counter medications to students such as Tylenol, Advil/Motrin, etc. These medications require the medication process to be followed and can NOT be carried without proper documentation.
If your student has a chronic health condition, please have the appropriate action plan completed and signed by your student's primary care physician and parent per the following:
Life Threatening Food Allergy - Allergy Action Plan
Asthma - Asthma Action Plan
Type 1 Diabetes - Diabetes Action Plan
Seizures - Seizure Action Plan
If you have any questions about medications or your students health needs, please contact our District Nurse, Stacy Munro, RN at smunro@classicalacademy.com.
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 can choose from the available pre-packaged breakfast kit and/or pre-packaged lunch kit at the scheduled appropriate meal time.
Each pre-packaged breakfast kit includes breakfast cereal, dried fruit, applesauce or juice, graham crackers, and low-fat milk. Lunch items may include chicken salad, Wow Butter, hummus, sunflower kernels, cheese sticks, soy nuts, applesauce or juice, dried fruit, a vegetable juice blend, fava bean crisps, 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.
Community Food Assistance Resources
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.
*DROP OFF AND PICK UP REMINDER*
When driving into or on our campus:
Staff directing traffic are there for your safety and that of our staff and students. Please follow all traffic rules and the directions of our staff.
Do not leave your car unattended in the pick up lane or in any other place that isn’t a parking spot. We are happy to get your student for you and/or buckle them in if needed.
There is absolutely no drop off or pick up in any parking lot on our campus. It is an extreme safety hazard when students walk through areas where there are cars actively driving. If you want to park and pick your student up from the parking lot, you MUST park and walk to the sidewalk to get them. We will no longer be allowing students to just walk out and find their cars.
If you want to walk your student up for drop off, please park in the parent parking lot and get out to accompany them to supervised areas. If you are not parking and walking your student in, the ONLY safe place for drop off and pick up are in the designated drop off and pick up areas where staff are on duty.
Students may not be dropped off on the street below our campus. If your student is walking in, they need to be dropped off in an area that is not an active city street.
We have speed bumps installed in our driveway now to keep the speed down. Please drive slowly on our property.
Please do not block the passing lane at the bottom of the hill when entering our property. The residents of the apartment complex beyond us need to get by safely.
Please also exercise caution when exiting our property since we share the road with the apartment complex residents.
Please keep in mind that all of these requirements are designed to keep students safe when being dropped off and picked up on our campus. We realize it might take some time to get through our drop off and pick up lines, but we do our best to make this happen as quickly and safely as possible. Thank you for your cooperation and help at drop off and pick up times.
VISITOR AND VOLUNTEER GUIDELINES
ALL visitors/parents/guardians who will be coming on campus MUST sign in at the front desk and obtain a Visitors Badge.
Please have your ID ready the first time you check in. After this 1st check-in, we will not require your ID. You may provide your name at the front desk and we will print you a visitor's badge.
If you will be volunteering in a classroom or plan on volunteering in the future, please email Caitlyn Avila and she will send you the Volunteer Letter/Survey that is required to be completed in order to volunteer on our campus. cavila@classicalacademy.com
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!
Cell Phone Policy
Cell Phones and Personal Electronics Policy
New Phone Policy
It will be mandatory for all student cellphones/smartwatches to be in silent mode and in backpack. They will not be allowed in a pocket or with the student while on campus. They may not be taken out at any time.
Students may call or text only with Staff approval in the front office. If you need to get in touch with your student, please call our front office at 760-330-9800. We are happy to deliver a message or have them come to the office to speak with you. If there is a medical exemption needed, please let us know.
1st offense - Teacher takes phone/smartwatch - email sent to parent as a heads up and reminder of our policy, behavior form filled out, student can pick up at end of day.
2nd offense - Phone taken, brought up to the front office, parent emailed, parent required to pick up phone.
3rd offense - Phone brought up to the front office, parent notified, admin gets involved, student turns in phone to front office each day through end of unit.
Class Trips for 4th-8th Grade *
26/27 4th Grade Class Trip March 15-17, 2027 - San Francisco/Sacramento - Sign ups open!
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: Thursday, May 28th @ 6:30pm
Video recording of meeting
Chat messages from meeting
Trip Dates: March 15th - 17th, 2027
To Register: Visit StudentsOnTour.com
Trip Code: T276001A
Password: 2991227
Registration Deadline: September 15th, 2026
26/27 5th Grade Class Trip Oct 26-28, 2026 - Pathfinder Camp - Spots Open!
This sign up lottery has concluded and families have been notified. We still have open spots. Please email cavila@classicalacademy.com if you would like to sign up!
All 5th grade students at Classical Academy Vista have an opportunity to attend a 3-day, 2-night class trip near Mountain Center, California to participate in Pathfinder on October 26-28, 2026.
Please note, this trip is an optional educational trip. Spots are limited and are open to all students on A, B, and C Track on a lottery basis.*
Cost: The cost per student is $415.00. Cost includes transportation from Classical Academy Vista to Pathfinder, your time at camp (including meals once at camp, and all activities), a camp T Shirt, and transportation from Pathfinder back to CAV.
Chaperone cost is $315 and will be chosen by lottery at a later date.
Payment Schedule:
April 27th-April 30th: Sign Ups open via google sheets.
May 1st: A Lottery for students signed up will take place and students chosen by lottery will be notified
May 1st-May 8th: $115 deposit is due ($57.50 of this deposit is non-refundable) and your Permission click form is due.
July 20th– 2nd payment of $150 due
August 17th– Final payment of $150 due
*No refunds given after 07/29/26*
Please understand it is your responsibility to make your payments on time. Late payments may be subject to removal of your student(s) spot on the trip.
*Due to the popularity of this trip and the limited spaces available. We will use the sign-ups on this form to lottery out our available spots on 5/1/26 and notify families. If your student is chosen by lottery to attend, you will be sent a sign up/payment link that MUST be completed by 5/8/26, or your student(s) risk losing their spot.
Please only complete this form if your student is certain they would like to attend and the dates work for your schedule. As a reminder, refunds are not available after 7/29/2026.
Camp Activities include:
Animal Ecology
Fresh Water Ecology
Archery
Horseback Riding
Climbing wall
Mad Science Fair
Campfire Program
Please note filling out this form DOES NOT secure your child's spot for Pathfinder. You will be notified on 5/1/26 if your child was randomly selected to attend. We will email you to complete your paperwork and deposit, this will be due NO LATER THAN 5/8/26. Your student's spot is NOT reserved until all steps are completed.
This link is live!
Please email Caitlyn Avila with any questions you may have at cavila@classicalacademy.com
26/27 6th Grade Class Trip March 1-3, 2027 - Astrocamp - Registration information will be posted after Winter Break
26/27 7th Grade Class Trip Sep 21-23, 2026 - Catalina Island - All spots filled
Email cavila@classicalacademy.com to be added to the wait list.
Sign ups for our popular 2026-2027 7th Grade Catalina camp are here!
Please see below for more details about this trip and how to join our lottery:
All 7th grade students at Classical Academy Vista have an opportunity to attend a 3-day, 2-night class trip to Catalina Island, California to participate in Catalina Island's Marine Institute camp on September 21-23, 2026.
Please note, this trip is an optional educational trip. Spots are limited and are open to all students on M and C Track on a lottery basis.*
Cost: The cost per student is $485.00. Cost includes transportation from Classical Academy Vista to Catalina (by bus/ferry), your time at camp (including meals once at camp, and all activities), a camp T Shirt, and transportation from Catalina back to CAV.
Chaperone cost is $385 and will be chosen by lottery at a later date.
Payment Schedule:
April 27th-April 30th: Sign Ups open via google sheets.
May 1st: A Lottery for students signed up will take place and students chosen by lottery will be notified
May 1st-May 8th: $165 deposit is due ($82.50 of this deposit is non-refundable) and your Permission click form is due.
July 20th– 2nd payment of $160 due
August 17th– Final payment of $160 due
*No refunds given after 06/21/26*
Please understand it is your responsibility to make your payments on time. Late payments may be subject to removal of your student(s) spot on the trip.
*Due to the popularity of this trip and the limited spaces available. We will use the sign-ups on this form to lottery out our available spots on 5/1/26. If your student is chosen by lottery to attend, you will be sent a sign up/payment link that MUST be completed by 5/8/26, or your student(s) risk losing their spot.
Please only complete this form if your student is certain they would like to attend and the dates work for your schedule. As a reminder, refunds are not available after 6/21/26.
Camp Activities include:
At Catalina CIMI Fox Landing students will be introduced to the basic concepts of marine science and island ecology. They will learn about preserving our environment as they study living organisms and the plants and animals of a marine ecosystem.
Sleeping in cabins, they will experience camp life, view small animals in their natural habitat, and view clear nights under the stars. They will also learn about the history of Catalina Island and may participate in a variety of hands-on activities, and study a variety of topics such as:
Sharks, Rays, Skates, and Fish
Refuge Lagoon - One of the best snorkeling areas in Catalina
Coastal Bird - Kayak to a bird nesting spot - Bird Rock
Natural History Hike - Learn about island history and ecosystems on several different trails
Intertidal Ecology - Explore the animals of the tide pools
Marine Mammals, Plankton, Algae (Seaweed), and Invertebrates Astronomy Hike Island Ecology Hike
Fox Landing Camp will challenge students through activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, and trust walks. Parent chaperones and instructors from the Fox Landing
Camp will supervise students at all times. Instructors are expert guides, swimmers, and divers. They are also first aid certified. They will ensure students are safe while participating in water sports, labs, and field activities.
Please note filling out this form DOES NOT secure your child's spot for Catalina. You will be notified on 5/1/26 if your child was randomly selected to attend. We will email you to complete your paperwork and deposit, this will be due NO LATER THAN 5/8/26. Your student's spot is NOT reserved until all steps are completed.
This link is live!
Please email Caitlyn Avila with any questions you may have at cavila@classicalacademy.com
26/27 8th Grade Class Trip Nov 12-19, 2026 - East Coast - Sign ups open
2026 8th grade East Coast Trip Registration is NOW OPEN!!!
Registration for next school year's AMAZING trip is now open to all current Classical Academy (M Track, C Track, SORA) 7th Graders!!!! Students of course are the priority, however family members are also welcome to join in on the learning and fun! Last year, the 90 spots filled up FAST and we couldn't open all of the final waitlist, so take a look at the below information, check out the website, and get registered for this opportunity of a lifetime for you and your soon-to-be 8th grader!!!
All flights, hotels, motorcoach transport, admission to sites, most meals, and dedicated tour guides are all included!
Dates: November 12 -19, 2026
Registration: Open now to first 50 and then a waiting list (lifted around 65 and back on at 90)
Deposit: $448
Deposit Due: April 24, 2026
Cost: $3,284
Ready to Register?: See link and attachment below OR check out our East Coast Trip Website!
The Classical Academies SORA Program Information
The Classical Academies offers a world-class online program that serves students in grades 6-8. Students attend classes virtually and participate in 3 hours of daily small-group live classes, with access to on-campus enrichment on Fridays. This is a project-based learning program with credentialed teachers, a structured schedule, and engaging online instruction in a flexible environment. Students also have access to on-campus activities and extracurriculars, including musical theater, sports, clubs, and more.
For more information and to register, visit: https://sora.classicalacademy.com/
Email: sora@classicalacademy.com
760-330-9800 ext 1078
Technology Assistance
Technology Assistance
To support academic learning and complete assigned coursework, The Classical Academies will have optional Chromebooks available for home use to students who request them. These devices will be checked out to the student, like textbooks are, and must be returned to the school at the end of the school year.
Please note: All students will have access to school Chromebooks during the school day. These extra Chromebooks are for home academic use only and may not be brought to school.
To request a Chromebook for your student for home use, please fill out the Equipment Request Form. There is also a question on this form about assistance with internet connectivity. Please only reply YES to that question if you are in need of assistance with internet access at home and request a hotspot to complete assignments.
Note: Parents must be present to pick up digital devices.
Please bring the signed Technology Checkout Form with you if you have requested a Chromebook or internet assistance.
Do you have an event you'd like to share with our school community?
Send details to mvaldovinos@classicalacademy.com to have it posted in our community section.
In The Community
The information in this section is provided as a convenience and for informational purposes only. It is independent of Classical Academy Vista and is not affiliated with, sponsored or endorsed by The Classical Academies.
Please contact the service provider directly with all questions or concerns.
Youth Opportunity Pass Program
Youth Ride Free with PRONTO
All riders 18 & under will be able to ride MTS and North County Transit District (NCTD) services for FREE with a Youth PRONTO app account, or a Youth PRONTO card. The Youth Opportunity Pass is a pilot program, sponsored by the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) and County of San Diego, through June 30, 2026.
To be eligible for the Youth Opportunity Pass, riders 18 & under must have a Youth PRONTO app account, or a PRONTO Youth card, and travel with proof of eligibility. (Kids 5 & under ride MTS and NCTD free at all times, and don’t need a card or proof of eligibility.)
Have questions or comments about the Youth Opportunity Pass pilot program? Please email youthopportunitypass@sandag.org
Program Feedback
Comments, Suggestions, Great Ideas….
Do you have a comment, suggestion, idea to share? Click here to contact us! https://www.classicalacademy.com/contact.
Your partnership is valued. Your ideas strengthen our programs. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Report abuse