Championing a classical back-to-basics education is Escondido Charter High School. Established in 1996 Escondido Charter High School started with a mere 30 students. The school now serves hundreds of students in traditional and independent learning programs.
Coach Denny Snyder a long-time educator founded Escondido Charter High School. He envisioned a unique educational option for Escondido families. Snyder’s dream involved significant risk. Charter schools were a new concept. Funding models were nonexistent. He assembled a team of innovators undeterred. They advertised in the North County Times. Snyder even used his credit card for initial expenses.
Escondido Charter High School began in a modest office complex. It was located on East Valley Parkway. Coach Snyder created two programs. The Traditional Program allowed daily in-person instruction. The Independent Study Program offered flexible at-home learning with weekly teacher meetings. Staff worked to establish high academic standards. Positive character development was also very important.
Word of Escondido Charter High School’s success spread. The school expanded. By 1998 it occupied most of the three-building complex. Staff doubled. Student population grew to almost seven hundred. The school achieved accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges WASC. This made Escondido Charter High School an official college-prep institution.
In 2000 Coach Snyder announced plans for a new campus. It would be located across the street. The first phase was completed in 2003. The Class of 2004 were the first graduates from the new campus. Three years later the school’s gym and theater were completed.
The old campus became home to Heritage K-8 Charter School. This allowed Escondido Charter High School to expand its offerings. The Traditional Program became the Traditional Classroom Program TCP. The Independent Study Program became the Individualized Learning Program ILP.
Escondido Charter High School also started the Flex Learning Program. This program uses innovative techniques. It helps students develop their talents and prepare for college. The Midway building became the Flex Learning Program’s permanent home.
Coach Snyder transitioned to President of the American Heritage Education Foundation in 2016. Shawn Roner became the executive director of the American Heritage Charter Schools.
Escondido Charter High School emphasizes American values. Statues on campus reflect this. The American Spirit sculpture stands in front of the American Spirit Theater. Students study the US Constitution.
Graduates from Escondido Charter High School have attended prestigious universities. These include UC Berkeley UCLA and Stanford. The school continues to focus on improving student learning. They avoid complacency. They constantly seek ways to improve each year. The motto remains education is our business.