The mission of each Springs Charter School is to empower students by fostering their innate curiosity, engaging their parents, and promoting optimum learning by collaboratively developing a personalized learning program for each student.
Springs’ Santa Ana Student Center has begun classes for the new school year; ELA has grown this year, and the school is focusing on writing and math, reported Principal Priscilla Doorbar. Additions to the school curriculum include a career exploration program for middle school students. New teachers include Arshia Sharif, who teaches 5th and 6th grade, and Alexander Jones, who teaches 7th and 8th.
Springs’ Hemet Quest Student Center welcomed a first-grade teacher, Samantha Evans, a second-grade teacher, Keirra Fitzgerald, a Kindergarten ACE, Noelle Marta, a revolving sub, Edith Marcial, CWA, JulieAmoroso, and a receptionist, Selena Hernandez, reported Principal EricBallard. Additionally, the school has launched a VAPA program with lead teacher LindaCollins; students will receive 45 minutes of music or art weekly.
On Tuesday, August 12, more than 500 parents and caregivers came together for our annual Parent IGNITE! Back-to-School Conference—a free event designed to equip and inspire families for an incredible school year. This year’s conference reached over 350 parents virtually and welcomed another 150 parents in person at watch parties across Riverside, Temecula, and Santa Ana. Together, we launched the year with energy, connection, and a shared commitment to student success.
The Bear River Student Center received multiple awards for the 2024-25 school year, including Full House, Student Loyalty, and Student Achievement—“a testament to the dedication of our students, staff, and families,” believes new Site Facilitator Gabbie Brooks.
The Magnolia Student Center kicked off its new school year with its high school IGNITE, reported Site Facilitator Irma Herrera. Activities included a pep rally with alumni Arthur Ortiz and his band performing; school staff also introduced the new mascot, Freddie Falcon.
Journey Homeschool High School started the new school year with 28 team members, including nine new staff members, participating in professional development and team-building activities, reported NicoleCollins, Journey Homeschool High School vice principal. This year, Journey’s mission centers on fostering Respect, Character, and Citizenship with staff, students, and parents, she noted.
Charter schools are independent public schools with rigorous curriculum programs and unique educational approaches. In exchange for operational freedom and flexibility, charter schools are subject to higher levels of accountability than traditional public schools. Charter schools, which are tuition-free and open to all students, offer quality and choice in the public education system.
The charter establishing each such school is a contract detailing the school’s mission, program, goals, students served, methods of assessment, and ways to measure success. In California, charters are granted for five years. At the end of the term, the entity granting the charter may renew the school’s contract. Charter schools are accountable to their authorizer, and to the students and families they serve, to produce positive academic results and adhere to the charter contract.
Like traditional public schools, charters receive state funding based on a formula for each child enrolled in the school. Many charters also do additional fundraising to obtain grants and donations to pay for programs that are not fully funded by state or school district formulas. When lawmakers passed the Charter Schools Act of 1992, California became the second state in the country (after Minnesota) to enact charter school legislation. The intent was to allow groups of educators, community members, parents, or others to create an alternative type of public school.