A “new chapter” in classical education is beginning at Journey Homeschool High School’s Santa Ana campus, the Springs Odyssey Student Center, Santa Ana, at 2121 Grand Avenue, shared Vice Principal Nicole Collins, as the school launched its inaugural Santa Ana Classical High School offering for the 2026–27 school year.
As Journey’s high school program enters its second year at the Pathfinder campus in Riverside, the Santa Ana campus is expanding its established classical education tradition into the high school years. Both campuses offer classical programs through K–8, and Santa Ana is now joining Pathfinder in bringing that same approach to high school students.
“This is an exciting opportunity for our students to continue their classical education into the high school years,” said Shirley Jones, Journey Homeschool High School principal. “We want our students to develop not only strong academic skills, but also the ability to think deeply, ask meaningful questions, and engage thoughtfully with the world around them.”
Springs’ “first chapter” with classical education began with the Murrieta Student Center’s (MSC) Classical Homeschool Academy for TK-8 (Classical Homeschool Academy (TK-8) – Springs Charter Schools) 20 years ago, shared MSC Principal Julia Krisel. The academy currently serves 141 students with a hybrid program of on-site instruction twice weekly and homeschool learning three times a week.
Julia observed, “It’s been a very high-performing program. Its students have high test scores, and it’s enjoyed strong enrollment. It can be an ideal choice for parents able to homeschool but who still need the support of and collaboration with our teachers.”
This year, teachers Lucas Theriault and Christine Forbes are leading Santa Ana Classical High School students through U.S. history and literature using the Socratic method, an approach centered on questioning, discussion, critical thinking, and close examination of ideas and texts.
“Rather than simply giving students answers, we want to create an environment where they learn to ask thoughtful questions and discover ideas through conversation,” Shirley said. “The Socratic method gives students a voice in the classroom and challenges them to support their thinking with evidence and reason.”
The launch of the Santa Ana Classical High School offering, along with the Pathfinder Classical offering, also marks the beginning of a three-year cycle of immersive classical humanities. Through this cycle, students will encounter history, literature, and ideas in an integrated and engaging academic experience rooted in the classical tradition.
“We are excited about what these next three years will mean for our students,” Shirley added. “Our goal is to provide a rigorous education that inspires curiosity, develops thoughtful scholars, and prepares students to engage confidently with the world beyond high school.
With the addition of the Classical High School offering, Journey’s Santa Ana and Pathfinder campuses are building on their K–8 classical foundation while creating a pathway for students to continue that educational experience through high school.
