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 Homeschool 6th-grade student Jayson Lopez had his art displayed at the California Botanic Gardens Sage Gallery, shared Lori Loucks, homeschool director of learning centers. He also volunteers at and has his own exhibit at the Cooper Museum in Upland.
The Murrieta Chamber of Commerce recognized Journey High School Homeschool senior Brody Kornegay for his dedication to his studies, reported Vice Principal Nicole Collins. Brody has been part of the Journey program since 9th grade and “consistently taken full advantage of the academic and personal growth opportunities available to him … he has demonstrated a strong commitment to his education while actively engaging with his teachers and peers.”
Springs’ Santa Ana High School Learning Lab student leaders spent Read Across America Day visiting TK-4th graders for story time, reported teacher Jenny Brink. She continued, “It was a joy to watch our older students serve as such wonderful role models, and the little ones were absolutely captivated.”
Staff, students, and families participated in the Temecula Student Center’s annual STEAM Night, reported Program Facilitator Melissa Targos, as teachers hosted “engaging” stations featuring activities in science, technology, engineering, art, and math. Melissa said, “It was so much fun seeing teachers connect with students and families while sharing their passion for these exciting fields.”
As part of the festivities, participants celebrated Einstein’s birthday and Pi Day with pie and cake.
Student Addi Gorham shared her 2025 children’s book, “The Trip to Dreamland” with her class, reported Homeschool Principal April Jacoby. The book tells the story of the adventures of a mouse named Rosie; it is available on Amazon.
The Magnolia Student Center and FAPA enjoyed a Spring Fling dance in Hangar 16, which was decorated with images of flowers and butterflies, at the Flabob airport, reported Susie Carpenter, Magnolia program facilitator. Participants enjoyed dancing, a DJ, outside games, and snacks. A prom court king and queen were announced. About 75 grades 9 through 12 partcipated. This was the first collaboration between the two schools, Susie said, and the students voted for the Spring Fling.
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.