Home - Altus Schools North County

The Altus Journey

From our start in 1993 with the Charter School of San Diego to a network of transformative schools, explore how Altus has revolutionized education and impacted over 45,000 lives.

About Altus

1994

Altus Schools Charter School of San Diego

Altus Schools Charter School of San Diego (CSSD), founded over 30 years ago, was established following California's charter school law and the approval of its charter by the San Diego Unified School District, offering a flexible, personalized learning environment to empower all students and lead educational innovation

open learning space with blue carpet and multiple seating areas for students

2001

Altus Schools Audeo

Altus Schools Audeo was born from a vision fueled by a California Department of Education grant and the unanimous support of the SDUSD Board of Education, offering a bold, personalized learning experience for all students to help them thrive and succeed.

2007

Altus Schools Mirus

Altus Schools Mirus was founded to bring innovative, personalized education to the high desert communities, with a strong focus on parental involvement and pioneering models in instruction and governance to drive positive outcomes for students and their families.

2015

Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award

The Charter School of San Diego made history as the first K-12 charter school to receive the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award twice, in 2015 and 2021. Presented by the Office of the President, this prestigious honor recognized CSSD's excellence in performance, innovation, and leadership for over 30 years.

2016

Audeo Charter School II

Audeo Charter School II opened its doors with a bold mission to transform education in the North County coastal areas of Oceanside and Carlsbad for students by offering a personalized, innovative learning environment designed to meet each student’s unique academic and social needs. Audeo II empowers students to overcome the limitations of traditional schooling and build brighter futures.

2017

Altus Schools East County and South Bay

Altus Schools expanded its impact by launching Altus Schools East County and Altus Schools South Bay, transforming former Resource Centers into personalized, innovative learning environments to serve students in the Grossmont and Sweetwater Union High School District surrounding areas. Both schools uphold the Altus mission of meeting the unique needs of their communities.

2018

Altus Schools North County

Altus Schools North County opened its doors with a bold commitment to educational transformation, offering a personalized, innovative learning environment for students in North County and Escondido, to empower those underserved by traditional schools.

Putting Students First

Altus Schools share a common philosophy and approach that puts kids first. These nonprofit, state-funded, free public schools redefine how teachers teach and students learn!

Our Programs

Independent Study

Our independent study model teaches our students to be self-motivated, self-disciplined, and accountable--essential skills for future success! Our teachers actively engage and support our students along the way, providing enrichment and one-on-one tutoring as needed.

Personalized Education

We understand that every student is unique in their quest for college and career readiness! Whether your goal is to attend college or enter the workforce, Altus School students work one-on-one with their teachers to develop a personalized plan that will bring them closer to accomplishing their dreams.

Safe Learning Environment

It's not just a culture that our staff provides. Ensuring our students feel safe and supported is our #1 priority. Our schools are achieving this at unprecedented levels and is in direct correlation to student achievement.

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Early College Credit

The College Dual Enrollment Program provides opportunities for high school students to take college courses for college credit while completing high school coursework.

CLD & California Cadet Corps

Earn academic credit while learning leadership skills and participating in team-building, fitness activities outdoors! Students can take Character and Leadership Development (CLD) classes or become a cadet with the California Cadet Corps (CACC).

Your Questions Answered

Discover the essence of Altus through our FAQs, offering insights into our distinctive programs, values, and the transformative experiences awaiting you.

View More FAQs

Accordion 1

Is Altus Schools North County a public school?

What grade levels do you serve?

Are there any fees or tuition costs required?

Accordion 2

What is the focus of Altus Schools North County's academic program?

Altus Schools North County focuses on academics through our rigorous, standards-based independent study program. Altus students complete curriculum that has been approved by the University of California (UC) and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Academic opportunities are provided to students during their weekly appointments to the Resource Center that include: receiving support in one-on-one tutoring sessions, conducting science labs, and participating in field trips.

Can you graduate from Altus Schools North County?

YES. Students can receive a California high school diploma from Altus Schools North County. Our courses are A-G approved and acknowledged by the university system.

Students may also choose an educational plan which prepares them for the California High School Proficiency Exam (CHSPE). Audeo students go on to four-year colleges, community colleges, vocational schools, and serve in the military.

Altus Schools holds a very special cap and gown graduation ceremony at Liberty Station to honor the achievements of the student graduates.

Does Altus Schools North County offer the same courses as other middle schools and high schools in the district?

What is an 'independent study program'?

Altus Schools North County offers an independent study program. Independent study is an alternative education strategy for students who may have special challenges, need targeted instruction, or want an individualized approach to education.

Students work on their own according to written agreements and under the supervision of credentialed teachers. Independent study offers flexibility to meet individual students’ needs, interests, and styles of learning while independent study students follow the State-adopted curriculum and meet the graduation requirements similar to the neighboring school districts. Independent study is available only as a voluntary option chosen by students and parents.

In independent study, students’ work (grade C or better) that is approved by their teacher is their attendance (not time in the Resource Center).

Altus Schools

By the Numbers

1

Location in North County

25:1

Student to Teacher Ratio

99%

Parent Satisfaction

2x

Nationally Recognized Program

200+

Total Graduates Since 2017

11

Career Pathways

100%

Credentialed Teachers

Transforming Lives At Altus

Hear from our students and families about the impact of an Altus education.

Hear Our Stories

Altus Student

"Altus Schools have completely changed the way I see my future, giving me a whole new perspective on life and what I can achieve."

Class of ‘24

Altus Student

"At Altus Schools, I discovered a safe and supportive environment where I could focus on my schoolwork without fear, and that made all the difference."

Class of ‘19

Altus Student

"Altus Schools gave me the flexibility I needed, personalized my learning experience, and connected me with teachers who truly cared about my success."

Class of '23

Altus Student

"Thanks to my teacher at Altus Schools, I found the support I needed to achieve my dreams. Their encouragement inspired me to graduate and changed my life."

Class of ‘24