School Accountability Report Card

Reported Using Data from the 2019–2020 School Year

Harbor Springs Charter School is a parent choice school where the community is our classroom. Our mission 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.

Harbor Springs strives to uphold parent rights and choice in education. Through choice of curriculum, teachers, and program the educators and participants of Harbor Springs Charter School believe that the best learning occurs when:

• The parent is directly involved in the teaching / learning process


• Learning styles are tailored to each individual student's needs.


• One-to-one teaching is the primary arrangement.


• Real life "context-based" learning is emphasized.


• There is enrichment through field trips, apprenticeships, cooperative classes, and appropriate uses of technology.


• The entire community serves as the school campus.

Harbor Springs Overview
Harbor Springs Charter School (HSCS) has been authorized by the Julian School District since 2013 and is fully WASC Accredited. HSCS is a non-classroom based charter offering a full continuum of services to TK-12th grade students residing in San Diego County and the contiguous counties.

Program Options
HSCS offers 3 independent study program options for students: Homeschool (TK-12), Venture Online (TK-12), and Keys Independent Study High School (9-12). Detailed program descriptions and contact information can be found on the school's website:

• Homeschool: https://springscs.org/programs/homeschool/homeschool-tk-12


• Venture Online: https://springscs.org/programs/venture-online


• Keys High School: https://springscs.org/programs/homeschool/keys-college-career-prep

2019-20 Pandemic Learning
During the COVID-19 school facility closures in the spring of 2019-20, all students who would typically come on-site for any amount of instruction were transitioned to distance learning. While this had less impact on our Homeschool students, the school was diligent to ensure access for all students. This included moving specialized services to a virtual platform, providing chromebooks for all enrolled students, offering free breakfast and/or lunch regionally to our students as well as any children in the community, and conducting thorough teacher training for working in an online setting. Continuous instruction was offered for all students, and regular communication with all stakeholders led to high engagement and positive feedback. The charter even received the "Above and Beyond Award" from the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools in recognition of our response to COVID-19 and our Online Public Education Now (OPEN) Classroom program, which was available to the public.

All of the Harbor Springs academic centers are used for professional development meetings, testing and resource, special education and language services. All of the facilities are safe, clean, and in good repair. We have instituted a new maintenance plan and check program with each site as outlined by our Safety Committee.

The charter offers a robust CTE program, which includes 15 different pathways across 10 industry sectors. The primary representative of the charter’s CTE Advisory Committee is Carl Burke. Industries represented on the committee: are Transportation, Health Science & Medical Technology, Marketing Sales & Service, Arts Media & Entertainment, Education Child Development & Family Services, Public Services, Hospitality Tourism & Recreation, Information & Communication Technologies. A detailed description of each sector, pathway, and key courses are included below.
Additional information can be found on the school website, here: https://springscs.org/programs/career-internship-technical-education-cite

1. Transportation Industry Sector
The Transportation sector is designed to provide a foundation in transportation services for all industrial technology education students in California. The pathways emphasize real-world, occupationally relevant experiences of significant scope and depth in Aviation and Aerospace Transportation Services, Collision Repair and Refinishing, and Vehicle Maintenance, Service, and Repair.
Systems Diagnostic, Service and Repair Pathway provides learning opportunities that prepare students for postsecondary education and employment in the transportation industry. This includes, but is not limited to, motor vehicles, rail systems, marine applications, and small engine / specialty equipment. Courses offered include:

• CTE Engine Repair 1 (Concentrator) – This course focuses on teaching students the components and operations of various vehicle systems such as electrical / electronic, hydraulic, cooling, etc. for internal combustion engine driven vehicles with an emphasis on theory, proper use of tools, and safety using extensive hands-on activities in the classroom. This course is articulated with Mt. San Jacinto College.


• CTE Engine Repair 2 (Capstone) – The course focuses on the operation and maintenance of a repair facility to include hazardous material control, business applications, customer service, reporting, and maintenance work order flow from acceptance to delivery.

(Note: Depending on location, the above courses could focus on automobile or aircraft.)

2. Health Science and Medical Technology Industry Sector
This industry sector provides the academic and technical skills and knowledge students need to pursue a full range of career opportunities in health science and medical technology from entry level to management.

Healthcare Administrative Workers Pathway includes administrators, managers, receptionists, billing and coding specialists, health informatics technicians, and others that support the process of patient care. Courses offered include:

• CTE Medical Billing and Coding (Capstone) - Coding focuses on tracking patient services and diagnosis using CPT and ICD-10 codes using industry standard software applications to ensure that all services provided are documented for payment by insurance companies and electronic medical record documentation for patients. This course is articulated with San Bernardino Valley College.


• CTE Biotechnology 1 (Concentrator) - Students learn about the biotech role in healthcare and the pathophysiology of disease on a microscopic level. They will learn how this field seeks to cure such deadly diseases such as cancer and malaria, develop innovative medicine, and effectively feed the world through improved systems.

Patient Care Pathway is designed for students to become knowledgeable of occupations or functions involved in the prevention, treatment, and management of illness and the preservation of mental and physical well-being through the services offered by the medical and allied health professions. Courses offered include:

• CTE Health Science Terminology (Concentrator) – Students will be introduced to the industry of healthcare medical terminology to communicate, retrieving and inputting information into electronic health records, collecting information for patient intake, and assessing vital signs. This course is articulated with San Bernardino Valley College.


• CTE Anatomy & Physiology (Capstone) - Students will study a variety of topics in anatomy and how this knowledge is applied in various healthcare careers. The main focus of the course is on physiology, the function of the human body, and how the systems of the body work together to maintain homeostasis. This course is articulated with Crafton Hills College.

3. Engineering and Architecture Industry Sector
The Engineering and Architecture Industry Sector is designed to provide a foundation in engineering and design for students in California. Students are engaged in an instructional program that integrates academic and technical preparation and focuses on career awareness, career exploration, and career preparation.

Engineering Technology Pathway provides learning opportunities for students interested in preparing for careers in the design, production, and maintenance of mechanical, telecommunications, electrical, electronics, and electromechanical products and systems. Courses offered include:

• CTE Mechanical Engineering Design w/CAD (Capstone) – using mechanical engineering design course content to support real-world Computer Aided Drafting project-based learning using SketchUp, SolidWorks and/or student provided CAD software. This is an articulated course with Mount San Jacinto College.

4. Business and Finance Industry Sector
Persons trained in fields such as accounting, marketing, management, banking, advertising and finance will find that their skills are highly marketable. Students master basic accounting principles and procedures before proceeding to the career path specializations.

Business Management Pathway Students learn how to design, install, maintain, and use general accounting systems and prepare, analyze, and verify financial reports and related economic information to help make important financial decisions for an organization. Courses offered include:

• CTE Business Management (Capstone) – Students learn the principles and methods of organizing a business firm or combining resources to produce goods and services, taking account of costs, profits, and the nature and extent of competition in markets.

5. Marketing, Sales and Services Industry Sector
The Marketing, Sales, and Services sector is designed to align career-path course work with current and projected employment opportunities.

Entrepreneurship/Self-Employment Pathway develops knowledge and skills common to entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship, including the human characteristics vital for entrepreneurial thinking in a twenty-first-century global world. Courses offered include:

• CTE Entrepreneurship 1 (Concentrator) – Students will learn to transform their passions into businesses and develop a mindset capable of critical thinking and problem solving in a fast paced professional setting. They will study current trends to anticipate future opportunities and will be encouraged to be creative and out of the box thinkers.


• CTE Entrepreneurship 2 (Capstone) - Students will further their business knowledge and skills required for entrepreneurs, as well as intangible skills and knowledge such as creativity and innovation skills.

6. Arts, Media, and Entertainment Industry Sector
Students learn the skills and knowledge for creating, refining, and exhibiting works of art, promoting teamwork, communication, creative thinking, and decision-making abilities.
Media and Design Arts Pathway includes those occupations that use tools and material as the primary means of creative expression. This career pathway requires the development of knowledge and skills by which individuals are able to express themselves through manipulation of physical objects. Courses offered include:

• CTE Introduction to Photography (Concentrator) – Students will learn basic photographic principles relevant to digital photography as well as beginning digital techniques combined with aesthetic quality. This course is articulated with San Bernardino Valley College


• CTE Digital Art and Design (Capstone) – Students learn about digital imaging and electronic photographic manipulation using Adobe Photoshop. Emphasis is placed on developing strong software and digital imaging skills plus reinforcement of design and creative skills. This course is articulated with Crafton Hills College.

Gaming Design Pathway Students will develop foundational knowledge in game design, animation, graphics, and computer software and hardware. They will apply skills in Mathematics, Physics, English Language Arts, Social Science, and Entrepreneurship. Courses offered include:

• CTE Introduction to Game Design (Concentrator) – Students learn the basics of game design and explore fundamental concepts such as concept art, story writing, game design, level design, 3d modelling, lighting, special effects and more. This course is articulated with San Bernardino Valley College.


• CTE Intermediate Game Design (Capstone) – Intermediate concepts learned in this class include game programming, particle effects, AI, rigging, shader design, texturing, intermediate modeling, and more. Students are encouraged to develop their skills based on available job prospects. This class is heavily team oriented.

7. Education, Child Development, and Family Services Industry Sector
The Education, Child Development, and Family Services sector provides students with the academic and technical preparation to pursue high-skill, high-demand careers in these related and growing industries. Standards in the Education, Child Development, and Family Services sector are designed to prepare students for technical training, postsecondary education, and entry to a career.

Family and Human Services Pathway Students learn employment and management skills, such as positive guidance, professional behavior and standards, and laws and regulations related to the field. Students also learn about nutrition, health, aging, and safety. Courses offered include:

• CTE Human Development (Concentrator) – Students in this course will learn about the psychological, sociological and biological stages of humans from birth to death. Students will explore the various stages of development throughout the lifespan and how to support the needs of humans in each stage..


• CTE Human Services (Capstone) - Instruction includes good health habits, positive mental attitudes, management of stress, good nutrition, body systems, substance use and abuse, family life, managing manipulation, relationships, pregnancy, diseases and infections, safety and emergency care and maintaining a healthy environment. This course may meet a local health requirement and provides a solid background for home economics-related careers.

Education Pathway The Education pathway is designed to prepare students for professional or learning support positions in education, prekindergarten through grade twelve. Students study human development; standards, regulations, and codes; positive guidance and counseling techniques; age-appropriate and grade-appropriate learning strategies; learning theories; and standards-based curriculum and instructional design. Courses offered include:

• CTE Careers in Education 1 - Students learn the foundations of education as well as the importance of continual learning and educational research. Concepts are explored in such critical areas as advocacy, legislation, and the current social, political, and economic climate.

8. Public Services Industry Sector
A public service is one that is provided by the government to its citizens, either directly or through the financing of another entity to provide that service. Careers in public service are unique because they center on challenging issues that define the public agenda and involve the provision of vital services to the public—from local to international levels.
Public Safety Pathway The evolving integration of state public safety organizations, their connections with federal and state intelligence and security agencies, interoperability and coordination of effort, and the shared mission to protect the public in a post-9/11 world are areas of emphasis for the pathway. Courses offered include:

• CTE Public Safety 1 (Concentrator) – CTE Public Safety 1 prepares students with a broad-based foundational knowledge in careers that involve public safety and service. It will cover the history, contexts, and practices of public safety. Career exploration will include public safety, law, security, forensics, and military and will increase the skills needed to enter some form of public service and safety work.


• CTE Criminal Studies (Capstone) – Students will focus on the shared mission of state, federal and international safety agencies in safeguarding the public and property. They will learn about how laws safeguard the public and be introduced to the state and federal court system as well as the role of law enforcement in the justice system. This course is articulated with Mt. San Jacinto College.

9. Hospitality, Tourism and Recreation Industry Sector
The Hospitality, Tourism, and Recreation sector provides students with the academic and technical preparation necessary to pursue high-skill, high-demand careers in these related and growing industries.
Hospitality, Tourism and Recreation Pathway integrates various facets of the hospitality industry: lodging, travel, and tourism; event planning; theme parks, attractions, and exhibitions; and recreation. Courses offered include:

• CTE Hospitality, Tourism and Recreation (Concentrator) – In this course, students define the hospitality, tourism, and recreation industry and examine characteristics needed for success in that industry. Students will learn the basic skills needed in communication, cash handling and non-cash handling, and customer service that meet industry standards.


• CTE Travel and Tourism Operations (Capstone) - This capstone course prepares students with the skills, attitudes, and knowledge needed for employment in the lodging industry, travel-related service occupations, and/or theme parks, attractions, outdoor recreation, and exhibitions and event-planning.

Food Service & Hospitality Pathway - Students pursuing this career pathway have in-depth, hands-on experiences that emphasize industry awareness; sanitation and safe food handling; food and beverage production; nutrition; food service management; and customer service. Courses offered include:

• CTE Culinary Arts 1 (Concentrator) - Students are introduced to the profession of culinary arts in the foodservice industry and operations. Fundamentals such as kitchen safety, knife skills, cookware and equipment are covered, as well as ingredients and nutrition. Students will learn about the preparation and presentation of foods, menu planning, analyzing cuisines, and developing tastes for restaurant management.

10. Information and Communication Technologies Industry Sector
The Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)sector has expanded the need for employees who can understand, manage, and support all rapidly emerging, evolving, and converging computer, software, networking, telecommunications, Internet, programming, and information systems.
Networking Pathway - Students in the Networking pathway prepare for careers that involve network analysis, planning, and implementation, including the design, installation, maintenance, and management of network systems. Courses offered include:

• CTE Computer Coding (Concentrator) - The concentrator course provides a foundation in the concepts of computer programming using easy-to-learn, free software: Scratch, App Inventor, Alice, and HTML. Student’s problem-solving skills are developed through Coding Conundrum features, which present students with code that must be analyzed and fixed.

Web and Social Media Programming and Design Sub-Pathway 174B - Students in this pathway prepare for careers related to computer science that involves the design, development, implementation, maintenance, and management of systems that rely on software programs to satisfy the operational needs of modern business organizations. Courses offered include:

• CTE Web Design 1 (Concentrator) - Students learn how to create digital images, web pages and animations. They’ll learn how to write scripts and code, design websites, and create graphics.

Our school’s core mission is centered on parent involvement and personalized learning for each student. A variety of strategies are used to encourage parental and community involvement with the teaching and learning process. Graduate Learning Outcomes (GLOs) are inherent in the opportunities that students participate in, especially using the community as the classroom.

We support our mission statement that the community is the student’s classroom in all programs, though this effort has become tricky during a global pandemic and school facility closures. During a typical school year, homeschool students have the opportunity to attend over fifty regional field trips at no additional cost to them; they also have access to a wide range of vendors providing educational opportunities and workshops. However, due to the global pandemic and state and county guidelines, as of March 2020, we suspended field trips. In 2020-21, the school was able to offer parents and students numerous free virtual field trips, and many of our vendors continued lessons and classes that were transitioned online.

In 2020-21, our students were able to participate in academic competitions that were transitioned to be virtual. These include: California History Day, Science Fair, Spelling and Bee and the AMC American Math Competition.

Our teachers are the first step in effectively involving the parents and community as active partners in the teaching/learning process. We offer a wide range of educational opportunities for parents including monthly in-services for Homeschool parents, workshops, notification of events, high school outreach, PTSO opportunities, and networking opportunities.

We have a variety of communication strategies used to ensure involvement of parents and the community such as online community connection resources, Daily Refreshments with teaching tips, telecommunications, newsletters at the school and local levels, school advisory council meetings, PTSO meetings, Governing Board meetings, and MTSS collaborative communication process between parents and staff to address individual student achievement.

Non-English speaking parents are involved in ELAC, PTSO, and as parent volunteers (when in-person instruction resumes). We provide translators for school-sponsored events, parent-teacher conferences, and for communication between school and home. Our certificated staff is credentialed in CLAD or SDAIE teaching strategies to provide ELD support to our EL students. We also have bilingual teachers, education specialists, and counselors to serve our non–English speaking parents.

The school hosts an annual conference for all staff and parents, which was virtual for 2020-21. The conference provides opportunities for networking, engaging in hands-on workshops and listening to guest speakers addressing topics in education. For those unable to attend the live virtual event, all breakout sessions were recorded and made available online.

The school has a comprehensive safety plan. For the current school site safety plan, please contact our Safety and Risk Management Department.

Harbor Springs Charter School is a independent direct-funded public charter school that provides a full continuum of services to students. The school supply all services necessary for students including, but not limited to: Special Education (IEP), 504 Plans, Title I (Free/Reduced meals), Title III (English Learner), and other student support necessities.