School Policies & Public Notices

Charter schools are not allowed to discourage a pupil from enrolling or seeking to enroll in the charter school because the pupil exhibits any characteristics such as students with disabilities, academically low-achieving, English learners, neglected or delinquent, homeless, socially economically disadvantaged, foster youth, or based on nationality, race, ethnicity, or sexual orientation. Charter schools are not allowed to request a pupil's records before enrollment or encourage a child who is enrolled in a charter school to disenroll or transfer to another school. A parent, guardian, or pupil (18 years or older) may file a Charter School Complaint Form to the authorizing entity if they suspect the charter school is in violation of California Education Code Section 47605(e)(4)(A) through (E).

Charter School Complaint Notice and Form

 

Education Protection Account (EPA)
“The Education Protection Account (EPA) provides local educational agencies (LEAs) with general-purpose state aid funding pursuant to Proposition 30, The Schools and Local Public Safety Protection Act of 2012, approved by the voters on November 6, 2012. The EPA funding is a component of an LEA’s total revenue limit or charter school general-purpose entitlement.” (Retrieved from the California Department of Education website.)

• CSSD EPA 2026-2027 (pdf)
• CSSD EPA 2025-2026 (pdf)
• CSSD EPA 2024-2025 (pdf)
• CSSD EPA 2023-2024 (pdf)
• CSSD EPA 2022-2023 (pdf)
• CSSD EPA 2021-2022 (pdf)
• CSSD EPA 2020-2021 (pdf)
• CSSD EPA 2019-2020 (pdf)
• CSSD EPA 2018-2019 (pdf)
• CSSD EPA 2017-2018 (pdf)
• Laurel EPA 2017-2018 (Laurel was absorbed by CSSD on July 1, 2018)
• CSSD EPA 2016-2017 (pdf)
• CSSD EPA 2015-2016 (pdf)
• CSSD EPA 2014-2015 (pdf)
• CSSD EPA 2013-2014 (pdf)
• CSSD EPA 2012-2013 (pdf)

CSSD ESSER III Plan

The Charter School of San Diego (CSSD) is seeking initial institutional approval by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. This approval would allow CSSD to sponsor educator preparation programs in California. Interested parties are invited to submit comments that may help to inform the Commission of substantive issues regarding this institution. Comments should be submitted to the Commission at input@ctc.ca.gov. Please note that comments should specify the party’s relationship to the institution (e.g., graduate, present or former faculty member, employer of graduates, other – please specify). All identifying information will remain confidential.

The Learning Continuity and Attendance Plan (LCP) is a key part of the overall budget package for K-12 that seeks to address funding stability for schools while providing information at the local educational agency (LEA) level for how student learning continuity will be addressed during the COVID-19 crisis in the 2020–21 school year. The provisions for the plan were approved by the Governor and Legislature in June in SB 98 and can be found in EC Section 43509.

CSSD LCP (2020-2021)

CSSD LREBG (2022-2023 and 2023-2024)

Important information regarding confidential student data

There is ongoing litigation between the California Department of Education and the Concerned Parent Association. A notice issued by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson states, “The lawsuit accuses CDE of widespread, systemic non-compliance by local educational agencies with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504. The CDE denies these allegations and is actively defending the litigation.”

The court has ordered CDE to release student and parent information to provide personally identifiable information (PII) – an act that can only be taken as an exception to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). As a result, we are providing notice of the court order and directions to anyone wishing to object.

Please be advised that CDE will notify parents or students of whom are required to disclose information and those individuals may object directly to the court regarding this disclosure using the PDF links below:

Objection to Disclosure of Student Information and Records (PDF)

Objeción a la Publicación de Información y Registros Estudiantiles (PDF)

You are guaranteed enrollment in school by the federal McKinney-Vento Act and California state law, even if you have uncertain housing, a temporary address, or no permanent physical address. 

Ana Maria Rojas, Student Access and Support Services Administrator, is the designated Liaison for Homeless Students for Altus Schools Charter School of San Diego. You may contact her by phone at 858-678-4818 or by email at arojas@altusschools.net.

Notice of Rights for Families Experiencing Homelessness

Notice of Rights for Families Experiencing Homelessness – Spanish

ASSD Policy 1952 Education for Homeless Children and Youth 

ASSD Policy 1954 Education for Foster and Mobile Youth 

Know Your Rights - Immigration Enforcement (English)

Know Your Rights - Immigration Enforcement (Spanish)

Dangers of Synthetic Drugs 

The illicit use and abuse of synthetic drugs represents an emerging and ongoing public health threat in California. The fentanyl crisis specifically has impacted communities across the state, leading to a sharp increase in fentanyl poisonings and deaths in recent years. 

This notice aims to address the crisis with a preventative approach ensuring students and families are educated on the deadly consequences of recreational drug use. 

A synthetic drug is a drug with properties and effects similar to a known hallucinogen or narcotic but having a slightly altered chemical structure, especially such a drug created in order to evade existing restrictions against illegal substances. 

Synthetic drugs include but are not limited to synthetic cannabinoids (“synthetic marijuana,” “Spice,” “K2”), methamphetamines, bath salts, and fentanyl.   

The California Department of Public Health (“CDPH”) has expounded on the extreme danger of drugs laced with fentanyl. Illicit fentanyl can be added to other drugs to make them cheaper, more powerful, and more addictive. Illicit fentanyl has been found in many drugs, including heroin, methamphetamine, counterfeit pills, and cocaine. Fentanyl mixed with any drug increases the likelihood of a fatal overdose. Furthermore, it is nearly impossible to tell if drugs have been laced with fentanyl without additional testing, because fentanyl cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted when used as a lacing agent.  

Additional information regarding fentanyl from the CDPH’s Substance and Addiction Prevention Branch can be found here. 

Proposition 28: Arts and Music in Schools Funding Annual Report (CSSD)

Proposition 28: Arts and Music in Schools Funding Annual Report (Altus Schools Audeo)

Restraint and Seclusion Data reported to the CDE can be found here.

The executive summary of the School Accountability Report Card is intended to provide parents and community members with a quick snapshot of information related to individual public schools.

Hard copies of the school’s SARC report are available upon request.

2024-2025 CSSD SARC

2023-2024 CSSD SARC

2022-2023 CSSD SARC

2021-2022 CSSD SARC

2020-2021 CSSD SARC

Click here to view the School Plan for Student Achievement (SPSA).

2026-27 Safety Plan

ASSD Board Policy #5090

 

5090 Administration of Medication Policy 

Approved: February 22, 2018 

Amended: February 17, 2021; June 22, 2023; December 7, 2023; June 26, 2024; February 26, 2026; June 25, 2026 

The Board of Directors of Altus Schools San Diego, Inc. hereby adopts this Administration of Medication Policy to apply to Altus Schools Charter School of San Diego, hereafter referred to as “Charter School.” 

Charter School staff is responsible for overseeing the administration of medication to students attending Charter School during the regular school day. It is imperative that practices followed in the administration of medication be carefully delineated to ensure the safety of our students and the legal protection of our employees.  

Definitions 

• “Authorized health care provider” means an individual who is licensed by the State of California to prescribe medication. 

• “Authorizing physician and surgeon” may include, but is not limited to, a physician and surgeon employed by, or contracting with, a local educational agency, a medical director of the local health department, or a local emergency medical services director.   

• “School nurse” means an individual who is currently a credentialed and licensed registered nurse employed by the Charter School.   

• “Designated personnel” or “volunteer” means an individual employed by the Charter School who has consented to administer the particular medication or emergency assistance to individuals as permitted by this policy and may legally administer the medication or emergency assistance to the individual receiving it. To be eligible, the “designated personnel” or “volunteer” must have been designated by Charter School and have received the required training as set forth in this policy. 

• For the purposes of administering epinephrine delivery systems, this also includes a holder of an Activity Supervisor Clearance Certificate who has specifically volunteered to administer epinephrine delivery systems to a person if the person is suffering, or reasonably believed to be suffering, from anaphylaxis, or employees of a childcare program operated by or under contract with Charter School, who have volunteered, received training, and are subject to liability limitations pursuant to Section 1596.7985 of the Health and Safety Code.  

• “Childcare program” means a state or federally subsidized childcare program operated by, or under contract with, the local educational agency, including, but not limited to, a California state preschool program or Head Start program pursuant to Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 8200) of Part 6 of Division 1 of Title 1, or a childcare program, including, but not limited to, general childcare and development programs pursuant to Part 1.8 (commencing with Section 10207) of Division 9 of the Welfare and Institutions Code. 

• “Medication” includes prescription medication, over-the-counter remedies, nutritional supplements, and herbal remedies. Sunscreen is not considered a medication.  

• “Epinephrine delivery system” means a disposable delivery system designed for the delivery of a premeasured dose of epinephrine into the human body to prevent or treat a life-threatening allergic reaction. 

• “Anaphylaxis” means a potentially life-threatening hypersensitivity to a substance. Symptoms of anaphylaxis may include shortness of breath, wheezing, difficulty breathing, difficulty talking or swallowing, hives, itching, swelling, shock, or asthma. Causes of anaphylaxis may include, but are not limited to, an insect sting, food allergy, drug reaction, and exercise.    

• “Opioid antagonist” means naloxone hydrochloride (“NARCAN”) or another drug approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) that, when administered, negates or neutralizes in whole or in part the pharmacological effects of an opioid in the body, and has been approved for the treatment of an opioid overdose.   

• “Regular school day” includes during school hours, before- or after-school programs, field trips, extracurricular or co-curricular activities, and camps or other activities that typically involve at least one (1) overnight stay from home.  

  Administration of Medication with Charter School Assistance 

 Any student who is or may be required to take, during the regular school day, prescription medication prescribed or ordered for the student by an authorized health care provider may be assisted by the school nurse or designated Charter School personnel. 

In order for a student to be assisted by the school nurse or other designated Charter School personnel in administering medication, Charter School shall obtain both: 

1. A written statement from the student’s authorized health care provider detailing the name of the medication, method, amount/dosage, and time schedules by which the medication is to be taken, and  

2. A written statement from the parent, foster parent, or guardian of the student indicating the desire that Charter School assist the student in the matters set forth in the statement of the authorized health care provider. 

 These written statements specified shall be provided at least annually and more frequently if the medication, dosage/amount, frequency of administration, or reason for administration changes. 

 The primary responsibility for the administration of medication rests with the parent/guardian, student, and medical professionals. 

 Self-Administration of Medication (without Charter School Assistance)  

 Students will be permitted to self-carry and self-administer prescription medication if an authorized health care provider has indicated that a student may need to take this medication or is required to take this medication during the regular school day. Prescription medication includes an epinephrine delivery system and inhaled asthma medication. In order to carry and self-administer this medication, Charter School must receive the following:   

• A written statement from the student’s authorized health care provider (1) detailing the name of the medication, method, dosage/amount, and time schedules by which the medication is to be taken, and (2) confirming that the student is able to self-administer an epinephrine delivery system or inhaled asthma medication, and    

• A written statement from the parent, foster parent, or guardian of the student (1) consenting to the self-administration, (2) providing a release for the school nurse or designated Charter School personnel to consult with the health care provider of the student regarding any questions that may arise with regard to the medication, and (3) releasing Charter School and Charter School personnel from civil liability if the self-administering student suffers an adverse reaction as a result of self-administering medication. 

These written statements specified shall be provided at least annually and more frequently if the medication, dosage/amount, frequency of administration, or reason for administration changes. 

Charter School may elect to observe and document the student’s ability to safety and competently self-carry and self-administer prescription medication as directed by the authorized health care provider. A student may be subject to disciplinary action if the student uses this prescription medication in a manner other than as prescribed. 

Any student requiring insulin shots must establish a plan for administration of insulin shots with the Deputy Superintendent of Schools Services (“Deputy Superintendent”) in consultation with the parent or guardian and the student’s medical professional. 

Staff Training and Emergency Response 

Additional information about staff trainings and the Charter School’s response to emergencies may be located within the Employment Handbook and/or the School Safety Plan. 

A. Response to Anaphylactic Reaction  

The school nurse or designated personnel may use an epinephrine delivery system  to provide emergency medical aid to persons suffering, or reasonably believed to be suffering from, an anaphylactic reaction at school or a school activity or program operated by or under contract with Charter School. Charter School will ensure that, at a minimum, it has the appropriate doses of available  epinephrine delivery systems for the ages and weights of individuals at the schoolsite and those participating in any childcare program operated by or under the control of Charter School and stored in an accessible location to meet the needs of its students. Charter School will ensure staff properly store, maintain, and restock the epinephrine delivery systems as needed.  

Charter School will ensure any designated personnel are appropriately trained regarding the storage and emergency use of an epinephrine delivery system. Adequate training shall include all of the following: 

1. Techniques for recognizing symptoms of anaphylaxis. 

2. Standards and procedures for the storage, restocking, and emergency use of epinephrine delivery systems.  

3. Emergency follow-up procedures, including calling the emergency 911 telephone number and contacting, if possible, the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) and physician. 

4. Recommendations on the necessity of instruction and certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation. 

5. Instruction on how to determine which epinephrine delivery system to use, which shall include consideration of the age of the person suffering, or reasonably believed to be suffering, from an anaphylactic reaction as a guideline of equivalency for the person’s weight determination. 

Written materials covering the information required pursuant to the training. A copy of these written materials shall be made accessible, such as through publicly posting at the location of the epinephrine delivery system.  

Charter School will distribute an annual notice to all staff describing the request for volunteers who will be trained to administer an epinephrine delivery system to a person if that person is suffering, or reasonably believed to be suffering from, anaphylaxis. The annual notice shall also describe the training the volunteer will receive and shall indicate the location of the epinephrine delivery systems on campus.  

B. Response to a Diabetic or Hypoglycemic Emergency 

Charter School provides Charter School personnel with voluntary emergency medical training on how to provide emergency medical assistance to students with diabetes suffering from severe hypoglycemia. The volunteer personnel shall provide this emergency care in accordance with standards established herein and the performance instructions set forth by the licensed health care provider of the student. A Charter School employee who does not volunteer or who has not been trained pursuant to this Policy may not be required to provide emergency medical assistance. 

Training by a physician, credentialed school nurse, registered nurse, or certificated public health nurse according to the standards established pursuant to this section shall be deemed adequate training. Training established shall include all of the following: 

1. Recognition and treatment of hypoglycemia. 

2. Administration of glucagon. 

3. Basic emergency follow-up procedures, including, but not limited to, calling the emergency 911 telephone number and contacting, if possible, the student’s parent(s)/ guardian(s) and licensed health care provider. 

A Charter School employee shall notify the Deputy Superintendent School Services and Founding Director if the employee administers glucagon pursuant to this Policy. 

All materials necessary to administer the glucagon shall be provided by the parent(s)/guardian(s) of the student. 

In the case of a student who is able to self-test and monitor their own blood glucose level, upon written request of the parent or guardian, and with authorization of the licensed health care provider of the student, a student with diabetes shall be permitted to test their own blood glucose level and to otherwise provide diabetes self-care in the classroom, in any area of the Charter School or Charter School grounds, during any Charter School-related activity, and, upon specific request by a parent or guardian, in a private location. 

Designated staff shall establish emergency procedures for specific medical conditions that require an immediate response (i.e. allergies, asthma, diabetes). 

C. Response to an Opioid Overdose 

Charter School provides Charter School personnel with voluntary emergency medical training on the administration of opioid antagonists to students exhibiting potentially life-threatening symptoms, or reasonably believed to be suffering, from an opioid overdose at schools or a school activity. Charter School will ensure staff properly store, maintain, and restock opioid antagonists as needed.  

Training shall include all of the following: 

• Techniques for recognizing symptoms of an opioid overdose. 

• Standards and procedures for the storage, restocking, and emergency use of naloxone hydrochloride or another opioid antagonist. 

• Basic emergency follow-up procedures, including, but not limited to, a requirement for the school or charter school administrator or, if the administrator is not available, another school staff member to call the emergency 911 telephone number and to contact the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s). 

• Recommendations on the necessity of instruction and certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation. 

• Written materials covering the information required pursuant to the training. 

The Deputy Superintendent shall distribute an annual notice to all staff regarding volunteering for training to administer opioid antagonists and a volunteer’s right to rescind their offer to volunteer. 

D. Response to a Seizure, Seizure Disorder, or Epilepsy 

Upon receipt of a request by a parent/guardian to administer anti-seizure medication when a student is suffering from a seizure, the Charter School may designate one or more volunteers to receive training to administer the anti-seizure medication. The Charter School may allow non-medical personnel to volunteer to provide medical assistance to students who are diagnosed with seizures, a seizure disorder, or epilepsy if the Charter School does not have a credentialed nurse or other licensed nurse on site. Charter School’s volunteer personnel shall provide this emergency care in accordance with standards established herein and the performance instructions set forth by the licensed health care provider of the student. A Charter School employee who does not volunteer or who has not been trained pursuant to this Policy may not be required to provide emergency medical assistance. Volunteer employees are not providing this emergency medical care for compensation, notwithstanding that the employee is a paid public employee. 

Upon receipt of the parent/guardian’s request, the Charter School shall notify the parent/guardian that their child may qualify for services or accommodations under the Section 504 plan or an individualized education program (“IEP”), assist the parent/guardian with the exploration of that option, and encourage the parent/guardian to adopt that option if it is determined that the child is eligible for a Section 504 plan or an IEP. The Charter School shall obtain a signed a notice verifying the parent/guardian was provided this information and has the right to request a Section 504 Plan or IEP at any time. Additionally, if the Charter School does not have any volunteers, then Charter School shall notify the parent/guardian of the student’s right to be assessed for a Section 504 plan or an IEP. 

Prior to administering emergency anti-seizure medication, Charter School shall obtain annually a signed seizure action plan from the parent/guardian, that includes the parent/guardian’s authorization, in writing for the medication to be administered to the student at school by a non-medical professional who has received training, and a copy of a statement, in writing, from the student’s health care provider that includes all of the following information:  

1. The student’s name, the name and purpose of the medication, its prescribed dosage, method of administration and the frequency with which the medication may be administered; 

2. Detailed seizure symptoms, including frequency, type, or length of seizures that identify when the administration of an emergency anti-seizure medication becomes necessary;  

3. The circumstances under which the medication may be administered; 

4. Any potential adverse responses by the student and recommended mitigation actions, including when to call emergency services, including the emergency 911 telephone number; 

5. A protocol for observing the student after a seizure, including, but not limited to, whether the student should rest in the school office, whether the student may return to class, and the length of time they should be under direct observation; and

6. How and where the emergency anti-seizure medication will be stored at the school. 

This plan shall be distributed to any Charter School personnel or volunteers responsible for the supervision or care of the student if the parent/guardian consents in writing and will be kept in a confidential file in the nurse or Deputy Superintendent or designee’s office, as applicable. 

Training will occur upon volunteering and thereafter annually at no cost to the employee and will occur during regular working hours. Training will be conducted by an authorized health care professional, all training will align with any minimum standards established by the California Department of Education (“CDE”), and will include: 

1. Recognition of the signs and symptoms of seizures and the appropriate steps to be taken to respond to those symptoms; 

2. Administration, or assisting with the self-administration of, an emergency anti-seizure medication, or a medication or therapy prescribed to treat the symptoms of seizures, seizure disorders, or epilepsy, including manual vagus nerve stimulation; and 

3. Basic emergency follow-up procedures.  

Any written materials used in the training shall be retained by the Charter School. Charter School shall ensure that each employee who volunteers to administer anti-seizure medication in good faith will be provided defense and indemnification by Charter School for any and all civil liability barring gross negligence, or willful or wanton misconduct, and this information shall be reduced to writing, provided to the volunteer, and retained in the volunteer’s personnel file. 

Upon receipt of a parent/guardian’s request to administer anti-seizure medication, Charter School shall distribute a notice at least once but no more than two times per school year to all staff that includes all of the following information: 

• A description of the volunteer request stating that the request is for volunteers to be trained to recognize and respond to seizures, including training to administer emergency anti-seizure medication to a student diagnosed with seizures, a seizure disorder, or epilepsy if the student is suffering from a seizure; 

• A description of the training that the volunteer will receive; 

• The right of an employee to rescind their offer to volunteer; and 

• A statement that there will be no retaliation against any individual for rescinding the individual’s offer to volunteer, including after receiving training.  

If a volunteer rescinds the volunteer’s offer to volunteer or is no longer able to act as a volunteer for any reason, or if the placement of a student changes and the student no longer has access to a trained volunteer, an additional two notices per school year may be distributed to all staff. 

Upon administration of anti-seizure emergency medication by a volunteer employee, the Charter School’s nurse shall be notified. If the Charter School does not employ a nurse, Charter School’s Deputy Superintendent or designee shall be notified. 

Storage and Record Keeping  

All medication will be kept in a secure and appropriate storage location and administered per an authorized health care provider’s instructions by appropriately designated staff. 

Designated staff shall keep records of medication administered at Charter School. The medication log may include the following: 

1. Student's name. 

2. Name of medication the student is required to take. 

3. Dose of medication. 

4. Method by which the student is required to take the medication. 

5. Time the medication is to be taken during the regular school day. 

6. Date(s) on which the student is required to take the medication. 

7. Authorized health care provider's name and contact information. 

8. A space for daily recording of medication administration to the student or otherwise assisting the student in administration of the medication, such as date, time, amount, and signature of the individual administering the medication or otherwise assisting in administration of the medication. 

Designated staff shall return all surplus, discontinued, or outdated medication to the parent/guardian upon completion of the regimen or prior to extended holidays. If the medication cannot be returned, it will be disposed of at the end of the school year.  

For more information on how to obtain and complete an Administration of Medications Form, please see the school website. 

ASSD Board Policy #3430

 

ASSD Board Policy #3340

ASSD Board Policy #3390

 

ASSD Board Policy #1956

 

ASSD Board Policy #3200

ASSD Board Policy #1700

 

ASSD Board Policy #3395

 

3395 Mathematics Placement Policy 

Approved: May 26, 2016 

Amended: February 28, 2024; June 26, 2025; June 25, 2026 

 

The Board of Directors of Altus Schools San Diego (“ASSD”) hereby adopts this Mathematics Placement Policy to apply to Altus Schools Charter School of San Diego (“Charter School”). This policy has been adopted to establish a fair, objective, and transparent protocol for placement in mathematics courses for students entering 9th grade, in order to ensure the success of every student and to meet the Legislative intent of the California Mathematics Placement Act of 2015. 

 

1. In determining the mathematics course placement for entering 9th grade students, the Charter School systematically takes multiple objective academic measures of student performance into consideration, including: 

   1. Statewide mathematics assessments, including interim and summative assessments through the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (“CAASPP”); 
   2. Placement tests, such as the Northwest Evaluation Association Measure of Academic Progress (“NWEA MAP”) assessments, that are aligned to state-adopted content standards in mathematics; 
   3. Recommendation, if available, of each student’s 8th grade teacher based on classroom assignment and grades; 
   4. Recommendation, if any, of each student’s 9th grade teacher based on assignments and grades provided at the beginning of the school year; 
   5. Final grade in mathematics on the student’s official, end of the year 8th grade report card; 
   6. Results from all placement checkpoints, including at least one (1) placement checkpoint within the first month of the school year as described in Section 2, below. 

2. The Charter School will provide at least one (1) placement checkpoint within the first month of the school year to ensure accurate placement and permit reevaluation of individual student progress. All teachers responsible for teaching 9th grade students will assess the mathematics placements for each 9th grade student assigned to the teacher’s mathematics course. The teacher’s assessment will take into consideration factors which may include, but are not limited to, the student’s assignments, quizzes, tests, exams, and grades, participation, and any comments provided by the student, the student’s parent/legal guardian, and/or the student’s other teachers regarding the student’s mathematics placement. Based on the assessment, the teacher will then recommend that the student remain in the current mathematics placement or be transferred to another mathematics placement, in which case the teacher shall specify the mathematics course or level recommended for the student. 

3. The Administrator of Instructional Services , or his or her designee, shall examine aggregate student placement data annually to ensure that students who are qualified to progress in mathematics courses based on their performance on objective academic measures included in Section 1 of this policy are not held back in a disproportionate manner on the basis of their race, ethnicity, gender, or socioeconomic background. The Charter School shall annually report the aggregate results of this examination to the Charter School Board. 

4. The Charter School offers clear and timely recourse for each student and his or her parent or legal guardian who questions the student’s placement, as follows: 

1. A parent/legal guardian of any 9th grade student may submit a written request to the Administrator of Instructional Services, or his or her designee, that: 

1. Requests information regarding how the student’s mathematics placement was determined. Within five (5) days of receipt, the Administrator of Instructional Services or designee shall respond in writing to the parent/legal guardian’s request by providing the information, including the objective academic measures that the Charter School relied upon in determining the student’s mathematics placement. 

2. Requests that the student retake the placement test, in which case the Administrator of Instructional Services or designee will attempt to facilitate the retest within two (2) weeks. 

3. Requests that the student retake the 8th grade end of course final mathematics assessment, in which case the Administrator of Instructional Services or designee will attempt to facilitate the retest within two (2) weeks. 

4. Requests reconsideration of the student’s mathematics placement based on objective academic measures. Within five (5) school days of receipt, the Administrator of Instructional Services or designee shall respond in writing to the parent/legal guardian’s request. The Administrator of Instructional Services or designee and the student’s mathematics teacher must assess the objective academic measures provided by the parent in conjunction with the objective academic measures identified in Section 1 and 2 of this policy. Based on this assessment, the Administrator of Instructional Services or designee must determine whether the most appropriate mathematics placement for the student is the student’s current placement or another placement, in which case the Administrator of Instructional Services shall specify the mathematics course or level recommended for the student. The Administrator of Instructional Services or designee’s response must provide the determination as well as the objective academic measures that the Administrator of Instructional Services or designee relied upon in making that determination. 

2. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Administrator of Instructional Services or designee requires additional time to respond to a parent/legal guardian’s request, the Administrator of Instructional Services or designee will provide a written response indicating that additional time is needed. In no event shall the Administrator of Instructional Services or designee’s response time exceed one (1) month. 

If, after reconsideration of the student’s mathematics placement by the Administrator of Instructional Services or designee, the parent/legal guardian is dissatisfied with the student’s mathematics placement, the parent/legal guardian may choose to sign a voluntary waiver requesting that the student be placed in another mathematics course against the professional recommendation of the Administrator of Instructional Services or designee, acknowledging and accepting responsibility for this placement. 

1. The Charter School shall ensure that this mathematics placement policy is posted on its website. This policy is adopted pursuant to the Mathematics Placement Act of 2015, enacted as Education Code Section 51224.7. 

As an independent study program, Altus Schools Charter School of San Diego (CSSD) enrolls students throughout the year.  The school works to accommodate all students who wish to enroll.  In the instance that more students wish to enroll than availability allows, the school will use a public random drawing.

Applications will be accepted during a publicly advertised open application period each year for enrollment in the following school year. Following the open enrollment period each year, applications will be counted to determine whether any grade level has received more applications than availability. In the event that this happens, CSSD shall hold a public random drawing to determine enrollment for the impacted grade level, with the exception of existing students, who are guaranteed enrollment in the following school year.

Admission preferences in the case of a public random drawing shall be as follows:

1. Students currently attending CSSD
2. Residents of the San Diego Unified School District
3. Siblings of existing students of CSSD
4. All other students

At the conclusion of the public random drawing, all students who were not granted admission due to capacity shall be given the option to put their name on a waiting list according to their draw in the lottery. This waiting list shall allow students the option of enrollment if an opening occurs during the current school year at their grade level. In no circumstance shall a waiting list carry over to the following school year.  Public random drawing rules, deadlines, dates, and times shall be communicated in the application form and on the CSSD website.

1250 Access to Public Records Policy 

The Board of Directors of Altus Schools San Diego, a California nonprofit public benefit corporation operating Altus Schools Charter School of San Diego hereafter referred to as “Charter School” or “School”, hereby adopts this Access to Public Records Policy regarding public records requests pursuant to the Public Records Act (Government Code Section 6250) to ensure compliance. This policy may be updated from time to time as required, to be in compliance with state law, regulation, or administrative directive. 

Requests for public records shall be made to the office of the Chief of Staff and Compliance Officer (“COSCO”). The COSCO or designee may then determine the most appropriate employee of the Charter School to assist in assembling any public records for production. 

Any person may request a copy of any public record open to the public and not exempt from disclosure. Public access shall not be given to records listed as exempt from public disclosure in the California Public Records Act or other applicable statutes. While a request need not be in writing, if the request is verbal, the requestor will be asked to reduce the request to writing so there is a written record of the records being requested. If the requestor chooses not to reduce the request to writing, the COSCO or designee shall reduce the request to writing and confirm the request with the requestor. The request for public records must clearly identify the records requested, along with the name and mailing address of the requestor.  

Provisions of the California Public Records Act (Government Code Section 6250 et seq.) shall not be construed so as to delay access for purposes of inspecting or receiving copies of records open to the public. Any notification denying a request for public records shall state the name and title of each person responsible for the denial. 

Charter School may charge for copies of public records or other materials requested by individuals or groups. The charge, based on the direct cost of duplication, has been set by the Board of Directors at .10 cents per page. The direct cost of duplication includes the pro rata expense of the copying equipment used and the pro rata expense in terms of staff time required to produce the copy. It does not include the cost of locating, retrieving, or inspecting records. 

Requests to waive associated fees related to the direct cost of duplication shall be submitted to the COSCO’s Office. 

In response to a request for public records sent or received on an employee’s personal devices or accounts, Charter School shall disclose all public records that can be located with reasonable effort and that are otherwise subject to disclosure under the California Public Records Act. Charter School’s search for such public records shall be reasonably calculated to locate responsive documents. To fulfill such a request for public records, employees of the Charter School may be asked to search for and disclose all responsive disclosable public records maintained on the employee’s personal devices or accounts. 

Within ten (10) days of receiving any request for a copy of records, the COSCO or designee shall determine whether the request seeks copies of disclosable public records in the possession of the Charter School, shall promptly inform the person making the request of the Charter School’s intent to comply with the request, and shall indicate the date that the disclosable public records shall be made available.  

In unusual circumstances, the COSCO may extend the 10-day time period for an additional 14 days by providing written notice to the requestor and setting forth the reasons for the extension and the date on which a determination is expected to be made. Unusual circumstances include, but only to the extent reasonably necessary to properly process the request, the following:  

1. The need to search for and collect the requested records from field facilities or other locations that are separate from the office processing the request; 

2. The need to search for, collect, and appropriately examine a voluminous amount of separate and distinct records that are demanded in a single request; 

3. The need for consultation, which shall be conducted with all practicable speed, with another agency having a substantial interest in the determination of the request, or among two or more components of the Charter School having substantial subject matter interest therein; 

4. The need to compile data, to write programming language or a computer program, or to construct a computer report to extract data.  

If an inspection is requested, any person shall have reasonable access, during normal business hours, to the public records of the Charter School within the requirements of state law. However, if records are not readily available, or if portions of the records to be inspected must be redacted to protect exempt material, then Charter School must be given a reasonable period of time to perform these functions prior to inspection. Such records shall be examined in the presence of the staff member regularly responsible for their maintenance. 

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Elizabeth Orona has been designated as the Public Records Act Coordinator for Altus Schools.  You may contact her at any time by calling 858-678-2020 or by email at eorona@altusschools.net.

ASSD Board Policy #3432

 

Discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and bullying are all disruptive behaviors, which interfere with students’ ability to learn, negatively affect student engagement, diminish school safety, and contribute to a hostile school environment. As such, Altus Schools prohibits any acts of discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and bullying altogether. 

ASSD Board Policy #3363

Additional resources and support are available on the Student & Family Resources page and on the Mental Health & Wellness Hub. 

Notice of Student Non-Discrimination

Altus Schools is committed to equal opportunity for all individuals in education. Altus Schools shall promote programs which ensure that discriminatory practices are eliminated in all school activities and will take steps to assure that the lack of English will not be a barrier to admission and participation in school programs.

No student may discriminate, injure, intimidate, interfere with, oppress, or threaten any student or anyone from the School because of race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, physical and mental disability, gender or sexual orientation. Any student who engages in such activities may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion and the police may be contacted to take further action.

Any employee who permits or engages in discrimination may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal.

Any student or parent who feels that discrimination has occurred should immediately contact a teacher or the Administrator of Instructional Services at (858) 678-2020 for resolution. If not resolved, contact: the Chief of Staff & Compliance Officer, 10170 Huennekens Street, San Diego, CA 92121; (858) 678-2020.

Student Sexual Harassment Policy

Altus Schools is committed to making the schools free from sexual harassment.  This means that Altus Schools prohibits harassment made by someone from or in the educational setting.  Sexual harassment can be such actions as: unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, verbal, visual, or physical conduct of a sexual nature made by someone from or in the educational setting.

Altus Schools prohibits conduct that has the purpose or effect of having a negative impact on the student’s academic performance, or of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment.

Altus Schools further prohibits sexual harassment in which a student’s grades, benefits, services, honors, program or activities are dependent on submission to such conduct.

Students should report any sexual harassment to their teacher or school principal.  Students who violate this policy shall be disciplined appropriately.  This includes suspension or possible expulsion.  Employees who violate this policy shall disciplined according to personnel procedures.

Altus Schools believes that it can resolve harassment issues at the school site. if not, please contact your Learning Lead or Administrator of Instructional Services at (858) 678-2020 for resolution. 

To File a Discrimination or Sexual Harassment Complaint

1. Filing a complaint: Obtain a copy of the Uniform Complaint form and procedure from the school.  Remedies available outside of Altus Schools l are listed in this procedure.
2. Investigation: Altus Schools will immediately undertake an effective, thorough, and objective investigation of the harassment allegations and provide a written report within 60 days of when the complaint is filed.
3. Action: If Altus Schools determines that its policies prohibiting sexual harassment have been violated, disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion, will be taken.

The person filing the complaint may also pursue action in civil court.

Complaints will be kept confidential.

Altus Schools prohibits retaliation against any participant in the complaint process.  Each complaint shall be investigated promptly and in a way that respects the privacy of all parties concerned.

If you have an unresolved discrimination or sexual harassment complaint, contact:

504 Coordinator

Administrator of Special Education

10170 Huennekens Street, San Diego, CA 92121

619-393-2270

Title II, Title IX

Chief of Staff & Compliance Officer

10170 Huennekens Street, San Diego, CA 92121

858-678-4811

Title 5 Coordinator

Chief Business Officer & CFO

10170 Huennekens Street, San Diego, CA 92121

858-678-2048

Civil Rights Coordinator

Chief Business Officer & CFO

10170 Huennekens Street, San Diego, CA 92121

858-678-2048

 

ASSD Board Policy #3350

ASSD Board Policy #5060

 

ASSD Board Policy #1930

ASSD Board Policy #3345

 

ASSD Board Policy #3300

 

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 protects individuals from discrimination based on sex in any educational program or activity operated by recipients of federal financial assistance.

Altus Schools Charter School of San Diego is committed to providing an environment free from discrimination based on sex and provides a number of resources and services to assist students, faculty, and staff in addressing issues involving sex discrimination.

Elizabeth Orona has been designated as the Title IX Coordinator for Altus Schools Charter School of San Diego.  You may contact her at any time by calling (858) 678-4811 or email at eorona@altusschools.net.

California Department of Education’s Title IX Webpage

Title IX Training Materials

ASSD Board Policy #3362

Title IX Complaint Form

 

Uniform Complaint Policy and Procedures- ENGLISH (PDF)

Uniform Complaint Form – ENGLISH (PDF)