Charter Schools (Learning Disabilities)

The agency provides education services for at-risk adolescents, ages 16 to 18. Services include charter schools, juvenile delinquency and juvenile diversion. There are no geographic restrictions, but age restrictions apply.

In order to enroll in the program, youth must be legal citizens and residents of California; a high school drop-out or at risk of dropping out; drug free and subject to a drug test on the first day of admission; without felony adjudications or convictions, awaiting trial, or currently in trial proceedings; and voluntarily entering the program. Services include a Charter High School that provides guidance and counseling, leadership development and progress toward passing the G.E.D. and California High School Proficiency Exam in addition to earning 40-55 high school credits each class term.

Sunburst Academy utilizes a Charter High School. Sunburst Academy Charter School has the ability to award high school diplomas to cadets who meet graduation requirements. It is currently chartered through the Orange County Department of Education as an alternative high school.

The academy offers general education courses, including English/Language Arts, Social Science, Mathematics, Science, Physical Education, Computer Technology, and Fine Arts. Charter School courses are aligned to the California Standards and credit is awarded based upon authentic demonstration of knowledge learned as well as skill improvement.

The academy has a Special Education program, designed to meet the needs of students who have identified learning disabilities. A special education teacher and instructional assistant assist all students functioning significantly below grade level.

Counseling is also available. These services may be elective or mandatory, based upon individualized need. Large and small-group classes such as Situational Decision Making, Tobacco Cessation, and HIV/STD Awareness. Tattoo Removal and Vision Screening are also available for selected cadets.

Academic training/instruction is the responsibility of the teaching staff and occurs, predominately, in a classroom setting. The military staff/cadre are responsible for most other training at the academy. Staff make sure that cadets learn the importance of being prompt, that they are dressed appropriately, focused on daily tasks (including homework), and accept responsibility for their actions. Staff are also responsible for the cadets` physical fitness, personal hygiene, health and welfare, teaching ethical behavior, and working together as a team. Physical Training (PT), Drill and Ceremonies (marching), and barracks inspections are integral parts of training cooperation, tolerance of others, and teamwork.

All credits earned through the Charter School are transferable to the students original district of residence.