How will you ensure my child stays ahead?

Our program allows for authentic opportunities that allow your learner to learn as deeply as they are compelled to. We work together with the learners and their families to develop a passion for learning.

Why multiage?

Research supports environments with two or more grades that allow learners the flexibility to progress at their own pace along a continuum of achievement. As such, select grade levels at SCVi are multiage environments.

What is the tuition?

Free. SCVi is a tuition-free public charter school.

What is a charter school?

Charter schools are FREE public schools overseen by the local school district or county but are free to govern themselves and create their own educational programs. Charter schools are public schools operated independently of the local school board, often with a curriculum and educational philosophy different from the other schools in the system. They are tuition-free, non-religious, and are mandated to teach all. Charter schools create new professional opportunities for teachers, provide parents and pupils expanded choices in the types of educational opportunities available through the public school system, and encourage the use of different and state-of-the-art teaching methods.

Can my child enroll for the current school year?

We have limited spots available for some grade levels. Please fill out the intent to the enroll form and the registrar will get back to you when a spot becomes available.

What grades are offered?

Transitional Kindergarten (TK) through 12th grade.

Who can attend?

Any student residing in Los Angeles County or a connecting county within the state of California may attend.

How can I enroll my child?

We encourage families to schedule a tour of our campus or attend a virtual information session.

During the school year, we enroll on a first-come, first-served basis. If we have a wait list, you will be added after you complete the application form. During the summer, our team members are working and in communication with parents on a regular basis. 

Every February or March, we hold a random public lottery for the upcoming school year. Our lottery is open to the public. Though we encourage you to attend, your attendance is not required. We will notify you of your learner’s acceptance or placement on the wait list.

If your child is already enrolled, they don’t need to enter the public lottery.

What is TK?

TK is Transitional Kindergarten. It is the first year of a two-year kindergarten program that uses a modified kindergarten curriculum that is age and developmentally appropriate. Pursuant to law, EC 48000(c), a child is eligible for TK if they have their fifth birthday between September 2 and April 2 (inclusive).

If you are interested in registering or if you have any questions, please contact the registrar here.

What are school hours?

Click here for school hours and information. 

I have a question not answered here.

E-mail info@scvi-k12.org or call 661-705-4820.

Does the school have a newsletter?

The majority of communication at SCVi is online and via e-mail. If you are not receiving the Monday Message, please scroll down to the bottom of this page to enter your email address and subscribe. If you are still not receiving messages, please e-mail registrar@scvi-k12.org. If you do not have internet or computer equipment at home, we will provide a space and/or device at school for you to view the newsletters and get information.

Does the school have a snack and lunch program?

SCVi offers a lunch program, which you can learn more about on the Cafe page. Our Cafe also has healthy snacks for purchase.

Does SCVi offer before-school or after-school care?

Though SCVi does not offer before-school or after-school care, we have a longstanding relationship with PlayMakers, which is in the same center as us. Their team delivers learners to SCVi and picks learners up from SCVi daily.

Does my child need to bring a laptop or other technology?

Our technology goal is a one-to-one technology-to-learner ratio (one device per student). Learners are encouraged to provide a source of technology, such as a laptop, iPad, or tablet, but it is not required and there are school devices available to every learner.

I heard SCVi is a family participation school. How many volunteer hours are expected?

Volunteering and participation are always optional. We do strongly encourage participation in order to foster the home-school connection and work tirelessly to create a culture where families feel welcome to come onto campus often, but of course, we understand that is not an option for every family. If possible, families are asked to participate 40 hours per year, which works out to 1 hour per week or 4 hours per month. These hours can be earned through a variety of opportunities intentionally designed to accommodate a range of schedules and ability to participate, including classroom volunteering, operational/facilities assistance, relevant professional expertise, administrative tasks, or by attending Parent University workshops and seminars. See the Volunteering page for a list of volunteer needs, and watch the Monday Message for current volunteer needs.

Does the school have a PTA or other organized parent group?

SCVi has two groups that work together to meet the needs of our school community in the classroom, at events, and in many other ways. The Scarlet Foundation focuses on fund-raising efforts, and our parent group, iSUPPORT, organizes volunteer efforts. You can email iSUPPORT at scviparentvolunteers@gmail.com.

What school supplies will my child need?

This information will be available at the Meet the Facilitators event just before schools starts. If you are joining us midyear, you can ask your child’s facilitator (teacher). 

I need to update my child’s admissions or emergency information.

Please contact registrar@scvi-k12.org.

Does the school provide transportation?

SCVi is partnering with the SCARLET Foundation to subsidize transportation for learners from the San Fernando Valley and Fillmore. This means we can offer free/reduced rates for families who qualify. For more information, click here.

Is it really free to attend this school?

It really is free. We are publicly funded, and there is no cost to attend.

Will my child transition or adjust well to your environment?

If your child is transferring from a different educational environment, they may experience an adjustment. Some learners from a traditional environment struggle at first, while others adapt quickly. Many of our learners step into a leadership role, take their new classmates under their wings, and show them how to be successful at SCVi.

What’s your classroom culture and discipline policy?

Because of our unique approach to deeper learning and our focus on social-emotional learning, we take a different approach to discipline than most schools do. We believe that it is part of our job to facilitate growth in the area of learning self-direction and discipline. Social-emotional learning is even included in our Individualized Learning Plans (ILPs), Learner-Led Conferences (LLCs), and Reports of Progress. Each of our learners is different, as are the challenges they face. Therefore, the consequences of choices that negatively affect those around a learner are naturally related and come with discussion and context. We have thoroughly researched the best approaches and philosophies to align with our mission. We are not fans of punishments and rewards. While we emphasize Love and Logic literature, we also recommend the following books. You can learn more in our Parent University workshops.

51etxncx-fl-_ac_us320_ql65_51ijv64bnul-_ac_us320_ql65_51oho9luail-_ac_us320_ql65_  51qv1jlkncl-_ac_us320_ql65_ 41geijvaozl-_ac_us320_ql65_51pptbegwxl-_ac_us320_ql65_51zhlfps76l-_ac_us320_ql65_

 

The classroom is very active. Is it hard for learners to concentrate in that environment?

We have done years of research into the way cutting-edge companies have set up their office spaces, as well as studying what skill sets they expect of their employees. Our environments are a reflection of that research. We are preparing our kids for their future, not our past. We believe that kids in quiet rows of desks are a reflection of years past. We have intentionally designed classrooms and created a culture where learners can easily talk, share, and collaborate, rather than working in isolation as the norm. This is just like the companies they will eventually work in or build for themselves as entrepreneurs.

Learners react to this unique environment in many different ways. Most find it refreshing to finally be able to move around as needed, which results in enhanced concentration and engagement. Others find they prefer less stimuli in order to perform quiet work. Our facilitators do an excellent job of understanding which learners need a quieter work environment and when. They facilitate student choice and make the arrangements necessary to use the classroom spaces designed for quiet work when needed. More often than not, the active environment is necessary for the collaboration in a project-based setting.

For more information about a PBL-designed classroom, please see the book list below.

51xzv32zlll-_sx331_bo1204203200_  thrd-teahermake-space

I heard you are the “No-Homework School.” Is that true?

When people tour the school and ask learners if they have homework, typically the answer is no. But when they ask learners if they do work at home, the answer is “Of course!”

We don’t give much homework in the typical form, such as packets. Our “homework” is an extension of the projects learners are working on in class. It might look like research, or putting together a model, or refining an essay. Over time, there is more to be done after school hours, as is appropriate for each grade level.

However, we will always value carving out time for kids to spend time with their family, exercise, and generally have some downtime after their school day is done. That is a natural part of developing the whole child. Research supports this view. To learn more, please see the book list below.

41ri7ca7b4l-_ac_us320_ql65_ 51cmzhtehl-_ac_us320_ql65_ 51b0z9alxal-_ac_us320_ql65_51-dpbbvj4l-_ac_us320_ql65_51i6in8gtwl-_ac_us320_ql65_

Since this is a PBL school, I heard you don’t have textbooks. How do you know what to teach?

SCVi follows Common Core state standards. SCVi staff members go through extensive training every August before schools starts and throughout the year. SCVi and iLEAD are pioneers in project-based learning and integrating social-emotional learning into the curriculum. Much of the way we do that is for facilitators and other staff to take on a project themselves. One of those first projects is to create their own syllabus and curriculum based on the state standards. Project-based learning is the ideal way prepare our learners for their future, as it mimics the workplace more than any other. If you would like to find out more about PBL, please see the book list below.

31dvscdpa7l-_ac_us320_ql65_ project_based_learning_small1 51jelwnqljl-_ac_us320_ql65_ 41onz7ab6hl-_sx339_bo1204203200_