Carlsbad Village Academy-Where Everyone Knows Your Name

From the Carlsbad Unified School District:

March 11, 2020

Carlsbad Unified boasts two comprehensive high schools, each with enough academics, sports, and activities to meet the needs of every student—well, almost every student. There are some students who don’t thrive in a large environment, but prefer a smaller, more personal setting. Some students feel overwhelmed by large classes, or the speed of a trimester, or the block schedule. Some have fallen behind in credits, or recently moved into the district, or had an illness or injury that got in the way of their academic progress. For these students, Carlsbad Village Academy (CVA), Carlsbad Unified’s alternative high school, just might be the answer.

Located adjacent to Carlsbad High School, with a student population of 93 and class sizes averaging 22, CVA is a friendly place. “We are a family here,” says principal Jorge Espinoza. “And we refuse to allow students to fall through the cracks.”

Although it’s a small school, students at CVA have lots of opportunities. Some enroll in community college classes to earn college credits or learn job skills in certificate programs. Tutoring is available every afternoon. Students can attend dances, activities, and sports events at the comprehensive high schools.

Students also attend weekly advisory classes where they learn time management and goal setting skills, and get social-emotional support. “If you learn how to manage your time, you can turn it around,” said Fabyan Buenrostro, a senior, who came to CVA from a high school outside of the district. “The people here are super friendly. Everyone talks to you, students and adults.”

“Our principal is always there for me, to help me to be a better student, a better person,” said Brooklyn Silva, a CVA junior. “Classes are definitely not easy, but they are manageable. Teachers follow the standards, but they mix it up and keep it interesting. Every class is different.”

CVA offers an alternative for high school students like Fabian and Brooklyn who find success in a small environment where students and staff know one another and develop positive relationships on an individual basis.

Fabyan is interested in attending culinary school after he graduates.

Brooklyn is dually enrolled at MiraCosta College (MCC) in Oceanside, taking English 100 and Art 100, and earning both high school and college credits. She pays only a materials fee for Art. Tuition is free. When she graduates from CVA she will enroll full-time at MCC.

“It’s a privilege to be here,” said Brooklyn. “I’ve seen students do amazing things. There are lots of opportunities if you are willing to put your heart into it.”

This press release was produced by the Carlsbad Unified School District. The views expressed here are the author’s own.