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High School Academy

Built for Real Life

Traditional high school is not the best fit for every student. At Horizon, we support students through personalized learning, caring teacher partnerships, and flexible instruction that prepares every graduate for college, career, and life.

  • UC/CSU A–G approved courses
  • NCAA-approved course list
  • AP, dual enrollment, and CTE pathways
  • Credentialed teacher support and academic guidance
WASC logo University of California A-G guide logo NCAA approved logo Horizon 30+ year legacy logo

A Tuition-Free Public Charter High School with Flexible, Personalized Learning

Rigid schedules, large campuses, and one-size-fits-all pacing can limit students who need flexibility or a more personalized approach.

Since 1993, Horizon Charter Schools has supported families across Northern California with a model built on flexibility, accountability, and student success. Horizon’s High School Academy provides personalized learning pathways supported by credentialed educators, so students can stay on track for graduation, college, and career.

Is Horizon’s High School Academy the Right Fit?

Horizon Charter Schools’ High School Academy is a strong option for students who are motivated, goal-oriented, and ready for greater independence, while still needing structure and support.

This program is a good fit for students who:

  • Want flexibility to balance academics with athletics, work, or personal commitments
  • Are preparing for college, career training, or the workforce
  • Need a nontraditional schedule but clear accountability
  • Thrive with personalized pacing and academic planning
  • Want access to rigorous coursework without a traditional campus setting

Student Life at Horizon

College-Eligible Coursework and Graduation Pathways

Academic rigor and legitimacy are central to Horizon’s High School Academy. Students follow individualized graduation plans aligned to state requirements and postsecondary goals.

Academic offerings include:
  • UC/CSU A–G approved courses
  • NCAA-approved course list for student athletes
  • Dual enrollment opportunities with partnering colleges
  • Career Technical Education (CTE) pathways
  • Credit recovery and targeted intervention, when needed
A student in a graduation gown speaking at a podium on stage, addressing an audience of seated graduates in caps and gowns during a ceremony.

Personalized Course Plans Built Around Your Goals

Each student follows a personalized course plan developed in partnership with their credentialed Supervising Teacher and Counselor Course Plans reflect the student’s academic level, interests, pace, and long-term goals, whether that includes a four-year university, community college, career training, or workforce entry.

  • Learning remains aligned to California state standards
  • Qualified students may receive support through IEPs or 504 plans

Flexible Learning Options With Accountability

Flexibility at Horizon does not mean unstructured or optional. Students choose a learning model that fits their needs while remaining accountable to academic milestones and graduation requirements.

"Horizon can really mold to what you need. I actually have POTS – Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome. The teachers and all of the staff and my counselor made it really easy to move over to completely online. As someone who has a harder time going to in-person campuses, it can make it a lot easier. It’s allowed me to live my life fuller. It’s allowed me to rest when I need to rest and work – when I need to work to graduate. I’m so incredibly grateful."

blue circle icon with yellow Horizon logo

Rebecca

Parent & Home Educator

Credentialed Teachers and Layered Student Support

Horizon’s model includes multiple layers of support, ensuring students and families are never navigating high school alone.

Support includes:
  • Dedicated Supervising Teachers
  • Academic counseling, graduation, and career planning
  • Small live intervention groups, as needed
  • Family Mentors to support families throughout the journey
  • Educational partners and specialists
  • Scheduled, live virtual classes
Female staff wearing leadership club tshirts with camera around their necks. Table in front of them has beads and name tags.

Instructional Funds and Enrichment Opportunities

Students receive annual instructional funds to support approved educational needs and enrichment opportunities. These funds allow families to personalize learning while staying aligned to graduation goals.

Instructional funds may be used for:
  • Approved curriculum, instructional materials, and academic courses
  • Tutoring and academic support
  • Physical education and wellness
  • Career exploration and hands-on learning
  • Access to 200+ approved community enrichment partners
  • Books and materials for college (dual enrollment) classes
Student attending career fair visiting booth and talking to rep.

What Does a Typical Week Look Like?

Learning in the High School Academy is flexible but structured. Students and families guide learning at home using Horizon-approved courses while teachers provide planning support and accountability.

Here’s what personalized learning might look like for you:

High School Academy

MONDAY

  • Homeroom
  • Finish Art & English assignments
  • Practice guitar for Music
  • Attend Hive Club

TUESDAY

  • Math 1 and English 9
  • Finish Biology Lab

WEDNESDAY

  • Attend College History
  • Revise draft English essay
  • Finish Math assignment
  • Run 2 miles for PE

THURSDAY

  • Biology & Visual Arts
  • Practice guitar for Music

FRIDAY

  • Leadership club
  • Practice guitar for Music
  • Work on unfinished coursework
  • Plan for next week

NOTE: Schedules vary by student. These are examples of how families personalize learning.

Life After Graduation- Eagles in Flight

Horizon’s High School Academy focuses on more than earning credits. Students build independence, responsibility, and self-advocacy skills essential for success beyond high school.

Through flexible learning, academic planning, and real-world experiences, students graduate prepared to take their next best step.

  • Transition to college or dual enrollment programs
  • Pursue career training or CTE pathways
  • Enter the workforce with confidence and direction
graduates in caps and gowns standing in a line.

4-Year Snapshot
(Classes of 2022–2025)

Among recorded post-graduation plans, most Horizon graduates continue through community college pathways, with additional students enrolling in CSU/UC, private programs, out-of-state universities, and military service.

Recent destinations include:
Cornell University, Oregon State University, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, University of Delaware, University of Oregon, William Jessup University, Simpson University, Chapman University, Biola University, and UEI College.

Community College

70.8%

CSU

10.8%

Private

7.5%

Out-of-State Public

4.2%

UC

3.3%

Military

2.9%

AA Earned

0.4%

Flight Paths

Community College & Transfer

Build momentum close to home and transfer when ready.


CSU/UC

Pursue a four-year degree pathway aligned to long-term goals.


Private & Career Colleges

Specialized programs in fields students are passionate about.


Out-of-State Universities

Find the right campus fit beyond California.


Military Service

Serve with pride while building skills, benefits, and a future plan.


Early College Milestones

Some students graduate having already earned an AA.

Talk to a Family Mentor About Your Student’s Goals

Hear from Horizon students and families.

"Horizon helped my child connect with other kids and make some of her best friends through clubs, and the staff truly take time to know your child and care about what matters to your family. If you want a school that supports you 100%, Horizon is a wonderful fit."

blue circle icon with yellow Horizon logo
Rebecca
Parent & Home Educator

"I was so stressed and didn’t think I could do it, but Horizon made it easy. It’s completely worth it—kids thrive. Horizon is the best."

blue circle icon with yellow Horizon logo
Elaine Perrone
Parent & Home Educator

"Choosing Horizon has been one of the best decisions for our child’s education. The flexibility lets him learn at his own pace, with expert teachers and staff who truly know and care about him. We love the personalized learning and strong family-school partnership."

blue circle icon with yellow Horizon logo
Kristina
Parent & Home Educator

"I highly recommend Horizon for its flexible learning options that truly fit a child’s needs and pace. The teachers are knowledgeable, supportive, and genuinely caring. Horizon’s strong partnership with families makes learning effective and empowering."

blue circle icon with yellow Horizon logo
Meghanne Williams
Parent & Home Educator

"Horizon helped our family transition from public school to a flexible homeschool charter. As new homeschoolers, we appreciated the patient guidance from knowledgeable teachers and staff who helped us find the right path for each child. Our 4th grader and kindergartner have wonderful teachers, and we love seeing them at Horizon events. We’re so happy we joined Horizon!"

blue circle icon with yellow Horizon logo
Giovanna Bencomo
Parent & Home Educator

FAQs

Yes. Horizon Charter Schools is a free, publicly funded charter school (TK–12).

Ready to take the next step?

Whether you’re ready to enroll or need a bit more information, we’re here for you.

Begin Enrollment

Get started today with our online enrollment process or reach an enrollment technician.

Or call 916-408-5210

Get More Info

Join an upcoming info session via Zoom or contact a Family Mentor Teacher with questions about our programs.