FAQ - Questions & Answers
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Yes, Journey School is a tuition-free public charter school within the Capistrano Unified School District.
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A charter school is a public school that provides instruction and is approved by a local school district governing board. The specific goals and operating procedures for a charter school are detailed in the charter agreement between the authorizing entity and the school’s organizers. Charter status frees the school from many of the state statutes and regulations that apply to school districts. Charter schools must admit all those who apply, within their attendance capacity.
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Transitional Kindergarten (TK) through 8th grade.
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Kindergarten classes are typically 11:1, with an average class size of 22 served by one teacher and an assistant. 1st grades are around 15:1, with an average class size of 29 served by one teacher and an assistant. Grades 2-8 are 28:1 with an average class size of 28.
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Journey School’s core curriculum includes Common Core State Standards (CCSS); however, there are differences in the scope and sequence in which they are presented. For example, under CCSS, explicit reading instruction begins in kindergarten. Journey School’s kindergarten language arts curriculum focuses on listening and memory skills of pre-reading with the teacher using oral storytelling. In first grade the students copy letters, words and sentences into their main lesson books. The teacher creates samples from stories that s/he tells as part of the curriculum. The reading experience then begins with the students reading their own writing. The curriculum introduces literature books as well and raises phonetic awareness while also building important vocabulary and background knowledge. Journey School’s educational methods are designed to provide a meaningful context within which learning can occur.
The academic curriculum is integrated with poetry recitation, drama, painting, music, sculpting, and drawing. This model of education through the arts awakens imagination and creativity bringing vitality and wholeness to learning, as well as building a strong foundation for the abstract thinking and intellectual challenges that are gradually and appropriately introduced throughout the grades. Learn more about our curriculum in the Student Handbook >>
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As a school community, we agree that the impact of the electronic media has detrimental effects on a child’s healthy growth and development, and thus we expect that our families significantly reduce or eliminate the use of media (television, movies, video games, computer games, recorded music, radio, etc.) for their children. We ask for complete elimination of non-school related electronic media during the school week, from Sunday evening to Friday after school, for grades K-5. We realize that limiting or eliminating media from your child’s life might feel like a tall order. However, with support and reassurance, families find that more free time means more creative and quality time together. We encourage you to speak with staff or other parents in the school for suggestions, support and resources that you might find helpful on this subject.
During the school day and for homework, we support the use of appropriate technologies for study aids, word processing, and online research for grades 3 to 8 as determined appropriate by their teachers. We also support the use of technologies for all students who need such accommodations as determined by the student’s teachers, in conjunction with parents. Additionally, in grades 3-8, mandatory standardized testing is driven by computer adaptive testing technologies. Students will access the test through computers, using a secure online browser that disables all other websites and computer functionality. Screen time will be limited to a few hours and occur under the close guidance and support of teaching staff.
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Relationship-based learning recognizes that children learn best when they feel safe, connected, understood, and supported. At Journey School, strong relationships between students and teachers are at the heart of the educational experience. Through consistent guidance, meaningful connections, and a strong sense of community, children develop confidence, social-emotional skills, compassion, and a genuine enthusiasm for learning. Rather than focusing solely on academic achievement, Journey nurtures the whole child, head, heart, and hands, creating an environment where students feel valued and are encouraged to grow academically, socially, and emotionally.
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Note: Every Wednesday is a minimum day.
Kindergarten (includes TK) Minimum Day 9:00 AM – 12:15 PM
Kindergarten (includes TK) Regular Day 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Grades 1-8 Minimum Day 8:40 AM to 1:05 PM
Grades 1-8 Regular Day 8:40 AM to 3:05 PM
Hybrid Kindergarten (includes TK)
Mondays and Fridays: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Wednesdays: 9:00 AM to 12:20 PMHybrid Grades 1-5
Wednesdays 9:00 AM to 12:20 PM
Fridays 9:00 AM to 1:10 PM -
Journey School offers after-school care options to support families who need care beyond the regular school day. Little Acorns provides aftercare for TK and Kindergarten students. Designed as a natural extension of the kindergarten experience, Little Acorns offers a familiar, nurturing environment where children can enjoy outdoor play, creative activities, rest, stories, and time with friends.
For students in Grades 1–8, Strategic Kids provides after-school care on Journey School's campus, offering opportunities for indoor and outdoor activities, sports, and social connection. Both programs are fee-based, and financial assistance may be available to qualifying families through the Extended Learning Opportunities Program (ELO-P).
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Journey School welcomes applications from families interested in becoming part of our learning community. The first step is to explore our website, learn about our educational approach, and attend the required school tour or information session, depending on the program you're interested in.
To Apply
Explore Journey School’s website: Learn about our educational philosophy, programs, and parent partnership expectations.
Attend a tour or information session:
- Families applying for the full-time, Seat-Based program must attend a mandatory on-campus Enrollment Tour.
- Families applying for the Hybrid or Home-Based Independent Study programs must attend a mandatory Virtual Information Session.
Complete the online lottery application: Submit an application through our online enrollment portal during the open enrollment period.
Upload required documents: These include proof of birth, proof of residency, and current immunization records.
Participate in the lottery: If applications exceed available spaces, a public lottery is held to determine placement. Families who are offered a seat at the lottery will receive instructions for completing registration and next steps.
Ready to get started?
Visit Journey School's Enrollment Page and Begin Your Online ApplicationFor questions about enrollment, contact Kris Reynolds at info@journeyschool.net or (949) 448-7232, extension 2.