Escondido Charter High School

In 1992, the California State Legislature passed the Charter Schools Act, which allowed for the formation of independent public schools that were free from many of the bureaucratic burdens placed on regular district schools. These independent schools were established to provide educational choice and competition, spur innovation in public schools, and improve student achievement. These schools were also required to operate under a “charter” granted by the local school district, and are therefore commonly referred to as charter schools.

In 1996, under the guidance of our founder, Dennis 'Coach' Snyder, Escondido Charter High School received its charter and began operations in a business park with 60 students. The school was focused on academic excellence, back-to-basics education (reading, writing, math, and science) and character development based on the American ideals of honesty, integrity, individual initiative, and service to others.

Escondido Charter High School was a success, graduating its first class in 2000. in 2003, the school expanded to a new and larger location that included 40 classrooms, a library, modern computer labs, and athletic fields.  Phase Two of the project was completed in 2007 with the addition of a 400-seat theater and gymnasium complex. Over the years, Escondido Charter High School has achieved some of the highest test scores in the State of California and has placed graduates into many of the nation’s top universities including Harvard, Stanford, MIT, and Cal Poly.

In 2016, Escondido Charter High School started a Flex Learning program that would provide a technology-based, independent learning program with students attending classes on campus four days per week. This program utilizes new and innovative instructional techniques to help students develop their talents and prepare for college. In 2016, the Midway building, adjacent to the main high school campus, was acquired and the Flex Learning program moved into its permanent home.