Cabrillo Point Academy is a tuition-free California public charter school serving students in TK through Grade 12 through a personalized homeschool and independent-study model.
The school is authorized by Dehesa Elementary School District in San Diego County and has operated since 2015. The California Department of Education lists Cabrillo Point Academy as an active K–12 public charter school with primarily virtual instruction. For the 2025–26 school year, CDE reported approximately 6,477 students enrolled.
Cabrillo Point currently serves eligible families in:
- Orange County
- San Diego County
- Imperial County
- Riverside County west of and including the Coachella Valley
Cabrillo Point Academy at a Glance
School Type: Public Charter School
Grades: TK–12
Tuition: Free
Primary Model: Personalized Homeschool / Independent Study
Virtual Instruction: Primarily Virtual
Parent-Directed Learning: Yes
Credentialed Homeschool Teacher Support: Yes
Planning Amount / Educational Funds: Yes
Educational Vendors: Yes
Curriculum Flexibility: Yes
Technology Purchases: Available through school catalog
Field Trips & Enrichment: Yes
In-Person Support: Yes
High School Program: Yes
Authorizer: Dehesa Elementary School District
County of Authorization: San Diego County
2025–26 Enrollment: Approximately 6,477 students
Program Types
Charter Independent Study
Personalized Homeschooling
Parent-Directed Learning
Primarily Virtual
Educational Planning Amounts
Approved Educational Vendors
Credentialed Homeschool Teacher Support
Flexible Curriculum
Field Trips & Enrichment
Virtual & In-Person Support
TK–12
What Is Cabrillo Point Academy?
Cabrillo Point Academy is a public charter school built around personalized homeschool learning.
Families work with a credentialed Homeschool Teacher to create an individualized educational plan based on the student’s learning style, academic needs, interests, and educational goals.
The school states that its program can incorporate:
- Multiple curriculum platforms
- Academic interventions
- Different learning modalities
- Enrichment resources
- Educational materials
- Field trips
- Student activities
- Virtual support
- In-person support
The parent remains highly involved in the student’s day-to-day education while the Homeschool Teacher provides public-school oversight and academic support.
What Counties Does Cabrillo Point Academy Serve?
For the 2026–27 school year, Cabrillo Point Academy states that it serves:
- All of Orange County
- All of San Diego County
- All of Imperial County
- Riverside County west of and including the Coachella Valley
Families should still confirm their exact address before enrolling, particularly in Riverside County because the school’s Riverside service area is geographically limited.
How Does Homeschooling With Cabrillo Point Work?
Each student is assigned a credentialed Homeschool Teacher, often referred to as an HST.
The Homeschool Teacher works with the parent to create and oversee the student’s individualized educational program.
The HST helps families with:
- Curriculum selection
- Educational planning
- Academic progress
- School requirements
- Planning-amount purchases
- Educational resources
- Vendor services
- State assessments
- Student work documentation
Cabrillo Point describes personalized learning as a partnership between the homeschooling parent and a supportive credentialed teacher.
Curriculum Flexibility at Cabrillo Point Academy
Curriculum flexibility is one of Cabrillo Point’s biggest features.
The school states that parents and credentialed teachers work together to design a learning plan that may incorporate a variety of curriculum options and platforms.
Current examples specifically mentioned by Cabrillo Point include:
- Timberdoodle
- BookShark
- Moving Beyond the Page
- BYU Independent Study
- UC Scout
- Other approved curriculum options
Families are not limited to one school-wide curriculum.
The Homeschool Teacher helps families determine whether a curriculum choice fits the student’s learning plan and public-school requirements.
Does Cabrillo Point Academy Provide Educational Funds?
Yes.
Cabrillo Point calls its student educational funding a planning amount.
Every enrolled student is allocated a school-budgeted planning amount that may be used for approved educational needs.
Planning amounts are determined by the school board each year and may depend on:
- Enrollment date
- When the Master Agreement is signed
- Student program
- Current school budget
The planning amount may be used for approved educational materials and services.
How Much Funding Does Cabrillo Point Provide?
Cabrillo Point confirms that every student receives a budgeted planning amount, but its current public enrollment and Homeschool Hub pages do not publish one universal 2026–27 dollar amount.
Because the amount is determined by the school board and can be prorated according to enrollment timing, families should verify the current figure directly with their Homeschool Teacher or Family Liaison.
What Can Cabrillo Point Planning Amounts Be Used For?
Cabrillo Point states that planning amounts may cover approved costs such as:
- Curriculum
- Educational materials
- Technology
- School-related items
- Vendor classes
- Enrichment services
- Educational resources
All purchases must be approved by the student’s credentialed Homeschool Teacher.
Are Planning Amounts Cash Paid to Parents?
No.
Cabrillo Point states that planning amounts are public funds.
The school pays approved curriculum vendors and service providers directly.
Parents do not receive unrestricted public-school money as cash.
This also means families should not assume they can purchase something themselves and later receive reimbursement.
Technology at Cabrillo Point Academy
Cabrillo Point allows planning amounts to be used for approved technology.
However, families cannot simply purchase any laptop or printer independently and request reimbursement.
The school requires families to select approved technology through its school Tech Catalog.
Technology purchases made with school funds remain subject to Cabrillo Point’s purchasing and property rules.
Does Cabrillo Point Have Approved Vendors?
Yes.
Cabrillo Point works with approved Educational Service Vendors.
These vendors may provide supplemental educational services to students.
The school requires vendors to meet rules including:
- Mandated-reporter training
- Child-abuse prevention training
- Background checks
- Liability insurance
- Nonsectarian educational services
- Nondiscrimination requirements
- School vendor agreements
The school has final authority to approve or reject a vendor or requested service.
Can Parents Suggest a New Vendor?
Yes.
Families and teachers may submit a Suggested Vendor Form asking Cabrillo Point to consider a new Educational Service Vendor.
The school then reviews the provider and determines whether the vendor meets its requirements.
That gives families some flexibility beyond the school’s existing vendor list.
What Can Educational Vendors Provide?
Approved vendors may offer qualifying educational services.
Depending on school approval, services may include:
- Academic classes
- Tutoring
- Art
- Music
- STEM
- Physical education
- Enrichment
- Specialized educational instruction
- Other approved supplemental learning
Vendor services must remain supplemental and must align with the student’s course of study.
Does Cabrillo Point Offer Field Trips and Enrichment?
Yes.
Cabrillo Point includes:
- School-sponsored enrichment
- Field trips
- Student activities
- Community events
- Vendor classes
as part of its personalized homeschool model.
Availability may vary by location, grade level, and school year.
Does Cabrillo Point Offer Online Learning?
Yes.
The California Department of Education classifies Cabrillo Point Academy’s virtual instruction as Primarily Virtual.
Students may use online curriculum and digital educational resources as part of their personalized learning plan.
However, Cabrillo Point is not simply a conventional online school.
Families may combine:
- Online curriculum
- Physical curriculum
- Parent-led instruction
- Hands-on learning
- Vendor classes
- Field trips
- In-person support
depending on the student’s needs.
Parent-Led Learning at Cabrillo Point
Cabrillo Point’s model places substantial responsibility on the homeschooling parent.
The parent works alongside the credentialed Homeschool Teacher to implement the student’s educational plan.
The school describes personalized learning as developing from mutual respect between the parent who homeschools and the credentialed teacher.
That makes Cabrillo Point closer to a traditional homeschool charter model than a teacher-led virtual classroom.
Teacher Support at Cabrillo Point
Every student must be assigned to a credentialed teacher.
Families work with their Homeschool Teacher on:
- Curriculum
- Planning amounts
- Academic goals
- Progress monitoring
- Required documentation
- School policies
- Assessments
- Educational resources
Teacher assignment is generally based on the student’s geographic location. Families may request a particular teacher or specific teacher experience, but Cabrillo Point states that requests cannot always be guaranteed.
Does Cabrillo Point Require State Testing?
Yes.
Because Cabrillo Point is a California public charter school, students must participate in applicable state and local assessments.
Families agree to participate in required testing when completing the Master Agreement.
Is Cabrillo Point a Public School?
Yes.
The California Department of Education identifies Cabrillo Point Academy as:
Public School: Yes
Charter: Yes
Status: Active
Grades: K–12
Charter Number: 1748
District: Dehesa Elementary
County: San Diego
Virtual Instruction: Primarily Virtual
The school opened on July 1, 2015.
How Many Students Attend Cabrillo Point?
For the 2025–26 school year, CDE reports approximately:
6,477 students
enrolled at Cabrillo Point Academy.
That makes Cabrillo Point one of the larger homeschool-oriented charter programs serving Southern California families.
Cabrillo Point High School
Cabrillo Point serves students through Grade 12.
The school maintains a dedicated high-school department and allows families to use flexible curriculum options, including resources such as:
- BYU Independent Study
- UC Scout
- Online curriculum
- Personalized coursework
High-school families should work closely with the school when planning:
- Graduation requirements
- A–G courses
- College admissions
- Dual enrollment
- Career pathways
- NCAA eligibility
because specific course approval and requirements may change.
Special Education at Cabrillo Point
Cabrillo Point provides special-education services for eligible students.
Prospective families with questions about:
- IEPs
- Special-education services
- Eligibility
- Program delivery
can contact the school’s Special Education Department or submit the school’s prospective-family inquiry form.
Families with an existing IEP or 504 Plan should provide those documents during enrollment.
Cabrillo Point Enrollment
Cabrillo Point is currently processing enrollment for the 2026–27 school year.
The school’s 2026–27 enrollment timeline included:
Open Enrollment: March 9–13, 2026
Lottery: March 16, 2026
Waitlist: Beginning March 13, 2026
Families who missed open enrollment may still submit an Enrollment Interest Form and join the waitlist.
Enrollment offers are made as space becomes available within each county.
When Is a Student Officially Enrolled?
Submitting an application does not automatically mean the student is officially enrolled.
Cabrillo Point states that the student becomes officially enrolled after:
- Enrollment requirements are completed.
- The family meets with the assigned teacher.
- The student and family sign the Master Agreement Acknowledgement of Responsibilities.
Families are encouraged to keep students enrolled in their current school until the Cabrillo Point Master Agreement has been completed.
Can Students Be Enrolled in Another School at the Same Time?
No.
Cabrillo Point states that students may not be concurrently enrolled at Cabrillo Point and another public or private school.
Families do not need an interdistrict transfer from their local school district to enroll.
Who Might Like Cabrillo Point Academy?
Cabrillo Point may appeal to families looking for:
- Tuition-free homeschooling
- Parent-directed learning
- Curriculum flexibility
- Educational funding
- Approved vendor classes
- Credentialed Homeschool Teacher support
- Online and offline curriculum
- Technology resources
- Field trips
- Enrichment
- TK–12 continuity
- Flexible personalized learning
Families who prefer daily teacher-led classroom instruction may prefer a more structured virtual or site-based program.
Cabrillo Point vs. Private Homeschooling
| Cabrillo Point Academy | Private Homeschool |
|---|---|
| Public charter school | Family operates independently |
| Tuition-free | Family generally pays for curriculum |
| Planning amounts available | No charter funding |
| Credentialed teacher oversight | Parent independently directs education |
| Public-school requirements apply | Greater independence |
| State testing applies | Different requirements |
| Approved vendors | Family chooses providers directly |
| Curriculum must be secular when publicly funded | Family may select any lawful curriculum |
| School documentation required | Requirements depend on homeschool option |
Neither option is automatically better.
Cabrillo Point provides public-school funding, teacher support, curriculum resources, and enrichment while private homeschooling generally provides greater independence from public-school requirements.
Special Education, IEPs & 504 Plans
Cabrillo Point Academy is a public independent-study charter school and provides special education services to eligible students under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The school states that special education services are provided at no cost to families and are designed around each student’s individual needs. Cabrillo Point Academy belongs to the El Dorado County Charter SELPA, which supports participating charter schools with special education policies, programs, and services.
Students With an Existing IEP or 504 Plan
Families enrolling a student who already has an IEP or 504 plan are asked to provide the most recent documentation when available. Cabrillo Point Academy lists both IEP and 504 documentation as requested enrollment materials, although the school notes that these documents do not prevent a family from completing enrollment if they are not immediately available.
Students with IEPs continue to receive special education services according to their individual plans. Cabrillo Point Academy describes itself as a general education independent-study program with special education supports, so the appropriateness of independent study is considered individually and may be monitored over time. Services are determined through the IEP process rather than by a single schoolwide formula.
Requesting a Special Education Evaluation
A parent who believes their child may have a disability affecting educational progress may request an evaluation. Cabrillo Point Academy explains that assessments are used to determine eligibility, placement, and services and may involve specialists such as school psychologists, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, nurses, or other qualified professionals.
Once the school accepts a referral and receives signed parental consent for an assessment plan, the school states that a full initial evaluation is generally completed within 60 calendar days, subject to adjustments for qualifying school breaks. If the student is found eligible, the IEP team develops an individualized plan covering goals, services, accommodations, and placement.
Parent Participation in the IEP Process
Parents and learning coaches are part of the IEP process. Cabrillo Point Academy explains that families, general education teachers, special education staff, and other professionals contribute information about a student’s strengths, needs, progress, and educational performance.
Parents may also be expected to help provide information such as work samples, attendance records, participation data, and other measures that help the IEP team monitor progress toward the student’s goals.
Section 504 Plans
A 504 plan is different from an IEP. An IEP generally includes specially designed instruction and services for students who qualify under IDEA, while a Section 504 plan generally provides accommodations and supports that allow an eligible student equal access to the educational program.
Families enrolling a student with an existing 504 plan should provide the current documentation when available. Families who believe their child may need accommodations should contact Cabrillo Point Academy directly to discuss the evaluation and accommodation process.
Independent Study and Special Education
Families should understand that Cabrillo Point Academy’s instructional model is independent study. A student’s IEP services must still be provided, but the way those services are delivered may look different from services at a traditional campus-based public school.
The school specifically states that the appropriateness of independent study for a student with an IEP is considered individually and continually monitored. Families whose children require significant services or specialized supports should discuss those needs with the school and IEP team before enrollment so they understand how services will be delivered in the independent-study setting.
Official Special Education Resources
Cabrillo Point Academy maintains a dedicated Special Education Department and publishes information about special education eligibility, IEPs, services, and its SELPA affiliation on its official website. The school currently lists a Special Education Department phone contact of (626) 317-0112, Press 5 for questions and concerns.
Parent Tip: If your child already has an IEP or 504 plan, ask Cabrillo Point Academy how the existing services and accommodations would be implemented in its independent-study model before completing enrollment. Services are individualized, so another family’s experience may not reflect what your child will receive.
Testing, Benchmark Assessments & CAASPP
Because Cabrillo Point Academy is a public charter school, students participate in both state-required testing and school-level assessments. Cabrillo Point Academy’s own enrollment information states that, before enrollment is complete, students and families sign a Master Agreement Acknowledgement of Responsibilities and agree to follow school policies, follow adopted standards, and participate in state and local assessments. Cabrillo explains that these requirements help the school maintain compliance and sustainability as a public charter school.
This distinction between state testing and local/benchmark testing is important because California gives parents a specific statutory right to excuse their child from CAASPP testing, while local benchmark assessments operate under a different set of rules.
CAASPP State Testing
California’s main statewide assessment is the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP). The Smarter Balanced English language arts and mathematics assessments are administered in:
- Grades 3–8
- Grade 11
The California Science Test is administered in grades 5 and 8, plus once in high school in grade 10, 11, or 12. Students whose IEPs designate alternate assessments may take the California Alternate Assessments instead.
Therefore, a kindergarten, first-grade, or second-grade student does not take the regular Smarter Balanced CAASPP ELA and mathematics summative tests simply because they attend Cabrillo Point Academy.
Can Parents Opt Out of CAASPP?
Yes.
The California Department of Education specifically states that parents or guardians have the right, under California Education Code Section 60615, to submit a written request excusing their child from some or all portions of CAASPP.
This right also applies to students attending charter schools. CDE’s charter-school guidance is particularly clear: although charter students are generally expected to participate in statewide assessments, a charter school cannot disregard or take away the parent’s CAASPP exemption right.
This means that language in a charter school’s Master Agreement requiring participation in state testing does not eliminate California’s statutory CAASPP opt-out right.
Why Cabrillo Point Academy Strongly Encourages State Testing
There is an important reason charter schools emphasize testing even though California parents can legally excuse their children from CAASPP.
The participation target is 95%
Under federal accountability requirements, schools and student groups are expected to reach at least 95% participation in ELA and mathematics testing. California recognizes parental CAASPP exemptions, but those exemptions do not remove the student from the federal participation-rate calculation. If participation drops below 95%, California’s accountability system applies a penalty when calculating the school’s Academic Indicator.
Testing participation can also matter to charter schools during renewal and accountability reviews. For certain academic-progress data to qualify as “verified data” in the charter-renewal process, CDE requires results from at least 95% of the eligible students for whom the assessment is appropriate.
This helps explain why charter schools may place considerable emphasis on families participating in assessments.
Benchmark and Local Assessments
Benchmark testing is different from CAASPP.
Cabrillo Point Academy’s official enrollment page expressly states that families agree to participate in state and local assessments as part of the school’s Master Agreement responsibilities. Cabrillo also states in its program information that assessments are required and that teachers use assessment results to help evaluate progress and guide instruction.
Local or benchmark assessments can be used during the school year to determine where a student is academically, measure growth, identify areas needing additional instruction, and help teachers plan future instruction.
Cabrillo Point Academy currently lists a dedicated Testing Department at (619) 782-6464 ext. 2013 and testing@cabrillopointacademy.org.
Can Parents Opt Out of Benchmark Testing?
Parents should not assume that California’s CAASPP opt-out law automatically applies to every assessment given by a charter school.
California Education Code Section 60615 provides the parental exemption specifically for qualifying statewide CAASPP assessments. A charter’s own benchmark, diagnostic, progress-monitoring, or other local assessment is not automatically covered by that same CAASPP exemption.
Cabrillo’s enrollment materials state that participation in state and local assessments is part of the responsibilities families accept under its Master Agreement.
Therefore, a family that wishes to decline a Cabrillo local or benchmark assessment should first ask the school whether that particular assessment is mandatory under the current Master Agreement and what, if any, consequences Cabrillo’s current policies attach to nonparticipation.
Could Cabrillo Refuse to Re-Enroll a Student Who Opts Out of Testing?
This requires an important distinction.
For CAASPP, CDE expressly states that a charter school cannot take away a parent’s statutory right to excuse their child from the assessment.
For local or benchmark assessments, Cabrillo states that participation in local assessments is among the responsibilities families agree to through the Master Agreement. Cabrillo also maintains a separate Non-Compliance and Withdrawal Policy and Procedures, adopted March 14, 2025.
Parents have a statutory right to excuse their child from CAASPP. Local benchmark assessments are different, and participation requirements may be part of Cabrillo Point Academy’s Master Agreement. Families considering declining a local assessment should review the current Master Agreement and contact Cabrillo’s Testing Department before making that decision.
What Parents Should Know Before Enrolling
Cabrillo Point Academy offers considerably more flexibility than a traditional five-day campus program, but it is still a California public charter school. Enrollment therefore comes with public-school accountability requirements.
Families who strongly prefer homeschooling without state or charter-school testing requirements should understand this distinction before choosing a charter program. A family operating its own private home school through a Private School Affidavit has a very different relationship with state testing than a student enrolled in a publicly funded charter school.
For Cabrillo families, the key distinction is:
CAASPP: State assessment with a specific California parental exemption right.
Benchmark/local assessments: School assessments that may be required under Cabrillo Point Academy’s Master Agreement and do not automatically fall under the CAASPP opt-out provision.
Benchmark Testing in Kindergarten
Cabrillo Point Academy requires students to participate in local assessments as part of its public charter independent-study program. This requirement is included in the school’s Master Agreement responsibilities, and Cabrillo states that assessment results are used by teachers and families to review progress and guide instruction.
Cabrillo serves students beginning in Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten, but the school’s current public website does not identify the specific benchmark assessment platform used for Kindergarten or confirm whether the current assessment is i-Ready, STAR, or another program. Families who want to know exactly which benchmark assessment is currently used, when it is administered, and whether it applies to Kindergarten should confirm directly with Cabrillo Point Academy’s Testing Department. The school lists its Testing Department at (619) 782-6464 ext. 2013 and testing@cabrillopointacademy.org.
Diagnostic Testing & Academic Intervention
Cabrillo Point Academy requires students to participate in local assessments and states that assessment results are reviewed with the family and used by credentialed teachers to guide instruction, set goals, and monitor academic progress. Cabrillo also says its academic program can include interventions when a student needs additional support.
When assessment results show that a student is below grade-level expectations or is not making satisfactory progress, the student’s credentialed homeschool teacher can use the results to adjust the learning plan and recommend additional academic support. Cabrillo describes its program as customizable and specifically includes academic support and interventions among the options that may be incorporated into a student’s educational plan.
Intervention does not automatically mean special education. A student may first receive additional general-education support, targeted instruction, curriculum changes, tutoring, or other intervention based on the area of need. If concerns continue and the parent or school suspects that a disability may be affecting the student’s educational performance, a referral for a special education evaluation may be considered. Cabrillo states that parents and general-education teachers play an important role in documenting a student’s academic strengths and difficulties during that process.
Parent Tip: If your child scores below benchmark, ask the assigned Cabrillo teacher what intervention is being recommended, how progress will be measured, when the student will be reassessed, and what additional steps may be considered if the student does not improve.
Vaccination & Health Requirements
Cabrillo Point Academy states that students are not required to be fully vaccinated in order to enroll in its full-time independent study program. Because Cabrillo is a public school, families must still provide an immunization record or complete the school’s non-immunization documentation during enrollment. Cabrillo’s official enrollment page specifically explains that vaccination is not a condition of enrollment for students in its full-time independent study program.
This matches California Department of Education guidance for independent study. CDE explains that students enrolled in an independent study program with no classroom-based instruction are not required to meet the usual immunization requirements for school entry. However, immunization rules can become relevant when a student participates in classroom-based instruction.
Families should also note that Cabrillo still collects health-related enrollment documents. Students entering TK/Kindergarten or first grade, or entering a California public school for the first time, may be asked to provide an oral health assessment or waiver and a health examination or waiver.
Independent Study & Master Agreement Requirements
Cabrillo Point Academy does not consider a student fully enrolled until the student and family meet with a teacher and sign the school’s Master Agreement Acknowledgement of Responsibilities. The school states that families agree to follow school policies, follow adopted academic standards, participate in state and local assessments, and work with an assigned credentialed teacher
Work Samples & Academic Progress
Cabrillo has a separate Work Sample Policy, adopted in September 2025, and the school’s independent study model requires documentation of student participation and academic progress. For students with IEPs, Cabrillo specifically says parents and teachers may need to collect work samples, attendance information, participation rates, and other measures of academic progress.
Non-Compliance & Withdrawal
Cabrillo maintains a formal Non-Compliance and Withdrawal Policy and Procedures, most recently adopted in March 2025. That is an important policy to link from your profile because it governs what can happen when a student or family does not meet the school’s independent study requirements.
Synchronous Instruction for Younger Students
California independent study law requires additional live interaction for younger students. CDE states that students in TK through grade 3 must be provided opportunities for daily synchronous instruction. Failure to participate can count toward nonparticipation and trigger the school’s reengagement procedures.
Educational Vendors
Cabrillo allows families to use approved educational vendors, but vendors must follow the school’s rules. Cabrillo states that vendors cannot charge parents additional fees for approved educational services, cannot require parent volunteering as a condition of access, and must meet school health and safety requirements.
Cabrillo Point Academy allows families to use educational planning funds for approved curriculum, materials, tutoring, enrichment classes, physical education, art, STEM, and other educational services. However, families do not independently control public charter funds. Purchases and services are reviewed and approved through the student’s assigned Credentialed Homeschool Teacher, and service vendors must complete Cabrillo Point Academy’s vendor approval process.
Technology & School-Owned Equipment
Cabrillo provides technology options, but families must sign the Master Agreement and Technology Acceptable Use Policy before technology requests are processed. School-issued equipment remains subject to Cabrillo’s usage rules and must be returned when a student withdraws.
Recent State Scrutiny of Vendor-Based Homeschool Programs
California has increased scrutiny of nonclassroom-based charter schools and the use of public funds for outside educational vendors. Recent legislative discussions have specifically raised concerns about situations in which students receive substantial instruction from outside providers that may function more like private schools or instructional programs while the charter school pays the cost.
That scrutiny should not be interpreted as a blanket rule that every enrichment vendor must now be credentialed. The clearer state requirement is that the charter school must maintain responsibility for the student’s public-school instructional program and that legally required independent-study supervision and certain instruction must be provided by appropriately credentialed school employees.
Synchronous Instruction Must Come From the Teacher of Record
This is one of the areas where California is especially specific.
CDE states that required synchronous instruction must be provided by the student’s teacher or teachers of record and must involve live, two-way communication. A prerecorded lesson does not satisfy that requirement. An outside vendor cannot simply replace the school’s teacher of record for this purpose, even if the vendor employs credentialed teachers.
What This Means for Cabrillo Families
Families can still use Cabrillo-approved vendors for enrichment and educational services, including many providers who are not serving as the student’s official public-school teacher.
However, the student remains enrolled in Cabrillo Point Academy, and the school’s credentialed teacher—not an outside vendor—retains responsibility for supervising the independent-study program.
Cabrillo also states that vendors must complete its approval and documentation process before becoming approved service providers. Families cannot simply pay any outside instructor with charter funds and request reimbursement later. Cabrillo pays approved vendors directly through its Homeschool Hub, subject to school approval and purchasing rules.
Parent Tip
A vendor being approved by Cabrillo Point Academy does not necessarily mean the instructor is a California-credentialed public-school teacher. If a family is specifically looking for credentialed instruction—for example, academic tutoring, specialized high-school instruction, or services connected to an IEP—they should ask Cabrillo and the provider directly about the instructor’s qualifications.
California Vendor & Contractor Requirements
California public charter schools must keep independent-study students under the supervision of an appropriately credentialed school employee. An outside educational vendor cannot replace the charter school’s credentialed supervising teacher, even if the vendor employs credentialed instructors.
California is also considering additional safeguards for educational contractors who work directly with students. SB 1083 (2025–26) would strengthen background-check and misconduct-screening requirements for certain independent contractors and school employees. The bill passed the Legislature and was presented to the Governor on September 8, 2026. Because the legislation is still pending gubernatorial action, families should check current Cabrillo Point Academy vendor requirements before enrolling with or selecting a service provider.
Cabrillo’s assigned public-school teacher is appropriately credentialed, but an outside tutor or enrichment instructor paid through the charter’s vendor program does not automatically have to hold a California teaching credential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cabrillo Point Academy a homeschool charter school?
Yes.
Cabrillo Point describes itself as offering personalized homeschool education for TK–12 students, with parents and credentialed Homeschool Teachers working together to design the learning plan.
Is Cabrillo Point free?
Yes.
Cabrillo Point Academy is a tuition-free California public charter school.
Does Cabrillo Point provide homeschool funding?
Yes.
Each student receives a board-approved planning amount for approved educational needs.
Can Cabrillo Point funds pay for curriculum?
Yes.
Planning amounts can pay for approved curriculum and educational resources.
Can Cabrillo Point funds pay for vendor classes?
Yes.
Approved Educational Service Vendors may provide qualifying supplemental educational services.
Can parents choose curriculum?
Yes.
Families work with their Homeschool Teacher to create a flexible learning plan using approved curriculum options.
Does Cabrillo Point serve Orange County?
Yes. Cabrillo Point states that it serves all of Orange County.
Does Cabrillo Point serve San Diego County?
Yes. It serves all of San Diego County.
Does Cabrillo Point serve Imperial County?
Yes. It serves all of Imperial County.
Does Cabrillo Point serve Riverside County?
Yes, but only Riverside County west of and including the Coachella Valley.
Does Cabrillo Point serve Los Angeles County?
No.
Cabrillo Point’s current 2026–27 enrollment page lists Orange, San Diego, Imperial, and qualifying portions of Riverside County. Los Angeles County is not included.
Does Cabrillo Point serve San Bernardino County?
No.
San Bernardino County is not currently listed among Cabrillo Point’s 2026–27 service counties.
Cabrillo Point Academy Contact Information
Cabrillo Point Academy
13915 Danielson Street, Suite 200
Poway, CA 92064
Main Phone: (619) 782-6464
Enrollment: (619) 782-6464 ext. 2
Enrollment Email: enrollment@cabrillopointacademy.org
Grades: TK–12
Authorizer: Dehesa Elementary School District
Counties Served: Orange, San Diego, Imperial, and qualifying portions of Riverside County
External Resources
Cabrillo Point Academy Official Website
Cabrillo Point Academy Enrollment
Cabrillo Point Academy Curriculum
CPA Homeschool Hub & Planning Amounts
Cabrillo Point Educational Vendors
California Department of Education – Cabrillo Point Academy
Internal Resources
Compare Orange County Homeschool Charter Schools
Compare Riverside County Homeschool Charter Schools
Compare San Diego County Homeschool Charter Schools
Important Note
CA Homeschool Hub is an independent informational resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by Cabrillo Point Academy.
Planning amounts, curriculum options, educational vendors, enrollment capacity, geographic eligibility, and program requirements can change.
Always verify current information and your exact home-address eligibility directly with Cabrillo Point Academy before enrolling or ordering educational resources.