Frequently Asked Questions from Parents

How does my child apply to CAL?
Students can download the CAL application from the CAL website or pick one up from the counseling office of their home high school. All instructions are on the application. Please check with your home high school for deadlines dates for applications.

What are requirements for entrance?
- Students must successfully complete the following by the end of their sophomore year:
- For students entering the medical/health Science program:
- Students should be able to read at the 10th grade level.
- Students should have good attendance.

Does coursework at CAL count toward my child's diploma?
Yes, all course work completed at CAL counts toward the home high school diploma. Students will continue to meet the requirements for graduation at their home high schools. The home high school continues to grant the diploma.

Does my student have to pay to attend CAL?
No, CAL is funded as a public school. There is no tuition required for college level courses.

Will the college credits my child earns transfer to colleges or universities?
Students will be able take Early Collegiate Opportunity (ECO) courses. Those courses are transferable to two- and four-year colleges/universities. In addition, two-year degree articulated courses (2+2) are also available. Those courses are transferable to associate degree programs. The course of study guide will specify which courses provide ECO and 2+2 credit. For more information about the ECO and 2+2 programs, see the About CAL page.

Is transportation provided to CAL?
Transportation will be provided between home high schools and CAL. In addition, parking will be available for students who typically drive to school.

Does my child have to attend CAL both years?
CAL is designed as a two-year opportunity. Students are applying to attend both years.

What if there aren't enough spaces for all students who qualify?
Students will be chosen from a lottery of all qualified applicants.

Who will be teaching students at CAL?
Teachers will be coming from local high schools, colleges and industries.

Will my child still be able to participate in extra-curricular activities?
Yes, the school day at CAL will allow students to return to their home high school to participate in extra-curricular activities.

What is project-based learning?
Students will complete projects individually as well as in teams. The goal of CAL is to provide students with knowledge and the skills to use that knowledge while problem-solving in real life scenarios.

What is a capstone project?
A capstone is a project that a team of students completes to demonstrate solutions to business or industry problems. Students will be taught how to plan and manage projects and how to present solutions to an audience of educators and industry representatives. Each student will be evaluated for both individual and team contributions.

Will my child need to complete a capstone and a senior project?
No, (With the exception of Reynolds High School*) the capstone will take the place of the senior project typically required at the home high schools.
* "For Reynolds High School students the capstone project with be a major part of your portfolio. It will not relace it."

What does it mean to be a charter school?
A local school board authorizes charter schools. In the case of CAL, the Gresham-Barlow school district is the sponsoring district. Intergovernmental agreements have been established allowing CAL to be jointly owned and operated by four school districts. The intergovernmental agreement includes the Centennial, Corbett, Gresham-Barlow, and Reynolds school districts.

Does CAL have a Board of Directors?
The CAL Charter establishes a Governing Board. Superintendents and the MHCC President appoint the Governing Board.

What is the CAL schedule?
CAL operates on an A-B schedule. Students attend one full day at CAL and the opposite day at their home high school.