Carpinteria Family School (CFS)

Carpinteria Family School (CFS) is a school of choice in Carpinteria Unified School District created in 2002 to fill a need for families seeking an alternative to the mainstream elementary classroom experience. Any family residing within the CUSD district can enroll in CFS independently from where they live. Taught in small, multi-grade-level classrooms, younger students are able to work with their older classmates and observe what their future curriculum will be. The older students in the K/1, 2/3 and 4/5 classrooms take on leadership roles. Having only three classrooms in the school allows students across all grade levels to get to know each other and become an extended family and support system. 

This model is especially suited for students who are vulnerable to being lost socially or emotionally in larger environments. Students remain in close friendship circles throughout their early education and form bonds both inside and outside the classroom. This familiarity and closeness builds confidence in the school setting and develops a foundation for a love of lifelong learning in the students as they grow together both academically and socially. 

Inside the classroom, students are regularly encouraged to take ownership of their work and to engage in hands-on learning. Since its inception, CFS has focused on compassionate communication and teaching the whole child.  Every child participates and is encouraged to excel in her own way. 

CFS has taken pride in helping students to develop their own strong and confident identities through its model of delivering education in a caring and individualized setting. Students at this early age become invested in who they are and learn academic values that will build a foundation for achievement throughout their journey to becoming empathetic, self-confident and intellectually curious adults.