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Excelsior Charter reports enrollment surge to 2,476, mixed assessment results and launches beauty academy
Summary
Excelsior Charter School told the county board its enrollment has grown to 2,476 and that Hispanic and socioeconomically disadvantaged populations have risen; the school reported improved math CASP results but a decline in ELA and described a new state‑registered beauty academy and absorption of students from a closed charter.
Excelsior Charter School presented an annual update to the San Bernardino County Board of Education reporting substantial enrollment growth, demographic shifts and new career-technical programs.
Area leaders said Excelsior’s March 21 census count was 2,476 students, up from the October census; the school reported a roughly 20% increase over five years in both Hispanic students and students designated as socioeconomically disadvantaged, and said its English‑learner population has doubled over the same period.
Academic results were mixed. Presenters highlighted a math gain in the most recent California Alternative or State Assessment (CASP/CAAS comparisons) and noted a 4.5‑point improvement in math from the prior year; ELA results showed a similar decline and staffing turnover in some ELA grades was cited as a likely factor. Excelsior also said English‑learner progress on the state dashboard reached about 50.8 percent — a metric that pushed the charter into the state’s middle tier for renewal consideration, which the presenters said allows a five‑year renewal cycle.
The presentation described new CTE programming. Excelsior opened a state‑registered beauty academy with roughly 30 students this school year and expected about 10 students to complete the required hours for state licensure in June; the school reported it will articulate courses with Victor Valley College so students may complete remaining hours toward licensure. Leaders also said they absorbed students and staff after Encore Charter School closed during the winter break and are working to integrate those students across campuses.
Administrators said suspension rates were previously elevated but that the current suspension rate is lower (reported as 1.97 percent at the time of the presentation). The school said it uses interim assessment blocks (IAB/IABB) aligned to state tests to monitor progress and to trigger interventions; teachers and coaches meet to review data monthly.
Ending: The board received the report. Leaders said they will bring a renewal petition in the fall, and they invited board members to tour campus programs including the beauty academy.
