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Excelsior Charter School principal outlines cosmetology academy, dual enrollment and free transit for students
Summary
Rhonda Dennis, principal of Excelsior Charter School27s School of Business and Innovation, told the council the school is launching a cosmetology program in August that will enable 16-to-18-year-old students to earn licensure free of charge, and said students can use Victor Valley Transit buses free with ID.
Rhonda Dennis, principal of Excelsior Charter School27s School of Business and Innovation (SBI), presented the school27s model, community partnerships and new programs to the council.
"I'm Rhonda Dennis. I'm the proud principal of Excelsior Charter School," she said, describing SBI as a blended-learning campus serving seventh through 12th grades with smaller class sizes and dual-enrollment options at Victor Valley College, Chaffey College and Barstow. Dennis said the school has been adding on-campus classes for students who need more in-person support and that their curriculum is delivered through Canvas on Chromebooks.
A flagship addition, Dennis said, is an Academy of Beauty: "We are opening this August a cosmetology program for students, high school students 16 to 18," she said, describing a Redken-trained instructor, pivot-point curriculum, 28 stations in a renovated building and free uniforms and test fees so graduates can leave licensed.
Dennis also highlighted community engagement: SBI allows student participation in vocational partnerships with local logistics firms and has worked with New Leaf Ministries on food programs. On transportation, Dennis told the council she has a Victor Valley Transit contract so students can ride the buses free with ID.
Council reaction and next steps: Councilmembers praised the school27s approach, asked about transportation and class ratios (Dennis said typical class size is 22:1), and encouraged council members to visit the campus. Councilwoman Updegrove asked whether adults could take cosmetology courses; Dennis said the primary focus is high-school students but partnerships and expanded use could be discussed as programs grow.
Why it matters: As Adelanto grows, council members cited capacity concerns and said career-focused programs with dual enrollment and vocational training can expand options for students who are not on a traditional college track. The free-transit arrangement and dual-enrollment partnerships were presented as ways to reduce access barriers.
