Welcome to Community Roots Academy (CRA), an innovative and close-knit kindergarten through eighth grade public charter school located in the heart of Orange County, California.

With project-based learning at the center of this model learning community, an emphasis is placed on the mastery of fundamental academic skills, problem-solving, critical thinking, collaboration, initiative, effective communications, adaptability, evaluating information and imagination.

At CRA, students learn by doing as they actively explore complex real-world problems and challenges that promote environmental awareness and stewardship  As a result, they become independent thinkers, responsible citizens and active community members.

While the Capistrano Unified School District has general oversight of CRA’s activities, our school is governed by our own board of trustees.

The CRA curriculum includes engaging learning experiences that involve students in complex real-world projects through which they develop and apply skills and knowledge. Such project-based learning empowers students with skills needed for success for today and tomorrow.

• Learning at CRA is based upon inquiry and guiding questions.
• Challenging and relevant texts are integrated into all grade level curriculums.
• Through modeling and instruction, students learn to respect and challenge intellectual ideas, to question responses and to form opinions in an environment where it is physically and emotionally safe to be a learner.
• Students frequently work in cooperative learning groups. Through questioning, debate and expression, students examine their points of view, as well as the perspectives of others.
• Students explore a variety of cultures, races, religions, gender, health, political and other belief systems. Students learn to recognize and appreciate the differences and similarities between peoples.
• Students’ academic development is monitored by a comprehensive Multi-tiered System of Supports, (MTSS). MTSS is a systemic improvement framework in which data based problem solving and decision-making is practiced.
• Assessment modifications are made to meet the needs of any individuals with learning differences. Assessment is an integral part of the learning process, providing a valuable tool for reflection and growth.

Community partnership is integral to effective education. Strong communities foster positive development in students. The CRA community includes students, parents, administration, teachers, community-based organizations, universities and national and international educational institutions.

• Teachers and school leaders maintain close relationships with students and their families.
• Students maintain positive relationships with all adults working at or in conjunction with CRA through PBL (Project-Based Learning) and student advisory.
• The school establishes and maintains partnerships with community-based organizations and educational institutions to integrate expertise and real world connections into our students’ learning experiences.

Community Roots Academy has been awarded the California Green Schools Silver Level.
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CRA strongly believes in the responsible use and protection of the natural environment through conservation and sustainable practices.

Our curriculum, policies and practices are designed to promote environmental awareness and stewardship. Students develop an appreciation for the environment through curriculum, projects, guided outdoor experiences and overnight trips.

Green Champs

Going Green is more than just a slogan at CRA.  Our commitment to recycle, reduce and reuse has energized CRA scholars to honor and protect the environment here on campus and wherever they can influence others to recycle more and recycle right. Our Discover Garden is literally and figuratively at the center of our CRA campus and community and is a living laboratory where our students improve their life skills, including working with groups, and gaining self-understanding.

CRA maintains a Green Champs program, consisting of teachers, administrators, students, parents and community partners to evaluate our environmental impact and help initiate changes that reduce our ecological footprint. Students participate in on-going initiatives to promote conservation and reduce waste on campus.