South Bay Prep is a tax-exempt, non-profit, free public school to which any student in California may apply, no inter-district transfer required. South Bay Prep is a small, student-centered, 6th - 12th grade school with a focus on mastery and authentic, relevant, real-world projects for the independent learner; personalized learning and support; College Prep; low student-to-teacher ratio; and family participation.

We are committed to preparing students to live in a rapidly evolving, high-tech, global society. Students will engage in authentic, relevant, real-world projects in a collaborative environment and will graduate as self-reliant, life-long learners, having mastered the essential skills and knowledge to be prepared for college and for life in the 21 st century. South Bay Prep will open in Fall of 2009 with grades 6 through 9.

South Bay Prep has partnered with EdVisions to implement a project-based learning model. See videos from EdVisions network schools showing project-based learning in action.

Our History

In the spring of 2005, a group of parents and educators wanting an alternative choice from what is being offered for middle and high school in Santa Clara county envisioned a school of choice that would prepare all students for college. So began a process of bringing parents in the county together to determine exactly what that alternative would look like.

South Bay Preparatory and our mission and values were created during these community meetings. Our philosophy is based upon the principles of the Coalition of Essential Schools, and our approach is to address the needs of our students as individuals who have a variety of learning styles. It was decided that we would create the school within the boundaries of the Campbell Union High School District (CUHSD). Between 2005 and now the process of defining the school and creating our charter has taken place.

In 2007 South Bay Prep found a partner in EdVisions, a nonprofit organization funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation that creates and supports schools with an educational model that is based on the Coalition of Essential Schools principles. EdVisions philosophy and implementation of project-based, hands-on learning environments matches South Bay Prep’s philosophy and we are very excited to be partnering with an organization with dozens of successful schools around the country that have implemented the philosophy that SBP espouses.

Since our first community meetings our supporter base has grown from its original core group of Campbell parents to include parents from all over the county. We have been soliciting partnerships with companies and corporations throughout the county. SBP's curriculum emphasizes project-based learning, in which students learn by doing – by following their interests to learn from real-world, hands-on activities as well as from books and other media. These partnerships are an integral part of our curriculum.

Because of our unconventional curriculum, we expect our main source of feeder schools to be other schools with unconventional curriculum such as other charter schools, parent participation schools, and magnet or alternative public schools distributed around the county (e.g., McAuliffe - Cupertino, Village School - Campbell,  PACT - Mountain View, Discovery and Sherman Oaks - San Jose, Washington Open - Santa Clara, etc)

SBP will offer the only integrated middle school and high school choice to parents seeking college prep with more support, graduation requirements meeting or exceeding UC requirements, alternative measures and assessments, a small school, smaller classes, and more personalized learning.

Our Mission and Values

South Bay Prep’s mission is to prepare, support, and inspire a diverse community of students for success at a four-year university and in life. Our core values focus on students, on learning, and on community. South Bay Prep will offer a site-based, college preparatory program using the nationally recognized EdVisions Schools model. The EdVisions model provides a highly personalized learning environment with access to a unique mix of innovative teaching and learning strategies that are driven by California content standards and purposefully selected for each student based on his or her Personal Learning Plan.

South Bay Prep’s educational program can be characterized by the following essential principles:

• Every student is known well. Our low student to teacher ratios, small learning communities, and small overall size ensure that no student falls through the cracks, and all students get the support they need.
• Active, project-based learning. Students commit to personal learning plans, learning by doing authentic, relevant, standards-based projects that are tailored to their individual educational needs and interests. Outstanding teachers serve as Advisors, helping students develop the skills, knowledge, habits, and attitudes they need to succeed.
• Rigorous academics for all. All high school students have access to a rigorous educational program that will prepare them for success in college, careers, and global citizenship. SBP’s program is driven by California content standards, provides all students an opportunity to prepare for AP tests, and is designed to meet or exceed UC “A-G” course requirements.
• Parent involvement. Parents participate fully in the life of the school.
• Positive, democratic learning community. All students, parents, and staff have a voice in decision making and are committed to a shared vision, creating a community that values achievement and celebrates diversity.
• Combined middle and high school. By working with students for 7 years in grades 6-12, SBP can ensure that students will not get lost in the transitional year between middle and high school. Struggling students will also have time to improve skills and habits during the middle school years to ensure that they are ready for the rigors of a college preparatory experience in high school.

South Bay Prep is a member of the EdVisions Schools national network. EdVisions is affiliated with the Coalition of Essential Schools and is funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.