Capistrano Valley High to Add Night Classes

After more than a year of study, officials have drawn up a plan to offer night classes this fall at Capistrano Valley High School.

School trustees this week approved the proposal to open in September with 300 to 400 students in grades 9 through 12.

Officials said the new school will help ease classroom overcrowding at Capistrano Valley and provide students with an opportunity to work and participate in community-based learning projects and internships while attending school.

The night school would be the first in the history of Capistrano Unified School District.

“There’s a real need for afternoon instruction,” Associate Supt. Thomas R. Anthony said.

Under the plan, the night school would be open from 3 to 8:30 p.m. and use the campus’ labs, classrooms, library and other resources. The curriculum would be similar to that at other high schools in the district except for athletics and other extracurricular activities.

Students would be required to complete fewer units to graduate and would receive credit for work experience. They would have the option, however, of taking the full 220 units needed for college admission.

Students also would be able to combine night school with regular high school classes or courses at Saddleback College.

To participate in night high school, students would have to meet certain standards or be transferred back to their original campuses.

A recent study by the school district found that there is considerable interest in a night program, with 951 students out of 13,000 surveyed expressing interest.

Information: (714) 489-7224.