Cambrian Academy
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4340 Almaden Expressway, San Jose, CA 95118
408.833.7050


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The Cambrian Way
We are currently preparing students for jobs that don't yet exist, using technologies that haven't yet been invented, in order to solve problems we don't even know are problems yet. What an awesome responsibility!

That was then. This is now.

    The evolution of both technology and economics continues to accelerate.
    For example:
  • Working with our friends and partners in top universities, we have seen that nanotechnology that sounds futuristic may already be five years old.
  • While today's teens are working with 2D and 3D graphics and think that their virtual reality games are state of the art, augmented reality, extended reality, and Artificial Intelligence are growing out of their infancy at a stunning rate.
  • By the time they graduate from college and get a job, what will the economy look like? What will be the currency in use at the time, and what does it mean to be a store of value? Will they know why precious metals have been a reliable store of value? Will they be fooled by the paper market's manipulation of the commodities that actually do hold value? Will they understand enough about decentralized peer-to-peer networks and blockchain to make the right choices without being conned?

Will they learn enough basic logic to trust themselves to think with conviction and act with confidence, or will they just follow and copy those who sound confident?

Schooling and education are not the same thing, and quality education is critically important to a happy and productive future life--now more than ever.

We believe that the high school years are crucial for young people. So we have created an environment that makes those precious years successful - an environment of trust - where each student's voice is heard and respected and where each instructor takes a personal interest in the growth of each student. We know every single student.

What about Social Skills?

Many parents still seem to think that sending their child to a large school will develop social skills, as if it may just "rub off" on them or provide more "opportunities" to socialize. For most children, doing so provides more opportunities to either disappear further into the crowd or more easily fall in with the wrong crowd. Such students will have less of a chance of developing the skill to socialize with others who are not like them, a skill that will be needed in college and adult life.

At a small school, children eventually get to know each other. Teachers can notice when the process needs a little help. Students learn how to socialize with others who may, on the surface, appear to be very different from themselves. Although mainstream media attempts to create large stereotypical groups in opposition to each other, students will learn that each group still contains individuals that really just want to live in peace. We share more in common with each other than we may realize.

A Cambrian Academy education prepares students to use the skills learned at school in all life's endeavors. Cambrian Academy is a life-changing experience, challenging and fun. It asks a great deal from every student - higher standards, greater expectations, and deeper engagement not only in the world of ideas, but also in the life of the community.

Community service is not a graduation requirement at Cambrian Academy, so colleges know that every single hour of community service is voluntary and legitimate. From our example, Cambrian Academy students learn that we don't volunteer to help those in need to get some reward, but simply becasue we can. The Interact Club of Cambrian Academy is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Saratoga and Rotary International. Their service projects make a difference in our world and our communnity. Students enjoy the benefits of a small supportive academic environment while having regular access to vast social interactions with 4,000 other future leaders here in the Bay Area.

The "Cambrian Way" is a way of being: interacting with other minds, listening carefully, speaking respectfully, accepting new ideas and questioning old ones, using new knowledge, and enjoying the richness of human interaction. It is exemplified by the staff and embraced by the students. It is a long-term process, not a quick fix. It's fun, it's exhilarating, it's the way to be.

College Preparatory - Grades 6-12

Our Headmaster has over 30 years experience working with academically advanced students in grades K-12. He knows that some students can be ready for high school or even college level work as early as 7th grade. A child need not be "gifted" to enjoy academic success, because the gift of a good education can go a long way.

As we reported to the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) during our accreditation visits, student progress is based on mastery, not seat time or age. Our admissions process evaluates potential students in terms of preparedness and emotional maturity instead of looking simply at age. Students with a track record of strong academic achievement and emotional maturity may begin taking college preparatory courses early. Advanced Placement courses are available to students as early as their first year. All advanced placement opportunities are initiated by our faculty after getting to know the student.

On the other hand, not all students entering Cambrian Academy have had the benefit of a good early education. Sometimes, capable students have simply never been properly inspired. We love a great turn-around story, and we have many we can tell you when you visit.

Our personalized instruction method helps students quickly develop mastery of even difficult subjects, and some may be able to fullfil their graduation requirements in under four years. At Cambrian Academy, we don't believe in holding achievers back, and we believe that most children CAN be achievers. We take pride in launching them to success.

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