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School, built for real life.
Method Schools is a network of tuition-free, WASC-accredited public charter schools serving Southern California families since 2013.
Our story
We started Method because traditional school wasn't working for the families around us — student athletes traveling for competition, kids who needed a fresh start, families wanting something more flexible. So we built a school that meets students exactly where they are.
More than a decade later, we serve thousands of TK–12 students across Southern California — online and at our El Cajon campus — with a 19:1 student-to-teacher ratio (sometimes even less) and a laptop for every student.
Our mission
To make school enjoyable — by combining flexibility, elite-level teacher support, and a learning environment built around the student, not the system.
What we believe
Four values that guide everything.
Student-first
Every decision starts with what helps the student grow — academically, socially, and personally.
Flexible by design
Schedules, pacing, and pathways bend to fit your family — not the other way around.
Real human support
Credentialed teachers and counselors who actually know your student by name.
Joyful learning
We believe school should be enjoyable. That belief shapes everything we build.
13 YEARS IN
13 years proving flex-based learning works.
Method was founded in 2013 to show that personalized, mastery-based learning could outperform the traditional model. Three charters and tens of thousands of students later, we've been doing exactly that.
- 2013 Founded in California
- 3 WASC-accredited charters
- 60K+ Students served to date
- TK–12 CUSTOM BUILT BY GRADE LEVEL
Leadership
The team behind Method
A leadership team with decades of combined experience in K–12 charter, online, and independent study education.
Dr. Jessica Spallino
Founder & CEO
Mark Holley
Founder & CBO
Jade Fernandez
Chief Operating Officer
Dr. Sarah Delawder
Director of Curriculum
Sarah Avanessian
Director of Learning and Experience
Dr. Pete Getz
Director of College and Career Readiness & High School Counseling
Stefanie Bryant
Chief Financial Officer
Retiring 2026 — thank you, Stefanie
Questions families ask.
Is Method tuition-free?
Yes. As California public charter schools, we charge no tuition or fees.
Are you accredited?
Yes. We're WASC-accredited, UC a–g approved, and NCAA-approved for student athletes.
Do students get a laptop?
Every enrolled student receives a laptop to use for the duration of their enrollment.
Can my student transfer mid-year?
Absolutely. Transfer students (we call them "Resetters") can start within 24 hours of reaching out.