Online charter schools in California.

A no-jargon guide to picking an online charter school in California — what 'accredited' really means, how enrollment works, and how Method Schools fits.

The short answer

Online charter schools in California are tuition-free public schools that deliver TK–12 instruction over the internet under a state-granted charter. Method Schools is a WASC-accredited online charter serving Southern California families across nine counties, with year-round open enrollment and UC a–g approved high school courses.

Pick your region

Online charter schools by California region.

Method Schools enrolls students across Southern California through two WASC-accredited charters. Pick the page that matches where your family lives.

Los Angeles County

Online TK–12 for families from the Antelope Valley to the South Bay.

San Diego County

Online TK–12 plus an in-person athletic academy in El Cajon.

Orange County

Online TK–12 for OC families — Anaheim to San Clemente.

Inland Empire

Online TK–12 for Riverside and San Bernardino County families.

What to look for

Six things every California family should check.

Online charter schools vary wildly. These six checks separate the credentialed programs from the ones to skip.

WASC-accredited

Accreditation is what makes credits transfer cleanly to other CA schools.

UC a–g + NCAA approved

Required for UC/CSU admission and college athletic eligibility.

Real student-teacher ratio

Teacher access matters more than glossy curriculum. Method runs 19:1.

Year-round, self-paced

Non-negotiable for athletes, performers, and credit-recovery students.

Live teacher support

Recorded videos aren't enough. Look for scheduled live instruction and 1:1 access.

Reputable authorizer

A strong authorizing district is a meaningful accountability signal.

Method Schools at a glance

A California online charter built for real students.

Method Schools is a tuition-free, WASC-accredited online TK–12 charter serving Southern California families since 2014. Two authorized charters, nine-county service area, year-round enrollment, and a 19:1 student-teacher ratio.

Tuition-free public charter — no application fee, no tuition, no required curriculum cost.
WASC accreditation + UC a–g + NCAA Eligibility Center approval.
Year-round open enrollment across LA, Orange, San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino, Imperial, Ventura, Kern, and Santa Barbara counties.
Live California-credentialed teachers, not just recorded videos.
Optional in-person athletic academy (Method Summit) in El Cajon.
Dual enrollment, CTE pathways, and special education services.

Frequently asked questions

California parents ask first.

What is an online charter school in California?

Are online charter schools in California really free?

Who can enroll in a California online charter school?

Is online charter school accredited and college-prep?

How is an online charter school different from homeschool?

When can my student start at an online charter school?

What technology does my student need?

Ready to enroll in a California online charter?

Tell us about your student and a Method enrollment specialist will be in touch within one business day.