CALE High School
A yes, and school - designed for learners, not systems.
Flexible. Personal. Personable.
CALE High School empowers students to become self-directed learners, innovative thinkers, and compassionate community members.
Through a blend of:
- In-person guided instruction
- Online coursework
- Daily personalized mentoring
Students receive an education tailored to their strengths, needs, interests, and goals. Every learner is known, valued, and supported.
CALE is designed for students who:
Why Families Choose CALE
The CALE Difference
| Category | Traditional: Standards-Based Learning | CALE: Competency-Based Learning |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Content knowledge; focuses on students knowing specific content and skills defined by a standard. | Application; emphasizes applying knowledge and skills to real-world, complex situations across multiple disciplines. |
| Pacing | Fixed time; students progress based on the academic calendar, even if they haven't fully mastered the content. | Self-paced/Flexible time; students advance only upon demonstrating mastery, regardless of the time taken. |
| Progression | Students move to the next level whether proficient or not; grades reflect performance relative to the standard. | Progression is based purely on demonstrated proficiency of skills, allowing for varied, individualized learning pathways. |
| Assessment | Often uses traditional methods (tests, quizzes) to measure knowledge against a standard at a set time. | Often involves real-world application, projects, portfolios, or practical demonstrations of ability. |
Weekly Learning Design
Core Academics
Four days a week students will work through core subjects (math, science, English, and social studies). Utilizing both online resources and personalized pathways, students will design their own learning journey based on their goals.
Exploration Day
One day each week dedicated to:
- Passion projects
- Non-core subjects
- Career exploration
- Creative and experiential learning
Seminar Blocks
Whole-group and small-group sessions focused on:
- Critical thinking & problem-solving
- Social-emotional learning
- Executive functioning
- Lifelong skills
- Post-secondary planning
Graduation at CALE
Graduation is based on mastery, not comparison. Students complete a minimum of 24 credits while progressing at an individualized pace showing their success through core competencies.
- English Language Arts – 4 credits
- Social Studies – 3 credits
- Mathematics – 3 credits
- Science – 3 credits
- Fine Arts – 1 credit
- Practical Arts – 1 credit
- Physical Education – 1 credit
- Health – 0.5 credit
- Personal Finance – 0.5 credit
- Electives – 7 credits
In addition, Missouri state law requires successful completion of the following:
- U.S. Constitution Exam
- Missouri Constitution Exam
- American Civics Exam
Learning Model
Students advance by demonstrating proficiency in core competencies - not by the calendar or standardized grades. Learning is a continuous process, so mastery does not have a finite date.
Learning is demonstrated through:
- Projects
- Presentations
- Portfolios
- Conversations
- Revisions and reflection
- Real-world application
CALE students graduate with a portrait of a learner, not just a transcript.
Learning Environment
A dedicated high school space designed for independence, creativity, and connection.
Our learning environment includes:
- Whole-group learning area
- Collaboration & conference rooms
- Flexible seating & workstations
- Reading nook & lending library
- Brain break & social space
Plus, we offer additional shared spaces:
- Indoor gym & basketball court
- Theatre
- Full kitchen
- Outdoor recreation area
FAQs for CALE High School
Columbia Academy for Learning and Enrichment (CALE) is a proud member of the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA). Students interested in participating in high school athletics, activities, or clubs should contact our Athletic Director, Devin Brown, for information regarding eligibility, participation requirements, and available opportunities.
Devin Brown can be reached at devinbrown1717@gmail.com.
No. CALE serves students across the learning spectrum. Some students come to accelerate, others to rebuild confidence or receive targeted support. Progress is individualized, and growth - not comparison - is the goal.
- Creating a public health awareness campaign
- Managing real budgets and financial plans
- Interviewing community members for oral history projects
- Building portfolios and presenting learning to authentic audiences
Students demonstrate learning through projects, portfolios, presentations, and real-world applications. Progress is measured through mastery of competencies rather than letter grades, giving a fuller picture of what students know and can do.
Yes. CALE is intentionally designed to support athletics, internships, employment, college courses, career programs, and enrichment opportunities as part of a student’s learning pathway.
Absolutely. Students graduate with strong academic skills, real-world experience, and a mastery-based transcript that clearly communicates their strengths with tangible evidence outside of grades to colleges, employers, and training programs.
It's School... But Different!
