GHS Academy

GHS Academy, also known as Golden Hills School, is a fully accredited, independent non-profit educational institution. Established in 1992 by local educators Brant and Caralyn Choate as a tutorial service, it evolved into a comprehensive educational program for students from Junior Kindergarten through eighth grade.

History

Golden Hills School began as a one-room, multi-age school in El Dorado Hills, California. By 1998, it had partnered with the Agatstein family, and in 2001, the school relocated to its current site. In 2002, the school was donated to GHS Academy, a non-profit corporation. By 2007, GHS had purchased its campus from the founding families.

Mission and Philosophy

The school's mission is to inspire a love of learning and empower each student to reach their personal best. It emphasizes a collaborative partnership between students, parents, and the school to ensure a superior educational experience. Academic programs focus on ability-based learning with differentiated instruction, and character education is a central part of the curriculum, guided by the "Characters of Gold."

Programs and Features

• Small Class Sizes: Average class sizes range from 16 to 17 students with a student-to-teacher ratio of 1:8.
• Enrichment Programs: Offers a diverse array of enrichment classes, including art, music, dance, and physical education daily.
• Athletics: Participates in county sports programs such as basketball, volleyball, wrestling, football, and cross-country.

Financial and Operational Overview

GHS Academy operates as a self-managed entity, not part of a corporate chain. Recent financial data shows revenues exceeding $2.5 million annually, with expenses totaling around $2.5 million. The organization has a significant program expense ratio, reflecting its commitment to fulfilling its educational mission.

Governance and Leadership

Armaghan Mirhaj serves as the Head of School. GHS Academy is governed by an independent board, which includes members such as Karen Miyashiro and Xuan Siy.

Challenges and Ratings

GHS Academy has received a two-star rating from Charity Navigator, highlighting a need for improvement in financial transparency and accountability, despite strong governance practices and a high program expense ratio.