Family Resources

FINANCIAL AID & SCHOLARSHIP RESOURCES

FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

• Website: www.fafsa.gov
• Overview: The FAFSA is the gateway to federal financial aid, including Pell Grants, federal student loans, and work-study opportunities. Many state and institutional financial aid programs also require FAFSA for consideration.

Scholarships.com

• Website: www.scholarships.com
• Overview: This is a vast database of scholarships, grants, and other financial aid opportunities. You can search based on criteria like your field of study, location, and demographics.

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GENERAL PLANNING:

San Diego Community College District (SDCCD)

• Website:  http://www.sdccd.edu/
• Overview: The San Diego Community College District (SDCCD) oversees several community colleges in the San Diego area, including City College, Mesa College, and Miramar College. These colleges offer two-year associate degree programs, certificate programs, and transfer pathways to four-year universities.
• Admissions Requirements: Visit their website to view specific admissions requirements and deadlines for the UC system.

University of California (UC)

• Website:  http://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/
• Overview: The University of California (UC) system consists of 10 campuses across California, including schools like UC Berkeley, UCLA, and UC San Diego.
• Admissions Requirements: Visit their website to view specific admissions requirements and deadlines for the UC system.

California State University (CSU)

• Website:  http://www.calstate.edu/
• Overview: The California State University (CSU) system is made up of 23 campuses, including schools like CSU Long Beach, San Diego State University, and CSU Sacramento.
• Admissions Requirements: Visit their website to view specific admissions requirements and deadlines for the CSU system.

CollegeBoard

• Website:  https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/
• Overview: CollegeBoard provides tools for navigating the college admissions process.

Please visit our Mental Health and Wellness Hub for the full collection of resources that we hope you find helpful in supporting your mental health and wellness needs. 

Visit the Mental Health and Wellness Hub

Mental Health and Wellness Hub Quick Links

Anxiety & Stress 

Bullying 

Depression 

Grief

Human Trafficking

Mental Health Crisis and Support Lines 

LGBTQIA+

Substance Misuse 

Suicide Prevention

 

Resources for Military-Connected Families

At Altus Schools, we understand that military-connected students and their families face distinct challenges, including frequent moves and adapting to new academic and social settings. We are committed to providing access to resources that ease these transitions, support educational success, and promote overall well-being. We invite you to explore the resources below:

• Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) – Programs and resources to support military-connected students’ academic success.

• Military OneSource – A comprehensive resource for military families offering information, support, and services on a wide range of topics, including relocation, education, financial planning, health and wellness, and deployment assistance. Available 24/7 at no cost to service members and their immediate families.

• Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children – Supports educational continuity for children transferring between states and school districts.

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Exploring Military Service

Military service is one of several pathways students may consider after graduation. Each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces offers different opportunities related to education, training, and career development. To learn more about the structure and options available within each branch, please explore the links below.

US Air Force       US Army        US Marine Corps        US Navy
US Coast Guard         National Guard
US Department of Veterans Affairs      California Department of Veterans Affairs

Resources for Neurodivergent Students

For online resources which support neurodivergent students and their families, including tools to address school-based bullying, discrimination, and learning challenges, please see: https://ca-literacy-dyslexia-collab.ucla.edu/resources/. These materials, developed by the UC/CSU Collaborative for Neurodiversity and Learning, are designed to promote inclusive, supportive educational experiences.

Altus Schools Meal Program

Altus Schools are committed to supporting student health and academic success by providing access to nutritious meals during the school day. Proper nutrition is closely linked to increased cognitive function, greater attention spans, and improved academic performance. Research confirms that offering meal services promotes student health, boosts achievement, and addresses food insecurity. In alignment with the State Meal Mandate for Non-Classroom Based Charter Schools, the California Department of Education’s Universal Meals Program guidelines, and Education Code Section 49501.5, Altus Schools provide free or reduced-price breakfast and lunch to all students in grades transitional kindergarten through 12 (TK–12) who request a meal each school day.

You can find more information about the Altus Schools Meal Program Plan below:

24-25 Altus Schools Meal Program Plan

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Nutrition and Wellness Resources

• Family Health Centers of San Diego 
• ChooseMyPlate.gov: Learn how to manage food and healthful diets with daily food plans, recipes, and other nutritional resources.
• Deliciously Healthy Eating: NIH (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute). Menu and recipe ideas for healthful and delicious meals.

In the event of a natural disaster or emergency, parents or guardians may be unable to pick up their student from the resource center. To ensure student safety, Altus Schools must have current contact information for parent(s)/guardian(s) and emergency contacts designated as trusted individuals authorized to act on their behalf. In accordance with California law and guidance from the Attorney General, staff will follow the instructions provided by parents or guardians if they are unavailable.

Creating and practicing an emergency plan is essential to ensure your family knows how to respond during a crisis. The American Red Cross provides a comprehensive guide to help families prepare effectively.

This Family Safety Plan in English and Spanish helps parents/guardians create an emergency care plan to be enacted if they are ever separated from their children. You can find more information and resources regarding California Immigration Rights and Protections on the website of the Office of the Attorney General.