St. Michael the Archangel Academy, the first private home school program for Catholic families in Southern California, has for over twenty years, supported the primary right and duty of parents to choose the form of education for their children. The teachings of the Catholic Church and Scriptures state that it is God who has entrusted the minds, hearts and souls of children to parents, to guard and to guide them toward a greater knowledge of Him. Each home is a satellite location of SMAA with the parents or guardians operating as the primary teachers of the children within their homes.

SMAA offers a Christ-centered, classical education in content and methodology across the entire program of studies; to integrate Christian education with the intellectual and moral virtues in order to prepare each student for a fully human life of service to others in this world and for a life of eternal glory in the world to come; to assist boys and girls in becoming good citizens of their country and in enriching society with the leaven of the Gospel as they maintain the fullest liberty to lovingly seek God Himself; to educate the whole student in the Christian tradition while addressing the requirements of his or her natural and supernatural perfection; and to encourage and support parents in their mission as the primary educators of their children.

The academic year begins on August 1 and ends on July 31, during which students receive instruction 32-36 weeks per year. Tutorial courses are offered September through June.  The Academy guides the educational program by providing curriculum counseling and continuing education for parents/instructors, detailed learning objectives by subject and grade level, approved lists of textbooks, and guidelines on how to prepare individual lessons based on the child’s learning style.

Educational and social opportunities are provided for families, faculty, and students, such as participation in local, regional and national educational competitions; national standardized academic testing; field trips; and, graduation ceremonies. Diplomas will be presented to graduates in eighth and twelfth grades upon their successful completion of the course of study.

The director and staff provide administrative duties year round, maintain permanent cumulative student records, transmit permanent records to other private or public schools, and compile transcripts for college admissions.