Blog and News

Students from all classrooms at ISSAC School were buzzing with excitement as they boarded the buses at 8:30 a.m., eagerly anticipating their much-awaited field trip to the Aquarium of the Pacific. 

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At our school's annual Halloween event, "Favorite Book Character," the grounds came alive with a burst of color and creativity as students paraded around in a delightful array of cute and imaginative costumes.

The parade, held in the yard and blacktop area, showcased everything from miniature superheroes to graceful princesses, but what truly made it special was the unique ISSAC tradition: every costume was inspired by a beloved book character. 

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Finally, Wednesday arrived—the long-awaited day was here. The strong Santa Ana winds, which had picked up two days earlier, were now at their peak, sweeping across the field with a force that added an air of drama to the occasion. For two weeks, students and staff had been eagerly preparing for this day: Undokai, the Japanese sports festival. As dawn broke, some staff members arrived early at the school to set up sound equipment, mark the competition field, and arrange tables and other essentials before the students' arrival.  Read More


The Jupiter Class field trip, a part of the Leadership Club, was held on Tuesday, November 12. Mr. Hiroshi had meticulously prepared all the survival gear and lessons for the students, many of whom had never been camping before.


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Not All Heroes Wear Capes

For our School Lunch Hero, Ms. Sandra

Established in 2013, the first Friday in May was named School Lunch Hero Day by The School Nutrition Association (SNA) and the author of Lunch Ladies, a series of graphic novels. In the novel, a cafeteria professional is a crime-fighting spy hero!


Our school lunch hero at ISSAC is Ms. Sandra Amezcua. She is not a spy, but she fights for the well-being of our kids at school with utmost dedication well beyond being just a job. Read more

Empowering Voices: Tony’s Inspiring Story and the Transformative Power of Writing in Erin Gruwell's Second Visit

Erin Gruwell's second visit with Isaac this past week, like last year, was rich and full of meaningful conversations. However, what set this visit apart from the previous one was the presence and words of Tony, one of her companions.

Tony, one of the narrators of the Freedom Writers, shared his childhood story, leaving a profound impact on the students, especially the middle schoolers, whose age closely matched the time of Tony's story. Speaking in simple and relatable language, sometimes with a touch of dark humor that, despite bringing smiles, vividly portrayed the deep challenges of his childhood. He highlighted one crucial tool for overcoming hardships—one that could prevent people from being trapped in the prison of their own circumstances and see their lives destroyed: the power of writing.

Writing, as Tony emphasized, is not about gaining fame or pleasing others. It is about understanding one's own mind and then expressing the thoughts and emotions that surround and confine a person. For Tony and many of his classmates, having Erin Gruwell as their teacher changed their life path, offering them a healthier way to process their struggles.

By the end of Tony's speech and the subsequent workshop with the students, the effect on the students was clear. This is the difference a good school can make—by choosing the right guest speaker and creating impactful experiences for its students

Kite Festival

Participating in a kite festival like the one hosted by the Japan America Society of Southern California, with Hitachi’s sponsorship, was more than just a fun activity for students on Friday; it was a bridge between cultures that encourages understanding, respect, and connection. The presence of Master Asami, lead students through the traditional Japanese craft of kite-making, added a rich cultural layer to the experience, offering students firsthand insight into Japanese arts and practices. Engaging in such a hands-on activity allowed students to not only learn about Japanese culture but also to actively participate in it, making the lessons feel more alive and memorable.

On the fun side, the process of creating, painting, and flying kites brought joy, creativity, and collaboration. Students not only used their hands and imaginations but also shared laughter and excitement as they brought their kites to life. Running in the field with their finished kites was a culmination of effort, creativity, and enthusiasm, making for a wonderfully joyful and rewarding experience. This kind of activity is valuable because it combines learning with play, encouraging students to explore new perspectives while building a lasting appreciation for cultural diversity and the arts.

In the realm of education, the number of students in a class can have a profound impact on a student's learning experience and overall development. Student performance statistics and research studies make it clear how heavily the factor of class size influences educational outcomes. Read more


The Santa Ana wind, which had kicked up at dawn, unfurls the bottom of one of the school banners hanging on the fence, sending it fluttering like a proud flag. Emblazoned across it, the words "Enroll Now for 24-25 School Year" signal passersby. Read more

Middle Schooler Poetry

Summer makes me sweet.

The sand washing over my feet,

The sun beaming down, children are playing,

The trees swaying.

But most importantly, you are here with me.

Charter schools have consistently sparked debate and controversy, becoming tools for political and social confrontation or subjects of intense competition between school districts and non-public educational institutions. Read more

Master Shifu’s famous line in Kung Fu Panda reminds Po, “Before any battle in life, comes the battle of the mind.” 


At ISSAC Charter, we recognize the importance of mindfulness, reflection, and cultivating inner peace, which support academic and intellectual pursuits in profound ways. When the mind is calm and serene, it becomes more absorbent and open to new information, enhancing learning and comprehension.

In an increasingly interconnected world, the ability to communicate across cultures has never been more vital. For kids and young students, learning two or three languages offers a plethora of benefits that extend far beyond mere communication skills. From fostering a broader worldview to enhancing cognitive abilities, the positive impact of multilingualism is undeniable. Read more