Announcement: Navigator Schools Unanimously Approved to Open Three New Schools in Orange County

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE      
Sept. 4, 2025
  

NAVIGATOR SCHOOLS UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED TO OPEN THREE NEW SCHOOLS IN ORANGE COUNTY  
Plans include opening the charter network’s first high school  

COSTA MESA, Calif. — Navigator Schools (Navigator), a network of high-performing public charter schools serving more than 1,800 transitional kindergarten (TK) through eighth students across California, today announces its expansion to Orange County following approval from the Orange County Board of Education. The approval clears the way for Navigator to offer its rigorous, full-inclusion model that empowers all students to meet and exceed academic standards to Orange County families.  

When fully built out, Navigator will serve an estimated 3,300 students across three regional clusters in Orange County. The first campuses, Orange Prep School (TK-8) and Orange Prep High School (9-12), will open next school year in Orange serving approximately 420 students in TK through second grade, seventh grade, and ninth grade. Navigator will slowly expand to reach full enrollment over the next seven years. The approval also empowers Navigator to open its first high school in California, creating an opportunity to extend its direct support of students.  

“We know that every student is capable of extraordinary success when given the right opportunities and support,” said Navigator Schools CEO Dr. Caprice Young. “This expansion brings our proven approach to Orange County families who want both high expectations and personalized support for their children. We’re excited to partner with the community to ensure every student graduates Navigator prepared for college and beyond.” 

Founded in 2011, Navigator has been a transformative force in public education, serving hundreds of TK-8 students. The network has helped more than 700 alumni prepare for high school, college, and career. Today, Navi’s four schools outperform the state of California, as well as neighborhood schools, in reading and math. The network’s inclusive, research-backed approach combines: 

• Full-inclusion classrooms with paraprofessionals supporting students with special education needs without removing them from core instruction. 

• Student-led “Squads” that foster collaboration, leadership and autonomy. The Navi Squads model includes soft skills building practices and places students at the center of their learning journey. 

• Robust multilingual learner support ensuring access and success for all students. Multilingual learners make up 35% of the student population at Navigator Schools. 

• Opportunities for students to get a head start on higher education through dual enrollment and early college pathways, helping them build confidence and earn credits before high school graduation. 

In a state where many schools are still working to recover pre-pandemic achievement levels, Navigator Schools is outperforming the state outcomes in both math and English Language Arts. The network's scholars outperform the state of California in reading and math despite facing more challenges than most children. 

“Our students will have access to rigorous academics, leadership opportunities and early college pathways — opportunities I wish I had as a student.” said Justin Steiner, Navigator’s Southern California Regional Director, who will oversee all Orange County schools. “We’re building a place where every child feels known, challenged and supported.” 

By meeting every student where they are and helping them chart a path to excellence, Navigator demonstrates that high expectations and personalized support can yield transformational outcomes—a unique opportunity celebrated by Navigator’s new authorizer.  

When voting to approve the charter, Trustee Dr. Ken Williams said, “This is one of the most exciting charter petitions we’ve had the opportunity to approve. Charter schools are public schools, open to all, and they represent parental choice in action. This school has everything lined up for success – from strong facilities to $12 million in federal support – and a proven track record of serving students well. Hearing from a graduate of their Gilroy campus was especially powerful — a living example of the life-changing results this model delivers. Everything this team brings is professional, thoughtful and full of heart. We can’t wait to see them thrive here in Orange County.”  

To learn more about Navigator Schools in Orange County, visit https://www.navigatorschools.org/future-navi-schools.  

About Navigator Schools 

Since 2011, Navigator Schools has been a transformative force in public education. The growing network of four public charter schools serves over 1,800 students, primarily from agricultural communities. Navigator Schools has helped more than 700 graduates reach new heights, preparing them for high school, college, and beyond. By focusing on academic excellence and leadership, Navigator Schools drives change and equity in education, exceeding expectations and helping students achieve their dreams. The school network operates Gilroy Prep, Hayward Collegiate, Hollister Prep, Watsonville Prep – with new schools opening soon in Orange County. 

Media Contact:

Flerine Cruz | flerine@larsonpr.com | (919) 257-8818