Altus Institute acts as a parent organization to a network of charter schools that share the philosophy of putting students first in education. The schools focus on improving student achievement, creating prototypes for education reform, and improving the quality of life for students, their families, and their communities.
Altus Institute was born from the ideologies shared by The Charter School of San Diego and Audeo Charter School. Having experienced the successes of their supportive and flexible learning environments, a group of administrators and instructional leaders from these schools discussed the possibility of creating a think tank on educational reform. The institute would provide teachers and administrators the opportunity to learn about the newest techniques and philosophies that offer students the chance to learn in a way that best suits their needs. It would act as a national resource for innovative methodologies regarding alternative education and help educators acquire the skills necessary to become leaders in improving education. The insight and action of these educational leaders led to the establishment of the Altus Institute.
Altus is a form of the Latin word “Alo,” meaning to nourish, support, feed, strengthen, promote or advance. The institute's name not only embodies the commitment of the organization, but also the programs that share a values-driven connection with the institute. All of the organizations are dedicated to creating environments in which students are able to accomplish their most important goal - to learn.