Freestyle is behind the MVLA District Office and on the east side of the MVHS back parking lot.

Freestyle/LAHS Shuttle - free van transportation for LAHS students. Go to the LAHS Shuttle Info page

Parking

• MVHS Students can naturally park in the MVHS Parking Lot. Obtain your MVHS Parking Permit at MVHS.
• Freestyle students with valid LAHS parking permits for the current school year will be allowed to park in the MVHS student parking lot to attend Freestyle classes. They must display valid permits registered for the appropriate vehicle, per their home site's parking guidelines.
• Only EVs can park in the EV charging stations in front of Freestyle.
• No student parking is permitted in the small AVHS Parking lot
• No parking permit, however, is required for street parking near Freestyle.

Freestyle Bike Racks and Enclosures: Bring your own lock to use the racks and enclosures for bikes.

Here's how to contact staff.

• If needed, contact each teacher at Freestyle for specific class questions on our Faculty page
• For program questions, please email Freestyle Program Coordinator Leo Florendo

• Suzanne Woolfolk is our Principal and she is also the Director of Alternative Programs and Principal of Alta Vista High School. Email her through suzanne dot woolfolk at mvla net or Tel. 650-691-2433 x3010

Every Freestyle student has an email address with the format of firstname+lastinitial@freestyleacademy.rocks such as darthv@freestyleacademy.rocks or leias@freestyleacademy.rocks.

Here's how you can contact groups of Freestyle students without teachers reading the emails.

Freestyle has a unique daily normal class schedule - late start times, long block periods, and a two week repeating schedule. Lots of details posted on this schedules document.

In addition to 3 Freestyle classes - two required classes in English, Digital Media and one elective class in Animation, Design, or Film - everyone is also enrolled in Per. 9 Supervised Study. Here's why.

English and Digital Media Rosters: How do you know to go to English or Digital Media first?

• Junior English/Digital Media Rosters or click on the navigation links For Students > JR Rosters.
• Senior English/Digital Media Rosters or click on the navigation links For Students > SR Rosters.

To keep up to date on what's happening at Freestyle, go to this calendar page.

• There are no bells at Freestyle - just like there are no bells in a professional working film, recording, or design studio. It's your responsibility to be in the correct place at the right time - just like any professional working at Apple, Google, Sony, Microsoft, Adobe, retail stores, hospitals, etc. Respect allotted class time - be on time when you arrive and leave at the correct time. Leaving early is disrespectful.
• Arriving 30 minutes or more late to class will be recorded as an Absence.
• Clearing absences - One call by parents to LAHS/MVHS will suffice. Parents do NOT need to call Freestyle (we don't have an attendance phone number or attendance email anyway) if you are absent. Parents can optionally email Freestyle teachers if you wish. Don't worry about informing the Shuttle operators if you're absent.
• Why do you have a Period 9 - Supervised Study on your schedule? Or click on the navigation links For Students > Per.9?

Mainly your energy and creativity, but no particular thing is required. A limited set of computers are available for check-out for the entire year. Here is some information about equipment check-out.

Optional Equipment Purchases - Students/Parents often ask about purchasing equipment for Freestyle. No equipment is required for any student at Freestyle because we provide you with all the equipment you need. However, if you want to OPTIONALLY purchase hardware, equipment, and software similar to what we use at Freestyle, go to this optional equipment page

Click on the class links at the top of this page for webpages for details about each class.

Freestyle Canvas Course Links (not valid until 1st day of school in August):

• Required courses: English 3 | 4 and Digital Media 1 | 2
• Elective course: Animation 1 | 2 or Design 1 | 2 or Film 1 | 2
• As a student, how do I generate a pairing code for a parent observer of ANY canvas course?

Freestyle is often, not always, open till 4:00 PM or later check the calendar for posted late closing time. You just have to ask usually Mr. Florendo what time he is leaving campus since he's usually the last teacher on campus. Students may work in any classroom after school as long as 1 teacher is present on campus.

For the safety of everyone at Freestyle, only Freestyle Students and Staff are allowed on the Freestyle Campus similar to all other schools. As an MVLA student, for example, you can't just go to a Cupertino District school and walk on campus during school. All non-Freestyle people need to be known to staff. If you are bringing a non-Freestyle student on our campus or spaces for non-Exhibition events (such as for dances, collaboration on a project, or observing a class for possibly joining Freestyle), please complete this form so we know who you are and who your guest is and why you are bringing them on campus.

During the longer breaks between English and Digital Media, you can optionally join the Tai Chi session with Mr. Florendo who has been doing Tai Chi since 2016.

Specifically - Tai Chi sessions are as scheduled (if you are in elective classes, you can optionally ask your Elective Teacher to miss class for a few minutes to join the session):

• Schedule A breaks 9:55 - 10:05 AM and 1:55 - 2:05 PM
• Schedule B breaks 10:18 - 10:27 AM and 1:48 - 1:57 PM
• Schedule C, D, E, H, I, G: NO Sessions
• What will you learn? 24 form Yang Style Tai Chi
  front view video | back view video
• Semester 1: You will slowly learn all the forms (movements)
• Semester 2: We will focus on finer details and simply do all 24 forms which takes about 6 minutes to complete. You might even start to learn the longer 108 form which takes 20-30 minutes to complete.

Why learn Tai Chi? From https://taichiforhealthinstitute.org/what-is-tai-chi:

On a physical level, Tai Chi improves strength, flexibility, aerobic conditioning and balance. It’s been proven to improve cardiovascular fitness, lower blood pressure, prevent falls and help people who have arthritis.

And the list goes on!

There are also immense emotional and mental benefits. The deliberate movements help people to feel more relaxed, grounded and present in their bodies. This lowers anxiety, stress and depression; while improving memory, focus and sleep.

Tai Chi is probably the most effective exercise for your entire wellbeing. It’s so enjoyable that millions of people around the world are practising it, no matter their age or physical condition.

It’s all about improving your quality of life and feeling empowered.

Numerous medical studies show the overwhelming benefits of Tai Chi, especially when modified programs address specific health conditions. Research shows a regular routine can prevent many health problems and help people to better manage the conditions they already have.

More info https://taichiforhealthinstitute.org/what-is-tai-chi

Tai Chi forms also have a self-defense application - here's a sample of how the forms are applied to self-defense.. You will be introduced to the concepts of Tai Chi self-defense you so know about it but you won't really be practicing self-defense at Freestyle.

• Accessing your UsernamE-Media files from home: You can access your files at home - click on the navigation links For Students > Accessing Files.
• Here's info about scanning and printing (B&W, color, and 3D)
• Installing software on your home computer
• Royalty Free Music/SFXs/Videos for your projects
• Royalty Free Images for your projects
• Communication Arts Magazines
• Food, Drinks, Microwave, Mini-fridge: Each classroom teacher has their own classroom rules about food and drink. Please be respectful about eating and drinking in each room because the main goal is to keep rooms clean and also to NOT destroy equipment by accidentally spilling liquid on them. If you spill it, please take responsibility to clean it up. There is mini-fridge, microwave, and disposable utensils for all students to use at any time in the Digital Media room - no need to ask, just use as needed. There is a vacuum, broom, and dust pan near the fridge in the Digital Media Room.
• Freestyle Google Account - You should have already received an email to your 1000#####@mvla.net address about your personal Freestyle Google account firstl@freestyleacademy.rock and how to log in to check your Freestyle email. Please check for that message. If you did not receive the message, check your spam messages and/or email Mr. Florendo
• Freestyle Wi-Fi: Connect your personal device to this network SSID: Freestyle-WiFi. Enter your MVLA 1000##### number and password.
• Adding fonts to your Library: Download any special font. Usually double clicking on the downloaded font will install the font in the right place for you. If the special font doesn't install properly, you can manually install the font in your Home folder > Library > Fonts. If you can't see your Library Folder, to go Finder > Go > Go to folder > type in ~/Library > click on Go > navigate to your Fonts folder > move all your downloaded fonts into this Fonts folder. You then have to restart the application in which you want to use the new font. The fonts will NOT travel with you to each new computer you log into at Freestyle so you may wish to keep a copy of your Fonts folder in your UsernamE-Media > Fonts folder.

• Freestyle on TV - Did you know that Freestyle has a regularly scheduled TV show on KMVT15? KMVT15 TV broadcasts various Freestyle video productions every evening from 6PM to 7PM. Occasionally, a Freestyle video production will fill in air time between shows.
• Freestyle Galleries
• Freestyle Instagram
• Freestyle Tik Tok
• Freestyle YouTube
• Freestyle Facebook

The Freestyle (and AVHS) Back-To-School-Night is Thursday 9/3/2026 - one week after the LAHS/MVHS BTSN
Time: 6:30 - 7:30 PM
Location: Freestyle Academy (map)

Why come to Freestyle Back-To-School-Night?

1. ALL Freestyle Parents can meet ALL Freestyle Teachers and see the Freestyle Campus.
2. ALL Freestyle Parents can better understand Freestyle Classes and expectations.
3. ALL Freestyle Parents can meet other Freestyle parents.
4. LAHS/Freestyle Parents can understand the travel route/time that LAHS students take every day.

This is where the general public gets to see all your amazing productions!!! For more info about our Open House in February and Exhibition in late April, go to our Exhibitions page

Our donated Ping Pong table can be used by Freestyle students (and their guests). Equipment is available in the Animation Room - please return when done. If you need new ball, just ask Mr. Cho.

Ask Mr. Florendo for the chess board and speed chess clock. Please return the game and clock to the Digital Media Room when done playing.

Ask Mr. Florendo for the Kubb game pieces. How to play Kubb

We don't allow non-Freestyle students to come on campus to use our facilities without a Freestyle student host including any of our games.

Freestyle events and special publications are typically produced by student volunteers. Get a team together to organize and produce one and/or a few of following:

• Organize dances - for example, a Fall Homecoming or Spring Prom - details about dances on this document
• Volunteer to answer questions at the MVHS or LAHS 8th Grade Parent Night
• Design Open House and/or Exhibition Posters - details about posters on this document
• Take charge of producing a Freestyle Yearbook for $1000 (for entire collaborative group, if you decide to work with others) - details about the yearbook on this document
• Produce a promotion and recruiting video about Freestyle for $250 - details about producing a promo video on this document
• Design the next Freestyle T-shirt - create a design, show it to Mr. Florendo and staff will make decision on whether to mass print your design on T-shirts. You don't have to follow any specific color scheme or graphic design. Make it unique.

If you or a group of you are interested in any of the above, please talk to and/or email Mr. Florendo. Share your plan and we'll figure it out and make it happen. Thank you for caring about our Freestyle Community!

Current creators and producers:

Depending if there's space in your target elective class, Juniors can switch into a different elective class for their Senior year. Juniors will be asked to make that decision in January and inform us through a survey of all Juniors and their plans for their Senior year.

Here some information about adjustments to your transcript that will be made for 2nd Year Seniors switching to a new elective class:

As a returning senior you have an option of switching elective classes when space and scheduling permit. After all returning senior have made optional switches, first year seniors are accepted into classes when there is still space in the target elective classes.

All seniors enrolled for the first time in a new elective class, whether a first year Freestyle student or a senior switching to a new elective, will have the first year of that elective course - Design 1, Film 1, Animation 1 - listed on their transcript because this is their first year in the course (instead of Design 2, Film 2, Animation 2).

For example, if you are a returning Junior for the following school year but switching to a new elective class as a Senior, you will be enrolled Animation 2, Design 2, or Film 2 BUT your transcript will reflect that you took TWO first year production courses - a combination of two (corresponding to your junior and senior year elective choices) of the following elective classes:

• Film 1
• Animation 1
• Design 1

If you are a 1st year Senior, you will be enrolled in Digital Media 2, Animation 2, Design 2, or Film 2 BUT your transcript will reflect that you took first year production courses:

• Digital Media 1
• Film 1
• Animation 1
• Design 1

Regardless of which classes you are enrolled in, ALL seniors will attend production classes during senior production days. Seniors will not attend junior production classes or junior English / Digital Media classes.

The Virtual Independent Study Program is available at MVLA, but VISP students are not eligible for any on-campus classes across the district. So, no MVLA student can enroll at Freestyle (and LAHS/MVHS/AVHS) AND select the Virtual Independent Study Program.

If needed, parents can request a Parent Teacher Conference with individual teachers. When it makes sense to do so, we can also have a conference with all 3 teachers of your child. You can request a conference through this link: Google form.

How do you turn on email notifications to receive submission comments or conversations in Canvas?

All Freestyle Classes use Canvas for class assignments and Grades.

• Parents are encouraged to become Observers to their student's courses so that you can view assignment dues dates, announcements, and other course content. Observers can view the course content but cannot participate in the course. Ask your child to generate a pairing code for each canvas course in order to become an observer of that course.
  
  Freestyle Canvas Class links
• Required courses: English 3 (JRs) | 4 (SRs) and Digital Media 1 (JRs) | 2 (SRs)
• Elective course: Animation 1 (JRs) | 2 (SRs) or Design 1 (JRs) | 2 (SRs) or Film 1 (JRs) | 2 (SRs)

Throughout the year, we provide activities beyond the normal curriculum to enhance learning such as:

• Fields trips to museums and local companies (SF MOMA, Adobe in SF, Sony Playstation, etc.)
• Open House and Exhibitions. In February, we host an Open House on our campus. Then in late April, we put on a Final Exhibition featuring all student projects throughout the year.
• Graduation. In late May, Freestyle Academy honors our graduating Seniors with our own special BBQ Party and Graduation Ceremony.
• Guest speakers and community professionals are invited to come to classes to share knowledge, experience and provide advice. For example:
  • Guest musicians to help students with their music productions
  • Professional photographers to share with student their expertise, photo shoot tips, and software tricks
  • Professional writers / poets / screenwriters to help students develop more engaging poetry / stories
  • Professional film makers to share with students their reel, expertise, and advice on film productions
  • Professional motion graphic artists and/or animators to help students develop better technical and story telling skills

We ask that each Freestyle Family contribute $100 (or more) to help with the costs of these extra activities.

How do you contribute?

1. Cash - give to Mr. Florendo at Freestyle.
2. PayPal, as a friend to avoid PayPal fees, to pay@freestyleacademy.rocks or paypal.me/FreestyleAcademyMVLA. Please make sure your student's name is on the memo line of the PayPal submission.
3. Note: paypal.me/FreestyleAcademy goes to a Kite Surfing school in the Philippines so be careful about which Freestyle Academy you contribute to.
4. Check made out to MVLA HSD, not to LAHS or MVHS, and given to Mr. Florendo. Please make sure "Freestyle Academy" plus your student's name is on the memo line on the check.
5. Corporate matching CANNOT be done directly to Freestyle Academy because Freestyle Academy is either not listed or not a 501c3. For corporate matching,
   Option 1: Donate to MVLA HSD
   Option 2: Donate through https://benevity.com/
   The key for either of the above options is to make sure to note that the donation is for Freestyle Academy so it gets redirected by MVLA Staff to the correct account.
   Info for corporate matching or for Benevity:
   
   Mountain View Los Altos High School District
   1299 Bryant Avenue
   Mountain View, California 94040-4527
   United States
   Phone 650-940-4650
   Website http://www.mvla.net/
   Unique Identifier NCES7_0626310

All contributions are tax deductible and a letter will be emailed from Freestyle for tax purposes.

Thank you for your support!

To know more about each project that your student will produce and how all classes are integrated, please visit our Projects page

Ms. Parkinson’s Travel Club (not affiliated with MVLA school district).

Email Ms. Parkinson about the trip.

Lots of information about Freestyle Alumni including where they went after high school, what they studied, scholarship data, and testimonials on our alumni webpage.