Our History — Kidinnu Academy, El Cajon Charter School
From ideation to creation. The start and history of Kidinnu Academy.
Kidinnu Academy is a TK-8 charter school in El Cajon, CA, built around cultural literacy and academic excellence. See our mission and core values and why families choose Kidinnu. Schools need to adapt as our communities grow more diverse — that belief is what led our founding team to start Kidinnu Academy.
Our Journey
Petition Approved
We petitioned the district with our education philosophy; approved May 2019.
School Opening
Kidinnu Academy opened in September 2020 in El Cajon, CA.
Growth and Expansion
Serving TK–8th grade today, adding one grade level per year toward TK–12. See our school performance reports.
Continuing Our Mission
Building leadership in cultural literacy for the next generation of Kidinnu students. Meet the team guiding this growth: our Board of Directors and our faculty and staff.
Cultural Literacy
Cultural literacy — the academic, social, and technical foundation every student needs to thrive — is central to a Kidinnu education. Read more in a welcome message from our Executive.
Who is Kidinnu?
The Charter School is named Kidinnu Academy in honor of Kidinnu, a Chaldean astronomer and mathematician. Kidinnu lived in the late 4th or early 3rd century BCE. He was an astronomer and mathematician who is believed to be responsible for a Babylonian theory that described the speed of the moon's and sun's motions and lunar phases and eclipses.
Kidinnu applied mathematical rules to the variations in the speed of the Sun and the Moon and worked out predictions of lunar phenomena. Kidinnu is also attributed with discoveries relating to the motion of Mercury and the relationship between two different lunar periods. This same spirit of discovery shapes our STEAM curriculum today.
Astronomer
Developed theories on lunar phases and eclipses.
Mathematician
Applied mathematical rules to celestial movements.
Time Period
Late 4th or early 3rd century BCE.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Kidinnu Academy founded?
Kidinnu Academy's petition was approved in May 2019, and the school opened in September 2020 in El Cajon, California.
Who is Kidinnu Academy named after?
Kidinnu Academy is named after Kidinnu, a Chaldean astronomer and mathematician from the late 4th or early 3rd century BCE known for his work on lunar phases and eclipses.
What grades does Kidinnu Academy serve?
Kidinnu Academy currently serves TK through 8th grade, adding one grade level per year toward a goal of TK–12.
Is Kidinnu Academy a growing charter school?
Yes — Kidinnu Academy expands by one grade level each year and is actively planning additional facility space in El Cajon, CA. Contact us to learn more or apply now.
Be Part of Our History
Join us as we continue to build on our foundation of academic excellence and cultural literacy.
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