The Charter School of San Diego (CSSD), authorized by the public San Diego Unified School District, states that it "is committed to the development of a personalized instructional program with intensive parental involvement that demonstrates positive outcomes for each student." Opened in 1994, CSSD is specifically aimed at students whose futures are at risk because they were not successful at conventional schooling. Students who enroll at CSSD are seeking an alternative educational environment or fall into several at-risk categories. On average, 14 percent of the student population is designated as gifted and 13 percent require special education. CSSD provides free, individualized education in Grades 7-12 to engage, graduate, or redirect these students. CSSD is headquartered in San Diego, Calif., operates 21 instructional and educational resources centers in San Diego County, and employs 187 workforce members.