Teacher Accused of Sexual Relationship with Student
A high school math teacher at The Learning Choice Academy, a public charter school in La Mesa, is under investigation following allegations of a sexual relationship with a female student, authorities confirmed this week.
The La Mesa Police Department launched the investigation after school administrators were alerted to possible misconduct involving the teacher and one of his students. The report, made earlier this week, came through internal channels after rumors began circulating among students and faculty. School officials immediately contacted local law enforcement and initiated an internal review.
As of Thursday, the teacher—whose name has not yet been publicly released pending formal charges—has been placed on administrative leave. The school emphasized that the move was made in accordance with standard procedures and to ensure the safety of all students while the investigation is ongoing.
“We are deeply troubled by these allegations,” the school said in a written statement. “Our top priority is the well-being and safety of our students. We are fully cooperating with law enforcement and will take any and all necessary steps to protect our school community.”
The Learning Choice Academy is an independent study charter school that serves students in kindergarten through 12th grade. It offers a hybrid educational model, combining online coursework, independent learning, and in-person support. The accused teacher had reportedly been employed at the academy for several years, primarily teaching upper-level mathematics courses to high school students.
While few details about the alleged relationship have been made public, sources familiar with the case told investigators that the teacher and student had been seen interacting outside normal school settings, raising concerns about the nature of their relationship. Investigators are working to determine when the alleged conduct began and whether there were any violations of school policy or state law.
Legal experts say that if evidence confirms that a sexual relationship occurred between the teacher and an underage student, the consequences could be severe. In California, sexual contact between a teacher and a student—regardless of the student’s age—is considered a breach of professional conduct and can lead to charges including statutory rape, lewd and lascivious acts with a minor, and unlawful sexual intercourse. Teachers in such cases may also lose their credentials and be barred from working in education permanently.
“This is not only a criminal matter but a profound betrayal of trust,” said attorney Lisa Rowland, who has represented victims in similar cases. “Schools are supposed to be safe spaces, and students should never have to question whether their teachers have inappropriate motives.”
The La Mesa Police Department has confirmed that it is conducting interviews with students, staff members, and potential witnesses. They are also reviewing phone records, emails, and other digital communications as part of the investigation. Police have asked anyone with information related to the case to contact the department’s tip line.
In response to the incident, parents and guardians at The Learning Choice Academy received an email from the school’s administration outlining steps being taken to address the situation. Those include increased counseling services, additional supervision on campus, and a review of staff training protocols related to professional boundaries and student safety.
Some parents expressed shock and disappointment upon learning of the allegations. “It’s heartbreaking,” said Ana Morales, whose son attends the school. “You send your kids to school expecting them to be safe and protected. It’s disturbing to hear something like this could happen so close to home.”
The San Diego County Office of Education has been notified of the situation and is reportedly monitoring developments closely. Under California law, all school employees are mandated reporters, required to report any suspected abuse or misconduct involving minors to authorities immediately.
This incident marks the latest in a series of troubling cases involving educators across the country, sparking renewed calls for stronger oversight and accountability in both public and charter schools.
Authorities have not confirmed whether charges will be filed, but police say they are treating the matter with the utmost seriousness. “Our goal is to ensure a thorough, unbiased investigation and to protect the rights and safety of everyone involved,” said Lt. Maria Sanchez of the La Mesa Police Department.
