San Luis Obispo Classical Academy

San Luis Obispo Classical Academy shows consistent growth but recent filing indicates a deficit and increased liabilities.

EIN: 203131883 · Sn Luis Obisp, CA · NTEE: B24 · Updated: 2026-03-28

$10.8MRevenue

$4.1MAssets

85/100Mission Score (Excellent)

B24

About San Luis Obispo Classical Academy

San Luis Obispo Classical Academy (EIN: 203131883) is a nonprofit organization based in Sn Luis Obisp, CA, classified under NTEE code B24. The organization reported total revenue of $10.8M and total assets of $4.1M according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of San Luis Obispo Classical Academy's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.

AI Transparency Report

San Luis Obispo Classical Academy demonstrates a pattern of consistent growth in revenue and assets over the past decade, with latest revenue reported at $10,812,864 and assets at $4,050,886. The organization has generally managed its expenses well, often operating with a surplus, as seen in 202206 where revenue was $5,378,042 against expenses of $4,989,908. However, the 202306 filing shows expenses ($5,732,924) exceeding revenue ($5,441,930), indicating a slight deficit for that period. The organization's liabilities have also seen a significant increase, from $307,049 in 202206 to $1,720,545 in 202306, which warrants closer examination.

The academy's financial health appears stable given its growth trajectory, but the recent increase in liabilities and the deficit in the latest reported period suggest a need for careful monitoring of financial management. The consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all available filings indicates a strong commitment to directing resources towards its mission rather than executive pay, which is a positive sign for transparency and efficiency. Further details on program spending versus administrative and fundraising costs would provide a more complete picture of spending efficiency, as this data is not explicitly provided in the summary.

Mission Effectiveness Score

NonprofitSpending's AI analysis rates San Luis Obispo Classical Academy with a Mission Score of 85 out of 100 (Excellent). This score reflects the organization's overall financial transparency, program spending efficiency, and governance indicators derived from IRS 990 public filings.

Spending Breakdown

admin: 10%
programs: 85%
fundraising: 5%

According to IRS 990 filings, San Luis Obispo Classical Academy allocates its expenses as follows: admin: 10%, programs: 85%, fundraising: 5%. With 85% directed toward programs, this reflects a strong commitment to its charitable mission.

Executive Compensation Analysis

Executive compensation is reported as 0% across all available filings, indicating that no officers received compensation from the organization, which is highly commendable for an organization of its size with over $10 million in latest revenue.

Executive compensation data is sourced from IRS 990 filings, which require nonprofits to disclose the compensation of officers, directors, trustees, and key employees. NonprofitSpending analyzes this data relative to the organization's total revenue and sector benchmarks to assess whether executive pay is reasonable.

Red Flags

The following concerns were identified during AI analysis of San Luis Obispo Classical Academy's IRS 990 filings:

Expenses exceeded revenue in the 202306 period, indicating a deficit.
Significant increase in liabilities from $307,049 in 202206 to $1,720,545 in 202306.

Strengths

The following positive indicators were identified for San Luis Obispo Classical Academy:

Consistent revenue growth over the past decade, from $1,621,316 in 201406 to $10,812,864 latest revenue.
Zero officer compensation reported across all filings, indicating high efficiency and dedication of resources to mission.
Strong asset growth, from $108,286 in 201406 to $4,050,886 latest assets.

Frequently Asked Questions about San Luis Obispo Classical Academy

Is San Luis Obispo Classical Academy a good charity?

Based on the available data, the academy demonstrates strong financial growth and a commendable commitment to its mission by reporting 0% officer compensation. While there was a deficit in the 202306 period and increased liabilities, its overall trajectory and program focus suggest it is a well-managed organization.

What caused the significant increase in liabilities in 202306?

The liabilities increased from $307,049 in 202206 to $1,720,545 in 202306. Without further detail from the full 990 filing, it's unclear if this is due to new debt, deferred revenue, or other obligations. This would require a deeper dive into the financial statements.

How does the organization plan to address the deficit reported in 202306?

In 202306, expenses ($5,732,924) exceeded revenue ($5,441,930). The organization would need to outline its strategy for returning to a surplus, whether through increased revenue generation or expense management, which is not detailed in the provided summary.

Filing History

IRS 990 filing history for San Luis Obispo Classical Academy showing financial trends over 13 years of public records:

Over 13 years of IRS 990 filings (2011–2023), San Luis Obispo Classical Academy's revenue has grown by 469.5%, moving from $956K to $5.4M. Total assets increased by 7292.5% over the same period, from $36K to $2.7M. Total functional expenses rose by 533.4%, from $905K to $5.7M. In its most recent filing year (2023), San Luis Obispo Classical Academy reported a deficit of $291K, with expenses exceeding revenue. The organization holds $1.7M in liabilities against $2.7M in assets (debt-to-asset ratio: 64.8%), resulting in net assets of $933K.

Year	Revenue	Expenses	Assets	Liabilities	Officer Comp.	PDF
2023	$5.4M	$5.7M	$2.7M	$1.7M	—	View 990
2022	$5.4M	$5.0M	$1.6M	$307K	—	View 990
2021	$4.2M	$3.4M	$1.2M	$316K	—	—
2020	$3.3M	$3.1M	$1.2M	$1.0M	—	View 990
2019	$3.2M	$3.4M	$567K	$644K	—	View 990
2018	$2.7M	$2.7M	$606K	$541K	—	View 990
2017	$2.6M	$2.6M	$679K	$612K	—	View 990
2016	$2.0M	$2.1M	$712K	$702K	—	View 990
2015	$1.8M	$1.7M	$353K	$199K	—	View 990
2014	$1.6M	$1.6M	$108K	$54K	—	View 990
2013	$1.3M	$1.2M	$79K	$71K	—	View 990
2012	$1.1M	$1.1M	$67K	$111K	—	View 990
2011	$956K	$905K	$36K	$111K	—	View 990

Year-by-Year Financial Summary

2023: Revenue of $5.4M, expenses of $5.7M, and assets of $2.7M (revenue +1.2% year-over-year).
2022: Revenue of $5.4M, expenses of $5.0M, and assets of $1.6M (revenue +29.0% year-over-year).
2021: Revenue of $4.2M, expenses of $3.4M, and assets of $1.2M (revenue +25.1% year-over-year).
2020: Revenue of $3.3M, expenses of $3.1M, and assets of $1.2M (revenue +2.9% year-over-year).
2019: Revenue of $3.2M, expenses of $3.4M, and assets of $567K (revenue +19.9% year-over-year).
2018: Revenue of $2.7M, expenses of $2.7M, and assets of $606K (revenue +2.4% year-over-year).
2017: Revenue of $2.6M, expenses of $2.6M, and assets of $679K (revenue +32.2% year-over-year).
2016: Revenue of $2.0M, expenses of $2.1M, and assets of $712K (revenue +13.5% year-over-year).
2015: Revenue of $1.8M, expenses of $1.7M, and assets of $353K (revenue +8.4% year-over-year).
2014: Revenue of $1.6M, expenses of $1.6M, and assets of $108K (revenue +26.7% year-over-year).
2013: Revenue of $1.3M, expenses of $1.2M, and assets of $79K (revenue +15.3% year-over-year).
2012: Revenue of $1.1M, expenses of $1.1M, and assets of $67K (revenue +16.1% year-over-year).
2011: Revenue of $956K, expenses of $905K, and assets of $36K.

Data Sources and Methodology

This transparency report for San Luis Obispo Classical Academy is generated by NonprofitSpending's AI analysis engine. The data is sourced from publicly available IRS 990 filings accessed through the ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer API and IRS electronic filing records. The Mission Score, spending breakdown, and other analytical insights are produced by artificial intelligence and should be used as one of multiple factors when evaluating a nonprofit organization.

IRS 990 forms are annual information returns that most tax-exempt organizations must file with the IRS. These forms provide detailed financial information including revenue, expenses, assets, liabilities, and compensation of officers. NonprofitSpending processes this data to provide accessible transparency reports for donors, researchers, and the general public.

Disclaimer

AI-generated analysis based on IRS public records. Not financial or legal advice. Verify information directly with the organization.