INDEPENDENT STUDY

Horizons Independent Study is a program for students who want to do high school on their own.  The heart of independent study is the student learning at home, teaching him/herself independently of teacher or school.

HOW IT WORKS

Students meet with their teacher once a week for one to three hours to discuss their progress.  Each week they hand in the previous week's assignments, complete projects, and get the assignments for the following week.

WHAT ARE THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS?

1. You must do a full week's worth of work each week, which is 25-30 hours on average.
2. You must attend your weekely appointment at the Horizons CIS campus.
3. When you come, you must correct your homework and take tests, in addition to meeting with your teacher. On your appointment day, you will be at school for at least an hour, possibly three.

PROGRAM STRENGTHS

• Individualized study
• Flexibility--You decide when to do your schoolwork.
• No peer pressure--Your success depends upon you.
• You have a 1-1 relationship with your teacher
• You can be concurrently enrolled in other programs:  You can take up to two classes in a community college or even at your home school
• Freedom--You're free from the social aspects and structures of regular high school
• You can still participate in your home school's activities (e.g. proms, performances, sports events)

WHAT SKILLS ARE NEEDED TO BE SUCCESSFUL?

In order to succeed at CIS you will need some specific skills:

1. Good reading ability
2. Self discipline and ability to manage your time
3. A good work ethic that includes the ability to work hard
4. The ability to be on time and meet academic deadlines
5. The ability to learn math independently, including Algebra (getting a tutor may be recommended)

STEPS TO FOLLOW

1. Obtain the application either from your home school (see your Student Services Coordinator) or the Alternative Education Office (CIS) located at the Pleasant Hill Education Center.
2. Fill it out correctly and completely.  It is in part a test to see if you can read and follow directions.
3. Sign it:  your parent must sign too.
4. Get an administrator at your home school to sign it.  He or she should be able to tell you whether Independent Study is a good option for you.
5. Turn it in:  The administrator at your home school will submit your application to Horizons CIS for you.
6. Wait for Horizons to consider the application.  Frequently, interviews are scheduled before admission.

WHAT IS CIS LOOKING FOR?

We want to determine whether or not you can teach yourself.

We look at your grades, especially in English and Math; your test scores; your credits; your attendance and behavior records.

The program does not have special education or ELD services, but some students in these programs have entered and been successful.  An IEP must be held for special education students.