Independent Study Academy
The Independent Study Academy (ISA) was designed for those students who need something beyond the traditional high school setting for various reasons.
Overview
There are two tracks that students have to choose from at ISA – Independent and Innovation. In all cases, they will interact with credentialed teachers and receive coursework commensurate to students in their grade level at a traditional high school.
The Independent Studies Academy is a program of Vallejo High and Jesse Bethel High School, offering an academically rigorous alternative to the typical classroom environment. Students must be self-motivated and organized to succeed at VCUSD Independent Studies Academy.
Contact Us
Dr. Michelle Jordan-Faucett
Counselor
Email: mjordanfaucett@vcusd.org
Learn More about Dr. Jordan-Faucett
Scott Bushnell
Vice Principal - High School
Email: sbushnell@vcusd.org
Helpful Resources
6th-12th Independent Study at a Glance
Students fulfill the same course requirements in the Independent Studies Academy (ISA) and earn the same high school diploma by meeting individually or in small groups with their instructors weekly. Students at ISA complete ten hours of homework per course every week. They earn five-semester credits for each course they complete. Courses not offered on the Independent Study campus may be taken concurrently at the high school. Comprehensive High School courses are offered at ISA.
Many different kinds of students attend ISA: those who excel academically or are taking college courses, students who have jobs, students with children, students with major athletic or artistic pursuits, students with emotional or health-related issues who need mentoring, or students who for some other reason, are seeking an alternative educational environment. Many have found that ISA has been fine preparation for college and life.
Program Options
The Independent Study Academy offers two pathways:
- Independent Flex Path Academy Option - Serving students in Grades 6-12
- Innovation Flex Path Academy Option - Serving students in Grades 9-12
In both pathways, students will work independently at home and also meet weekly with credentialed teachers to provide instruction and support for learning.
Eligibility
- Those who excel academically
- Students who have jobs
- Students with children
- Students with major athletic or artistic pursuits
- Students with emotional or health-related issues who need mentoring
- Students seeking an alternative educational environment including flexible scheduling options and 1:1 support
- Seniors that are not missing more than 20 credits
- 6th-11th grade students that are self motivated and are not missing more than 30 credits
NOTE: All referrals are given individualized consideration. Please submit the referral based upon student need.
Enrollment Procedures
Attendance
Student meet with their respective teachers. Student attendance is determined by the percentage of assignments completed for the week. ISA has two tracking systems in place. One system determines attendance and the second tracks chronic absenteeism and truancy.
Weekly Attendance
Weekly OW reports are generated to determine the number of assignments given during the 5 day work week. The percentage of assignments completed during the 5 days determines the number of days “present”.
- Students that are reported as having missed 1-2 days of school are referred to the attendance team. Parents are informed of the missed days. Communication is logged.
- Parents of students that miss 3-4 days of school are required to participate in a meet with the teacher, student and ISA Principal.
- Students that have 5 or more absences are required to attend on site truancy Meetings with the Principal.
- 6 or more absences will result in a one-on-one attendance meeting with the principal at which time there will be a review of placement. Failure to meet and or improve attendance can result in a transfer from the ISA Program.