Independent Studies

Summary of Vista Unified School Board Policy 6158: Independent Study

The Governing Board authorizes independent study as an optional alternative instructional strategy for students whose needs may be best met through study outside of the regular classroom setting. Independent study shall offer a means of individualizing the educational plan to serve students who desire a more challenging educational experience, whose health or other personal circumstances make classroom attendance difficult, who are unable to access course(s) due to scheduling problems, and/or who need to make up credits or fill gaps in their learning. As necessary to meet student needs, independent study may be offered on a long term basis, through Vista Visions Academy, or on a short-term basis for students attending our other district schools.

  • For the 2021-22 school year, the district shall offer independent study, as specified in Education Code 51745, to meet the educational needs of students unless the district has obtained a waiver. (EC 51745) 
  • For the 2022-23 school year and thereafter, the Superintendent or designee may continue to offer and approve independent study for an individual student upon determining that the student is prepared to meet the district's requirements for independent study and is likely to succeed in independent study as well as or better than the student would in the regular classroom setting. 

Specialized & Alternative Programs

Magnet Schools

Alternative High Schools

Dual Language Programs

Independent Studies

Home Hospital

Students with Special Needs

Charter Schools

Foreign Exchange

Leader in Me Schools

"Traditional" Short Term Independent Studies

“Short-Term independent study" refers to independent study provided to a student enrolled in classroom-based instruction who needs to be away from school and on independent study for a short period of time (more than three days but usually not more than 14 days), but who will return to the classroom.  Independent study requests from parents will be evaluated and approved on a case-by-case basis by the school administrator. Requests for independent study for reasons that are important and necessary and cannot be reasonably arranged at another time, must be submitted at least one week (7 days) prior to the start date of the independent study.
Parents/guardians interested in requesting a short term Independent Study agreement should contact their school office. These contracts are approved at the discretion of school administration. It is important to note that students must complete the requirements of the contract will not be eligible for attendance credit.

Full Time Independent Studies

Full time Independent Studies is offered through Vista Visions Academy (VVA), our VUSD Alternative School of Choice.