Program Overview
Short Term Independent study is available for students who will experience a short extended absence from classes for a period of anywhere between 1-3 weeks. Each school manages students completing independent study on a site by site basis, with the District Student Services Office providing guidance and overview in making sure Board Policy is correctly administered at each site. If your family/student is interested in applying to their school for an independent study contract, please contact the office manager at that school for specific school policies and details.
If you are interested in general district policies regarding independent study contracts, this page contains information including board policies and other documents that individual schools use to guide and administer their programs
If your student requires accommodations that exceed the length of an independent study option, school sites provide other programs which may fit your students needs. Please contact your school office manager for a full list of alternative options available.
Interested in Learning More?
- Independent Study Board Policy
- Independent Study Administrative Regulations
- Independent Study Administrative Regulation – Short Term Request
- Independent Study Administrative Regulation – Student Work Assignment Record
- Independent Study Administrative Regulation – NOVA Independent Study Written Agreement
- Estudios Independientes-Regulacion Administrativa (AR 6158)
- Estudios Independientes-Politica de la Directiva (BP 6158)
Eligibility for Short Term Independent Study
Provided that experienced certificated staff are available to effectively supervise students in independent study, the Superintendent or designee may approve the participation of a student who demonstrates the motivation, commitment, organizational skills, and academic skills necessary to work independently. A student whose academic performance is not at grade level may participate in independent study only if the school is able to provide appropriate support, such as supplemental instruction, tutoring, counseling, ongoing diagnostic assessments, and/or differentiated materials, to enable the student to be successful. For an elementary student, the Superintendent or designee may consider the parent/guardian’s level of commitment to assist the student. Parents/guardians of students who are interested in independent study should contact the principal or designee. Approval for participation shall be based on the following criteria:
- 1. Complete the independent study application process.
- 2. Parent and student shall meet with the School Coordinator of Alternative Education or designee to determine if independent study is the best education alternative for the student
- 3. Evidence that the student will work independently to complete the program (good attendance and 2.0 GPA for Grades 6-12 and performing at or above grade level for Grades K-5).
- 4. Availability of experienced certificated staff with adequate time to effectively supervise the student.
- 5. Student and parent meet with the supervising teacher at the appointed time to begin independent study.
According to Board Policy 6158 for Short-Term School-Based Independent Study the following is the maximum length of times which may elapse between the date and an assignment is made and the date by which the student must complete the assigned work.
- One week for students in grades K-3
- Two weeks for students in grades 4-8
- Three weeks for students in grades 9-12
For District Staff, Personnel, and Office Managers
For District Staff, Personnel, and Office Managers who have questions about the Short Term Independent Study process, or wish to request an exemption from certain policies or special exceptions, please contact Kessa Early, Principal of the NOVA program.