INDEPENDENT STUDY PROGRAM
An Independent Study provides an opportunity to 1) learn about a subject that is unavailable in the school's established curriculum (beyond the curriculum), or 2) grants the student the opportunity to work independently on coursework when a scheduling conflict prohibits them from taking the course during the scheduled class period (course conflict). An independent study may only be pursued if the student is able to find a staff member who agrees to work as the collaborating teacher, since this mentorship is voluntary and cannot be required.
OPTION ONE: BEYOND THE CURRICULUM
Criteria: The credits earned for this study must be beyond those required for the regular school year. The curriculum to be studied must go beyond what is currently taught in the regular PHS curriculum.
Application: The student, in consultation with the cooperating teacher, must complete the Independent Study Application Form, which includes the required submission of a proposed topic or course, project outline (if applicable), identification of the cooperating teacher, parent permission form upload. The application will be automatically forwarded to identified staff and administration for electronic approval. Students will be notified of the approval status by the school counselor.
Conditions: A student who does not make adequate progress toward meeting the goals of the Independent Study, as determined by the cooperating teacher, will be dropped from the program.
Grading: The student will be assigned a grade each quarter and a final grade at the conclusion of the course.
Approval Process: Approval by the High School Principal and appropriate Department Supervisor is required. Students completing the Independent Study must meet all of the course requirements within the regular school grading format and timeframe.
OPTION TWO: COURSE CONFLICT
Criteria: Due to schedule constraints, a selected course from the Program of Studies cannot fit into the student's schedule for the current school year. The student agrees to meet the mandates of the course by completing all work assigned by the teacher, attending all sessions mandated by the teacher, and by showing mastery of the subject matter by submitting a final project (agreed upon by the student and the teacher) to the Department Supervisor.
Application: The student, in consultation with the cooperating teacher, must complete Independent Study Application Form.
Conditions: A student who does not make adequate progress toward meeting the goals of the Independent Study, as determined by the cooperating teacher, will be dropped from the program.
Grading: The student will be assigned a grade each quarter and a final grade at the conclusion of the course.
Approval Process: Approval by the High School Principal and appropriate Department Supervisor is required. Students completing the Independent Study must meet all of the course requirements within the regular school grading format and timeframe.