About Us

Blended/online learning refers to courses offered via the Internet, some of which include a face-to-face component due to state or district requirements. The main difference between online and traditional courses is the delivery format - not the content. iHigh's online courses follow a rigorous curriculum, are Board-approved, and are taught by highly-qualified, credentialed iHigh teachers who are specially trained in online teaching and learning. Here are a few highlights of online learning:

• Online learning offers flexibility and convenience for learners. The majority of courses are available online 24 hours per day, seven days per week from home, a school facility, or public library.

• Each online course includes a syllabus and pacing guide, with lessons, assignments, discussions, and quizzes. Some unit tests are completed online and some must be proctored on campus.

Students learn in different ways and at different rates. Some students enjoy listening to lectures, others enjoy working in small groups. Some students learn best working independently, while others learn best within the interactions of a traditional classroom. Online/blended learning tends to work best for the following types of students:

• Students who are self-motivated.

• Students who are self-directed learners.

• Students who are good readers and writers (at least ninth-grade level).

• Students who do not procrastinate.

• Students who prefer an indivualized mode of learning.

• Students who do not need the stimulation of a traditional classroom setting.

• Students who can follow a pacing guide (calendar of due dates).

• Students who are excited about, and fairly comfortable with, using technology.

• Students who do not hesitate to contact their teachers when they need help.

• Students who persevere in being successful (make use of study guides, re-take low-scoring quizzes, etc.).

Our campus is located in the Clairemont area of San Diego on the Whitman Elementary campus. Our address is: 4050 Appleton Street, San Diego, CA 92117. 

No. iHigh is a blended/online independent study elementary K-6 school within the San Diego Unified School District. We are a regular elementary school using the same curriculum as all other district elementary schools. What makes us different is that the curriculum delivery is a combination of online and face-to-face, and the format is independent study (rather than required daily seat time). 

iHigh is a school of choice, meaning that interested students must submit an application and attend an admissions interview in order to be accepted.

The admissions process allows applicants to understand the California Education Code requirements for independent study, as well as to discuss important factors related to successful online learning and student goals.

If students are accepted to iHigh but then fail to meet the program requirements (as outlined in the iHigh Admissions Agreement), they will be referred back to their schools of residence, as per California Education Code requirements.

Please note, certain participating schools in the San Diego Unified School District system offer School Choice enrollment. This program is designed for students who wish to attend a school other than their neighborhood school if space is available. Only certain schools participate this program. To learn more about School Choice enrollment, please visit the School Choice website:

https://www.sandiegounified.org/departments/neighborhood_schools_and_enrollment_options/choice_enrollment_guide

Yes, when appropriate for the student.

IEPs: For current SDUSD students with active IEPs, there are legal requirements related to independent study programs. An IEP meeting must be held with an iHigh staff member in attendance, to determine whether the iHigh program is an appropriate option for the student. The IEP team must consider whether the iHigh program has the capacity to meet the student's needs and accommodations, given that there are no special education teachers or school nurses on the iHigh staff. The student's case manager needs to be retained at the student's school of residence. Services such as Specialized Academic Instruction (SAI) need to be arranged at the school of residence. Some accommodations may not be available within the limitations of an online independent study program. If the IEP team agrees that the iHigh program is an appropriate option for meeting the student's needs, then the IEP document must reflect approval for independent study, as per CA Education Code requirements.

504 Plans: 504 plans are typically reviewed with the family as part of the iHigh admissions interview. In most cases, we are able to accommodate student needs related to 504 plans. iHigh does not have a school nurse or health technician, so certain accommodations (such as administering medications) may not be possible.

Since iHigh is an SDUSD public high school, there is no charge for students to attend. Textbooks and other required equipment are available via checkout. As with most public schools, families are legally responsible for the cost or replacing lost or damaged textbooks or equipment. 

There is no district transportation (e.g., SDUSD bus service) available for iHigh.