Choose Your Lane

The FLEX Program is where you’re the main character. 

Here’s the lowdown on how to cook up your own credit!

Or just skip to the INSPO Hub to see what other students have already done!

The Vibe

FLEX is 80% student-led. You’re not just sitting there; you’re the one calling the shots. You’ll collab with a "FLEX partner" (a teacher or someone from the community) and the Coordinator to build a course that actually fits your goals and learning style. Since you’re the one designing it, the curriculum stays fresh and changes based on what you’re actually into. No mid assignments, just peak interest.

🔒 How to Get Locked In (Eligibility)

• Must be Grinding: Be serious about graduating—no mid efforts.

• Grade Priority: Seniors get elite status; 10-12th graders join if the lobby isn't full.

• The Gatekeeper: Get the green light from the Coordinator before requesting.

• Schedule Check: You need an open slot and the ability to stay on your grind.

• Bring Your Own Sauce: Show up with your own project ideas—don't wait for a tutorial.

📜 The Fine Print

• No Spamming: Only one FLEX course per year. Don't overplay your hand. 🚫

• Mix It Up: No double-dipping. You can only run one FLEX project per subject area. 🔄

FLEX Studies (piloted Fall '21): The Sandbox Mode

Think of this as sandbox mode for your education. You’re the lead dev here, designing 80% of the course yourself—you pick the topics, how you want to learn, and how you’re going to prove you’re the GOAT. The other 20% is just the FLEX Mentor making sure your plan is solid. The course is dynamic, meaning it evolves as you go so the vibe stays fresh. Depending on how hard you cook, you can earn core or elective credits.

FLEX Summer (piloted Summer '23): Get the Bag Early

Don’t let your summer grind go to waste. FLEX Summer lets you turn your break into credits before the school year even officially drops. If you’re doing something high-effort like The Governor's Institute of Vermont, traveling with The Experiment in International Living, or just working a local job, you can document that experience. You’ll link up with the Coordinator in the spring to set it up, do your thing over the summer, and then lock in those credits during the fall semester. Big W. 

FLEX WORKS! (piloted Fall '22): The Professional Side Quest

Turn your IRL grind into school credits. Whether you’ve got a part-time job, an internship, or you're shadowing a pro, FLEX WORKS! lets you stack up to 4 graduation credits per semester. It’s the ultimate way to get the bag and the diploma at the same time.

The Stats (Structure): For example, to pull off a 4-credit W, you’ll need:

• 72 hours of documented work experience (actually being on the clock).

• 72 hours of academic projects that connect your job to your school goals.

• Weekly vibe checks with the Coordinator to keep everything 100.

The Unlocks (Learning Outcomes): You aren't just working for a paycheck; you’re leveling up your Vermont Transferable Skills and 21st Century stats. You’ll walk away with job-specific expertise that makes your resume look like a final boss.

Independent Studies (absorbed Fall '22): The Solo Quest

Independent Studies are now officially part of the FLEX family. If you’re looking to go off-script and dive deep into a specific topic, the Flexible Pathways Coordinator (FPC) is the one running the show.

The Rules of the Game:

• No Re-runs: You can’t just replay a class you’ve already finished. If you’re building on something you already know, you have to prove you’re unlocking brand new skills and higher-tier knowledge.

• Link Up First: You’ve gotta have a vibe check with the FPC, and she will give you an application before you can officially start this quest. 📝

• Don't Lag: Admission is rolling, but it’s based on capacity. Once the lobby is full, it's full—so get your application in early.

Side Quests & Rare Unlocks (Special Cases)

Sometimes your journey doesn’t fit the standard maps. For the rare paths—like the Adult Diploma Program or the Life Experience Credit Award (LECA)—the FPC works with the admins and counselors to build a custom plan just for you. These are usually referral-only, so you’ll need an "invite" from your counselor or admin to start this specific quest line.

FLEX 50: The Patch Notes (Extended Incomplete)

Starting in the 2025-2026 season, FLEX 50 is being vaulted from the FLEX program. It’s moving back to the BUHS Handbook (Section 12). If you took an L in a Fall class, this is your redemption arc to grab that credit during the Spring. This is a teacher-referred move only, so talk to your instructor if you need to recover those credits and get back on track.