Frequently Asked Questions

How do I enroll?

Call (831) 466-5722 to set up an appointment at the Santa Cruz County Office of Education Alternative Education Office located at 400 Encinal St. in Santa Cruz near Harvey West Park.

How many credits do I need to graduate?

200, unless you intend to graduate in less than 8 semesters of high school attendance in which case you will need 220 credits

Can I work and take classes?

Yes, many independent study students work.

Is the program accredited?

Yes, through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). WASC is a regional accreditation agency and is highly regarded. We are proud that our program was the second such program to receive accreditation within the state and we strive to continue a high level of excellence adjusting to student, parent, and community needs while addressing the latest trends in education.

Will these courses be accepted by all schools?

It depends on the courses you are taking and what schools would be accepting them. For example, all of our A-G UC University of California Classes are approved and accepted by all UC's throughout the state. Public schools will accept all course work that meets their criteria while private schools that do so at their discretion. Again, it is very important to know what school you intend to go to so all courses can be set up to allow you to get the most from your studying.

How many classes do I have to take each semester?

Typically, a student takes a minimum of four courses with five hours per course each week equaling a total of 20 hours a week minimum to adhere to the learning contract signed at enrollment. The average student normally takes five to six courses. Most importantly is that a minimum of 20 hours must be taken by the student on a weekly basis.

How much credit can I earn in one semester?

40 credits is the maximum allowed in one semester. Average students earn 25 to 30 credits in one semester

How do I take PE classes?

On a contract basis using a log sheet that is monitored by a parent or a guardian.

Can I get credit for my job?

Yes but you must also take the vocational class covering job skills to receive work experience credit. Whereas fifteen hours equals one credit academically, work experience credit is accumulated at the rate of thirty-six (36) hours equaling one credit.

Is tutoring available?

Each teacher will provide individualized instruction as much as possible, however with the nature of independent studies and the reasonably limited interaction time due to the teacher's caseload, tutoring is somewhat limited by our teaching staff. Tutoring however is available on a one on one basis or in small groups in many subject areas through our para-educational staff and student interns. In addition, CAHSEE prep classes are offered as needed. Students who are engaged in A-G curriculum in high level math ( Algebra 1 or above) or science classes may need to secure outside private tutoring assistance to increase the possibilities for their success in these rigorous courses and maximize their scores in SAT reasoning and subject area exams. Again, if a student believes that he or she needs extensive tutoring in many subject areas, then it is a good possibility that the autonomous and self-guided learning process of the independent studies program may not be suitable for that student.

Do I still need to take the CAHSEE and STAR tests?

Yes, however once the CAHSEE is passed then the student need not take that assessment.

Can I study for just the CHSPE or the GED?

Yes, but students still must contract for a minimum of 20 hours per week.

Can I enroll with a college at the same time that I take classes with you?

Yes, this is referred to as concurrent enrollment and forms are in the office which we can fill out for you to take with you. Some college courses fulfill our requirements at a 3.4 to 1 ratio. This means that a 3-unit college course can be the equivalent of a 10-unit high school course. Other courses, despite their title or subject area will only be accepted as elective credit and other courses may not be accepted at all. To effectively offer credit while monitoring progress, a college course must be completed in its entirety to be eligible for credit from us. Check with the instructor for further information.

When can I enroll?

Anytime