• What is Independent Study?
    Independent Study is an optional educational program that no student can be forced to participate in. Students in Independent Study have the opportunity to learn at home, in a self-directed environment, supervised by their parents/guardians/caregivers.

    How does Independent Study work?
    Students receive the same textbooks, digital equipment, access to online resources, and pace of learning that they would receive if they were in a traditional school classroom.
    Students receive learning materials and assignments on a weekly basis. They complete assignments at home during the remainder of the week. Throughout the week, parents/guardians/caregivers monitor their students, checking to see that work is being completed daily. Students will meet with their teachers at least once a week for a weekly one-hour meeting, and may be required to participate in daily Zoom instruction.

    What is the Time Commitment for Independent Study?
    Families will enroll students in Independent Study for a minimum period of time of the remainder of the current semester, one full semester, or a maximum of one school year.

    Students will receive work equivalent to the following minimum amounts of school time:
    Kindergarten = 180 minutes 1st-3rd = 230 minutes 4th-12th = 240 minutes

    The majority of this time will be spent in independent learning, supervised by the student's family. Students are expected to be at home, under parent/guardian supervision, during school hours.

    How is Attendance Calculated?
    It is important to note that there are no excused absences in Independent Study. Serious illness is the only reason for late work, and only if families have contacted the school prior to the due date. Attendance
    is determined by work turned in on time. Students will receive the percentage of attendance equivalent to the work completed and turned in.

    How Often Should Students Attend School?
    At a minimum, students will be required to come to school once a week for a scheduled meeting with the teacher, where they will turn in their assignments and logs and receive new assignments and learning logs. They will also be required to come to school to complete local and state assessments. All transportation must be provided by the family.

    Special Services
    If your student has any type of IEP or 504 Plan, please let the school administrator know. An IEP/504 team will meet to review the IEP/504 and make a recommendation for Independent Study.

    For More Information About Independent Study in the Madera Unified School District Contact:

    Independent Study K-12
    Michelle Angus
    michelleangus@maderausd.org
    (559) 661-9051

    Furman High School
    (559) 675-4482