Skip to main content

Milpitas Unified School District

EducatEveryWhere Independent Study Program

EducatEveryWhere- Long Term Independent Studies

Interested in Long Term Independent Study? First, consider these questions:

  • Is there evidence the student can work alone?

  • Is the student responsible for independent assignments (does he/she currently complete homework)?

  • Can the student commit to attend weekly meetings?

EducatEveryWhere

The Long Term Independent Studies Program (LTIS) offers a flexible learning environment that allows students to pursue their academic requirements through online learning. It is designed for students in grades 7- 12 who thrive in a self-directed learning environment and are capable of managing their time effectively.

What is Long Term Independent Studies?

Long Term Independent study is a different way of learning. In independent study, a student accesses coursework through an online portal. The student works independently. School districts cannot force students into independent study programs; students and parents choose this type of study on their own. Independent study programs are designed to help students who have health problems, are parents, are working, or who find that regular classroom settings do not meet their needs.

Contracts are semester to semester.  Requests after Thanksgiving may be considered for Spring Semester.  Requests after Spring Break may be considered for the next school year.  

Split schedules may be requested based on need. (For example, a minimum of 4 classes online and 2 classes in person)

Students who join LTIS are still part of their home school and have the rights and privileges to attend school clubs, functions and sports. It is the responsibility of the family to check for updates through ParentSquare and/or the school home website.  All state testing is done through the home school.  

Long Term Independent Studies is structured around California Education Code 51747.  All students who do not meet the requirements will be asked to return to In Person Learning.  


 

Participants Say: 

  • “My child is working at her own pace and helps her to better understand her work due to not feeling rushed being on a schedule.”

           -Parent of an 8th grader

  • “I can manage how many assignments I do in a day. I can make my own schedule that works for me. “

           -11th grade student

Program Structure

LTIS is structured around regular meetings with a supervising teacher, completion of assigned coursework, and participation in assessments. Progress is continuously monitored and adjusted as needed.

Regular Meetings:

Students meet weekly (or as agreed upon) with their supervising teacher to discuss progress, address challenges, and receive guidance.

Coursework & Assessments:

Students are responsible for completing all assigned coursework, including readings, assignments, projects, and assessments, in a timely manner.

 

Expectations

Students participating in LTIS are expected to demonstrate a high level of responsibility, self-motivation, and commitment to their studies. Parents play a crucial role in supporting their child's success in the program.

Student Expectations:

  • Attend all scheduled meetings

  • Complete assignments on time

  • Communicate proactively

  • Take ownership of learning

Parent Expectations: 

  • Provide a supportive environment

  • Monitor student progress

  • Communicate with the teacher

  • Encourage self-advocacy

Supporting Student Success

Loading document viewer...

Current Course Offerings

Loading document viewer...

Counselor Directory

If you are interested in learning more about the Independent Studies Program, please contact your school counselor. They can provide you with additional information and answer any questions you may have. All referrals for the program MUST be submitted through your school counselor.  Space is not guarenteed.  

Find your School Counselor Below

Rancho Middle School

Amanda Gross, Counselor Grades: 7 & 8

Email:agross@musd.org

Phone: (408) 635-2656 ex.3106

 

Russell Middle School

Dr. Leticia Roberts, Counselor Grades: 7 & 8

Email: lroberts@musd.org

Phone: (408) 635-2864 ext. 3210

 

Calaveras Hills High School 

Charissa DelaCruz

Grades: 9-12

Email: chdelacruz@musd.org

Phone: (408) 635-2690 ext. 4233

 

Milpitas Middle College High School & Innovation Campus

Christian Campos

ccampos@musd.org

Phone: (408) 635-2600 ext. 5027

 

 

Milpitas High School

Scott Ferris, Counselor

Special Programs- AVID and 504s

Email: sferris@musd.org

Phone: (408) 635-2800 ext. 4171

 

Beth Harke, Counselor

Last Names (A-Dh)

Email: bharke@musd.org

Phone: (408) 635-2800 ext. 4160

 

Julie Cler, Counselor

Last Names (Di-Ki)

Email: jcler@musd.org

Phone: (408) 635-2800 ext. 4162

 

Adrian Hernandez, Counselor

Last Names (Kl-Ngo)

Email: adhernandez@musd.org

Phone: (408) 635-2800 ext. 4137

 

Michelle Chang, Counselor

Last Names (Ngu-Sc)

Email: mchang@musd.org

Phone: (408) 635-2800 ext. 4032

 

Jenna Irvine, Counselor

Last Names (Se-Z)

Email: jirvine@musd.org

Phone: (408) 635-2800 ext. 4163

 

Esmeralda Navarro, Counselor

Special Education

Email: enavarro@musd.org

Phone: (408) 635-2800 ext. 4010

 

Yolanda Rodriguez, Counselor

English Learners

Email: yrodriguez@musd.org

Phone: (408) 635-2800 ext. 4081

 

 

 

Our Team

Students will be required to meet with their assigned Independent Studies Teacher at least once a week via Google Meet, Telephone or in-person. Times and schedules are discussed at an in-take meeting prior to program start.

A man with dark skin wearing a plaid shirt smiles at the camera.

Tiberius Nyantika

Independent Studies Teacher

tnyantik@musd.org

Calaveras Hills High School C-215 

(408) 635-2690 ext. 4221

A woman with dark curly hair and glasses smiles at the camera.A woman with dark curly hair and glasses smiles at the camera.

Rebeca Rios

Independent Studies Teacher

rrios@musd.org

Calaveras Hills High School C-215

(408) 635-2690 ext. 4232

A woman with long, wavy brown hair smiles warmly at the camera, with a blurred green background.

Valerie Lamb

Acting Program Coordinator & Administrator

vlamb@musd.org

Milpitas Middle College High School

(408) 635-2805 ext. 4405

 

 

There are two types of independent study available to District students – “long term” or “short term”.  This program is for long term only.

Long-Term Independent Studies