Academic Programs

The mission of Susan H. Nelson School is for our diverse learners to graduate as critical thinkers who are technologically confident and life-long, collaborative, and positive contributors to a global society. We accomplish this through a collaborative partnership among all stakeholders in a multimodal environment in which individualized student learning goals are made relevant and meaningful through a blended learning model.

What is Independent Study?

As explained by the California Department of Education:

Independent study is a different way of learning. In an independent study, a student is guided by a teacher but usually does not take classes with other students every day. The student works independently. 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 gifted, are working, or who find that regular classroom settings do not meet their needs.

Independent study programs have a graduation requirement of 220 credits, Algebra, and documented 40 hours of community service.
Graduates of SHNS have the choice to pursue a four-year university, community college, or trade school education.
Students do the majority of their coursework at home.
Students meet with their assigned teacher at least once a week.
Students take tests at school.
Students must be committed to working in their courses six hours daily, five days per week.

6th - 8th Grade

Independent Study at Nelson (6th - 8th)

Susan Nelson Middle School Independent Study offers a unique educational experience that allows for the flexibility of an at-home learning environment without giving up the support of the traditional school setting.

In-Person Enrichment

Learning Center Activities:

Opportunities to build peer relationships
Engaging hands-on activities for all students 6th - 8th grade
Emphasis on teamwork, cooperation, and collaboration

Family Engagement

Themed Family Nights Throughout the Year:

Exciting hands-on activities for the whole family
Meet and connect with other homeschool families
Support student success through family enrichment

Flexible Learning Schedule

Organize a learning schedule unique to your student:

Work at times during the day when your student is most productive
Maintain steady academic growth through on-pace accountability
Flexibility that supports individualized learning and students' needs

Socialization

Emphasis on social-emotional development:

Park days for all students and families
Daily Zoom meetings with classmates and Ed Coach
Organized online student hangouts

Middle School Application

High School Independent Study

About 9th - 12th Grade Independent Study

Independent Study at Nelson (9th - 12th)

The Susan Nelson School Independent Study program provides an educational alternative for secondary students who have the ability, study skills, motivation, and self-discipline to learn independently under the supervision and support of a credentialed secondary education teacher who assigns and evaluates all coursework.

Independent Study (IS) students may desire an accelerated learning program, a flexible schedule to pursue a career goal, or may simply learn better in an independent program with one-to-one interactions with a single teacher.

Our courses are offered on a semester basis. Students take two to three courses at a time, which keeps them on track for graduation.

Enrollment in IS is considered on an individual basis. This program is considered an Independent Study option within the Temecula Valley Unified School District and it is a “program of choice”.

How to Enroll: 9th - 12th Grade

First page of the PDF file: SusanNelson_ApplicationGeneral_Information2023

From TVUSD High Schools to Susan H. Nelson High School

From TVUSD High School’s to Susan H. Nelson School

Student and/or Parent must meet with high school Counselor and fill out a placement form. Student must indicate which program they are interested in: NHS (independent study) or TAVS (online school). The Counselor will scan the form to SHNS along with a transcript for approval from SHNS Administration. Once approved, the SHNS Secretary will call the parent and set up and appointment for orientation/training and instructions will be given to the parent/student on withdrawing from their current school. Any questions about SHNS programs may be addressed to the Lead Teacher at SHNS.

Out-of-District to Susan H. Nelson High School

Student must be in good standing at their current high school. An inter-district transfer must be completed to TVUSD and the student must be enrolled at a TVUSD comprehensive high school. Student and/or Parent must meet with their high school Counselor and fill out a placement form to SHNS. Student must indicate which program they are interested in: NHS (independent study) or TAVS (online school). The Counselor will scan the form to SHNS along with a transcript for approval from SHNS Administration. Once approved, the SHNS Secretary will call the parent and set up and appointment for orientation/training and instructions will be given to the parent/student on withdrawing from their current school. Any questions about SHNS programs may be addressed to the Lead Teacher at SHNS.

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