Independent Study Courses
Students sometimes need to take an additional course as an Independent Study for various reasons. Perhaps a student needs to continue with a certain course to ensure a smooth transition back to the home high school, perhaps the student needs an additional mandatory course for a graduation requirement and that course is not offered through any other means, and perhaps the home high school requires that the student take a specific course while she is gone.
The Traveling School recommends that all students take our entire curriculum, when possible. Our curriculum is designed with our objectives and goals in mind – students are inspired by what they are learning and course material is relevant to the places where we travel. However, if you need to take an Independent Study course, we do not allow more that two per semester.
Independent Study Course Procedure:
- Meet with your counselor at your home high school. If your school determines that you need a specific course, you must contact The Traveling School for approval.
- With approval and providing staff expertise, The Traveling School teachers will tutor your course. An Independent Study course is just that – independent study. Your tutor from The Traveling School will help develop timelines, answer questions, give homework, grade assignments, and develop assessment. Your tutor will work with your home teacher to ensure you are learning the material at the same pace as your classmates back home.
- The teacher at your home high school needs to provide you with a copy of the syllabus for your course, and the name of the required text(s). The teacher may also provide any assignments or exams. Some schools may require that you return to your home high school following the semester to take a Final Exam for your Independent Study with the home teacher.
- At Midterm and Final Exams, a comprehensive assessment will be sent to your parents, counselor, and home teacher with a review of your progress in the course.
- If a student takes an Independent Study, she may not be able to take The Traveling School’s similar course. I.e. US History as an Independent Study substitutes for the History and Government of Southern Africa.
Cost: $500 per course.
Includes approximately 75 hours of individual course instruction, working with the home high school, and assessment.