Academics

FAQ

Is School for Independent Learners a private school?

Yes. For students who enroll in our full-time program, we are a private school, fulfilling state education and college entrance requirements. Students in our part time program can be enrolled in School for Independent Learners and their regular school concurrently.

Does School For Independent Learners award High School Diplomas?

Yes, School for Independent Learners awards high school diplomas to full-time students. The SIL graduation requirements exceed those specified by the State of California.

What is mastery learning?

Mastery learning means that students master the course material before moving on. With one-to-one or small group teaching, we can make sure you understand the material before going to the next chapter. If you do poorly on a test, we reteach and retest to insure success.

How do I arrange to take courses with School For Independent Learners while remaining enrolled at my school?

We will provide you with a Concurrent Enrollment form to have signed by your school counselor or administrator. Many of the local schools already know us and regularly approve our courses. We are always available to assist with paperwork if necessary.

Are you accredited?

Yes. The main branch in Los Altos was granted full accreditation by Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) in 2005. The East Bay Branch has been granted candidacy. All students who take courses at the East Bay branch will be provided with WASC accredited transcripts under the sponsorship of SIL Los Altos.

What about college?

We offer a college preparatory curriculum, and can inform you of the different requirements for eligibility to UC/CSU and private colleges. Our courses are UC-approved, and our graduates have been admitted to UC/CSU and private colleges throughout the United States.

Is There a Limit To The Number of AP courses I can take?

You can take as many AP courses as you want. Grades for AP courses are weighted by UC/CSU so you get an extra grade point for every AP course you take. For example, if you get an A in an AP class, it counts as a 5.0.

Do I Need To Get Approval From My School To Take an AP Course?

You only need approval if you are counting the AP course toward your high school graduation requirements. For example, if you take AP English with us instead of 12th grade English at your high school, you need to have your school sign a Concurrent Enrollment Form, indicating that they will accept the AP course toward your high school graduation requirements. If you are taking a course that is not required for high school graduation, your high school does not need to approve the course. For example, if you already took Biology, but want to take AP Biology with us, you do not need approval from your high school. We will provide a WASC-accredited transcript for all colleges to which you apply.

I got a “D” in English and now I am not eligible for UC/CSU. If I repeat the course with you, will I be eligible?

Yes, UC/CSU requires that all applicants complete their a-g requirements with a grade of “C” or better. If you got a “D” or an “F”, they allow you to repeat the course at any accredited institution. Due to the mastery learning teaching method and one-to-one instruction we use at SIL, you will have every opportunity to be successful. We offer all the a-g courses and they are all UC approved.

What kind of credentials does your staff have?

Our Directors hold the following credentials:
Herman Ohme, Ed.D.
General Elementary - Life
General Secondary - Life
General Administration - Life

Jean Ohme, M.A.
General Elementary - Life
General Administration - Life
Masters Degree in Special Education

Karen Hobbs, Ph.D.
Doctorate in Clinical Psychology
25 years experience working with teens
9 years experience working with teens in a public school setting.

Shary Nunan, Ph.D.
Doctorate in Clinical Psychology
25 years experience working with children, teens and families
15 years experience providing Special Education assessment

At SIL Los Altos, our Principal, Terrell Davis, has an MA in Biology and eight years teaching experience. Our Assistant Principal, Josh Wise, has a B.A. in English and three years teaching experience. Our teaching staff at both schools is comprised of credentialed and non-credentialed teachers who have subject matter expertise in the areas they teach.

What services does School for Independent Learners provide?

For all students we provide:

Individual or small group instruction
Progress reports posted online after each class
Official transcripts
Curriculum supervision to ensure that state and college entrance requirements are met

Full time students also receive a high school diploma.

What services do you have for Special Education students?

At SIL Los Altos, Jean Ohme has a Master’s Degree in Special Education. At SIL East Bay, Shary Nunan has 15 years of experience in providing assessments for children and teens with special learning needs, and Dr. Hobbs has nine years of experience working in public schools assisting with Individualized Education Plans.” SIL East Bay also has a learning specialist (Jan McClain, M.Ed.) who provides training to teachers as needed to address learning issues that arise.

At both schools, we pay particular attention to selecting teachers who can teach to different learning styles. For all students, we begin with a questionnaire that provides information about their learning style and preferences, and use this information to individualize their coursework or tutoring experience with us.

I've been home-schooled since 4th grade. I'm now in my teens and looking to transition to the local public school. Can School for Independent Learners pick up where I've left off in my home school curriculum and help prepare me for public high school?

Yes, we can assess your academic progress to date and supplement as needed to get you ready for public high school. When you decide to make the transition, you can opt entirely for public education or you can concurrently enroll with us and your local school.

I've heard that community colleges have good classes. Does School for Independent Learners work with community colleges too?

Yes, our students can earn high school credit with us by attending a community college. We believe that education should come from any institution in which a student can be successful. We serve as the "umbrella" to make sure that requirements are being met in the student's total educational program.

I am involved in an extra curricular activity (sports, dance, theater, etc.) that requires 20-30 hours of my time every week. I have a hard time fitting in a full school program. Will School for Independent Learners fit with my practice schedule?

Yes, we can completely customize a schedule to fit your needs. School for Independent Learners classes can be scheduled morning, afternoon, and evening, seven days a week.

I've just moved to the area and I'm apprehensive about starting a new school midyear. Can I finish this year with School for Independent Learners and attend my neighborhood school next fall?

Yes. We have helped many families who are new to the area with their educational decisions. We have strong ties with local public and private schools and we collaborate with them to deliver instruction that will get you on track for the fall.

Do you offer lab sciences?

Yes, we offer Biology, AP Biology, Chemistry, AP Chemistry and Physics with labs, and all of our science courses are UC approved.

Do you have summer school?

Yes, we offer summer school in all high school subject areas. We can arrange your summer school schedule around your work or vacation schedule.

Can I take a course on weekends only?

Yes, you can schedule your entire course on weekends, or partially on the weekend and partially during the school week.

How do I enroll in School for Independent Learners?

Since all academic coursework is individualized, you can enroll any time during the year. We will provide an assessment of your needs and make recommendations about how to make the best use of our services.

If you have additional questions, feel free to contact us at the following numbers:

Los Altos School: (650) 941-4350

East Bay School: (510) 525-5506

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