The Phoenix High School Independent Study Program is not easier nor, very likely, faster. It is possible for the best students to move faster, but the reality is that most long term students average only four courses per semester. Students take 5 or 6 courses per semester in the regular school program. Students may not choose Independent Study unless they are actually out of school, threatened with being dropped from school, or special permission has been given by the resident school's administrator for some particular circumstance. All aspects of independent study will be explained, allowing both parent and student a full opportunity to assess the suitability of the program for that student.
Every attempt is made to make the transition back to school attendance an easy one.
The Independent Study student is not confined to any school either by geography or time. An attempt is made, however, to keep the student attending Independent Study at his comprehensive site. Since academic ability is the primary consideration for eligibility for independent study, the decision for entry is a shared one between student and Phoenix administration. The Independent Study teacher completes enrollment of the students. Depending on the ability level, one course constituting 70 hours of work should be finished in three to six weeks.