Visions In Education Charter School

Answer: Visions In Education is a California Home Schooling/Independent Study Charter School created to give parents and students a choice other than site-based, traditional schools. Visions is a WASC-accredited public school in the San Juan Unified School District.

Answer: The main difference between the programs is the amount of parental participation required. In our K-12 Home School program, the K-12 parent is the primary educator. Parents have the primary responsibility to plan, teach, and record student progress on a daily basis in accordance with state-aligned standards-based education. Parents have an opportunity to choose curriculum and resources relevant to their student's needs. Visions provides the funding for approved curriculum and lessons. The parent works closely with a credentialed teacher (CT) who provides oversight to support state academic standards and student progress. The CT meets face-to-face with the parent and student at least once a month. The parent and student have access to their credentialed teacher between the visits by e-mail and/or phone contact for additional support.

The Independent Study High School program is a home based, independent-study educational delivery model available to students in grades 9-12. The credentialed teacher (CT) plans and delivers the assignments and instruction directly to the student. The parents' responsibility is to assist with the student's academic progress by ensuring their independent study student works on assigned work daily and attends all required meetings, classes, and mandated state testing. The student is required to complete daily work, online interactive quizzes and tests, textbook and reading assignments, and reports. Students are required to attend mandatory meetings at least once every two weeks with their CT although the teacher may require more frequent contacts. The student and parent have access to their CT between visits by means of e-mail or cell phone for additional support.

Answer: No, students do not have to live in the SJUSD to enroll in Visions. We serve families who reside in Sacramento County and all of the counties geographically connected to Sacramento County, including Amador, Contra Costa, El Dorado, Placer, San Joaquin, Solano, Sutter and Yolo.

Answer: There are no tuition costs. VIE provides curriculum resources to fulfill the state requirements for a standards-based education. Parental choice allows the parent-educator in the Home School Academy to select from a wide array of approved vendors such as, Brighter Child, Report Card, Lakeshore Learning, Barnes and Noble, Rainbow Resource Center, Discount School Supply, Calvert School as well as major book publishers. If appropriate, students will be provided a computer and Internet access to take advantage of online learning opportunities.

Students in the 9-12 Academy will be provided curriculum and learning opportunities to meet all the state requirements for high school graduation. If appropriate, students will be provided a computer and internet access to take advantage of online learning opportunities.

Answer: Yes, we offer drop-in tutoring for high school math and English and the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE) at all VIE's learning centers. Visions offers classes in CAHSEE math and English. VIE also provides opportunities for CTs to develop enrichment to core academic classes as needed.

Answer: Yes, you may request a CT. The VIE enrollment staff tries to accommodate this request if the teacher has space available.

Answer: Our application and instructions are easily accessible on our Web site or available in our main office. The main office is located at 4800 Manzanita Ave., Suite 7, Carmichael, CA 95608 (916) 971-7037. We will also mail an application and additional information to you by request.

Answer: Visions requires the application package to include:

1. A completed application form
2. The student's immunization record
3. A birth certificate
4. One proof of residency (Examples: cable or SMUD bill) stating the parent's name and physical address.
5. High school students: The most recent high school transcript
6. Middle school student: The student's last report card
7. Current Individualized Education Plan ( IEPs) if applicable

Answer: If the credentialed teacher determines the student's academic schedule justifies the need for a computer and the internet, then VIE provides a computer and Internet support while the student is enrolled to be returned to VIE at graduation or withdrawal.

Answer: Credentialed teachers may meet at the student's home if someone over the age of 18 is present for the meeting or arrange designated meeting location outside the home, such as a local library.

Answer: Yes, Visions In Education issues work permits to qualifying students in accordance with the law and ordinances set by the California Labor Board. [Download Work Permit]

Answer: Yes, VIE celebrates an annual cap-and-gown ceremony for graduating seniors at the Sacramento Memorial Auditorium near the end of the school year. Students may complete their requirements anytime during the school year and be awarded their diploma in January or in June. However, only one graduation ceremony is conducted annually.

Answer: Like any public school, students can not be enrolled in two different K-12 schools. However, qualifying students may attend community college and take college-level courses (concurrent enrollment) while completing their high school courses with Visions.

Answer: For adult students, admission to Visions In Education will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Due to recent legislation concerning adults, a student 19 years of age must document his/her continuous enrollment at a public school in order to enroll. No new enrollments are allowed for a student 20 years and older and no student over the age of 22 may attend.

Answer: Yes, for ELL students who can be successful in an independent study program, Visions offers support for English Language Learners with a targeted curriculum, classes and individualized attention.