Frequently Asked Questions
Click the questions below to show/hide the answer:
1. What kind of school is Visions?
Answer: Visions In Education is a free public charter school that is authorized by the San Juan Unified School District and is fully accredited through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Our charter school provides parents and students an alternative to traditional schools. With Visions, a student can choose between our home school, independent study, or online high school programs.
2. Is Visions In Education accredited?
Answer: Yes. Visions In Education is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Credits earned while attending Visions are transferrable to traditional public schools.
3. What is the difference between the K-12 Home School program and the Independent Study High School program?
Answer: The main difference between the programs is the amount of parental participation required. In our K-12 home school program, the parent is the primary educator with support from one of Visions’ credentialed teachers. In our independent study high school program, the main educator is a Visions credentialed teacher and students work independently. Visions EDGE high school students learn using online tools to do independent and group projects, meeting in-person regularly with teachers and other students.
4. Do we have to live in a particular school district in order to enroll?
Answer: Visions In Education serves students in these nine Northern California counties, and is chartered through a local public school district at the center of our service area.
5. How old (young) do you have to be to enroll?
Answer: Typically students must be at least 5 years old shortly after school begins and under 20; however the rules can be complicated, so please call us toll-free at 1-877-971-7037 if you or your student is close to either of these cutoffs.
6. How much does it cost?
Answer: It’s free! Learn more.
7. When is the deadline for application?
Answer: We accept applications throughout the school year for current and future semesters. Please check the Apply page for current application information.
5. How do I apply?
Answer: Click here to start your application today.
6. Where will I meet with my teacher?
Answer: Visions teachers come to you and meet with you in your home or community. Learn more.
7. Does VIE issue work permits?
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]
8. Is there a graduation ceremony?
Answer: Yes. While students may complete their requirements anytime during the school year and be awarded their diploma in January or in June, there is a graduation ceremony near the end of the school year. The ceremony is held at a location near the center of our service area so that it is convenient for all students.
9. How many credits does it take to graduate?
Answer: Visions In Education requires 220 semester credits to graduate. Students are typically enrolled as full-time students with a load of 30 credits per semester.
10. If I am behind in credits, can I catch up and graduate with my class?
Answer: This will depend on the student’s unique circumstance and personalized educational plan developed with the student’s counselor.
11. Can I graduate early?
Answer: This will depend on the student’s unique circumstance and personalized educational plan developed with the student’s counselor.
12. Do you offer AP/Honors courses?
Answer: Visions In Education offers Honors courses in the home school academy and EDGE online high school program.
13. Do you do STAR testing? Where is the testing done?
Answer: The Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) program requires that all public schools in California administer standardized tests designated by the California State Board of Education to all students in grades 2 through 11. As a result, all students participate in all applicable tests. Students are typically scheduled to complete these tests at various locations throughout our 9 county service area.
14. Do you have an English Language Learner (ELL) program?
Answer: Yes. For English Language Learners (ELL) who can be successful in an independent study program, Visions provides a targeted curriculum, classes and individualized attention. Learn more.
15. How do I ask someone a specific question?
Answer: Send us a message here and then call us toll-free at 1-877-971-7037.
Click here to request more information from our staff. You can request forms, information or a phone call to answer your specific questions.