K-12 Charter School
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Frequently Asked QuestionsClick the question to show/hide the answer. 1. What kind of school is Visions? Answer: Visions In Education is a California Home Schooling/Independent Study Charter School created to give parents and students a choice different from site-based, traditional schools. Visions is a WASC-accredited public school in the San Juan Unified School District. 2. What is the difference between the Home School Academy and the 9-12 Independent Study Academy? Answer: The main difference between the academies is the amount of parental participation required. In our K-12 Home School Academy, the K-12 parent is the primary educator. Parents have the primary responsibility to daily plan, teach, and record student progress in a 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) assigned to the family to provide 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 Academy 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 ensure their 9-12 Academy independent study student works daily on assigned work; attends all required meetings, classes, and mandated state testing; and assists with the student’s academic progress. 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. 3. Does our family have to live in the San Juan Unified School District (SJUSD) to attend your school? 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. 4. How much does it cost? 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. 5. Do you have tutoring and support classes? Answer: Yes, we offer drop-in tutoring for algebra, high school English and California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE) at all VIE’s learning centers. Visions offers classes in CAHSEE in math and English. VIE provides opportunities for CTs to develop enrichment and core academic classes as needed. 6. Can I request a specific teacher to work with my children and our family? Answer: Yes, you may request a CT. The VIE enrollment staff tries to accommodate this request if the teacher has space available. 7. How do I apply to get my children enrolled? 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. 8. What documentation do I need to include in order to enroll my children? Answer: Visions requires the application package to include:
9. Does my student get a computer and the Internet? Answer: At the Credentialed Teacher's discretion and if 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. 10. Will the teacher meet in my home? Answer: Credentialed teachers meet students at the student’s home or a designated meeting location outside the home. 11. 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. 12. Is there a graduation ceremony? Answer: 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 yearly. 13. May my children be enrolled in a traditional school and your school at the same time? Answer: No, 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. 14. Do you accept adult students? 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. 15. Do you have an English Language Learner (ELL) program? 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. |
