Independent Study Module

Independent Study Modules (ISMs) are designed to cultivate lifelong learning habits as well as build an academic and professional portfolio.

Each academic year in high school, students complete an independent study module, for which they receive one-half unit of academic credit. These modules allow students to pursue their unique areas of interest, while guiding students through the process of building important skills including research, presenting and follow-through. Academic advisors play a key role in guiding and empowering students to develop their own perfect study module. Independent Study Modules follow a three-term arc: Research, Application, and Presentation. At the end of this progression students will have developed robust independent learning skills, pursued an idea within their own interest area, and developed a presentation to share their learning with their fellow students.

The areas of study students can choose from are boundless, and our ISM coordinator alongside students’ advisors help guide students to finding a manageable, yet challenging and interesting topic as well as driving questions to help their direction. The Independent Study Module curriculum is run through the advisory program and students have one 45 minute structured session dedicated to skills acquisition, exploration of topic, group work and presentation practice per week, every week of the term. The approximate 30 hours of class time is expected to be supplemented by additional time spent outside of structured lessons to allow students the opportunity to discover and explore more about their topic within their real-world lives.