Independent Study

Independent Study is a program that allows students to recover credits they need for graduation. This program is designed for 10th-12th grade students who are able to complete coursework using a digital curriculum. Also required is a minimum of 13 hours per-class of seat time with a content-area teacher. Independent Study runs outside of the regular school day and is offered from Wednesday October 1st to Friday May 15th, 2026.

Complete the online registration form HERE, which includes a Continual Learning Plan (CLP). This form requires a signature by both student AND parent.

You must complete an initial in-person orientation with an Independent Study teacher. During this orientation the digital curriculum will be made available and you will be given a clear understanding of program requirements and expectations. Schoology will be the primary information and communication portal for Independent Study.

Your counselor will assess which credits you need and up to four classes will be activated. Please note that Independent Study may not be used to "work ahead" to graduate early.

Monday to Thursday, 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Prior Lake High School and/or Bridges ALC. In-person and virtual seat times are available. The dates, times, and locations change frequently, so check the calendar in Schoology daily. Virtual seat hours are offered via Google Meets.

As often as you can! You do not need to attend IS for consecutive days, however, the more frequently you attend, the more quickly you will be able to earn credit. You must complete a minimum of 13 hours per class with a teacher. For example, a student working on Algebra and Bio credits would need a total of 26 hours:13 with a Math teacher and 13 with a Science teacher. If you do not earn the required seat hours, you will not be eligible for credit. 

No, but the grade you earned through Independent Study will be added to your official transcript to verify that you retook the course and earned credit towards graduation. Each completed class will make up 1 quarter class (0.25 credits). PLHS-enrolled students will have a ‘P’ added to transcript after meeting program requirements and achieving at least a 75% passing grade. 

No, but the grade you earned through Independent Study will be added to your official transcript to verify that you retook the course and earned credit towards graduation.

No transportation will be provided. You will need to secure your own transportation.