Independent Study

Prerequisites: Application and approval by Independent Study Coordinator, Principal, and Counselor

Grade Levels: 10-12

Credits: 0.5 credits per semester will be awarded on a pass/fail basis (90 hours per semester)

Independent Study provides the opportunity for students to study a topic of intense personal interest that is not offered in the RCHS curriculum. This opportunity is prioritized to juniors and seniors. However, sophomores may apply as long as they are in good academic standing and approved by the independent study coordinator. Due to the transition during freshman year preference is given to juniors and seniors. Students will have the opportunity at the end of the semester and the first two weeks of each semester to sign up for an independent study. All independent studies must be conducted during the scholastic year. In the proposal, students state objectives, specific problem definition, methods of learning, end product, and criteria for evaluation. Included in the proposal is a commitment from an advising mentor, with a plan for meeting with the student for advising and consultation during the independent study semester. The course is pass/fail, and upon successful completion, 1⁄2 credit per semester is awarded. A final presentation at the end of the semester is required. Students may submit a proposal for further study for the second semester and a continuation form will be filled out or students may select a different study, but a new packet will need to be completed.