How it Works
Personalized Secondary
Personalized Secondary Path / 7th-12th Grade
In this path, students are educated in the independent study model, where the parent/guardian is the primary teacher, and the Excel Teacher of Record (ToR) oversees the student's education. Parents are able to choose from a selection of curriculum based on the student's needs (curriculum may include online and textbook based options). Once a month, the student, parent, and ToR will meet together to review the student's body of work and discuss the student's progress.
- Independent study model
- Curriculum options range from Excel Teacher led classes, online learning, and textbook-based learning
- Parent is the primary educator
- Access to Guidance Counselors for college and career planning
- Regular oversight by Teacher of Record
- Seamless transition to high school
- College class opportunities
- Monthly Learning Period meetings
The Personalized Secondary Path may be a good fit for your family if:
- Student is in 7th-12th grade
- Parent is able to be the primary teacher
- Student is able to work independently
- Family desires a more personalized approach to the student’s education
Is the Personalized Secondary Path a good fit for my family?
FAQs
Yes. Students and their parent meet with the TOR every 20 days (either virtually or in person) to turn in work samples, so the TOR can ensure that learning is happening in the home.
Although the parent is the primary teacher for the student, each family is partnered with a Teacher of Record (ToR), who is a credentialed teacher. They're there to guide and support you and your student in their education, as well as ensure that they are completing their work and are meeting state standards. Students and their parent meet with the TOR every 20 days to turn in work samples, so the TOR can ensure that learning is happening in the home.
Yes! Every student is able to participate in community activities, clubs, enrichment opportunities, and field trips. To learn more, view our Get Involved pages.
If you have more than one student in 7th-12th grade on the Personalized Secondary path, they will have the same Teacher of Record. Any additional students in TK-6th grade will have a different ToR.
Yes. Each student will receive a budgeted amount of instructional funds to use on curriculum, extracurricular activities and class materials. Fund amounts may vary based on grade level and path.
At Excel Academy, we offer a variety of Clubs and Programs for 7th-12th grade students to participate in such as: Student Council, eSports, National Honor Society, and more.
Parents have several options to address this issue, including the following. 1. They can ask the ToR for support. 2. They can use some of their curriculum budget on a tutor or class through a community partner. 3. If the ToR approves, they can enroll their student in a math class at a local Community College.
Excel Academy follows the Independent Study education model. This means that learning primarily takes place in the home with the parent as the primary teacher. We have credentialed Teachers of Record located throughout the counties that we serve. Each family is paired with a ToR to guide and oversee their educational process. The only physical location that we have is administrative offices located in Irvine, CA.
While students are able to take classes from Excel Academy's list of Community Providers, Excel academy does not operate as a hybrid charter school, as we have no physical school building. Excel Academy uses the Independent Study educational model, meaning that learning primarily takes place in the home with the parent as the primary teacher (or virtually, taught by a teacher over Zoom).
We are a tuition-free public charter school, so the cost is $0!. Additionally, families receive a certain amount of budgeted instructional funds per year from the state to use on approved school materials and extracurricular classes.
Enrollment is based on a first come, first served basis, depending on the date a completed application is received and approved AND the space and availability we have on a Teacher’s roster. A student is officially enrolled when the parent AND student have signed a Master Agreement with a Teacher.
Yes. We have a Special Education program, and we provide a variety of services based on a student's IEP. Students with IEPs cannot participate in independent study unless it is deemed an appropriate instructional placement. The CDE provides explicit rules regarding the admission of students with IEPs into independent study:
Special education students may not participate in independent study unless it is specified as an instructional method in their individualized education program (IEP). EC Section 51745(c)
For more information, please see our Special Education page.