1. What is distance learning?

Distance learning is a way of acquiring knowledge without having to go to a specific
place at a specific time to meet with an instructor or teacher. Students of any age can
learn through correspondence or electronic courses at their own pace at any time from
any place. You can usually start the class anytime.

2. What are the reasons for taking distance learning classes?

There are several reasons. Some students want to make up classes they’ve failed,
improve a low grade, learn about a subject not offered in school, fit in more classes
during a semester, or take a class at home if they are unable to attend school.

3. Do I need permission to take a distance learning class?

It depends. If you want to take it for pleasure or just to learn more about a topic, you
don’t. If you want credit on your transcript, yes.

4. What do I need to do to get permission?

a. First, you have to decide what class or classes you want or need to take (ex. Math,
language arts, etc.)

b. Then you need to go to the different schools listed on our website and find the class
and the school you prefer. You need to consider the course description, the cost,
and the way the course is offered (correspondence or electronic).

c. Once you’ve picked the school and the class, print out the course description and
complete a distance learning form located in the guidance office at your school.

d. Then you take all the information to your guidance advisor who needs to sign the
form. You need other signatures: yours, your parent’s, the instructional viceprincipal’s
and, finally the signature of the director of student support services.

5. How do I enroll in the class after I have permission?

You will have to go to the distance learning school’s website and follow the instructions
for enrollment and payment.

6. How much do the classes cost?

The cost varies according to the schools. Some cost around $100, and others are more
expensive. Some classes are cheaper for residents of the state where the school is and
more costly for non-residents.

7. How long do I have to finish a course?

The time allowed varies from several months to a year. Some schools grant an
extension for a fee.

8. Do students have to take tests?

Most of the schools require proctored exams. Some students take the exams at their
school, a library, or the district office where they are supervised by an adult.

9. How do I know if I’ll be able to complete a distance learning course?

Included in this website is a self-assessment which you can complete to get an idea if
you are a good candidate for a distance learning course.

10. Can I take high school or college classes through distance learning?

Our website includes high schools and colleges that offer distance learning.

11. Can I take a class from an institution not listed on the Sequoia district website?

Yes, you can. However, you need to provide evidence that the institution is accredited
(that means that the credits are accepted at colleges).

12. Does my grade have to appear on my transcript?

No, it doesn’t. It’s your choice. Once you receive the grade, you can talk to your
guidance advisor and ask that it not be added to your transcript is that’s what you prefer.

13. How many classes can I take through distance learning?

We have regulations that limit the total number of credits you can take through distance
learning. You can’t earn more than a total of 40 credits (8 semester classes) through
distance learning and only 20 of those (4 semester classes) can be for required courses
(math, science, English, social studies, etc.)

14. Where do I go if I have more questions?

You can e-mail Eric Hartwig, Director of Student Support Services: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or
call him at 650-369-1411 x2389.