The Sequoia Union High School District encourages its students to take advantage of distance learning classes in order to:

• graduate early
• take classes not offered in the schools
• make up classes you have failed
• improve grades in classes for which you received low grades (Note: both grades remain on your transcript)
• improve your skills
• continue your education when you are unable to attend school.

Distance learning includes correspondence, television or Internet classes. We've included a link to websites providing Internet classes. You will find a variety of institutions offering high school, undergraduate and graduate courses. You need to examine each one to determine the one that best meets your needs. To search for classes in a specific school/institution, click on the school's URL. You will then need to look for the class you want in that website. We have included only accredited institutions to ensure that you can receive credit toward graduation if you choose to apply for credit.

If you decide to register for an Internet course, you will need to complete registration forms from that institution and pay any fees required to the institution. You will find that each school has its own procedures and requirements. As a high school student, you may only enroll in one distance learning course at a time unless you have permission from the school administration. You may take up to 25% of the required units in any core subject area through distance learning.

If you want the credits you earn to fulfill requirements for graduation and be included in your high school transcript, you must receive approval from your guidance advisor and the Instructional Vice Principal before you complete the course. You can request the form from your guidance advisor. A sample student application form in pdf format is available online for you to review.

It is your responsibility to:
1. complete and submit to your guidance advisor a student application form and attach a description of the course if it is a required class;
2. complete and submit to a community college a concurrent enrollment form so that you can be eligible for the reduced costs; and
3. submit to the guidance office the final grades and credits from your online institution in time for them to appear on your transcript. According to new policy, 3 college semester units equal 5 high school semester units and 5 college quarter units equal 5 high school semester units.

Placement tests in English, mathematics, and when appropriate, English for Non-native Speakers are administered to all high school students. Placement test scores and other data/information are used to place students in a course(s) which will best assure their initial success in college. For your convenience, Cañada College and College of San Mateo Placement Test Dates have been included.

We would appreciate your help in making sure that distance learning is a helpful option for students. Please complete a Distance Learning Evaluation Form whether you finish the course or not so we can make informed recommendations to our students. You can request the form from your guidance advisor or download the evaluation form in pdf format

We wish you success with your class.

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.