Independent Studies

LAU offers Independent Studies (IS) courses as an opportunity for students to earn credit for academic work outside of Williamsburg courses using an approved third-party curriculum. Through Independent Studies, students can fulfill the learning requirements of certain core subjects and electives.

How It Works

You’ll select a curriculum at or above your student’s grade level that works well for them. Then, you’ll pay all costs associated with using the curriculum and submit the curriculum for review and approval. Once approved, your student must complete all course assignments and progress reports as assigned in Canvas and as explained below. If all course requirements are met, your student will receive academic credit on their LAU transcript.

For elective courses, you must arrange for your student to receive instruction from a qualified instructor at least four times during the semester. (If your student uses an approved curriculum for core subjects, they are not required to have outside instruction.)

To maintain a high level of learning, all curricula must align with and meet Utah State Standards and be approved by LAU. Please refer to our Approved Curriculum list for options. Credit can only be awarded for IS courses using a curriculum at or above your student’s grade level.

Course Format & Pacing

All LAU Independent Studies courses are self-paced. Coursework must be paced and completed throughout the semester. Students must submit Canvas assignments and report hours spent learning the subject material. All coursework, including progress reports, must be submitted by the end of the semester and satisfy all course requirements to earn credit.

Curriculum Approval

At the start of each semester, students are required to submit the chosen curriculum to LAU for review and approval. For IS Electives, students must also submit an Instructor Agreement form in Canvas. LAU will review and approve (or deny) curriculums before the semester add/drop deadline.

Students who do not show evidence of an eligible curriculum or qualified instructor by the semester add/drop date will be withdrawn from the IS course.

Past performance in Independent Studies classes will be considered as part of the approval process. Students who fail LAU IS courses may not be eligible to take these classes in the future.

If your student wants to use a curriculum not currently on our approved list, please contact our Independent Studies Coordinator as early as possible.

How many hours of study must my student complete for each class?
Students must complete the following study hours per class per semester:
- 40 hours for middle school
- 60 hours for high school
For Electives-only: Students must receive instruction from a qualified Fine Arts or PE Instructor at least four times per semester as part of their study hours.
What are the required assignment submissions?
The following will be required:
- Submit curriculum for approval
- Submit four reports of hours spent learning the subject material
  - 40 study hours are required for middle school per semester
  - 60 study hours are required for high school per semester
- Submit four reports signed by a qualified instructor that identify goals, show progress, and the learning that is taking place
- For Electives-only: Receive instruction by a qualified instructor four times per semester
- Submit four work samples as required for the course
- Any additional assignments assigned in Canvas
Will my student need to submit work samples?
Yes, students in LAU IS courses are required to submit work samples.

Work samples include:
- Math tests: Scores earned on math tests from your student’s chosen curriculum will be factored into their grade for the class. To earn the highest grade possible, students are encouraged to retake tests and rework problems before submitting test scores.
- Written assignment or project: Written assignments or projects must be five complete paragraphs or more. These work samples will be awarded full credit if grammar and spelling are correct and all guidelines for written submissions are met.
- Videos: Students may submit a video of their Fine Arts performances, or PE meets or competitions. Videos of presentations or projects are also acceptable.
Pictures of students attending class are NOT considered a work sample and will not be accepted.

To show alignment with state standards, Language Arts, Social Studies, and Science classes must include writing and submission of actual work. Math courses must show work and testing of math skills and understanding.
What are Independent Studies course grades based on?
Grades for LAU IS courses are calculated and based on the following:
- 20% Canvas Assignments
- 40% Progress Reports (4 per semester)
- 40% Work Samples (points awarded for work sample assignments will be reflected in your student’s grade)

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LAU offers Independent Studies (IS) courses as an opportunity for students to earn credit for academic work outside of Williamsburg courses using an approved third-party curriculum. Through Independent Studies, students can fulfill the learning requirements of certain core subjects and electives.

How It Works

Course Format & Pacing

Curriculum Approval

Grading & Assignments for LAU IS Courses

How many hours of study must my student complete for each class?

What are the required assignment submissions?

Will my student need to submit work samples?

What are Independent Studies course grades based on?

Need Help?

For questions regarding Independent Studies, please contact our Independent Studies & Funded Electives Coordinator.