Independent study

Independent study is a form of education offered by many high schools, colleges, and other educational institutions around the world. It is sometimes referred to as directed study. It is most usually when a student and a professor or teacher agree upon a topic for the student to further research outside of school with loose guidance from the instructor for an agreed upon amount of credits.

For elementary and junior high, it is sometimes a GATE study where the student receives a packet and must research their topic and formulate and answer questions. At the end, they develop and present a product, although not all GATE systems participate in this action.

There is a vast array of charter schools throughout the country that are providing independent study and Homeschooling in a variety of instructional formats: online, in-person or some hybrid of online/in-person interaction. Suffice to say that this format is not for everyone, but as the need for personalized learning and school safety continues to be a major issue for many students and their families, this educational option will continue to grow in popularity.