About Mt. Everest Academy

Mt. Everest Academy (MEA) is a K-12 Independent Study school that offers an alternative to traditional schools.

Mt. Everest Academy is a Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accredited K-12 school that assists student learning at home using state-adopted curriculum with the support, guidance, and supervision of credentialed teachers. Students and parents are supplied with educational materials and educational workshops.

Mt. Everest offers a truly unique school option that includes flexibility for the highly motivated student.

Independent Study vs. Home Schooling

The difference between home schooling and independent study has to do with satisfying the requirements of the California Education Code.

Home Schooling describes an educational method that occurs outside the public system of education.

Independent Study (home-based) is the public option where the student does school work under the guidance of a credentialed teacher to meet state standards with materials provided by the school. Our families receive the same standards-based texts and teacher support materials that are used in the neighborhood schools.

Supervising Teachers

All students have a supervising teacher who facilitates enrollment, distributes materials, coordinates their studies, and collects student work. The parent, student and supervising teacher sign a contract that outlines what is to be studied and when the work is due.

Student Work

All students turn in their work monthly and present it to the supervising teacher on or before the due date. Supervising teachers and subject teachers review the work and evaluate academic progress. The work is then returned back to the parent or student with feedback.

Study Groups

The MEA instructional model is a combination of independent study and participation in weekly study groups. Weekly study groups and labs support the California content standards-based curricula. Attendance at school activities on a daily basis is not required; however, many valuable classes and activities offered on campus each week.

Study groups are taught by credentialed teachers who assess student work. Study groups offer direct instruction, collaborative learning, and enrichment. Study group participation is strongly recommended as a way to receive extra academic instruction, social interaction, and feedback.

Some of our high school students also enroll in a community college during high school.

Extracurricular Activities

MEA offers a number of extracurricular activities such as orchestra, band, guitar, art, history club, chess club, elementary Spanish, etc.  Link to Extracurricular Activities Schedule

Features

Available to MEA students:

• Class instruction (study groups) on a weekly basis

• California content standards-based curricula

• Small campus with individualized attention

• Interactive learning with Promethean Board technology

• Standardized testing and district benchmarks

• School counseling program (ASCA Model)

• State of the art science lab and regular lab activities

• Computer lab with multimedia classes

• Parent/student resource center and school library

• Music instruction: band, orchestra, choir, guitar
  

• GATE certified teachers and Honors/AP courses
  

• Challenging high school program with an intensive college preparatory focus

• Supportive and safe learning environment

• Responsive staff willing to help at every step

School Expectations

Parent involvement and collaboration in a student's education is a key factor in the high rate of success for independent study students. Younger students need strong parental involvement. High school students need continued parental guidance as they develop increasing levels of self-discipline.

Successful families in our program plan on an enrollment of at least one semester and meet the following expectations:

• Students who can work well individually and/or with one-to-one instruction.

• Parents who can provide their K-8 child with at least 4 hours of supervised instruction daily.

• K-8 parents who will create and implement weekly lessons based on teacher assignments.

• K-8 parents who feel confident teaching in all subject areas and who will maintain a weekly activity log.

If you meet the expectations listed above and are interested in this unique opportunity, please call Mt. Everest Academy at (858) 496-8778.