What are independent study schools?

Independent study schools are those that allow or encourage students to study subjects on their own with little or no supervision. In independent study arrangements, students typically receive guidance from a teacher but decide the overall course of study on their own.

A major advantage of independent study is that it allows motivated students to pursue a subject his is interested in at his own pace. This allows students to learn how to self motivate and learn in a self-directed manner. In most public schools, independent study does not become available to students until they are in the upper grades.