Berkeley Independent Study (BIS) is a program of Berkeley High School and offers an academically rigorous alternative to the typical classroom environment. Students must be self-motivated and organized to succeed at BIS.
K-8 Home School Overview
In the K-8 program, parents/guardians accompany students to weekly 90-minute meetings with teachers. Assignments adhere to state curriculum standards while accommodating students’ interests and abilities. BIS provides instructional materials, and tutoring is available. Parents/guardians act as home teachers for all of the K-8 lessons. They need to be available to educate and supervise their children’s studies at home for 20-25 hours of coursework per week.
9-12 Independent Study Overview
Students fulfill the same course requirements as at Berkeley High School and earn the same high school diploma by meeting individually or in small groups with their instructors weekly. Students at BIS complete ten hours of homework per course every week. They earn five semester credits for each quarter course they complete (typically 3 courses each quarter). Courses not offered on the Berkeley Independent Study campus may be taken concurrently at the high school. Most Berkeley High School courses are offered at BIS.
Please read the following instructions carefully.
Step 1: Download Enrollment Checklist
The enrollment checklist will help you make sure you are gathering all of the necessary documents.
Enrollment Checklist (English)Lista de verificación de pre inscripción (Español)Enrollment Checklist for Visiting Scholars
Enrollment Checklist for BUSD Employees who are Non-Berkeley Residents
Step 2: Gather required documents on the Enrollment Checklist
The Enrollment Form requires you to submit the documents listed on the Enrollment Checklist. Please have these ready to upload when you begin filling out the form.
Step 3: Complete Enrollment Form and Declaration of Residency
You and your student must be residing in Berkeley when submitting enrollment documents.
Upcoming School Year (2024-25)
Complete online form for 2024-25: English or Español
You will receive an email confirmation within 10-12 business days once the form has been reviewed by admissions.