Universal High School, known as UHS among most of the students and teachers, is a program located within Silver Creek High School in Longmont, CO, as an alternative education system for intelligent students who can learn more effectively independently. The program is standards-based, so students are able to complete courses in a timeframe that suits their needs, which can be anywhere from a week to a year.
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Students enrolled in UHS have the option of taking regular classes within Silver Creek High School or their original high school, independent studies, and online courses. Students are required to take at least 4 regular courses in order to be a full time student, and 2 in order to be a part time student.
There are two types of independent studies: "regular" independent studies which tend to be structured and/or planned beforehand, and original independent studies which are usually in a particular area of interest to the student, and are more free form in regards to timeframe. In a regular independent study, a student has a flexible set list of requirements, e.g. reading a textbook and writing a summary for each chapter. An original independent study can involve more diverse subject matter, and is designed mostly by the student. Both types of independent studies require a teacher of record who confirms the student's actions and who reviews the student's work. At the end of an independent study the student applies for a learning credit, and the grade given is decided by the quality of work the student exhibits, ultimately by the program coordinator.
There are also two types of online courses offered - independent online courses and regular online courses. Independent online courses work much like independent studies: they can be done at a student's own pace, and typically a student will submit his/her assignments either online or by e-mail. Other independent studies work much like traditional school courses; there is a timeline in which a student must turn in assignments. These online courses provide a degree of freedom for students who travel often or have commitments outside of the school. A student may apply for credit afterwards, as above.