Updated 10/24/2023
more information
more information
Have additional questions? Please call 916-632-6560 or email rschrader@rocklinusd.org.
CLICK HERE for a printable FAQs document.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Click here for a printable 2024-25 FAQ document. The information below is still relevant for the current school year, however this linked document covers updated information for the 2024-25 school year.
What “at-home” or mostly “at-home” learning options are available for the 2024-25 school year?
Rocklin Unified has two Independent Study options for students. Both options offer the excellence in education you’ve come to expect from Rocklin Unified from the comfort of your home. These educational alternatives are tuition-free and part of the Rocklin Unified School District (RUSD).
Students in grades 6-12 may participate in the Rocklin Alternative Education Center (RAEC) for independent study. Participation at RAEC can be fully remote or could include some in-person instruction.
Students in grades K-5 may also choose to participate in Rocklin Virtual Campus (RVC). Participation in RVC is fully remote with in-person assessment.
RAEC enrollment is open to all students in grades 6-12.
Students participating in this Independent Study option will be enrolled in grade level courses, participate in courses, and complete assignments per their Independent Study contract. This is a traditional independent study program, which relies heavily on home instruction.
Students in grades 6-8 will utilize a blend of online Edgenuity and RUSD curriculum, depending on the course. Students will receive daily, live check-ins via a virtual platform (such as Zoom or Google Meet) and weekly instruction in a small group or 1:1. Students may elect to participate in in-person weekly instruction. Students will be assigned RAEC content area teachers.
High School students (grades 9-12) will utilize RUSD curriculum, supplemented by online Edgenuity curriculum, depending on the course. Students will receive one hour per week of instruction in a small group if electing a Non-A-G pathway. Students will receive weekly instruction for one hour 1:1 if electing to receive virtual instruction via a virtual platform (such as Zoom or Google Meet). Students will be assigned RAEC supervising, content-area teachers. Students may access up to two, in-person classes at Rocklin High School or Whitney High School on an Academic Pass. Students may also have access to Edgenuity courses depending on course requests.
What is Independent Study through the Rocklin Virtual Campus (RVC)? This section has information about length of live (virtual) instruction and check-ins.
RVC enrollment is open to all students in grades K-5 only.
Students participating in this Independent Study option will be enrolled in online learning. Elementary students (grades K-5) will be utilizing Stride K-12 online curriculum with additional instruction from RUSD teachers using the Board-adopted curriculum.
Elementary students interested in participating in RVC will be required to fill out an Application for Intra-District Attendance. Once approved, students will be enrolled in RVC @ Ruhkala Elementary and no longer registered at their home school site. All families participating in RVC @ Ruhkala will sign the RUSD Independent Study Master Agreement document prior to confirming enrollment.
Students in grades K-5 participating in RVC will receive daily online check-ins, including live instruction in either English Language Arts or mathematics via a virtual platform (such as Zoom or Google Meet). Additional instruction and independent practice in English Language Arts, mathematics, science, and social studies will be provided through virtual curriculum (Stride K-12). Throughout each school week, students will participate in additional scheduled, live small group, 1:1, and/or structured social opportunities provided by RUSD’s credentialed teachers.
Is my student a good fit for independent study?
Independent study is an optional alternative instructional setting for students whose needs may be best met through study outside of the regular classroom setting. Participating in independent study is voluntary. To learn more about the ideal independent study student, please click on either of the following:
Is there a deadline for enrollment?
Students may elect to participate in RAEC 6-12 Independent Study at any time, however it is suggested to start at the beginning of the semester terms.
Students may enroll in grades K-5 RVC at any time, however it is suggested to start at the beginning of the trimester terms.
How do I enroll my student(s)? This section has information about enrolling students in Independent Study.
Students in grades K-5 should contact RVC @ Ruhkala at (916) 632-6560.
Students in grades 6-12 should call RAEC @ (916) 632-3195.
Who will be my child’s teacher?
Independent Study teachers are credentialed teachers who are part of the Rocklin Unified School District. Teacher names will be shared at the Back to School meetings or at the scheduled Informational Meeting.
Are students able to transfer back and forth between Rocklin Virtual Campus and traditional school? This section has information about disenrolling and re-enrolling.
For the benefit of all students, students and families are highly encouraged to make a year-long commitment to independent study or traditional school settings. If a transfer is needed, students and families are highly encouraged to transfer at natural breaks in the year (i.e., quarter, trimester, semester, or natural school breaks).
If a transfer is requested, the following process will apply:
Students in grades 6-12 who wish to transfer to Independent Study through RAEC should call RAEC @ (916) 632-3195. Students who wish to transfer to independent study through RVC (grades K-5 only) should contact RVC @ Ruhkala at (916) 632-6560. Someone will contact you with the next steps. Please note: RVC enrollment is based on space available.
Students are able to transfer from RVC to traditional school settings within five days of the request. If students wish to transfer to a traditional school setting during the school year and space is not available at their residence school, another RUSD school will be offered.
Will my student still receive a diploma from Rocklin or Whitney high schools?
No. Students participating in independent study through RAEC who complete their graduation requirements will receive a diploma from RAEC and will list the Rocklin Alternative Education Center as the school where they graduated.
Is my student able to participate in athletics and/or student activities?
Possibly. Secondary students enrolled in RAEC may be eligible to participate in extracurricular activities in the school in which they are concurrently enrolled. RUSD is currently working with the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) to determine if this is possible. This section will be updated as more information becomes available.
If CIF allows participation, students must meet the same extracurricular activity eligibility requirements as students enrolled in the traditional day program, including, but not limited to, high school athletic codes and any applicable CIF requirements. Student residency for purposes of participating in extracurricular activities will be determined in accordance with applicable state law and CIF guidelines.
RAEC students will be able to participate in dances at GOMS, SVMS, RHS, or WHS as long as they complete a permit and are approved by the RAEC Principal, Mr. Hutton.
What academic supports are available for my student?
RAEC and RVC have built in academic supports to meet a range of learning needs. Students will be placed in their grade-level appropriate courses and participate in initial pre-assessments to identify which supports may be appropriate to them. If needed, students can meet with their RUSD teacher to receive additional practice and/or receive additional practice to master standards. Course content can also be differentiated to meet the learning needs of students. There are opportunities for advancement as well as reteaching as necessary.
What social-emotional and/or counseling supports are available for my student?
Students in RAEC and RVC also have the opportunity to have social/emotional counseling support from both Rocklin Unified counselors and our community-based mental health supports.
In RVC (grades K-5 only), social-emotional learning lessons will be infused into students' morning meetings, including opportunities to learn study skills, self-management skills, and tools for understanding their emotions.
For students in grades 6-12, Rocklin Unified will utilize counseling personnel to assist with academic, career, and social needs as they arise for students enrolled in online options. High school students will work with a counselor and will be assisted with developing a four-year educational plan based on student transcripts, standardized assessments, career interests and other pertinent data. This educational plan will be reviewed periodically to assess its appropriateness and progress toward completion.
If my child has an Individual Education Plans (IEPs), will independent study meet their needs?
Placement decisions in independent study (RAEC and RVC) for students with IEPs (Individualized Education Plans) will be made on an individual basis through the IEP process.
If my child is an English Learner, will independent study meet their needs?
RAEC and RVC are available for English Learners. The traditional school Student Study Team committee will meet to determine if the Rocklin Virtual Campus meets their language support needs and/or any reasonable accommodations.
If my child has been identified for Gifted and Talented Education (GATE), will independent study meet their needs?
GATE is available for students enrolled in either RVC or RAEC. Families should speak to their student's teacher to get more information.
If my child needs a variety of Advanced Placement (AP), Career Technical Education (CTE), and A-G course options, will independent study meet their needs?
AP, Career Technical Education (CTE), and A-G aligned courses will be offered through Academic Passes to RHS or WHS. In some cases, students may also receive courses through Edgenuity’s online curriculum. Edgenuity courses meet University of California A-G, National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Clearinghouse, and CollegeBoard accreditation and standards.
Will we sign a contract?
Parents/guardians and students will sign an Independent Study Master Agreement Contract detailing the expectations of this online learning environment. Requirements in this contract will be reviewed at the RVC and RAEC information session prior to the start of the year.
Families may request a parent/student/educator conference prior to signing the Independent Study Master Agreement.
How will my child be graded?
Grading of independent study assignments and assessments of end-of-course knowledge and understanding of the subject matter shall be consistent with district policy on grading for equivalent courses. Attendance will be based on percentage of work completion.
How can I find out more information?
Additional information about RVC (grades K-5):
Visit RVC’s website @ rvc.rocklinusd.org. Additional questions can be directed to RVC @ Ruhkala at (916) 632-6560 or by emailing rschrader@rocklinusd.org.
Additional information about RAEC (grades 7-12):
Visit RAEC’s website @ raec.rocklinusd.org. Additional questions can be directed to the school office at (916) 632-3195 or by emailing Mr. Hutton at kshutton@rocklinusd.org.