Vista Alternative Overview

Vista Alternative is Fremont Unified School District’s Independent Study program for students in sixth to twelfth grade. The program offers engaging learning tailored to an independent model of instruction and learning.  

The student body consists of young people, who because of unusual responsibilities or personal circumstances, find that the Vista program more effectively meets their needs. Vista students usually show a strong academic background that supports their capabilities of learning through the independent study model. 

Vista Alternative is an opportunity for students who:

• Are academically independent, needing little to no instructional support

• Are motivated and have strong time management skills

• Are comfortable with less daily social interaction

• Recognize that they will not have access to extracurricular activities such as athletics, dances, etc.

Vista Alternative offers:

• A blended learning model (in-person and independent study).

• Experienced, in-depth teacher instruction to facilitate all online work.

• A variety of workspaces to accommodate different learning needs.

• Welcome students to attend a semester, a year, or until graduation.

• Flexibility in meeting the needs of students.

Success in school is guaranteed with proper planning, self-discipline, and academically focused behavior. Classes are comprised of a blended learning model that includes rigorous content available through the Edmentum program, teacher instruction, tutorials, and group discussion. Edmentum is an approved course provider by the University of California (UC) “a-g” program.

The academic counselor creates a learning plan for each student and reviews it quarterly.   Learners will meet the state core learning standards in subject areas necessary for graduation. The learning system is a “mastery” based concept established upon what the student knows and is able to master. The eighteen-week semester courses are rigorous and meet the California educational requirements including Core Subject “a-g” requirements. Although students attend class only twice weekly, they must work throughout the week at home to complete the 5 days of tasks provided in each week of the 6 assigned courses.

Earning Credits:

5 credits are earned for completing the course modules, post-tests, and end of semester assessments. Participation is shown through engagement in learning. Students who do not earn a minimum of 60% on the work will not pass the class and will not earn any credits. NO partial credit is earned!

Approximate Grade Breakdown                 Grading Scale                     Grade Earned

10 % Module                                                  100%- 90%                                      A

5% Discussion                                                 89%- 80%                                       B

25% Post-test                                                  79%-70%                                        C

25% Activity                                                     69%-60%                                        D

35% End-of-Semester Assessment           Below 60%                                   F

Edmentum Grading: Grades are done on a percentage basis. Pre-Tests, Post-Tests, and End of Semester Assessments MUST be UNLOCKED by the teacher and taken only on the VISTA campus. To “master” a module students complete a tutorial and a 5-10 question test. Each Unit has a post-test. Each course has an end-of-course test. Students may retake module tests, but the post-tests and finals are limited to one attempt. Some courses include Unit and Course Activities which require planning, research, writing, powerpoint presentations, and speeches. Students will need to see the instructor prior to embarking on these tasks. Be sure to allow extra time in your pacing to accommodate these assignments.