Our School

Is Independent Study for You?

• Reflect & Ask

  Reflect on your experience as a student while asking these questions:

  • Do you wish to become more independent? Are you independent already?
  • Do you often get things done on your own?  
  • Are you able to easily grasp how to do schoolwork?
  • Are you able to focus on your own without a structured environment?
  • Can find answers to your questions and solve problems on your own?
  • Are you self-disciplined? Self-motivated?
  • Do you manage your time well?
  • Do you take responsibility for yourself, what you learn, and what you achieve?

  If you answered “yes” to the majority of these questions, then Valley Oaks may be a good school for you.

• Make Your Own Schedule

  Valley Oaks students may co-enroll in courses at SRJC, Casa, PHS, or private online schools like BYU.  Student are able to get a job and work during the day.  Students are able to be in ballet 25 hours per week or even be a professional bicycle racer four days a week.  Valley Oaks has had and continues to serve unique, interesting, self-motivated students and all students who prefer to march to the beat of their own drum.

• No Crowds, No Bells

  Valley Oaks has a small, comfortable, friendly, quiet school campus where everyone seems happy.  We as a staff love to celebrate our students with our Honor Roll, Principal's Honor Roll, Student of the Month - Bright Newsletters, Bell Ringing Ceremonies, our 8th grade promotion ceremony, and our Alt Ed high school graduation ceremony.

• Choose Your Pathway to a Diploma

  Students may take all college prep A-G courses, some college prep & some general ed courses, or all general ed courses. Valley Oaks offers some students all the courses needed to be accepted to a UC or CSU except for foreign language.

• One Teacher with One Student

  At Valley Oaks, students get more individualized attention than in traditional schools. Assignments and teacher expectations are tailored to the unique needs, abilities, and interests of each student.  Teachers and students get to know each other well.  Students will often eventually have a teacher for two or three or more subjects.  Teachers are all highly qualified in the subjects they teach.

• The New Way of Learning

  Valley Oaks has the ultimate Flipped Classrooms, in which the focus is on understanding rather than on lecture.  We also provide a Blended Learning experience where students do assignments on their own at home with and/or without technology and also meet in person with their teachers at least once per week for support and accountability.

• Go At Your Own Pace

  Students are free to go fast in one subject and slow in another.  Students who choose to co-enroll may have themselves doing many subjects at once.  High school students often graduate early.

• Unique Courses

  PE is an online course and students choose to participate in monthly Group Work Outs to, among other things, get to know other students.  Students may create their own elective course in Goal Setting.  Students may do one of five online elective courses.  Most all VOS courses incorporate Project-Based Learning.  Students are in supportive math groups.  Students have lab partners for 2-hour long weekly science labs.

• Valley Oaks is Community Minded

  Staff members support students to find meaningful opportunities to complete five hours of community service each semester.  Students are encouraged to work with friends, with family, or on their own.

• No Need to Feel Overwhelmed

  Students may take as few as two courses at a time.  Students do not do all subjects all semester as in traditional schools.

Our History

• Read About Our History

  Valley Oaks School, established in 1991, began as a small, experimental program aimed at providing independent study opportunities for at-risk students. Originally housed in a portable unit next to San Antonio Continuation High School, the school was developed by dedicated educators who recognized the need for an alternative learning environment. With a focus on individualized education, Valley Oaks offered students a chance to pursue their studies at their own pace, emphasizing accountability and completion of coursework.

  Over the years, Valley Oaks has grown significantly, evolving from a program serving primarily high school students to a comprehensive educational institution accommodating elementary through junior high students as well. The school has consistently maintained a commitment to academic excellence, encouraging students to take ownership of their learning. As enrollment increased, the school expanded its curriculum to include a variety of electives and support programs tailored to meet the diverse needs of its student population.

  Today, Valley Oaks is recognized for its innovative approach to education, with a strong emphasis on fostering creativity and motivation among its students. The school has successfully achieved accreditation, becoming a model for independent study programs in California, and continues to adapt and grow to meet the challenges of modern education. Prospective students and families can look forward to a supportive and dynamic learning environment that values individual strengths and promotes lifelong learning.