About Us

Centinela Valley Independent Study School (CVISS) offers students a different way of learning where a student is guided by a teacher, but does not take face-to-face classes with other students every day.

Rather, the student works independently learning from engaging online curriculum (through Apex) and meeting with a teacher to monitor course progress weekly. Courses take on Apex are equivalent to those taken by students in a traditional setting and earn the same credit for completed courses. CVISS students are able to advance through grade levels at a parallel pace as traditional school settings.  

The student is also required to participate in one hour of face-to-face instruction each week with a teacher and other CVISS students. Class sizes are normally around 3-4 students.  During this time, students have the opportunity to work on interesting topics and areas of study in a smaller classroom setting. While course work is completed independently, students are encouraged to socialize and form peer relationships during face-to-face instruction and on field trips. These activities are meant to foster healthy socialization and growth for all CVISS students.

Independent study programs are designed to help students who have health problems, are parents, are gifted, are working, or who find that regular classroom settings do not meet their needs. Enrollment in CVISS is voluntary. Families elect to take independent study as an alternative to traditional classes by asking a Centinela Valley academic counselor for more information about our program. If you are just entering our district from another high school or from a middle school, please contact us directly at 310-263-3262.