Universal High School

"Universal High School", known as UHS among most of the students and teachers, is a program located within Silver Creek High School as an alternative for bright 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.

Course Options

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.

Independent Studies

There are two types of independent studies, regular independent studies which are more pre-planned, and original independent studies which are usually in a particular area of interest to the student, and are more free form. In a regular independent study, a student has a flexible set list of requirements, which could be something along the lines of reading a textbook and writing a summary for each chapter. An original independent study can be in whatever area the student wants, and is designed mostly by the student. Both types of independent studies require a teacher of record who signs off on what the student has done, and who they show their work to. At the end of an independent study the student applies for the credit, and the grade is decided by the quality of work the student exhibits, and is ultimately decided by the program coordinator.

Online Courses

There are also two kinds of online courses, independent online courses and regular online courses. Independent online courses work a lot like independent studies, they can be done at a student's own pace and typically they submit their assignments either online or by mail. Other independent studies work much like traditional school courses, there is a timeline in which a student must turn in assignments.

Sources

* [http://uhs.stvrain.k12.co.us/ Official Universal High School Website]
* [http://www.stvrain.k12.co.us/academicsPrograms/uhs/ St. Vrain Valley School District's UHS Page]
* [http://www.timescall.com/communitytc/schools-story.asp?ID=6489 Article printed in a local newspaper]