Our Curriculum
We believe that all students can excel academically despite the circumstances that may have caused them to leave school or fall significantly behind.  We provide an academically rigorous, independent study program that allows for meaningful, real-life connections to students’ experiences.  Through strong teacher-student relationships that allow for personalized learning and mentoring, we offer target students a viable opportunity to return and succeed on the path to education.

Standards-based Instruction
The LW curriculum and instructional program focuses on providing students with core academic skills based upon the California state content standards.  Unfortunately, students identified as being at-risk of educational failure often receive a “watered down” curriculum that emphasizes the acquisition only of the most basic academic skills.  Conversely, at LW, we believe that all students, especially those at-risk, need to be engaged in interesting and challenging learning that goes beyond basic proficiencies, and focuses on mastery of state content standards appropriate at each grade level.

Students will be offered the graduation requirements for the high school diploma and the opportunity to complete coursework aligned to the A-G requirements for attending a California State University (CSU) or University of California (UC). The A-G curricula requires completion of coursework with a C or better including Algebra II and two years of foreign language. At minimum, curriculum offerings and requirements include courses in the following subjects:

• 4 years of English/language arts,
• 3 years of Math (including passing Algebra)
• 3 years of Science (including passing Biology)
• 3 years of History/social studies,
• 2 years of Physical education,
• Required Electives: 1 year of Fine Arts, 1 semester of Health, 1 semester of Work Experience, 1 semester of Computer Technology, 1 semester of Career Exploration. Two years of foreign language are required to complete the A-G requirements.

All students are required to complete an internship or work experience and receive elective credit. LW students can receive academic credit and instruction through job training/work experience programs, which will focus on acquisition of job skills and community service.  Each student’s work experience are coordinated with the student’s academic activities. We will build our partnerships with employers, unions, postsecondary institutions, community agencies and ROP to ensure Relevance and a future for students.

Personalized Learning
From our experience, we have found that in-crisis/high risk students often require intensive, individualized attention and support in order to succeed academically.  LWCS offers personalized learning for our students through multiple vehicles:

• Teacher assigned to assist students in coursework
• Individualized learning plans (ILPs) developed and monitored by counselor
• Chaser that provides accountability and mentoring  and ensure students meet contract due dates
• Tutor to assist student with difficult work
• Social Work Intern from local universities to provide support services where and when needed.
• Small group instruction (SGI) for tutoring, CAHSEE prep, and other subjects.

Alternative Education in an Independent Study Format

Rigor	Relationships	Relevance
• Standards-based Instruction • State-Adopted Textbooks • A-G Curriculum Path • CAHSEE • Dual Enrollment at PCC • Required Tutoring	• Teacher • Chaser • Tutor • Social Worker • Volunteers	• Fieldtrips as part of visual and performing arts, science, and social studies • Health • Community Service • Work Experience

Schedule
Although students can enter at any point to begin coursework, LWCS is organized around trimesters in order to structure the curriculum and credit accumulation Students will be enrolled in either four or five classes per trimester for a total of 60 units or 75 units per year depending on how credit deficient they are. LWCS follows the state and district graduation requirements.