This month, we will be taking a look at Snowline Academy, an Independent Study Non-Traditional school of choice that has unique opportunities available to students in the Tri-Community!
From brick and mortar classrooms to homeschool charters and non-traditional school choices, it may be hard to decide how and where to send your child to school, and which is the right fit for your family. While all can be good choices, they offer different ways of learning and activities available to the students.
In 2012, the Snowline Joint Unified School District (SJUSD) started Snowline Academy, an Independent Study program for students from Kindergarten through 12th grade. What makes Snowline Academy different from the others is that it gives its students the ability to take part in activities held on SJUSD campuses. From sports teams, music classes, and theater, to choir, clubs, and even Skills USA, the students have the opportunity to take part in these school programs while still having the flexibility of doing the day-to-day school work from the comfort of their own home, at their own pace.
Elementary and Middle School students are given district adopted curriculum created by teachers in packets to complete, while High School students have the choice between packet work or online classes that align with the A-G pathway. All students are also given a Chromebook to use. While similar to charter schools, in that the majority of the schooling takes place in the home, students are required to come onto the campus once a week for an hour minimum to meet with their assigned teacher and go over the packets of work they are currently learning. Sometimes this is done in a one-on-one setting, and other times it will be done in small groups. During these meetings, the students will have the opportunity to have hands-on learning experiences in a classroom setting.
Parents play a key role in the success of their students at Snowline Academy. Making sure that the students are completing the assigned work prior to their weekly meetings and are staying on track for the year is imperative to creating a successful future within Snowline Academy.
The school also offers concurrent enrollment for high school students who may be behind in credits. This allows them to make up the credits at their own pace from home while continuing their regular classes on the Serrano campus.
“We are very flexible,” shared Assistant Principal Rose Beasley, “At Snowline Academy, your child truly does come first.”
With over 20 years of teaching each, this month’s spotlight is on two extraordinary educators making a difference at Snowline Academy: Melissa Vondra and Kathleen Holman.
Vondra has been an educator for 26 years and has spent the past five years teaching at Snowline Academy. When asked what she loves most about her job, Vondra replied, “Working at Snowline Academy’s non-traditional homeschool program has been both meaningful and rewarding. This personalized approach makes it possible to meet students where they are academically and provide targeted support based on their individual needs.”
Holman has been teaching for over 30 years, with the last nine years being at Snowline Academy as an elementary teacher. “What drew me to this school was the opportunity to work within our district’s non-traditional framework,” shared Holman, “After decades in education, I found that I truly loved working with students and families in a way that differs from the traditional classroom. It allows for a more personalized approach to education that simply isn’t possible in a standard setting.”
When it comes to what makes Snowline Academy stand out, Holman expressed, “At Snowline Academy, we offer the best of both worlds. Our families are often looking for flexibility or the ability to be their child’s primary instructor at home, but they don’t want to lose the ‘school experience.’ Because we are part of the Snowline School District, our students can still participate in district activities, music, band, and sports. This blend of independent flexibility and traditional community access makes our school incredibly special.” She continued, “In the independent study model, ‘going above and beyond’ means being a true partner to the parents. I work closely with them to understand their child’s strengths and challenges, and I adjust the curriculum to meet those specific needs. Whether it’s providing extra resources for a difficult concept or offering flexibility for a family’s schedule, my goal is to ensure the student feels supported and empowered to succeed on their own terms.”
Holman went on to share what she loves most about her job, “One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is the continuity and the relationships that I have with our students and families. Because I get to work with the same families year after year, we build deep, meaningful relationships. I make it a priority to get to know each family’s unique needs and dynamics. This allows me to support the student’s educational journey in a way that is tailored to them. It is truly an honor to be a consistent part of their lives.” She continued, “No two years are ever the same at Snowline Academy! Every year brings new families and new challenges, which keep the work exciting. Seeing a student grow from year to year and knowing I played a part in their unique path is what keeps me passionate about teaching. At Snowline Academy, we aren’t just teaching a curriculum; we are supporting a family’s choice to educate their child in a way that fits their life.”
With approximately 200 students enrolled for the current school year, Snowline Academy has jumped from four to eight teachers to meet the needs of its growing enrollment. The future is bright for this gem of a school and its incredible opportunities available to its students.
For more information on Snowline Academy, please visit https://nts.snowlineschools.com/.
