Larchmont Charter School strives to provide students with an exceptional public education that fosters creativity and academic excellence.
The Self-Guided Study Program extends the
same rigor and learning opportunities but in an independent, virtual learning setting. This alternative includes curriculum and instruction based on the state-adopted content standards. Students in grades 6 -12 are eligible to enroll in the Self-Guided Study Program.
What makes the SGS Program unique?
Encouraging Teachers
Quality
Curriculum
Standards-Based Lessons
Flexible
Schedule
Participation in School Events
Program Highlights
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Flexible schedule
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College and Career counseling
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Students/families can participate in the life of the Larchmont Charter community at on-campus events and extracurricular activities
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Free access to Chromebooks, headphones and Hotspots
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Small group settings
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Personalized check-ins with designated advisors
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Fully online coursework
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Self-paced, Individualized academic program that can be accelerated or slowed down to foster student success
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Access to grab-n-go meals
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Opportunities for in-person, individualized, and small group support
Interested in learning more?
Watch the videos from our SGS Virtual Open House.
SGS Presentation (23 min.)
What SGS students have to say (2 min.)
What SGS parents have to say (16 min.)
More questions about the Self-Guided Study Program? ​
Contact Drew Brannon at andrew.brannon@larchmontcharter.org
Instruction
Weekly synchronous instructional time is comprised of designated small group or one-on-one office hours delivered via Zoom, involving live communication between the teacher and student. Asynchronous work includes assignments that are completed and submitted on the online-based curriculum, Edgenuity, as well as other ed tech programs. Families are responsible for supporting students at home to ensure work is completed on time.
The LCS Self-Guided Study program uses Edgenuity as its platform for delivering academic content for grades 6-12. Edgenuity is a leading provider of K–12 online learning solutions, partnering with schools and districts throughout the country to provide the tools and support needed to maximize learning and improve student success.
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Students complete a baseline level of their required work (except for PE & Capstone 11/12) through Edgenuity.
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Synchronous instruction supplements Edgenuity work, and has a humanities focus
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Each course on Edgenuity should take approx 3-4 hours per week to complete. Students complete the same amount of work that they would if attending a traditional in-person program.
Communication
Parent communication is an essential component to student success. Parents receive weekly updates from their corresponding campus (Selma or LFP) regarding school news and events. Parents/guardians also may choose to receive daily or weekly progress reports of their student's work in Edgenuity.​
Larchmont Charter uses ParentSquare as its main communication hub throughout all campuses. Parents are encouraged to download the ParentSquare mobile app to interact with teachers and staff, fill out electronic forms, and download information that is unique to the SGS program. Students, grades 6-12, may also download the StudentSquare app to easily interact with their teachers, access downloadable homework files and stay in touch with events on campus. Although not required, families who choose to opt out of registering on ParentSquare will still receive communication from LCS, but cannot interact with signups, electronic signature capabilities, view their progress reports digitally, etc.
Academic Support
While students complete the majority of their work asynchronously through Edgenuity, their supporting teacher is available throughout the day via Zoom or Google Chat. Edgenuity also provides tutoring support from a credentialed teacher who will meet live via video conferencing with a student as needed.
The curriculum itself is mastery-based. Students do not progress forward until they have demonstrated mastery of the previous content. As a parent, you may choose to receive daily or weekly updates of your student's progress, which also enables you to support your student at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Self-Guided Study Program part of Larchmont Charter School?
Yes. Once a student is enrolled in the SGS Program, they become part of the greater LCS community. SGS students and families receive weekly communications from their corresponding grade-level campus so they may participate in campus and school wide events.
Who is eligible to enroll in the SGS Program?
SGS is open to all students who live in Los Angeles and adjacent counties as well as any current Larchmont Charter School student, grades 6-12. Learn more about qualifications and the admission process on our LCS Admission pages.
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What tech equipment is needed in order to participate in the SGS Program?
LCS currently provides 1:1 devices to all its students. Students who are new to LCS will be provided a device upon registering for classes through our school. The device will be used to attend class and submit assignments. Distribution for these supplies through drive-thru distribution or by appointment will be communicated to students’ families.
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How do I enroll in the SGS Program at Larchmont Charter School?
Students who wish to enroll in the SGS Program must apply via the LCS lottery application process. Learn more and apply by visiting our Admissions page.
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Can students with an IEP enroll in the SGS Program?
Yes; however, before a student with an IEP may enroll, the IEP team must meet to recommend the student for the SGS Program. An individual with exceptional needs, as defined in California Education Code Section 56026, shall not participate in independent study, unless the student’s individualized education program developed pursuant to Article 3 (commencing with Section 56340) of Chapter 4 of Part 30 specifically provides for that participation. If a parent or guardian of an individual with exceptional needs requests independent study pursuant to section 51745(a)(6), the student’s individualized education program team shall make an the determination as to whether the pupil can receive a free appropriate public education in an independent study placement. Please contact the case manager at your school of residence to discuss your request.
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Is a signed agreement required in order for my student to attend the SGS Program?
Yes. Prior to starting in the SGS Program, all families must agree to and sign the LCS SGS Student/Parent Agreement prior to enrollment in the SGS Program.
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Is a student enrolled in the SGS Program for the entire school year?
Students must commit to the SGS program for one school year. If a family chooses to transition their student back to in-person school, they may be transitioned to the non-LCS school of residence, depending on the capacity of their corresponding LCS campus. Additionally, if a student is not able to fulfill their responsibility as outlined in the SGS Student/Parent Agreement, tiered-reengagement steps will be taken to return the student to in-person learning.
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If there is capacity in Larchmont's in-person program at the student's grade level, LCS will transition the student to the classroom. If there is no capacity in Larchmont's in-person program, LCS will help the student transition to enrolling in the in-person program offered by their district of residence.
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How many hours will a student be online each day?
The amount of time a student participates in learning activities, whether online with a teacher, independently on Edgenuity, or offline will be roughly equal to a student attending school in person.
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How is attendance taken?
Attendance is based on the student's daily engagement in their school work, meaning students must complete all their assignments to receive attendance credit. If students regularly miss assignments or Zoom meetings, their placement in the SGS Program will be evaluated and they may be required to return to in-person instruction.
What role do parents play?
Parents/Guardians are true partners in the SGS Program as they are essential in helping to monitor their students daily activities to ensure they are making weekly progress and are attending classes regularly.
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What parent or guardian support should be expected for an SGS student during the school day?
Parents/guardians should be able to provide an overall level of accountability and assist with structuring a student's daily school routine.
Depending on the SGS student’s grade level and ability, it is helpful to have an adult available during instructional time in order to help direct students and aid with technology, such as navigating Zoom, online curriculum platforms, uploading assignments for submittal, etc. Older students may need less assistance as they are familiar with the platforms and online resources.
Do students have access to additional academic support?
Yes. All students are assigned a supporting teacher who is responsible for guiding them through the academic program. Additionally, students have access to credentialed teachers in every subject area who can provide support and assistance as needed.
Do SGS students have access to free meals?
Yes, For students who live in Los Angeles, grab-n-go meals are available every Monday for pickup.
