Above Nav Container

The Grauer School Logo

Utility Container

Search Trigger (Container)

Button (Container)

Button 2 (Container)

Mobile Menu Trigger (container)

Off Canvas Navigation Container

Close Trigger (container)

Search

Independent Studies

An independent study course student scaling a rock wall

The Grauer School offers an outstanding independent studies program for students who have vocations or professions requiring flexibility in their educational scheduling. Courses in our independent studies program are available on a course-by-course basis for students at The Grauer School, as well as for enthusiastic learners throughout the San Diego area on our campus in Encinitas! Students in our independent studies program have distinguished themselves in many fields, including but not limited to:

  • Independent Scholastic Pursuits and Coursework
  • Acting/Theatre/Performance Arts
  • Music
  • Equestrian Skills and Competition
  • Tennis
  • Golf
  • Hockey
  • Figure Skating
  • Surfing
  • And even - Rodeo!


Virtually all independent studies program classes can be offered in a one-on-one independent studies format. The courses in our independent studies program require students to exercise accountability and self-advocacy, as classes meet only two or three times per week. Each of our independent study classes includes 34 hours of one-on-one instruction per semester — with 40 hours for lab courses, and 38 hours for honors courses.

WASC-Accredited College Transfer Credits

The Grauer School is proud to offer WASC-accredited college transfer credits*. Please be aware units are only guaranteed if a student has advance permission from his/her school guidance office to take any of our independent study classes. When registering, please be mindful that each school or district has its own transfer credit policy, and there may be a cap on transferable units.

If you have any questions about WASC-accredited college transfer credits, we recommend consulting your school/university administrators in advance of registration. Also, we recommend discussing the maximum number of units you can earn from an outside institution like The Grauer School with your school administrators.

*Acquiring permission is not the responsibility of The Grauer School or any of its representatives. Transcripts will be mailed to your school one week after completion of course(s). Extra copies of transcripts cost $20 each.

Enrolling in Independent Study Classes

The cost to enroll in independent study classes at The Grauer School is $3101 per semester (2021 prices, subject to change). A fee of $200 will be added to each semester for any class taken in an honors capacity.

In compliance with NCAA regulations, our independent studies classes are marked PAC on transcripts. This designates that independent study classes were taken at either a condensed or expanded pace set by the student, which is different than a traditional class.

Independent Studies Application (Click to download PDF)

A $75 non-refundable registration fee is required to reserve your space for students new to The Grauer School. Final tuition is due prior to the first day of class. Tuition is non-refundable after classes begin. Make checks payable to The Grauer School, and mail with your application to:

The Grauer School
Independent Studies
1500 S. El Camino Real
Encinitas, CA 92024

For further information about the Independent Studies program, please contact Mimi Robinson at mimirobinson@grauerschool.com.

Independent Study School in San Diego

The Grauer School is proud to be one of the most inclusive independent study schools in San Diego. As a worldwide leader in the small schools movement, we are privileged to serve the independent studies needs of our tight-knit student body. If your family would like to visit our school, we would love to hear from you!

VISIT GRAUER