The 2025-26 school year is in full swing, and so, too, are Denair Charter Academy’s independent study services, which allow students from kindergarten to 12th grade to learn off campus, with an educational plan that is tailored to fit their needs.
“K-8 is more of a home-school program, where the parent is highly involved in the child’s education, while the 9-12 independent study is one hour a week with a teacher; the student gets all their curriculum, and they can do it at home,” said DCA principal Jamie Pecot. “Students come to us for a variety of reasons, and we want to support them all.”
Home study is ideal for a variety of students: those who have health concerns or long-term illnesses, those who are anxious in large classroom settings, or those who have joined the workforce and find it difficult to fit school into their schedules.
“I think a lot of times, people feel that our school is made for students that are troubled kids, and that’s absolutely far from the truth,” said Kara Binkley, a social emotional counselor.
With just over 100 students enrolled to start the school year, Pecot said there are opportunities to service students at their preferred times and dates.
“We have ample space for new students right now, which is exciting,” said Pecot. “We’ll get an influx of students in October once the first-quarter grades go out. At that point, parents and their students might come to the realization that a traditional program just isn’t working for them. We schedule on a first-come, first-served basis, so now is the time to register if you’ve been thinking about a non-traditional setting.”
Onsite “enrichment” classes are offered to home students so they can interact with their peers. Classes for students in grades 2-8 are held each Tuesday from 10 a.m. to noon, while high school students can set up their visits at various times, similar to a collegiate schedule. Currently, high-schoolers can take on-campus classes in algebra 1 and 2, geometry, biology, psychology, sports history, ceramics, and floral.
“It’s a great opportunity for home students to interact with other students in their respective grades,” said Pecot. “They’ll get to play education games and do science experiments; music is another option. But the main focus is really student interaction.
“This is not an alternative curriculum. This is standards-based material from the state of California.”
Since DCA is an independent study school, it can service students who are not vaccinated, though only vaccinated students are able to meet with teachers for on-campus visits.
To enroll your child in DCA, you must provide proof of age, attendance records, discipline records, immunization record (if applicable), current transcript or most recent report card, proof of residence (utility bill), custody papers (if applicable), and a copy of IEP or 504 documents (if applicable).
Also, students entering kindergarten must be 5 years old on or before Dec.1 and must complete a dental exam prior to enrollment. First-grade students must complete and provide proof of a physical exam prior to enrollment. Students in grades 7-12 need a current Tdap shot, and all students (if they plan on visiting campus) must have immunizations up to date.
For more information, call 209-634-0917 or visit dca.denairusd.org.
