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Programs

Liberty ACE

The Advanced Career Education (ACE) Program is a community-based program that serves young adults, 18-22 years of age, who receive special education services. The program prepares our young adults to transition successfully into supported or competitive employment. Our curriculum targets the following domains: functional academics, domestic, community, vocational and recreation/leisure. 

Program Components:

  • Assessment and documentation of student skills, abilities and interests;
  • Systematic instruction focused on individualized and group approach in the acquisition, maintenance and generalization of skills;
  • Transition planning centered on individual goals and dreams;
  • Inter-agency collaboration to support successful post-school outcomes​.

Independent Study Options

Independent Study is an instructional option authorized under California Education Code (EC §§ 51745–51749.6) that allows students to continue learning when they are unable to attend school in person. SJUSD works collaboratively with families to determine whether Independent Study is appropriate and which option best supports a student’s needs. We remain focused on continuity, access, and accountability so students stay meaningfully engaged in learning.

Short-Term Independent Study

Short-Term Independent Study is intended for brief, temporary circumstances that prevent a student from attending school in person.

Key points:

  • Limited to 5-15 school days per school year

  • Student remains enrolled at their current school

  • Instruction aligns to grade-level standards and current coursework

  • Availability is determined by the school site based on staffing and instructional capacity

  • A short-term Independent Study agreement is required, consistent with Education Code

This option is most appropriate when a student is expected to return to in-person instruction within a clearly defined timeframe.

Long-Term Independent Study

Long-Term Independent Study is designed for students who require an extended alternative to daily, in-person attendance and who are ready for increased independence and responsibility.

Key points:

  • Used when Independent Study is needed for more than 15 school days

  • Provides a structured instructional model with certificated teacher support

  • Includes regular monitoring of student progress and participation

  • Requires consistent engagement and weekly assignment completion

Students participating in Long-Term Independent Study must sign an Independent Study Master Agreement, as required by Education Code. The agreement outlines expectations for:

  • Weekly work completion

  • Ongoing communication with assigned teachers

  • Satisfactory academic progress

If a student does not meet the participation or work completion requirements outlined in the agreement, the Independent Study placement may be discontinued and the student will be returned to their comprehensive high school.

Long-Term Independent Study is offered only through Liberty Alternative High School. Students must enroll at Liberty Alternative High School in order to participate in this option.

Family Readiness Considerations

Long-Term Independent Study is most successful when students and families are prepared for the expectations of the program.

Home and Hospital Instruction Program

Liberty Alternative School provides a Home and Hospital Instruction Program for students experiencing a temporary disability or extended illness that prevents them from attending their home school. The goal of home and hospital instruction is to help maintain continuity of instruction during the period that the student is absent from their regular classes.

A temporary disability means a physical, mental, or emotional disability incurred while a student is enrolled in regular day classes or an alternative education program and after which a student can reasonably be expected to return to regular day classes or an alternative educational program without special intervention.

The first step in determining whether a student qualifies for home or hospital instruction is to contact the current school of enrollment.

  • Elementary students: Parents/guardians of students in grades TK-5 should contact the school nurse at their home school
  • Secondary students: Parents/guardians of students in grades 6-12 should contact a school administrator at their home school

The liaison for the Home and Hospital program at each school will help guide families through the application process and coordinate with the other departments in San José Unified.

If an application is approved, Liberty Alternative School will work with the home school to arrange for a teacher to meet with the student at their home or appropriate location for five hours of instruction per week. The parent/guardian is responsible for ensuring that an adult is present during the sessions. At the end of the Home and Hospital program, students are expected to return to their home school.