Davis School for Independent Study

Davis School for Independent Study provides an academically challenging course of study in an enriching educational environment that considers and supports each student as it fosters academic, personal, and social growth.

A message from Kim Wallace, Principal of DSIS

Dear DSIS Community:

Welcome to Davis School for Independent Study and the 2009-2010 school year! After a great first year as principal, I’m excited about returning with new ideas and a clear vision of how to better serve DSIS families. Over the course of last year, our staff formed committees to work on curriculum resources, community building, grade level transitions, and marketing our school. Parents and students provided valuable feedback at two open forums and gave us some wonderful input that we can’t wait to implement in the 2009-10 school year. Thanks for being a part of such a unique and inspiring school community.

I am also happy to announce that I’ve been named co-principal at Martin Luther King, Jr. High School with Dave Egolf. This year, I will spend some of my time at King learning the program and will transition fully into the principalship after Mr. Egolf retires at the end of the year. As of the 2010-11 school year, I will split my time 50/50 between DSIS and King. Please be assured that I will continue to support both schools to the best of my ability and am just down the street when anyone needs me.

Kim Wallace

Principal

DSIS in a Nutshell

The Davis School for Independent Study is a K-12 school operating under the auspices of the Davis Joint Unified School District. Started in 1991, the DSIS program is fully accredited through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Independent study offers an alternative instructional methodology to that of the traditional classroom.

Our program creates a small, supportive environment in which students and families can access the district’s recommended course of study. DSIS provides students with a variety of strategies to acquire the values, skills, and knowledge that all students should gain, selecting an instructional approach that responds to an individual’s needs and styles of learning.

Instruction through independent study:

Allows the student to study at his or her own pace
Challenges each student to excel in his or her area of special interest and abilities
Provides an alternative for students to achieve competency and mastery of basic skills
Encourages the student to be resourceful
Facilitates the student’s active participation in his or her own education
Offers real flexibility in the design of an educational program
Offers educational choices to students and families

Enrollment in independent study must be voluntary, a choice made by the student and parent. Attendance is based on a student’s completed work and not on traditional ”seat time.” Therefore, each student must be motivated to study on his or her own independently and complete all assignments. These are essential components for a student’s progress and educational success at DSIS.

Thank you for visiting our website. For further information about DSIS, contact us at (530)757-5333.

Kim Wallace , Principal

Click here to view DSIS's School Accountability Report Card

updated 1/28/10 IJT