This summer a K-8th home based study program as well as Independence High School moved into the 7th Ave school building often referred by its old name, “Laguna Honda.” This is the first time that the two programs that served San Francisco Unified School District are under one roof.
The Elementary program, Community Home-Based Education, is a program that serves approximately 80 families in the San Francisco Unified School District area who are seeking educational alternatives to the regular classroom setting for grades K-8. Families often choose this program if religious requirements or health issues prevents the student from attending school. The program run by Ana Georgio, requires students and parents to participate in weekly sessions with the teacher at the Inner Sunset site.
Independence High School, lead by Principal Robert Maass, is a successful independent study based school that has moved into the site. He describes the school as a “small town” community of a total of 330 students. The youth come to school once a week to meet with their advisor, do science labs and other activities like yoga. Approximately 130-150 students are in the school on any given day. The school goal is to have every student graduate from high school. Students must have 60 high school credits to qualify for the program. Most students are 16-18 years old and tend to be more mature. Maas describes his students as more “inward thinking, introspective and very nice.” They come from all socioeconomic levels and 24 are mothers (there is no onsite childcare.) The school has continuous enrollment and there is a waiting list.
The school also has a program for those entering high school who were not successful in middle school. The more structured program called One Room School House is for 9th graders. It involves many field trips, Outward Bound programs such as rope course challenges with a core curriculum of project-based learning. The students participate five days a week for at least two hours a day.
The school hours are from 8:15 to 3:30 pm. The schoolyard will continue to be open during the weekend for neighborhood use through the SF Park and Recreation department community program.
Independence High School
1350 7th Avenue
(415) 242-5000
Principal Robert Maass