Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who can enroll at Tustin Connect?
Any K-12 student residing within Tustin Unified may enroll at Tustin Connect. Students who reside outside of Tustin Unified need to complete interdistrict transfer paperwork with their current district of residence before they are able to enroll.
If a student has an IEP, the IEP team must consent to independent study and determine that it is the best placement for the student. Please contact your school’s IEP team prior to enrolling at Tustin Connect.
How much does it cost to attend?
Tustin Connect is a public school operated by Tustin Unified District. There is no tuition.
When can students enroll?
Due to limited space in the program, it is recommended to start the enrollment process between March-June prior to the school year you are seeking enrollment. Enrollment is ongoing so students can enroll throughout the summer or transfer to Tustin Connect at anytime during the school year if there is space. Students can also transfer back to their school of residence at anytime if they feel that Tustin Connect is not fully meeting their needs.
How do I enroll?
Click here to view the enrollment process.
Who are the teachers?
Highly qualified and fully credentialed teachers from Tustin Unified are carefully selected to provide students with a rigorous and engaging learning experience. Meet our staff.
What type of technology do students need?
Students are encouraged to use their personal computer or tablet if available. Devices are also available for use at Tustin Connect and students can check out a device if they do not have access to one at home.
How is Tustin Connect different from a traditional school?
The student’s learning at Tustin Connect is substantially equivalent in quality and quantity to traditional classroom instruction. The main difference is that Tustin Connect students have increased flexibility. Students can work and learn at their own pace, from any location, and at any time.
What if my child is an advanced (gifted) learner or a struggling learner?
Our teachers work carefully with students to personalize the instruction to ensure maximum learning and student success. We challenge all students to stretch to reach their full academic potential.
Do students receive grades?
Yes, students receive the same report cards and grades as other students in the Tustin Unified School District. High school middle school students receive letter grades and elementary students have a standards-based report cards that indicates their mastery of the academic standards.
Are there opportunities to be involved at the neighborhood schools?
Yes. Middle school students (6th-8th) can be dually enrolled at Tustin Connect and their Tustin Unified middle school of residence. Students have the option to enroll in 1-2 elective classes at their middle school of residence.
Elementary students can participate in PE, music, art, and other events at their elementary school of residence. Note that dual-enrollment is subject to approval by the administration of Tustin Connect and the school of residence.
How often do students attend or check-in at Tustin Connect?
Students must check-in with their teacher to submit work and receive new assignments weekly or twice a month. Tustin Connect has open “lab hours” every week where students have the option to come in and work with peers and their teacher. Some students choose to work at the Tustin Connect campus 1-2 days a week, while other students only attend the (mandatory) check-in with their teacher. Arrangements can also be made to have video chat or phone check-ins if students are unable to come in. Student attendance is based on completed work, so it is essential that students complete all of their assigned work every week.
Will my child have social opportunities with other students?
Yes. In addition to being able to participate in activities and classes at your school of residence, students can also participate in collaborative learning days, lab hours, and other activities hosted at Tustin Connect.
What type of student is a good fit for Tustin Connect?
Tustin Connect meets the needs of many different types of students. Some of these students include home-schooled students, elite athletes, musicians, actors, gifted children, ill students, and other students and families that want a more personalized and flexible learning environment. Students who are typically successful in independent study are self-motivated, independent learners, and have a strong academic foundation. For primary learners, parent motivation and commitment are critical. Fill out our "Tustin Connect Self-Survey" to help determine if Tustin Connect might be a good fit for your student.
How much parental involvement is required?
Since much of the learning at Tustin Connect occurs outside the physical classroom, successful students at Tustin Connect have a high level of parental involvement. Parent participation is essential, especially for the elementary students.
What curriculum is used?
Our teachers create customized learning plans based on the TUSD adopted curriculum. Some of our curriculum includes content from IXL, Newsela, Acellus, Khan Academy, Ten Marks Math, Freckle, Actively Learn, and much more. Our students apply their learning through online tools such as PowerSchool Learning LMS, G Suite (Drive, Docs, Slides, Classroom, etc.), and various educational iPad apps.
Can a student with an IEP enroll?
Special education students may not participate in independent study unless it is specified as an instructional method in their IEP (EC Section 51745 c). Please contact your school’s IEP team regarding possible enrollment.
What modifications or changes are expected as a result of COVID-19?
Tustin Connect will follow all of the same guidelines for social distancing and in person instruction as all TUSD schools will follow. Additionally, Tustin Connect students will have the option to conduct their weekly check in meetings in person or virtually throughout the year.
I have other questions that are not answered here. What should I do?
Click on the button below to request an appointment.