Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

WHAT TYPE OF STUDENT IS A GOOD FIT FOR TUSTIN CONNECT? ​​​
​Tustin Connect meets the needs of independent learners who need a flexible schedule. Some of these students include home-schooled students, elite athletes, dancers, musicians, actors, gifted children, ill students, and other students and families that want a rigorous  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 support 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. Daily parent participation/involvement is essential for all Tustin Connect students.  Academic support from parents is critical for elementary students. ​​​
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?
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. Click here to 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 5th-8th grade 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? ​​
Independent study is a great fit for many GATE identified students.   ​Because of the rigorous nature of independent study, students who are at grade level or above are most successful.
DO STUDENTS RECEIVE GRADES? ​​
Yes, students receive the same report cards and grades as other students in the Tustin Unified School District. 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? ​​
**UPDATE: For the 2021-2022 school year, dual enrollment will NOT be available 

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 attend weekly during their assigned class time. Tustin Connect has open “lab hours” every week where students have the additional option to come in and work with peers and their teacher.  In order to continue with independent study, students must attend regularly, complete assignments on time, and show academic progress.
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 also participate in collaborative learning days, lab hours, and other activities hosted at Tustin Connect. ​​​
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, Freckle, Actively Learn, and much more. Our students apply their learning through online tools such as 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.
I have other questions that are not answered here. What should I do?  ​
Click on the button below to request an appointment. ​
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.