Kelseyville Learning Academy offers alternative to traditional K-12 education

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The Kelseyville Learning Academy building at the Kelseyville Unified School District. Courtesy photo.

KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – For those interested in homeschooling and independent study, Kelseyville Unified School District now offers the Kelseyville Learning Academy, or KLA, for grades K-12.

The new school works with families to create a tailored schedule and curriculum for each student that can be completed online or via a home-classroom environment – or a blend of the two.

KLA high school students who want to participate in extracurricular activities or select classes at Kelseyville High School are free to do so, including sports, career technical education, band, and more.

Kelseyville Unified Director of Student Support Services Tim Gill said, “At the Kelseyville Learning Academy, families get the support of a credentialed teacher who can develop coursework and help students stay on track.”

Teacher Rena Roush has 17 years’ experience teaching independent study and says she looks forward to working with students and families to create the educational experience that works best for them.

Gill continued, “Kelseyville Learning Academy is not a watered-down version of school. Students must complete the same number of credits to graduate as they would attending Kelseyville High School. However, it does provide families with the flexibility to design their child’s educational experience.”

He noted that KLA will provide students with the rigorous academic foundation they need to attend University of California or California State University schools, if that is their goal.

Although a traditional classroom education works well for many students, it does not work well for all, according to Roush.

“A one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t always provide the best fit. Parents know their children better th­an anyone, so I listen to their needs and concerns and help them build a program that’s right for them,” she said.

Roush meets with students and families at the new KLA building adjacent to the Kelseyville Unified Office on Konocti Road in Kelseyville.

Like everything else about the program, the meeting schedule is based on the needs of students and their families.

During those meetings, Roush supports homeschool parents and independent study students in many ways.

She partners with parents to develop individualized learning plans; assists with teaching strategies, coaching and assessment; and offers guidance on curriculum choices and planning.

With students, she provides academic support as well as assistance in goal-setting and planning for the future.

Rena Roush. Courtesy photo.


“With parents, we mostly collaborate on ideas, strategies, and planning. Parents of elementary school students often have fantastic ideas for learning activities, for example, and I can help align those activities with academic standards,” she said. “I worry that some homeschool parents think I’ll judge their efforts. Not at all. The homeschool parents I’ve met are deeply committed to their children and want to be involved in their children’s academic pursuits. I’m just here to help and provide resources.”

For high school students interested in pursuing a career, KLA offers a hybrid academic/work-study program.

Several local businesses in the trades and other industries have expressed a willingness to work with students to provide real-world experience in their areas of interest.

For high school students interested in attending college, KLA recommends a dual-enrollment approach that includes high school and college courses.

This allows KLA students to earn an associate’s degree for transfer so they can take advantage of agreements like the one between Mendocino College and Sonoma State University (SSU), whereby students with an associate’s degree are automatically accepted at SSU.

Roush said, “The associate’s degree doesn’t require students to adhere to the strict A-G requirements set forth by the College Board. It shows they’ve gained the knowledge a different way.”

Students who live in Lake County or any adjacent county can enroll in KLA, including Mendocino, Sonoma, Napa, Colusa, Yolo and Glenn counties.

Those who reside outside the Kelseyville Unified School District simply need to apply for an inter-district transfer.

Roush said, “There are many ways to achieve a goal. At Kelseyville Unified, we are committed to making sure that all students have a chance to succeed.”

For more information about KLA, contact Tim Gill, Kelseyville Unified director of Student Support Services at 707-279-1511 or via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..