Recently, a mysterious door labeled “Verdugo Academy” appeared in the 6000 wing that acts as a portal to a completely different school. Verdugo Academy has taken root in room 6302, near the rose garden. Before entering the room, one is greeted with a sunny label on the door. Inside, the staff members go about their work and welcome everyone with a smile. The large room is split into different sections, with books lining every shelf and a neatly organized group of desks in the center. All of the teachers have their own small rooms, each as unique as the teachers themselves. Verdugo Academy is an independent study program that provides education for students from K – 12. Students may join the program for a variety of reasons, from schedule to health issues. This program finds a way to work around students’ busy schedules and accommodates all of their needs. This enables students who devote a lot of time to extracurricular activities to be able to get an education. Verdugo Academy recently relocated from its former facility on Foothill Blvd to Clark. After the lease ended, district administrators decided that it would be a wise decision to relocate; having a separate location would be too expensive. The students who participate in the program now come to Clark at various time throughout the day for their lessons. These weekly lessons usually take about an hour or more depending on how many classes a student is taking. Verdugo Academy provides a wide variety of classes, including online courses. All required classes are available and count for credit. Some of the electives that Verdugo Academy offers are sociology, psychology, foods and first aid. A physical education course is also available, but all assignments are written and do not involve physical activity. “We try to make our curriculum rigorous and challenging,” said Ingrid Guerra, a Verdugo Academy high school teacher. The system that is used in teaching is very simple. The teacher explains the material to the parent, and the parent teaches the student at home. At the next meeting, the student hands in his or her work and gets tested on the material. “I come here at 9:30, turn in my work, and get lectured or take a test,” said Verdugo Academy high school student Caroline Kindred. Even though the academics adjust to the students’ lifestyles, there are a few downsides to the program. Because the students only come for short periods of time and have a very structured agenda for that time, there is almost no social interaction. There is no group work or break periods. Some students find it helpful to participate in outside activities to develop their social skills. According to Guerra, however, Verdugo Academy makes up for its lack of social interaction with its flexibility. Anther advantage is the one-on-one attention that all students receive from the teachers. Kindred believes it makes for a more personalized education. Students interested in enrolling must contact Daily High School, where they will be tested. Questions may be directed either to Daily or to the staff at Verdugo Academy.