Fullerton School District Independent Study Physical Education (ISPE) Guidelines

The Fullerton School District Board of Education believes that all students benefit from participating in a comprehensive, standards-aligned physical education (PE) program that integrates physical fitness with activities students enjoy. For students engaged in extensive, national competition-level athletic training outside of school, Independent Study PE (ISPE) may be an approved alternative to classroom-based PE, following the state and local guidelines outlined below. Please note, however, that athletic training outside of school does not qualify students for a PE exemption, as per Education Code 51241.

The California Department of Education defines independent study as “an alternative instructional strategy, not an alternative curriculum; students follow the same course of study and meet the same academic standards as classroom-based students.” Students enrolled in ISPE must comply with Education Code sections 51222, 51225.3, 51241, and 60800, which require all students in grades five and seven to participate in the state’s physical education performance test.  Additionally, the state mandates that a formal, signed Written Agreement, which outlines the scope, standards, and timelines of any independent study program, must be in place before a student’s enrollment in ISPE.

Students applying for ISPE must meet eligibility criteria and submit all required documentation. Completed applications must be submitted to the designee within the designated application window: May 1 - May 31 for consideration for the following school year. ISPE authorization, if granted by both the site principal or designee and Fullerton School District Educational Services, will be valid for one school year and must be renewed annually.

Eligibility & Application Requirements

Annual Application Window:  May 1 - May 31

(for the following school year)

If you are interested, please contact us at 714-447-2870 or email danielle_guerrero@myfsd.org during this window for next steps. 

Eligibility for Independent Study Physical Education (ISPE)

Students enrolled in grades 7-8 may be approved annually for ISPE to complete their state-required physical education coursework if they meet the following criteria:

• The student must be enrolled full-time at an in-person middle or high school in Fullerton School District.

• The student must be engaged in national or international-level athletic training and competition activities outside of school for an average of 10 or more hours per week (Monday through Friday).

• The student must provide formal documentation of previous or planned participation in national or international-level training and competition.

The following situations DO NOT qualify a student for ISPE:

• Students participating in two or more sports simultaneously, whether school-based or external, even if the combined participation meets the 10-hour weekly requirement.

• Students involved in local or regional “travel teams” or club athletics. 

• For ISPE purposes, "national/international" refers to the level of competition, not the organization's reach.

• Students receiving individualized coaching or training (e.g., private hitting/pitching coaches, weight training, conditioning, private dance lessons, etc.).