The final bell of the school year rings and the long awaited summer vacation finally begins. Throughout the hallways, students celebrate the end of school. But for some, more school may lurk ahead.

Many students choose to take summer school to make up classes with inadequate grades, or maybe to get ahead and free up a busy schedule.

One option offered on campus is independent study summer school in the form of packets. Students are given a series of packets and tested on the material whenever the packet is complete. This is a great alternative for people who have jobs or busy schedules during the summer.

“I am so thankful for the independent study program,” Kimberly Bimat, ’06, said. “I don’t know of many schools that are as flexible with summer school as ours.”

Subjects offered in packets for original credit include: Bible (9-11), economics, American history, civics and world history. Subjects offered for review credit include: algebra I, geometry and English (9-11).

All packets can be taken for 5 credits (equivalent to one semester) or 10 credits (equivalent to two semesters). Cost of tuition for classes through packets are $175 per 5-unit class and $350 per 10-unit class.

Other students take summer school at the local public high schools to make up, or gain extra credits.

“I am choosing to take summer school at Buchanan High School this summer,” Kacie Filgas, ’05, said. “I need to take chemistry, and it is not offered in packets at FC, so I am taking it in a classroom setting at Buchanan.””

Although the thought of going to school during the summer isn’t exactly appealing to many students, the programs on campus offer many options that make the grueling duty a lot easier.” “” “” “” “” “Insert text here