School For Independent Learners

Specialties

SIL offers tutoring help in all subjects for grades 8 – 12. As an independent, comprehensive high school, we also allow students to take class for credit, studying at their own pace and to a mastery level.

SIL’s UC-​approved courses exceed California education standards and college readiness requirements. Our graduates gain admission to UC and CSU programs, and have earned merit-​based scholarships from highly selective colleges throughout the United States. Most of our courses are taught in the ultimate student-​centered format: one teacher, one student. Our one-​to-​one setting provides a tremendous opportunity for accelerated progress and self-​directed learning.

History

Established in 2000.

Early in their careers, as teachers in overcrowded schools, Dr. Herman and Jean Ohme saw many injustices: students were failed with no second chances, expelled for being truant, and criticized for being different. After decades of uncovering the problems that undermine our education system, the Ohmes began SIL to offer a safe place for students to learn, without the threat of failure. They devised a school that ‘does no harm,’ where students can learn the value of hard work and independence. At SIL, ‘mistakes’ are part of the learning process, not a cause for punishment. In 2001, the Ohmes founded School for Independent Learners, based in Los Altos, California. Now in its second decade, SIL has remained true to the Ohme’s vision and remains a school where students learn in a supportive yet intellectually rigorous environment.