The ASCEND class is designed to address behavior challenges of students in grades 4-6. Along with the core curriculum for all grade levels, this class provides behavior interventions for regular education students. A counseling component exists to help students learn appropriate problem-solving behavior and social skills. This class utilizes a level system that encourages students to modify negative behavior. Students are placed on a level system that encourages appropriate behavior.

This ASCEND class is designed to address behavior challenges of students in grades 1-3. Provides similar instruction to the Highlands Ascend class. 

This continuation program is designed to assist 16 to 18 years old students who may be low in high school credits, who need to work part-time, or who are seeking a smaller educational environment than that offered at PHS. Contact your high school counselor to discuss a transfer to this school.

This independent study program supports K-12th grade students and families wanting a learning environment independent of the regular school program. At these grade levels, students are expected to be able to operate independently in preparing homework and studying on their own. This program is for students who are already independent learners. Students who attend Pittsburg Independent Learning Center have their home school defined by the last school that the student attended before entering Pittsburg Independent Learning Center. High school graduates may receive a diploma from Black Diamond High School or Pittsburg High School. Contact your school counselor to discuss a transfer to this program.

Students are considered for the Golden Gate Community School when referred by one or more of the following: Court wards or dependents whose case manager (Judge, Probation Officer, or Social Service) has determined that it is in the student's best interest to attend the Golden Gate Community School, and/or as a transition period from an institutional program. It also serves District students whose needs have been reviewed by the District School Attendance Review Board (SARB), or whose parents have requested attendance in the Golden Gate Community School. Expelled students who may no longer attend district schools may also attend this school. Students who have been referred by the Probation Department as informal probationers will be carried as an at risk student if agreed to by all parties. Since each Golden Gate Community School student was previously placed in a local school program, Golden Gate seeks to transition the students back to an appropriate educational, training, and/or employment setting upon completion of their contractual requirements. The Golden Gate program is student-centered and adapted to meet the student's individual needs.

NEW for the 2022-2023 School Year

Pittsburg Independent Learning Center and Virtual Independent Study are combined and will be known as Pittsburg Independent Studies K-12.

This new program will have the options of Independent Study, Virtual and/or hybrid of both. 

To apply for this program please contact: 

• Grades K-5    -   Principal of the Student's Assigned School

• Grades 6-8    -   Admin/Counselor from the Student's Assigned School. Please contact the school clerk to schedule a meeting.

• Grades 9-12  -   Counselor from the Student's Assigned School

Transfer requests will be reviewed each quarter. 

Transfer approvals may be based on space availability and student needs. 

If you have questions regarding the program, you can contact Brian Wilson at brianwilson@pittsburgusd.net 

• Orientation to Virtual Independent Study

• Orientación para el Estudio Independiente Virtual

Home/Hospital Instruction is available for students with temporary medical disabilities which renders them unable to participate in regular school programs. A medical doctor’s order specifying length of period of disability on the district’s form is required. Contact your school counselor or the Student Services Department.