Further Study Sought on Copernicus School

School trustees have asked for more information before deciding whether to create a campus for students enrolled in independent study programs.

Dubbed Copernicus High School, after the divergent 16th-century Polish astronomer, would allow more flexible class options for students who are unable to attend regular high school.

But Capistrano Unified School District trustees this week said they are divided over whether the program is needed. The trustees agreed that they wanted more information about how much the program would cost.

Under the proposal, students in the program would concentrate on one class at a time, attend school once a week and complete 190 credits to meet graduation requirements.

“This is a plan to allow a child to be a square peg in a square hole,” said Trustee Sheila J. Benecke, who supports the program. “It shows that [the district] is not going to force students into a round hole.”