When BYU Independent Study student Josh Callister heard about his older sister’s positive experience with BYU IS, he decided to give it a try for himself. Wanting to keep his mind sharp during the summer months, Josh enrolled in Honors Chemistry—a subject that both challenged and fascinated him.
For Josh, the decision wasn’t just about earning credit. It was about continuing to learn what he genuinely enjoys and discovering new ways to make education exciting.
“I wanted to do something meaningful with my summer,” Josh shared. “BYU Independent Study made it possible for me to keep learning in a way that fit my schedule—and I actually looked forward to it.”
Making Learning Meaningful
Josh quickly realized that BYU Independent Study courses are designed to do more than simply meet academic requirements. The flexible, self-paced format allowed him to dive deeper into topics that interested him and explore lessons at his own rhythm.
He appreciated that each assignment wasn’t just “busy work.” Instead, the coursework was interactive, purposeful, and rewarding.
“The assignments helped me really understand what I was learning,” Josh explained. “They weren’t just to fill time—they helped me connect concepts and build confidence.”
This deeper engagement helped transform what could have been a routine summer class into an experience that strengthened his curiosity and academic skills.
Exploring New Possibilities
BYU Independent Study offers hundreds of accredited high school courses, including core subjects, electives, and advanced options for students who want to go further. From chemistry and physics to creative writing and world languages, students can explore what sparks their interest—on their own schedule and at their own pace.
Courses are designed to keep learning fun, flexible, and personalized, giving students like Josh the freedom to learn year-round without the pressure of rigid classroom schedules.
Josh’s Advice for Future Students
When asked what advice he’d give to other students considering BYU Independent Study, Josh’s answer was simple but insightful:
“Participate fully in your assignments, put in the hard work, and fill your summer with opportunities to learn.”
He believes that putting genuine effort into the coursework makes the experience even more rewarding—and can transform how students view learning.
Josh is already planning to take another BYU Independent Study course next summer. His story is a reminder that education doesn’t have to stop when the school year ends—it can be a lifelong adventure.