The Board of Trustees of Woodland Joint Unified School District established the Independent Learning Center (ILC) in 1988. It was designed to create a self-educational program for pupils whose needs may best be met through study outside of the traditional classroom setting. The California Education Code specifically provides for the independent study option. It is an alternative instructional strategy consistent with the WJUSD course of study.

The initial intent was to serve as a drop out recovery program. The ILC now serves a broader set of student educational needs. Students may be simultaneously enrolled in Woodland Community College. Participation is school sports and other extracurricular activities is possible as long as the student meets the requirements of their attendance area school.

Enrollment at the ILC, by law, must be a voluntary placement. Students enrolling in this educational option are referred from a variety of sources, including Cache Creek, Pioneer or Woodland High Schools. Many students previously enrolled in independent study programs directly join the ILC after entering the school district.