The Independent Study and Mentorship (ISM) Program is a rigorous and challenging course offered at Frisco ISD high schools.

It is a selective class in which applicants must possess high academic achievement and good character and go through an interview process to be admitted. Once in the program, ISM students select a career path to study and research for the year. Students find professionals in their field in their area and contact them to conduct informational interviews. From this process, the students then carefully choose a mentor with whom to work for and observe for the remainder of the school year. Most of this course is individual-based, but ISM teachers guide the students through the interview and selection process, helping them to develop skills such as professionalism, time management, effective communication, interpersonal skills, interviewing, resume writing, and goal setting. The course is composed of intense research, original idea generation, original product design, and written analysis of research. To thrive in ISM, students in the program must have integrity, be highly intelligent and academically driven, take responsibility, be able to work independently, have a strong work ethic, be committed to task completion, and make good, mature choices. ISM is meant to offer students a head start on their educational and professional career after high school and provide a creative environment for students to think outside of the box and develop original ideas.​