Academic Levels
Overview
All courses are assigned a level of difficulty in one of four categories. In structuring these levels the following criteria has been established:
1. Complexity of content and pace of instruction
2. Difficulty and amount of reading material
3. Abstract reasoning and problem solving skills
4. Integration of previously learned material
5. Quality and frequency of homework and independent assignments
6. Level of mastery of course proficiencies
Note: To advance to the next higher academic level, a student must earn a minimum final grade of 83 in the current level of that course, or recommendation from department supervisor. A Course Request Waiver Form is available to a student who does not meet the minimum grade requirements in a course, and has not received departmental recommendation. A student enrolling in a course using a waiver will not be permitted to drop the course or change the level for the duration of the school year.
Levels
College Prep
Courses are designated to prepare students for post-secondary education and the workplace. Student placement will be determined by previous academic achievement and standardized test scores.
Accelerated
Courses designated as Accelerated are intended for students with strong academic abilities. Student placement will be determined by previous academic achievement and standardized test scores.
Honors
Courses designated as Honors are intended for students who are well above grade level in their academic skills. The homework load, academic environment, and difficulty level of tests and quizzes are consistent with an Honors level of course work. Student ability level will be determined by previous academic achievement and standardized test scores. Students will be required to earn a minimum grade of 74 in an Honors course to enroll in the next course at the Honors level.
Advanced Placement
Courses designated as Advanced Placement (AP) are taught under guidelines established by The College Board. AP courses are college-level courses. Students enrolled in AP courses will be challenged at the highest level of academic difficulty available in a high school setting. Students who take AP courses may elect to take the accompanying Advanced Placement Examination given at the conclusion of the course. If a student earns a grade of 3, 4, or 5 on an AP exam it is possible to receive college credit for that particular AP course while gaining tuition savings. The Advanced Placement test for college credit is optional. If a student chooses to take the test, he/she will be responsible for payment of the testing fee.