ACADEMIC RIGOR
Taking challenging classes in high school is a great way to build new skills. And it will serve you well when you get to college, because you’ll be more prepared for the work.
In a recent survey of college freshmen, more than half of the students surveyed said that they wish they had worked harder in high school. Challenging classes, such as honors and college-level courses, also help you get into college. They are exactly what admission officers like to see on applications.
In a recent survey of college freshmen, more than half of the students surveyed said that they wish they had worked harder in high school. Challenging classes, such as honors and college-level courses, also help you get into college. They are exactly what admission officers like to see on applications.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT CLASSES
Advanced Placement (AP) classes are available at all GPS high schools. AP allows high school students to take college-level classes in high school settings culminating in a nationwide exam aligned with college-level content and expectations. Scores on the AP exams demonstrate students’ mastery of the material and can provide college credit or the opportunity to place out of introductory-level courses. AP subject matter tests include areas in English, calculus, several foreign languages, various sciences, music, and art. Acceptable AP exam scores are determined by the individual post-secondary institutions to which the students are accepted. Typically exam scores of 3 out of 5 must be attained for students to receive college credit for their AP course, but increasingly a 4 or higher is required.
Information regarding advanced placement courses and examinations is available from the counseling office of each high school. Students are not required to take an advance placement course to be eligible to take the advanced placement examination; however, students enrolled in AP courses are expected to take the AP exam.
AP/Honors classes are not available to homebound students.
For more information see the Guidance and Counseling office or please visit www.apcentral.collegeboard.com.
Advanced Placement (AP) classes are available at all GPS high schools. AP allows high school students to take college-level classes in high school settings culminating in a nationwide exam aligned with college-level content and expectations. Scores on the AP exams demonstrate students’ mastery of the material and can provide college credit or the opportunity to place out of introductory-level courses. AP subject matter tests include areas in English, calculus, several foreign languages, various sciences, music, and art. Acceptable AP exam scores are determined by the individual post-secondary institutions to which the students are accepted. Typically exam scores of 3 out of 5 must be attained for students to receive college credit for their AP course, but increasingly a 4 or higher is required.
Information regarding advanced placement courses and examinations is available from the counseling office of each high school. Students are not required to take an advance placement course to be eligible to take the advanced placement examination; however, students enrolled in AP courses are expected to take the AP exam.
AP/Honors classes are not available to homebound students.
For more information see the Guidance and Counseling office or please visit www.apcentral.collegeboard.com.
COLLABORATIVE CREDIT
COLLABORATIVE CREDIT is earned when a high school student takes a college class at a community college or university. The student earns college credit and is seeking to have the college class listed on his/her high school transcript as a high school credit, as well.
Information regarding alternative credits, i.e., online instruction, collaborative credit, and summer school may be obtained through the school’s Guidance and Counseling Department. High school credit may be granted to students who satisfactorily complete college courses.
Students must complete a collaborative credit form and secure permission from the administrator in charge of registration prior to taking the college course if they wish to receive high school credit. District Guidelines for specific collaborative credit information are:
1. In order for a student to receive credit at the high school, your counselor and an administrator must sign the collaborative credit form prior to the start of this college class.
2. The following GPS core classes cannot be taken at any Community College or University and must be taken at a high school in order to receive credit.
4. Classes earning between three (3) and five (5) credit hours will receive one half credit (.5) to be awarded toward graduation requirements.
5. GPS will not accept Community College or University classes as weighted grades.
6. Upon successful completion of the college class, it is the student’s responsibility to provide the high school Registrar with a copy of the Official Transcript.
COLLABORATIVE CREDIT is earned when a high school student takes a college class at a community college or university. The student earns college credit and is seeking to have the college class listed on his/her high school transcript as a high school credit, as well.
Information regarding alternative credits, i.e., online instruction, collaborative credit, and summer school may be obtained through the school’s Guidance and Counseling Department. High school credit may be granted to students who satisfactorily complete college courses.
Students must complete a collaborative credit form and secure permission from the administrator in charge of registration prior to taking the college course if they wish to receive high school credit. District Guidelines for specific collaborative credit information are:
1. In order for a student to receive credit at the high school, your counselor and an administrator must sign the collaborative credit form prior to the start of this college class.
2. The following GPS core classes cannot be taken at any Community College or University and must be taken at a high school in order to receive credit.
- the four English credits
- the first three Science credits
- the first four Math credits
- all three Social Studies credits
4. Classes earning between three (3) and five (5) credit hours will receive one half credit (.5) to be awarded toward graduation requirements.
5. GPS will not accept Community College or University classes as weighted grades.
6. Upon successful completion of the college class, it is the student’s responsibility to provide the high school Registrar with a copy of the Official Transcript.
DUAL ENROLLMENT
Maricopa Community Colleges and Gilbert Public Schools have designed a cooperative program that allows students to earn both high school and college credits. These classes are held on the high school campus as part of the regular school day.
Dual credit classes will only be offered if a qualified teacher is available. If students are to receive community college credit, they must pay community college tuition. They may also need to pass the AccuPlacer test. The registration and tuition payment process will be handled in the individual courses. Upon successful completion of these courses, students may transfer the credits to other colleges or universities.
In-state universities accept all credits. Students should check transferability of their courses to in-state universities by visiting az.transfer.org/cas/students/index.html. Acceptance and applicability of transfer credits by out-of-state universities varies by institution. Courses, which may be offered for community college credit, are noted in the description of each course and are noted as “dual credit”. S/U grade option will not be allowed for these courses.
Maricopa Community Colleges and Gilbert Public Schools have designed a cooperative program that allows students to earn both high school and college credits. These classes are held on the high school campus as part of the regular school day.
Dual credit classes will only be offered if a qualified teacher is available. If students are to receive community college credit, they must pay community college tuition. They may also need to pass the AccuPlacer test. The registration and tuition payment process will be handled in the individual courses. Upon successful completion of these courses, students may transfer the credits to other colleges or universities.
In-state universities accept all credits. Students should check transferability of their courses to in-state universities by visiting az.transfer.org/cas/students/index.html. Acceptance and applicability of transfer credits by out-of-state universities varies by institution. Courses, which may be offered for community college credit, are noted in the description of each course and are noted as “dual credit”. S/U grade option will not be allowed for these courses.
earning college credit
|
|
HONORS COURSES
The high school honors curriculum is designed to provide academic acceleration and enrichment for the ambitious student. Placement may be based on a pre-determined score on a District-approved test administered periodically throughout the school year. It is recommended that students maintain a “C” or better to continue in the honors sequence. Students who have not participated in the honors program at the junior high school level will need to qualify for the high school program.
The high school honors curriculum is designed to provide academic acceleration and enrichment for the ambitious student. Placement may be based on a pre-determined score on a District-approved test administered periodically throughout the school year. It is recommended that students maintain a “C” or better to continue in the honors sequence. Students who have not participated in the honors program at the junior high school level will need to qualify for the high school program.
