Access to Advanced

Coursework
 

The Honors and the Advanced Placement (AP) Program

All Cleveland Metropolitan School District students are afforded the opportunity to participate in advanced coursework in all academic subject areas. Honors classes and Advanced Placement classes are available in the following subject areas:

• English

• Mathematics

• Science

• Social Studies

• Foreign Language

• Fine Arts

Not all Honors and Advanced Placement courses are available at all schools. Please contact your school’s counselor for course availability.

All students enrolled in Advanced Placement courses are required to take the AP exam at the end of the school year. Failure to do so will result in the student receiving no credit for the course.

Advanced Placement Examinations enable students to demonstrate their competence in college level courses by taking three-hour examinations in mid-May. Tests contain objective and written sections and, in the case of language exams, a listening and speaking portion as well. College success rates increase dramatically when students sit for AP Examinations.

A passing score may earn college credit or enrollment in higher-level college courses. Students must complete an application process in order to be considered for Honors and Advanced Placement courses. The criteria for the Honors and Advanced Placement courses may include:

• Grade Point Average (GPA)

• Standardized test scores

• Completion of prerequisite coursework

• Recommendation of teacher

• Permission of parent/guardian

Contact your school counselor for specific information concerning the Honors and Advanced Placement Program.

 

Post-Secondary Enrollment Options Program (PSEOP)

Post-Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEOP) is offered to students in grades nine through twelve. Through this program, students may elect to take college level courses for both high school and college credit. Available subject areas and criteria for entrance are determined by participating universities. Recommended for students who have completed our highest level courses within a specific subject area and for those students interested in courses CMSD does not offer.

Things to keep in mind:

  1. By March 1st of each year the District will remind qualified students of this option

  2. By March 30th of each year students and parents need to notify high school of their intent to participate

  3. 9-12th graders are eligible to participate

  4. A student must meet enrollment criteria established by the university they plan on attending. Each institution will have its own admissions criteria

  5. Contact your school counselor for specific information concerning PSEOP.
 

Is This for Me?

The Honors, the Advanced Placement and the Post-Secondary Enrollment Option programs are designed for students who seek intellectual growth. Reading and homework expectations for these classes are extensive. Many advanced courses have a summer learning activity or summer reading component included as prerequisite work prior to the start of class. See school counselor for specific course requirements at each high school.

Students are expected to perform at the college level, particularly in the areas of reading, writing, and test taking. Those who participate in advanced classes will find the experience to be challenging and rewarding. Students are advised to consider what impact the combination of employment, extra-curricular activities, home responsibilities and course load may have on their academic success. Please see your school counselor for information regarding AP/PSEOP classes.

 

Tech-Prep

Tech-Prep is a progressive education program connecting high school studies to at least two years of post-secondary study in a college, technical school, or apprenticeship. It builds strong academic foundations equipping students with essential skills in math, science, technology, and written and oral communication. In addition, it gives students the ability to solve problems, think critically and work well with others.

The transition from high school to postsecondary education is smooth because of the sequential progression of course work developed cooperatively by schools and employers. These career pathways also give students the opportunity to earn college credits while in high school.

For additional information on Tech-Prep Programs, please contact your school counselor or refer to the Department of Postsecondary Education at (216) 348-3648.