High School
Important Information for Students and Parents
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The mission of the Blue Springs School District, the champion for personal growth, is to ensure every student develops the skills and dispositions to thrive in a global community as a productive and collaborative citizen through innovative education distinguished by:
• rigorous, accessible learning experiences
• diverse opportunities for involvement and leadership
• a culture of understanding differences and showing kindness
• community partnerships that engage and support students and their familiesThe Blue Springs School District is dedicated to the proposition that each child in the district, regardless of sex, economic or social status, geographic location, race, or individual difference, should experience a broad and balanced education. In order to accomplish this goal, a variety of programs and teaching methods will be employed to meet the various needs and differences in the abilities of the students. The objective of the Blue Springs School District is to establish a program to deal with each student’s special gifts and to allow each student an opportunity to attain maximum achievement.
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The Board of Education is prohibited from and hereby declares a policy against, engaging in unlawful discrimination, including harassment, creating a hostile environment, on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability, or age in its programs and activities and provides equal access to Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. To ensure that these obligations are met, the board designates the following individuals to act as the district’s nondiscrimination laws compliance coordinators.
Student Inquiries Related to Harassment, Discrimination and Retaliation:
Assistant Superintendent of Administration
Blue Springs School District
1801 NW Vesper
Blue Springs, Missouri 64015
(816) 874-3200
Fax (816) 224-1764Student Related Inquiries including Title IX:
Assistant Superintendent of Administration or Director of Compliance
Blue Springs School District
1801 NW Vesper
Blue Springs, Missouri 64015
(816) 874-3200
Fax (816) 224-1764Student Disability Related Inquiries:
Assistant Superintendent of Special Services
Blue Springs School District
1801 NW Vesper
Blue Springs, Missouri 64015
(816) 874-3200
Fax (816) 224-1764Facility Related Inquiries:
Director of Buildings and Grounds
Blue Springs School District
1801 NW Vesper
Blue Springs, Missouri 64015
(816) 874-3200
Fax (816) 224-1764For a full statement of the nondiscrimination policy, please see Board Policy 2.7 or 5.18.
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The Board has adopted policies and procedures in order to assist in the fair, prompt, and equitable resolution of student, parent/legal guardian, or employee discrimination or harassment grievances. A grievance is a claim by a student, parent/legal guardian, or employee that a violation of Title VI (race, color or national origin), Title IX (sex), Section 504 (disability), Title II of the Americans with Disability Act (disabilities), the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, the Boy Scouts Act or their regulations, has occurred in the programs, activities or facilities of the District.
Whenever a grievance occurs, every effort will be made to secure an appropriate resolution as early as possible. The grievance procedure involves four steps. At each step of the grievance process, the grievant shall be entitled to identify witnesses and present other relevant information. The District will take necessary steps to correct any conduct which has proven to be discriminatory or harassing and the effects caused by the conduct and to prevent recurrence.
For a full statement of the grievance policy, including timelines for submitting a grievance, please see Board Policy 2.10.
Assessment Information
Standardized tests are designed to give a common measure of students' performance. These assessments help compare an individual's performance with the performance of a group of students from a given class, school, or school system.
Since large numbers of students throughout the country take the same test, "standards" can be developed to show whether school programs are succeeding and how students are performing.
Standardized achievement tests measure how much students have already learned about school subjects such as reading, math, language skills, spelling, or science. On the other hand, standardized aptitude tests measure your student’s ability to learn in school. They measure verbal ability, mechanical ability, creativity, clerical ability, or abstract reasoning.
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Beginning with the April 2025 National online test, the ACT Composite score will be based on performance on the English, math, and reading sections. Students will still have the option to take all five sections previously offered, including science and writing, allowing for a more tailored testing experience. Those who opt to take the science section will also receive a STEM score, and those who choose to take the writing section will also receive an ELA score (all section scores will still be provided). The ACT is required by many colleges as part of the application process for admission. A waiver is available for eligible students with financial need.
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Students enrolled in AP courses are strongly encouraged to complete the AP examination for which the course has prepared them. The cost of the examination will be paid by the student. Information is available from the teachers of the AP courses. Each college or university determines which of these examination scores it will accept. It is important for students to have accurate information from the school they plan to attend regarding the acceptance of AP credit. A waiver is available for eligible students with financial need.
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The ASVAB is a multiple-aptitude battery that measures development of academic skills. The ASVAB also provides career information for various civilian and military occupations and is an indicator for success in future endeavors including college, vocational school and/or a military career.
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End of Course assessments are required by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for various high school level classes including English II, Biology, Algebra I and/or Algebra II, and Government. Students enrolled in the Blue Springs School District virtual programs are required to take all End of Course Assessments.
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The PSAT/NMSQT measures verbal mathematics reasoning skills important for academic success in college. It serves three purposes: gives the student writing practice for the SAT I; is the first step in qualifying for scholarships sponsored by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation and other scholarship programs; gives the student the opportunity to participate in the Student Search Service. This test is taken in the junior year for NMSQT qualification.
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The SAT is a standardized test used for college admissions that predicts student performance in college.
It is a three-hour test that is divided into two sections: Reading/Writing and Math.
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Technical Skills Attainment (TSA) is the process of evaluating and certifying students’ proficiency in specific technical skills relevant to their career-focused education. Industry Recognized Credential (IRC) are assessments that are subject specific recognized certificates and/or licensure tests. A DESE-approved IRC is a portable, recognized credential that validates an individual has successfully demonstrated skill competencies in a core set of content and performance standards in a specific set of work-related tasks, single occupational area, or a cluster of related occupational areas.
Stackable credentials are a series of aligned, recognized, and/or required credentials within an industry or sector that support an individual's ability to obtain related, career employment. Students earning two qualifying stackable credentials will have the same effect on a district’s Perkins V reporting as earning an IRC.
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ACT WorkKeys assessments are research-based measures of foundation work skills required for success across industries and occupations.
Athletic Eligibility
Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) Eligibility
Knowing and following all MSHSAA standards will enable a student to protect his/her eligibility for MSHSAA interscholastic competition. Activity participation should be for all students making appropriate progress toward graduation and otherwise in good standing.
For students in grades 9-12: Grades received the preceding semester will determine eligibility to participate in interscholastic activities.
- The student shall have earned, the preceding semester, a minimum of 3.0 units of credit. This means students must pass 6 of 7 classes the previous semester.
- The student shall currently be enrolled in and regularly attending courses that offer 3.0 units of credit. (Student aides and study halls are non-credit classes)
- A beginning ninth grade student shall have been promoted from the eighth grade to the ninth grade for first semester of eligibility.
- A student must be making satisfactory progress towards graduation as determined by local school policies.
There is a maximum age limit for participation.
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Students planning to participate in dual enrollment classes should visit with their counselor or Activities Director to make sure they will be eligible to participate in MSHSAA sanctioned activities.
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Visit the NAIA website for information about eligibility to play NAIA athletics.
Career Planning
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Career paths are clusters of occupations/careers grouped according to participants’ interests and talents or skills. All paths include a variety of occupations that require different levels of education and training. Thus, career paths provide a plan for all students, whatever their interests, abilities, talents, or desired levels of education.
Selecting a career path provides a student with an area of FOCUS, along with FLEXIBILITY and a VARIETY of ideas to pursue. The focus of career paths is on helping students choose a career path, not a specific occupation. Selecting a career path is not a lifelong commitment; it is a place to begin focusing one’s energies. As students take different courses and learn more about themselves and careers, they will probably change career paths. Students who understand the career paths concept will be aware that there are a variety of other related possibilities if the first path no longer fits them. If different career paths become more interesting, the students can reevaluate plans, make appropriate decisions, and revise their high school plans as necessary.
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Deciding on a career path can assist you in exploring your interests and preparing for your future. The intent is not for you to decide on a specific occupation for the rest of your life, but to select a career path into which you can begin directing your energies. Identifying a career path can help you in selecting school courses, activities, and part-time employment. It can also help guide your participation in job shadowing, career exploration, and internships.
A career path choice is not a permanent commitment. As you have new experiences, you learn new things about yourself and may decide to change career paths. If you decide on a different career path to explore, you should discuss it with your counselor and adjust your future course selections in accordance with your new career exploration.
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Blue Springs R-IV students complete career exploration assessments starting in the 8th grade. This is a way the student can identify an initial career path choice. Counselors will then use this information to assist students in making course selections and developing a five-year plan.
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- Identify your interests, abilities, and talents.
- Identify the career path or cluster that relates to your interests, abilities, and talents.
- Explore occupations in those career paths or clusters.
- Decide how much education you want to receive after high school.
- Develop an Individual Career and Academic Plan by selecting courses and co-curricular activities that relate to your educational and career goal.
- If undecided regarding a career path or cluster, choose courses from different career areas to give you a better idea of your interests.
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- Guidance Grade Level Expectations (GLEs): The systematic, sequential, and developmentally appropriate set of knowledge, skill and understanding for the K-12 guidance curriculum.
- Life Career Development: Self-development over the life span through the integration of roles, settings, and events of a person's life.
- Individual Planning: The process of on-going educational and career-planning services that helps all students develop Individual Career and Academic Plan (ICAP) organized around programs of study and their personal, career, and educational goals.
- Individual Career and Academic Plan (ICAP): A student’s scope and sequence of coursework and related activities based upon their chosen Career Path or Career Cluster and their educational goals. Initiated in the eighth grade, it is designed to ensure a successful postsecondary transition and is the key component of the individual planning process.
- Program of Study (POS): Secondary-to-postsecondary sequences of academic and career education coursework, along with additional learning opportunities, that lead students to attain a postsecondary degree or industry-recognized certificate or credential.
a. Process: Missouri currently uses a 10-step process for the development of Programs of Study that is aligned with federal guidelines which includes creation of POS templates and secondary/postsecondary curriculum alignment. This process is currently under review at the state level.
b. Template: The model or form developed by schools that lists courses, occupations, and additional learning opportunities to help students develop their ICAP. The completion of the POS template does not infer that the POS process has been completed. - Career Paths (6) Clusters (16) Career Pathways (78): A progressive framework to organize the world of work and career information. The framework provides the structure to assist students in understanding the world of work, and to organize course and co-curricular offerings in the school.
- Missouri Connections: A free web-based career and educational planning resource to help Missouri citizens determine their career interests, explore occupations, establish education plans, develop job search strategies, and create resumés. For additional information, see MissouriConnections.org.
- Xello: An engaging college and career readiness software program utilized by grades K-12 to open students’ eyes to future possibilities and equipping them with self-knowledge, skills & confidence to build actionable plans for future success.
College Admission Requirements and Recommendations
Requirements for admission to college will depend on the college to which you are applying, and the kind of program you expect to pursue. For example, a student planning to enter one of the most highly competitive colleges in the country will need to meet more demanding entrance requirements than a student planning to enter a state school or a community college. Four-year colleges and universities will often have specific requirements in certain subject areas in addition to a certain level of GPA performance and college admission test scores.
The best approach to college planning is to strive to keep options open by taking a good distribution of academic coursework all four years of high school, with as much preparation in each area as possible. You should begin planning early for college so you will have the necessary requirements when it is time to apply to the college of your choice. Many colleges and universities are increasing admission requirements, especially in the area of core courses. Parents and students should check individual institutions for specific requirements and work closely with your school counselor.
Blue Springs professional counselors, and college/career specialists recommend that college bound students, whenever appropriate, consider taking the following courses:
Four (4) units of English
Four (4) units of Mathematics - Algebra I and above
Four (4) units of Science
Four (4) units of Social Studies
Four (4) units of a single Foreign Language (some colleges may require 2-3 units)
One (1) unit of Fine Arts
Following these guidelines will help prepare the students for entrance requirements at the majority of colleges and universities throughout the country. These recommendations, particularly for students in competitive colleges or career fields, should be seen as minimum requirements. Some programs within those universities will have their own additional requirements.
Conversely, some universities will not require all of the above. In all scenarios, students must also meet the Blue Springs R-IV School Districts requirements for graduation.
The Missouri Comprehensive School Counseling Program (MCSCP)
A proactive and preventative K-12 school program that addresses social/emotional, academic, and career development of all students providing:
- Curriculum
- Responsive Services
- Individual Planning
- System Support
The Missouri Comprehensive School Counseling Program supports the academic, career, and personal/social development of all students through the delivery of curriculum, individual student planning, responsive services, and system support. The School Counseling Program is implemented by certified school counselors and is an integral part of the total educational program.
School counselors are trained to provide academic advisement, career/college planning, individual and small group counseling, classroom lessons, conflict resolution, crisis intervention, educational testing, and program placement. Counselors provide support and facilitate conferences for students, teachers, and parents with the goal of enhancing the academic experience and preparing for high school and post-secondary success for all students.
Courses for College Credit
Below you will find all courses for college credit offer through BSSD. This includes Advanced Placement (AP), Articulated Credit, Dual Credit, and Dual Enrollment courses.
Drop/Withdrawal
It is the practice of the high schools to apply a deadline to drop or withdrawal from a course. Courses dropped after the first 6 weeks of the semester will have an “F” noted on the transcript as a result of not completing the course. Please speak to your student’s counselor for more details.
Dual Credit Courses – Please note that students taking a dual credit course through one of our cooperative post-secondary institutions must follow that institution’s drop/withdrawal policy to avoid fees or other repercussions. The district is bound to the dates set by the university.
Early Release - Class of 2027 Waiver of 8th Semester
As per Missouri State Department of Elementary and Secondary Education graduation requirements, students are expected to complete eight (8) semesters of high school. If a student, for sound educational and vocational reasons, wishes to graduate from high school in less time than eight semesters, they may request a waiver of this policy. The student and his/her parent(s)/guardian(s) will consult with his/her high school counselor to develop an Individual Career and Academic Plan (ICAP). A request for early graduation must be a planned part of a student’s educational program. The deadline for the early release application is December 1st. Applications must be provided and submitted through your high school counselor.
Consider the following when applying for early release:
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Students’ eligibility to receive Social Security benefits may be affected by an early release, since the student may no longer be considered a full-time student.
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Students enrolled in work release programs such as Marketing and/or Business Principles are ineligible for early release.
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Students leaving after the seventh semester may be eligible to receive their high school diploma with their graduating class. Graduating seniors who choose not to participate in the graduation ceremony may pick up their diplomas in the high school principal’s office on the first school business day following the graduation ceremony.
Students leaving after the seventh semester will not be eligible for a class ranking for the 8th semester.
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Students may not participate in activities regulated by the Missouri State High School Activities Association unless enrolled in 6 credit-earning classes and passing.
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Students who have been approved for full release and partial release options are eligible for local scholarships unless a specific scholarship would indicate the student is not eligible.
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It is the student’s responsibility to stay in touch with the school in regard to important semester events (i.e., graduation rehearsal).
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Students and parents/guardians may want to check with their health and auto insurance company concerning coverage since the student may not be considered full time.
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A+ eligibility may be affected. Students and parents/guardians should consult with the A+ Coordinator in their building.
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All students must have taken the required End-Of-Course Assessments (English II, Biology, Government, Algebra I and/or Algebra II).
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Students must pass the U.S. Constitution test and the Missouri Constitution test in order to graduate.
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All graduates shall be required to have completed 30 minutes of CPR training provided by the Blue Springs School District.
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All students must have taken the appropriate college/career planning assessment (WorkKeys, ASVAB, ACT, or SAT).
A+ Program
The Blue Springs A+ program encourages students to stay in school, make career plans, tutor younger students, and graduate with the skills and knowledge required for career success or further education. If students meet the criteria established below, as well as any additional criteria that may be established by the state in the future, and the Missouri General Assembly continues to fund the program, students may be eligible for two years of tuition scholarship to a Missouri community college or vocational school.
For additional information about the Blue Springs A+ Schools Program, contact the A+ coordinator at your high school.
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- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Complete and sign an A+ School Agreement and it must be turned into the A+ office
- Attend a designated A+ high school for any two of the four years prior to high school graduation and graduate from a designated A+ high school
- Score Advanced or Proficient on the Algebra I EOC (End of Course) exam, or higher level DESE approved EOC in the field of mathematics. Students may also establish eligibility with a qualifying score on the math component of the ACT
- Graduate with an unweighted cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- Graduate with a 95 percent cumulative attendance record for grades 9-12
- Perform 50 hours of unpaid tutoring or mentoring to other students in the Blue Springs School District under the supervision of a certified teacher. Tutoring must have prior approval from the A+ Coordinator.
- Maintain a record of good citizenship and avoid the use of alcohol and unlawful drugs
- Apply for non-payback scholarships by completing a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
- Attend a Missouri community college or postsecondary vocational/technical school on a full-time basis and maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher
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It is easy to become part of the A+ Schools Program. Simply read the citizen guidelines and complete the Blue Springs R-IV Schools Program Agreement. If you meet all the requirements, you are on track for the A+ scholarship. It is recommended that students sign up early in their high school careers. This allows students time to complete the tutoring portion of the A+ requirements and receive college and career information. It also allows time for the A+ coordinator to monitor the students’ GPA and attendance.
It is recommended that students sign up even if they think they are going to a four-year college or not going to college at all. The Blue Springs A+ Schools Program is an opportunity for students to access additional education after high school; it does not obligate them to use the A+ tuition reimbursement nor will participating in the A+ program restrict a student’s choice of college.
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- A student graduating with A+ status may be eligible for two years of tuition grants to attend any public Missouri community college or vocational/technical school as a full-time student. An A+ student may be eligible for scholarships from four-year colleges and universities.
- The tuition grants may be available to the A+ student up to four years after high school graduation.
- Students graduating from a two-year school may be eligible for transfer scholarships to four-year colleges and universities.
Individualized Course Sequencing
Exceptions to course sequencing can be made to individualize a student’s educational experience. If a student, due to summer courses or individual learning experiences, feels he or she may qualify for individualized course sequencing, he or she may take a skills and knowledge placement inventory and participate in an interview with the department chair. Placement in the desired course will depend on availability of space in the course. Minimum requirements must be met to advance to a higher-level course. The department chair or instructional coach will complete the evaluation and give the request to the counselors based upon administrative approval
Planning and Policies
Students use this Career & Educational Planning Guide to carefully create an Individual Career and Academic Plan (ICAP) that will assist them in reaching their educational and occupational goals. Each student should:
- Review all requirements for graduation
- Read the information on career paths
- Read all information given about each course
- Complete an ICAP
Prerequisites, Recommended Course of Study
Certain courses have prerequisites that must be fulfilled for a student to enroll properly. The prerequisite courses offer skills that must be mastered in order to be successful in subsequent courses. Various departments have recommended courses of study. These recommendations provide guidance to the vast majority of Blue Springs School District students. There may be special situations or circumstances that would suggest deviations from those recommendations (i.e., a student transfers in from a language magnet school). Students, parents, and staff should exercise care and prudence when deviating from those recommendations. If a student believes his or her best interest will be served by varying from the recommended courses of study, he or she should consult with their parents and counselor
Special Services
In accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the Blue Springs School District provides a continuum of special services and related services for eligible students.
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Autism
Multiple Disabilities
Traumatic Brain Injury
Deaf/Blindness
Orthopedic Impairment
Visual Impairment/Blind
Emotional Disturbance
Other Health Impairment
Young Child with a Developmental Delay
Hearing Impairment and Deafness
Specific Learning Disabilities
Intellectual Disability
Speech and/or Language Impairment
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Specialized instruction services are provided for students who have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) to progress toward attaining their annual IEP goal(s) while progressing towards graduation requirements as indicated in Form C of the IEP. Specialized instruction services are documented in the Individualized Education Program (IEP).
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Course enrollment may be dependent upon the location (special education classroom or regular education classroom) of specialized instruction services indicated in the IEP. Specialized instruction services can be provided in a variety of ways. Services depend upon individual student needs identified through the IEP process.
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To determine potential implications for eligibility in high school or college competitive interscholastic athletics/activities, refer to the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA), the NCAA Clearinghouse, and/or the school counselor and athletic director. Courses offered in a special education classroom setting taught by a special education teacher do not meet NCAA requirements.
Transfer Credits
In order to be eligible for a diploma from a Blue Springs school, a transfer student must earn a total of 24 credits, successfully complete all specific Blue Springs graduation requirements, and be enrolled and receive at least three credits from a Blue Springs high school.
The district reserves the right to administer tests to determine acceptance of high school credits in order to graduate from a Blue Springs high school (per board policy 5.33).
Weighted courses for students transferring into the district high schools will only be given honor points for college credit and AP courses offered at the Blue Springs high schools (i.e., Advanced Placement Italian will not receive an honor point as it is not available in the Blue Springs School District).
Tuition Rates Per Credit Hour
Prices based on 2025-2026 and are subject to change for the 2026-2027 school year
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Cost per Credit Hour (if taken on campus):
$600High School Dual Credit Pricing:
$242 (regardless of the number of credit hours per course) -
Cost per Credit Hour (if taken on campus):
$330High School Dual Credit Pricing:
$70 per credit hour seated
$90 per credit hour online -
Cost per Credit Hour (if taken on campus):
$121High School Dual Credit Pricing:
$60.50 per credit hour -
Cost per Credit Hour (if taken on campus):
$302High School Dual Credit Pricing:
$75 per credit hour -
Cost per Credit Hour (if taken on campus):
$203High School Dual Credit Pricing:
$79 per credit hour -
Cost per Credit Hour (if taken on campus):
$287High School Dual Credit Pricing:
$99.50 per credit hour -
Cost per Credit Hour (if taken on campus):
$411.20High School Dual Credit Pricing:
$75 per credit hour
Weighted Courses with an Honor Point
The regular (unweighted) Grade Point Average (GPA) is measured on a scale of 0 to 4. Weighted GPA’s take into account course difficulty and are measured on a scale of 0 to 5.
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Animal Science
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Biomedical Innovation
Human Body Systems
Medical Interventions
PLTW Capstone
Principles of Biomedical Sciences
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Business Principles
College Accounting
College Entrepreneurship
College Marketing
Dual Credit Personal Finance
School-Based Enterprise
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AP Computer Science A
AP Computer Science Principles
PLTW Capstone
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Advanced Computer Engineering
Advanced Health Sciences 1
Advanced Health Sciences 2
Agricultural Productions
Automotive Tech 1
Automotive Tech 2
Aviation
CSI/Law Enforcement
Entrepreneurial Studies
Health Sciences Accelerated
Hospitality & Tourism Mgmt I
Hospitality & Tourism Mgmt II
Introduction to Pharmacy Practice
Introduction to Teaching
Music Technology I
Music Technology II
Practicum in Teaching
Software Development
Sports Medicine and Physical Therapy
Surgical Technology
Veterinary Assistant
Video Game Design 1 & 2
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Civil Engineering & Architecture (CEA)
Digital Electronics (DE)
PLTW Capstone
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AP English Lang and Comp
AP English Lit & Comp
English 200
English 210
English Composition 110
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Advanced Early Childhood
Fashion Design and Construction
Interior Design, Advanced
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AP Spanish
French III
French IV
German III
German IV
Pre-AP Spanish
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AP Calculus BC
College Algebra (Semester)
College Algebra (Year Long)
College Calculus I
College Pre-Calculus
College Statistics (Semester)
College Statistics (Year Long)
College Trigonometry
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A Cappella Choir for Dual Credit
AP Music Theory
Orchestra for Dual Credit
Symphonic Wind Band for Dual Credit
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Leadership
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AP Biology
AP Chemistry
AP Environmental Science
AP Physics C: Mechanics
Dual Credit Anatomy & Physiology
Dual Credit Biology
Dual Credit Chemistry
Dual Credit Physics
Dual Credit Principles of Chemistry
Pre-AP Biology
Pre-AP Chemistry
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AP American Government
AP European History
AP Psychology
AP US History
Dual Credit American History 121
Dual Credit American History 122
Dual Credit World History
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College Forensics
Communications I
Debate II/College Speech
Debate III/College Debate
Debate IV/Advanced Debate
