work with the Assistant Head of Upper School for Academics to enroll in an approved course. Families are responsible for all associated costs of these courses.
A student will not be eligible for summer school if the course semester average is less than 50; in that case, the course must be completely retaken at CPA( see ACADEMICS / Upper School Academics / Upper School Policy for Repeating Courses).
Summer school courses are for credit recovery only unless otherwise approved by the assistant head of US for Academics.
For credit recovery, summer school is limited to two semester classes per summer. Classes must be completed by August 1 before re-enrollment for the following year. Re-enrollment contracts may be rescinded if a student does not successfully complete summer school classes before the start of the next school year.
COLLEGE COUNSELING The college counseling process begins for students in eighth grade and continues through graduation. Students have individual meetings with college counselors in eighth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth grades and take preliminary college entrance examinations in ninth( PSAT & PreACT), tenth( PSAT & PreACT), and eleventh( PSAT) grades. They take the ACT at school in eleventh grade. Students are encouraged to begin exploration of colleges and majors of interest.
Individual college planning meetings are scheduled with families, beginning in winter of the student’ s eleventh grade year.
COLLEGE VISIT DAYS Only juniors and seniors are allowed to take college days- excused absences for the purpose of visiting the campuses of prospective colleges. Students are limited to two visits per year during their junior and senior years, unless additional visits are approved by upper school administration. For more information on scheduling an excused absence, turn to CITIZENSHIP AND CONDUCT / Attendance / Excused Absences.
Students are expected to limit college days to schools in which they have a strong interest and a reasonable expectation of admission. After January, seniors may be excused to visit only colleges to which they have applied.
Students must complete paperwork prior to their visit and must present a letter or official verification from the college upon their return to CPA; the Academy may exercise its right to verify any forms. Visits are expected to include official tours, information sessions, and meetings with enrollment personnel. College days used for athletic camps, attendance at athletic events, or visits with college students will not be excused.
CPA TRANSCRIPTS Transcripts are sent directly to college admissions officers when requested throughout the year; it should be noted, however, that CPA is required to inform previous transcript recipients of any significant changes that occur in academics or disciplinary actions. If a family has a financial hold on its account, transcripts will not be sent until the financial account is cleared.
LIBRARY MEDIA CENTER
• The Academy Library Media Centers are maintained to encourage reading, provide information, and support the curriculum at every level K-12.
• The upper school library is open from 7 a. m.- 3:30 p. m. on full school days.
COMPUTER USE IN THE LIBRARY
• The library has computers and printers available for students’ academic use. All students and parents sign a responsible use policy agreement( RUP) at the beginning of the school year, which clearly stipulates the requirements for use of all electronic devices on the CPA campus.
• The CPA library webpage provides students access to a variety of educational databases for use in coursework and research. The library webpage is available through library computers as well as through students’ personal devices. The webpage also provides access to the CPA library card catalog and includes links to several area public libraries.
LOST OR DAMAGED BOOKS
• A student’ s family will be liable for the repair or replacement cost of lost or damaged books. It is possible to repair some damaged books, so they should be returned even if found to be damaged.
20 / CPA US Student Handbook 2025-26