DESIGNING AN UPPER SCHOOL SCHEDULE
Thornton Academy’ s goal is to prepare each student for success in institutions of higher learning and in the workplace. To help students identify and follow a pathway to post-secondary study TA has identified standards which prepare students for higher education. Thornton Academy offers hundreds of classes which can be overwhelming; school counselors work with advisors, teachers, and parents to aid students with the design of their academic program.
Thornton Academy offers a variety of levels of study, each of which is designed to meet the demands of differing post-secondary placements. Students are placed at appropriate levels depending on learning needs.
School counselors work with students to create appropriate course schedules. Each student’ s actual program will be individually crafted to meet interests and post-secondary goals. All students are expected to complete a minimum of five to six credits per year. Courses may be a half credit( 0.5), 1 credit, or 2 credits, depending on the length and frequency with which the class meets.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
COURSES
English
Math
Social Sciences / History * Science Wellness Fine Art
Additional / Electives
CREDITS
4
3 3 3 1.5 1 6.5
To qualify for a Thornton Academy diploma, students must complete four years of study with a minimum of 22 credits. Students transferring from other high schools utilizing the Carnegie Unit system will have credit applied toward graduation requirements. Only Thornton Academy grades will be used to calculate student grade point average.
Thornton Academy regards four years of sequential high school study as educationally, pedagogically, and developmentally appropriate. Therefore Thornton Academy does not grant requests for early graduation.
* Includes 1 credit US History Carnegie Unit( credit) is defined as two semesters of coursework.
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