Advanced Placement Courses
Advanced Placement (AP) classes are generally the most advanced academic offerings at MHS and are therefore the only classes which receive an academic weighting for a students GPA and class rank. Students have the opportunity to enroll in a number of AP courses. Developed by a committee of college faculty and AP teachers, each AP course covers at least the breadth of information, skills, and assignments found in the corresponding college course. Each AP course has a corresponding exam that participating schools worldwide administer in May (note: All students must take the AP Exam to receive the 1.15 weight for the class). These weighted courses provide students with a highly rigorous experience that will prepare them for the college setting. All of our AP course syllabi have been audited and approved by the College Board. More information on AP courses is available at www.collegeboard.com. Due to enrollment numbers, some of our AP courses may be offered on an every other year basis. A student who does not complete an AP course in its entirety will receive a “withdraw fail or withdraw pass” from the course, which will be reflected on the high school transcript. AP courses are weighted at a 1.15 value in our 0-100 scale. For a student to receive the course weighting in an AP course they must take the AP exam offered every May.
The Maine Department of Education currently offers an AP4ALL program. This program allows Maine students to take an AP course online, taught by AP teachers throughout the state. For more information or to enroll in an AP4ALL course, please see your guidance counselor. Space is limited.
College Classes
Our schedule is designed to allow Students to enroll in classes at local colleges to supplement their high school program. Kennebec Valley Community College, Thomas College, the University of Maine at Augusta, Colby College, the University of Maine at Farmington, and the University of Maine offer students opportunities to take classes on a free or reduced tuition basis. Students are encouraged to consider off-site college classes when possible. Research supports the theory that when a high school student takes a college course before graduating from high school, they are more likely to successfully attend and complete some form of post-secondary education. Many colleges also offer students on-campus summer programs. Students should meet with their counselor to get more information on any of these opportunities.
In addition to the courses students may be eligible to take at nearby colleges, MHS has partnered with KVCC and Thomas College to offer several dual enrollment courses at MHS. All students will have the course listed on both their MHS and college transcripts. Students are responsible for determining if the course may transfer to other colleges/universities.
All books, materials, transportation and transportation expenses for these courses are the responsibility of the student. They will not be covered by RSU18.
The mission of Virtual High School is to develop and deliver standards-based, student-centered online courses to expand students' educational opportunities and 21st century skills and to offer professional development to teachers to expand the scope and depth of their instructional skills.
Messalonskee HS offers VHS online classes at no charge to students (Note: Students are required to pay the additional cost for an online AP class through VHS) to complement our on-site academic offerings. Virtual High School classes are run 100% online. Hundreds of courses are offered across multiple disciplines. Students must have dependable Internet access, should have strong time management/ organizational skills and also be on track to graduate with their class. VHS classes will appear on a student's transcript, and their grade will be counted in a student's overall GPA. For more information about VHS courses, please see Mr. Keith Derosby, school counselor, or go to www.govhs.org. Note: There are a limited number of slots each semester and seats are determined on a first-come first-serve basis.
*VHS courses may be taken in addition to four MHS classes
NOTE: Students who receive a Failing Grade in a VHS course will be subject to payment of the full MHS course cost, generally $150.00/course, $225/AP course)
Other Online Courses
Students may elect to take additional online course offerings with permission. For a course to be considered the student must meet with his or her counselor, provide evidence that the course is provided through an accredited institution, and receive approval from the principal. (Note: Students are responsible for all costs/fees associated with the course)
Jobs for Maine’s Grads
The JMG program provides courses taught by a job specialist. Students learn employment-based competencies, have opportunities for membership in the career association, participate in community service, and receive academic support. (See course description in Career Prep section.)
The JMG program for upperclassmen focuses on community relations, job seeking skills, interviewing, resume development, and other employment and postsecondary readiness activities. Students who wish to enroll in JMG as a sophomore, junior, or senior must have already completed JMG 9/10 and need to have an interview with the JMG Specialist teaching the course to ensure appropriate placement.
Alternative Education
Alternative Education is provided for students who, for a variety of reasons, do not experience success in the regular school program. The Alternative Education Program is structured to provide an individualized and alternate method of delivering instruction in a small group setting. Placement is based on need, availability of space in the program, a student's willingness to participate, parent involvement, and the recommendation of the Alternative Education Team. NOTE: Alternative Education Courses are shown on the transcript as “undesignated” and do not get the CP (College Prep) designation of most other learning experiences and do not receive NCAA Clearinghouse approval for athletes.
Mid-Maine Technical Center Courses
Mid-Maine Technical Center is a career/technical center located on the campus of Waterville High School. Mid-Maine TECH offers twenty-four technical courses to area high school students. All courses have been approved for 4 high school graduation credits, with the exception of CTE Academy, which meets for one semester and provides 2 credits.
Mid-Maine Technical Center courses are offered in two blocks, morning and afternoon. While specific arrival/departure times vary slightly from school to school, the general schedule is as follows: AM Block: 8:20 – 10:45 and PM Block: 11:10 – 1:35
Participating high schools include: Lawrence, Messalonskee, Waterville, and Winslow High Schools. Students attend Mid-Maine Technical Center (MMTC) as part of their regular academic schedule, while taking academic courses at their sending school. Bus transportation to and from MMTC is provided by each school district. Enrollment in MMTC courses is arranged through the high school Guidance Department. There is no cost to the student for MMTC courses.
Integrated credits may also be earned for high school graduation through completion of some Mid-Maine TECH courses. Prior approval from a school counselor must be obtained before seeking academic credit. Students who pass the academic requirements and technical program receive two credits for their technical program and one credit in fine arts, math, physical education, or science.
Formal agreements with community colleges provide Mid-Maine TECH students with the opportunity to earn college credits through Mid-Maine TECH courses of study. Students in eligible courses are simultaneously enrolled in Mid-Maine TECH and a Community College. Upon completion of course requirements, students are issued a college transcript in addition to their high school grade reports. This is referred to as a dual credit program.
All courses at Mid-Maine Technical Center have achieved National Program Certification or are using Maine State Licensing standards, which provides the opportunity for students to earn over fifty (50) industry-recognized certification.