EmpowerED

CSD’s EmpowerED courses are modeled around Dennis Litkey's Big Picture schools but have a CSD spin! The Big Picture school program as well as many other high performing and creative schools across the nation  informed many of our CSD programs when we opened CSD High School in 2010 and CSD Middle School in 2007.. 

The CSD EmpowerED programs are designed to offer students intensive and immersive multi-disciplinary, integrated learning experiences guided by mentors and student driven passions and interests. Course enrollment is capped at 16 students per section/cohort  to ensure that participants can engage deeply with the material.  There is an emphasis on using project-based learning paired with skill-building in visual and performance art, creative writing, informational and literary reading, research, and advocacy. EmpowerED creates space for each student’s interests and passions to shape the course experience and to inform their development as civically engaged citizens who consider the wide array of perspectives of all who come together to form a society.

Students interested in participating in an EmpowerED course should consider the following: 

• Are you passionate and interested in the topical strand? 

• Do you crave philosophical, deeply intellectual, multi-faceted conversation and learning? 

• Are you self-driven and dedicated to pursing your interests as they arise throughout the course? 

• Do you show initiative and maturity when it comes to pursuing your own learning when the topics are deeply meaningful to you?

Internships

At CSD, credit for internships are possible for high school students.  At this time, these opportunities are contingent on availability.  Students (with the help of their parents) are welcome to submit a proposal to get an internship credit for something they have arranged but it must be carefully designed so that it qualifies for course credit with integrity.  While we hope to expand opportunities for CSD Internship credit in the future, we are still in the design phase of building in specific intern opportunities that are provided through the school.  As we develop opportunities, we will communicate them to students..  In the interim, students have the opportunity to submit a proposal for credit to  work with a mentor that they have identified on their own.

Independent Studies

Independent studies may address a wide range of academic, vocational, and/or arts interests and may include, but not be limited to, scientific or social science research, instrumental or vocal performance, creative writing, and interdisciplinary study. Students work with an administrator to develop a general structure for the course, document learning, and receive feedback. 

• share their understanding of a particular vocation, academic discipline, artistic pursuit, or area of research;

• develop, explain, and evaluate a self-directed plan of study;

• identify outside resources and assess their relationship and contribution to the exit project; 

• specify next steps for further study and/or offer a well-constructed argument for concluding the work.

Depending on project scope and student course load, students receive either 1/2 or full credit for the course. Students who wish to propose an area of independent study for credit must receive final approval from an administrator for enrollment in the course.

Teaching Fellows 

Students who are interested in the teaching profession will have the opportunity to work in a classroom with a mentor teacher, gaining hands-on teaching experience. In addition, students will be required to complete a year long portfolio guided by a series of online modules in order to show understanding of the following critical pedagogical topics: the history of education in America, psychological/ brain development, diverse learners, student-centered learning, classroom management, engagement strategies, lesson planning, etc. 

Dual Enrollment

At CSD, we encourage students who seek an extra stretch beyond courses offered at CSD to explore their North Carolina sponsored Dual Enrollment/Career & College Promise (CCP) options through NC community colleges. Any dual enrollment programs sponsored by private and/or out of state universities will not be merged onto CSD transcripts as those courses have not been vetted by NCDPI. 

At this time, these courses are limited to current 10-12th grade students. 

NC CCP courses may range in the amount of added GPA value the state assigns. Generally speaking, values are assigned as following:

• Courses within any of the College Transfer Pathways usually assign +1 added GPA Value 

• Courses within any of the Career & Technical Pathways usually assign +0-.5 added GPA Value 

Students have the opportunity to take college courses that have a transfer-guarantee to any public North Carolina university (read the Comprehensive Articulation Agreement here, if interested). Students will receive either equivalent credit or elective credit (depends on the course). For private and out-of-state schools, you must ask a transfer evaluator as to transferability of courses. Courses must show up on BOTH high school and college transcripts and factor into both GPA's. Tuition is FREE, which can save parents hundreds of dollars per semester hour. Students are responsible for paying fees, books and any supplies needed.

Students may take NC CCP classes either online or on local community college campuses. Students will still enter college with freshman standing, at least for one semester, making them eligible for freshman scholarships.

Please follow this link to learn more about the eligibility requirements and enrollment steps. 

Please note that while students and familes may choose to particpate in private college or out of state dual enrollment programs, those costs will not be incurred by CSD or the state of NC and those courses will not be added onto the offical CSD transcript. 

How do I know if Dual Enrollment is right for me?

There are a lot of factors that play into a student’s decision to take a dual enrollment course, which is why we require students to schedule a meeting with their school counselor before they commit. Ask yourself, “Does this college course offer something that reaches beyond the opportunities at my high school?”  Dual enrollment provides a way for you to try out college classes that may not be offered at CSD such as Medical Terminology, Criminal Justice, Sociology, Welding, etc.  

Some students explore a specific career or trade pathway, such as fire protection technology, mechatronics, basic law enforcement training, welding, pharmacy technology, culinary arts, etc. This is an excellent opportunity in high school to work towards a certification that provides a more direct path towards a career that students will enjoy.

Some students take dual enrollment courses for college transfer credit. They take electives such as criminal justice, Introduction to Engineering, or sociology. Most of the time, students may want to stick with courses that fulfill their general elective courses, regardless of their major, rather than trying to begin coursework for their specific intended major. Keep in mind, not all courses will be accepted by all colleges for credit, so it will be important to discuss this with your counselor.

Some students look to enhance their level of rigor in addition to the Honors and/or AP coursework offered at CSD.  If students are involved in extracurricular activities to build their college resumes, they should ensure dual-enrollment courses will not interfere with those activities. Remember, colleges look at both academics and extracurricular activities when evaluating students for admission.

If students are unsure of their ability to keep up with a college-level course at this particular time, dual-enrollment may not be the best option. Grades earned in dual-enrollment courses go on the permanent high school transcript and are the start of a student’s college transcript. Lower and/or failing grades earned in these courses could negatively impact admission to college. College level classes look great on your transcript as long as you are doing well in those classes. CSD and parents will not have access to students’ grades and progress. Students who are highly motivated and independent are usually successful. 

Dual enrollment in a NC Community College could be a great way to help make college more affordable.. The tuition is covered by the NC General Assembly. However, students are responsible for books and fees which can add up to a few hundred dollars per class.