Advanced Academics
Riverside High School
Durham, NC
Riverside High School
Durham, NC
Riverside High School Advanced Academics Resource Page
Erin Messersmith-AIG Specialist
Students and parents, please check your emails from me in Canvas!
Welcome Back, Pirates!!!
1. Read the following first!!!!
2. Students, when you are ready to begin your application, click:
Governor's School Student Application Form and Submission Link Google Form for Riverside
Make sure you follow the directions on the Google Form.
3. When your Recommenders are ready to write your recommendations, they need to click:
Make sure they follow the directions on the Google Form.
Note:
You will need to share the recommendation link with the two people who are writing recommendations for you.
Remember, one of the recommenders must be a teacher who taught/teaches you in the area in which you are applying.
The other recommender needs to be someone who knows you well and can write a strong recommendation for you (no family members).
Other Governor's School Info Session Recording and Resources:
In addition, the recording session from the virtual Governor's School Information Session from the session can be accessed at Recap: Governor's School Information Session Thursday, September 24 | Meeting | Microsoft Teams
Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions as you work through the application process!
Below is Student Eligibility to apply for Governor's School:
STUDENT ELIGIBILITY
To apply for Governor’s School, a student must:
● Be a North Carolina resident. Exchange students are not eligible. Any student attending a North Carolina federal high school, regardless of residency, is eligible.
● Attend a North Carolina public or non-public school, and
● Be enrolled in Grade 11 at the time of nomination. Exceptions are made to allow for students in Grades 10 and 11 to be nominated in Dance, Choral Music, and Instrumental Music.
● Students applying in Spanish must have completed at least three high school Spanish courses prior to attending GS or be a fluent Spanish speaker.
Also, to be eligible to apply to the NC Governor’s School, a student must meet at least one of the criteria listed below:
● Cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.25 or higher;
or
● Cumulative weighted GPA of 3.5 or higher;
or
● Score of 4 or higher on an NC End of Course assessment;
or
● Score of 3 or higher on an Advanced Placement exam;
or
● Grade of B or higher in a Career College Promise course on the Comprehensive Articulation Agreement, or a University Course;
or
● Minimum composite score of 19 on the Pre-ACT/ACT or a minimum score of 1010 on the PSAT/SAT;
or
● Minimum score of 90th percentile on aptitude assessment (composite or subtest).
Any questions, please email Laura Parrott, Director of Advanced Academics at laura_parrott@dpsnc.net
2.CDM Update:
Last year, more than 200 students participated in CDM testing during the EOG/EOC testing window, and many students who successfully completed Phase One needed to return after the school year ended to complete Phase Two requirements. To better support our students, teachers, counselors, and testing coordinators during the busy EOG/EOC testing season, adjustments have been made to the CDM testing schedule.
During the October, December/January, and March testing windows, all CDM assessments will be available; however, during the May/June testing window, only the Math 1, Math 3, and Biology End-of-Course (EOC) assessments will be offered.
Because of this change, it is critical that students and families understand that the March testing window will be the final opportunity to attempt any CDM assessment other than Math 1, Math 3, and Biology. Students who plan to pursue CDM for courses outside of those assessments should be encouraged to participate in one of the earlier testing windows.
To apply for CDM, please find additional information and the application link on this page.
3.NCTAP-get paid while you earn!
NCTAP is an apprenticeship program designed to develop experts needed in the modern workforce. The program, based in North Carolina’s Triangle area, focuses on integrated basic training which develops technical, methodological, and social skills. The core training program utilizes a hands-on approach to develop skills across a wide range of disciplines.
Starting in the 11th or 12th grade of high school, this 4-year program is divided into modules, with classes leading to an Associate’s Degree (AAS) at a local Community College, and paid, on-the-job training at participating Triangle employers.
NCTA Information Session
Event: Apprenticeships Unlocked
Date: Monday, October 19, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Hendrix Automotive Building at the WTCC Scott North Wake Campus
6851 Perry Road, Raleigh, NC 27616.
What we are planning
We are planning several interactive sessions to engage and educate attendees. These sessions will run concurrently, with groups switching every 20 minutes. The sessions include:
· What is NCTAP Panel Discussion
The panel will explain what apprenticeships are; details about NCTAP, what requirements are needed; what they look for in an apprentice; and required education/certifications that are necessary for completion.
· Ask an Apprentice
Space where students and parents can ask current and graduated apprentices questions about their path and experience.
· Tour of Wake Tech’s Automotive Labs
This tour showcases classes that are available in automotive technology at the WTCC Scott North Campus.
· NCTAP Companies/Apprenticeship Agencies Fair
Company representatives will be available to answer questions regarding career opportunities within their companies.
Food will be provided from 6:00-6:20 PM.
You can register for the event at form.jotform.com/262444983327162
The link will send you to a redirect page. Just click on it again on that page.
4.HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCHOLARS PROGRAM
Please read below!! Great opportunity for students interested in science and/or health!!! Applications are now open and will close September 23 @ 11:59 PM: https://forms.gle/3wEky3zWX1sDcGqd7
The Health and Environment Scholars Program (HESP) @Duke ( Health and Environment Scholars Program (HESP) @Duke) is a year-long intensive environmental science program, running through the fall and spring semesters. The program consists of two modules:
Module 1) college and career preparedness,
Module 2) connections between humans and the environment in North Carolina.
It features weekly in-person sessions with guest speakers and several weekend field trips and lab experiences to provide high school students with hands-on research experiences and mentorship from Duke undergraduates.
Guest speakers include Duke undergraduate students, college admissions officers, College Advising Corps officers, and Duke environmental science faculty to provide students with college and career knowledge.
Field trips include trips to local environmental organizations such as the Eno River, Duke Forest, Duke Farm, Duke Lemur Center, and our annual final trip to the Duke Marine Lab. These field trips are expected to connect students with scientists and researchers in the Durham community to learn about environmental science and environmental justice within the scope of North Carolina.
This program is intended to support talented DPS high school students representing diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives and provide equitable access to college and career activities and STEM education. Applications are now open and will close September 23 @ 11:59 PM. The application is online and can be found here: https://forms.gle/3wEky3zWX1sDcGqd7
5. CREDIT BY DEMONSTRATED MASTERY-Please read all information:
Credit by Demonstrated Mastery (CDM) provides the opportunity for students in Durham to personalize and accelerate their learning by earning course credit through a demonstration of course material mastery without the requirement of a specific seat time.
Students are required to complete a two-phase process in order to demonstrate command of the course material at a level that demonstrates a deep understanding of the content standards and the ability to apply his or her knowledge of the material.
The process for CDM includes an online application, Phase I assessment, and Phase II artifact and/or performance assessment. Students must score a 90% or better for both phases.
CDM is open to all public school students for courses in grades 9-12 and high school courses in 6-8 EXCEPT:
English Language Learner (ELL) courses
Healthful Living required courses
AP/IB courses, CTE courses that are work-based (coop, internship, apprenticeship); require a clinical setting (ProStart, Early Childhood Education I/II, and Nursing Fundamentals); and/or Advanced Studies
NOTE: State policy allows students only one attempt to earn CDM credit for any specific course.
No Retesting: Retests are not permitted, whether you fail Phase 1 (the exam) or Phase 2 (the artifact or performance task).
CDM is pass/fail and counts towards graduation requirements-it is not calculated in a student's GPA.
A student cannot be enrolled and attend the course in which he/she is wanting to do CDM.
Testing Information for 2026-2027 CDM
The CDM application will be available and linked HERE and on the Advanced Academics CDM Page on September 21 - October 7, 2026.
October 15 - 26, 2026
The October CDM testing window will include:
EOCs: Math 1, Math 3, English 2, and Biology
World Languages
Non EOCs
December 14 - 18, 2026 / January 11 - 15, 2027
The December testing window will include:
EOCs: Math 1, Math 3, English 2, and Biology during the EOC exam window for the school. Traditional,
Comprehensive High Schools, and DSA follow different testing calendars. Students will need to check
with their school counselor/testing coordinator for exact dates.
World Languages
Non EOCs
March 9 - 18, 2027
The March testing window will include:
EOCs: Math 1, Math 3, English 2, and Biology
World Languages
Non EOCs
May/June, 2027
The May/June testing window will only include the following EOCs during the school's EOC testing calendar:
Math 1
Math 3
Biology
Students will need to check with their school counselor/testing coordinator for exact dates.
Important Note: English 2 EOC will not be offered during the end of year testing window. Students interested in taking the English 2 EOC will need to complete during the October, December/January, or March testing windows,
Summer 2027
No CDM testing will be done during the summer.
The CDM application will be available and linked HERE September 21 - October 7, 2026.
For inquiries regarding Credit by Demonstrated Mastery (CDM) for students enrolled in Durham Public Schools, please contact:
Laura Parrott, Director of Advanced Academics
Email Laura Parrott
For inquiries regarding CDM and CTE courses, please contact:
Darian Harris, CTE Director at:
Email Darian Harris or 919-560-2682 ext. 22772
High School Sample Course Sequencing Guide Link
Check the course sequencing guide link above to see courses we offer and the suggested order for advanced learners-see note below for math progression.
Note: not all classes are offered every semester and are subject to change.
Honors and AP classes offered at Riverside which fulfill math, English, social studies, and science requirements:
*Math (Math I Honors, Math II Honors, Math III Honors, Math IV Honors,
*Note: Riverside High School Mathematics Course Progression Link
English (English I Honors, English II Honors, English III Honors, English IV Honors)
Science (English and Environmental Science Honors, Biology Honors, Chemistry Honors)
Social Studies (World History Honors, Civic Literacy Honors, American History Honors, Economics and Personal Finance Honors)
AP Class/Exam Information:
Parent Resource-Understanding AP
AP classes offered at Riverside which fulfill math, English, social studies, and science requirements:
Math (AP Statistics, AP Pre-Calculus, AP Calculus AB/BC)
English (AP English Language, AP English Literature)
Science (AP Environmental Science, AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Physics-Algebra based)
Social Studies (AP World History, AP Government and Politics, AP United States History)
AP Electives (AP Psychology, AP Macroeconomics, AP Microeconomics, AP Human Geography, AP African-American Studies, AP Spanish Language and Culture, AP Spanish Literature and Culture, AP Music Theory, AP Art and Design, AP Seminar, AP Research)
Our School Mission:
Riverside High School welcomes, engages, exposes, and empowers a diverse community of learners to foster critical thinking and prepare students for lifelong learning and engaged global citizenship.
Our School Vision:
Riverside High School graduates will possess the skills to be both self-reliant, global citizens, and positive, contributing members of their communities.
Advanced Academics:
In line with our school mission and vision we offer a breadth of advanced coursework for students to maximize their potential in their areas of interest. This includes Advanced Placement courses in every grade level, our renowned PLTW program, advanced opportunities in our cultural arts classes, and honors level courses in every department. Our teachers strive to use best practices to support every student in their learning with the goal of developing their abilities as lifelong learners.
Contact Information
Erin E. Messersmith-AIG Specialist
DPS Advanced Academics Webpage