Throughout the Kenton County School District, students are provided with opportunities to increase their readiness and exemplify their proficiency through multiple measures. Beginning in 4th Grade students have their Grade Point Average (GPA) calculated and they will see how this measure is used throughout their educational career. In all grade levels, academic programs are used in collaboration with appropriate assessments to ensure that students are provided with the resources and programming necessary to work towards academic readiness. Finally, students are encouraged to participate in extra/co-curricular activities that help to enhance their understanding of core academic principals and apply the skills they have gained in a meaningful manner.

Within the KCSD, all students in grades 4-12 have their GPA tracked and reported on their school report cards and transcripts. GPA is an indication of a student's academic achievement at their school. This is calculated utilizing the final course grade students earn throughout each school year.

In a University of California study, GPA was consistently found to be one of the strongest predictors of four-year college outcomes across all academic disciplines, campuses, and freshmen cohorts. A Brown University study found that the level of courses taken by students are more predictive of college success. Career indicators emphasize the importance of making connections to the school environment through extra/co-curricular activities and regular attendance above 90%. Extra/co-curricular activities promote student achievement, engagement and better attitudes that lead to lifelong aspirations, and ultimately success, according to the National Center for Educational Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education. Data shows school attendance is central to success. Absenteeism influences not just chances for graduating high school, but also accessing future employment.

The Prep and Prep Plus Program is a student selected program based on criteria for identification or teacher data-driven recommendation with principal approval that provides a rigorous and challenging curriculum in Language Arts and Math for students in grades 5 and above. It is intentionally outlined course by course to provide students an accelerated content program. The program is designed so students will be placed into AP (Advanced Placement) or dual credit courses at the high school level with the goal for the student to receive college/university credit before graduating from high school.

22-23 ELA Acceleration Plan

22-23 Math Acceleration Plan

Each high school in the Kenton County School District is excited to offer a wide range of dual credit options for their students. Through these courses students are able to gain college credit while earning credit towards their High School diploma.

Ready to be a full-time college student in high school? Come learn about the Young Scholars Academy!

The Young Scholars Academy is a highly selective partnership between the Kenton County School District and Northern Kentucky University. A limited number of students are selected to take a full-time college course load on NKU's campus for their final two years of high school at an extremely discounted rate! Students have the opportunity to earn 60 hours of college credit and/or and associate's degree while working with a small cohort of motivated, like-minded students working toward degrees with a focus in STEM, integrated studies, supply chain, and computer science.

For more information, contact Dr. Amanda Dempsey at amanda.dempsey@kenton.kyschools.us.