Advanced Placement (AP) Program
The Advanced Placement (AP) Program offers high school students the chance to explore college-level material through challenging AP courses. These courses encourage students to think critically, work independently, and learn at an accelerated pace. By delving deeper into subjects and honing their analytical skills, students can develop strong study habits that will benefit them in college.
AP classes often involve significant reading and homework. Students are expected to meet high academic standards, particularly in writing, reading comprehension, and test-taking. Completing research papers and class projects is also part of the course workload.
Students should carefully consider how their commitments, such as jobs, extracurricular activities, and family responsibilities, may affect their ability to succeed in AP courses. Students interested in taking an AP class should talk to their School Counselor for more information.
In May, Lakewood High School administers AP exams as scheduled by the College Board. Students will be informed early in the fall about the cost of exams and registration procedures.
By participating in the AP Program and taking AP exams, students may earn college credit or advanced placement. Students enrolled in AP courses are expected to take the corresponding AP exams.
College Credit Plus
Ohio’s new College Credit Plus program can be used to earn college credit by taking specific courses at Lakewood High School (through partnerships with the University of Akron, Cuyahoga Community College, and Lorain County Community College) or taking courses on a college campus. Both of these options can help students earn college and high school credits at the same time by taking college courses. The purpose of this program is to promote rigorous academic pursuits and to provide a wide variety of options to college ready students. Taking a college course from a public college or university, or participating private college or university, through College Credit Plus is free. There is no cost for tuition, books or fees. If a student chooses to attend a private college or university, there may be costs.
Key Date for CCP:
An “Intent to Participate” form and "Mature Content" form MUST be submitted by April 1st to apply for acceptance. These forms must be filled out annually. Both forms are available in the Lakewood High School Counseling Office.
What If I Fail a CCP Class?
Classes failed or withdrawn with an “F” will receive an “F” on the high school and college transcripts and will be computed into the high school and college GPA. If you do not receive a passing grade, the district may, in some instances, seek reimbursement for the amount of state funds paid to the college on your behalf for that college course. The school district may withhold grades and credits received for high school courses taken until reimbursement has been made.
Independent Study
Individually designed programs are for those students who have demonstrated the ability, interest and maturity to undertake a program of research and investigation in academic and non-academic areas. Independent Study provides students with an opportunity to pursue educational options under the guidance of a licensed Lakewood City School District staff member. An Independent Study application is available for students in grades 9 through 12. An Independent Study application must be obtained, completed, and submitted to the Principal for final approval. A student enrolled in a traditional class may not drop the class to enroll in an independent study course. Students may not take an independent study if that course is available to take at Lakewood High School. Approved credit awarded through this policy will be posted on the student’s transcript and count toward a student’s grade point average (GPA) and graduation credit. For more information, contact your School Counselor.
Credit Flexibility
Credit Flexibility enables students to earn high school credit based on the demonstration of subject competency. Students may complete coursework, test out of a course, or pursue educational options. Please see the proposal process on the Ohio Department of Education website or discuss this option with your counselor. Deadlines for plan proposals are April 1 for the following fall and November 1 for the following spring. Approved credit awarded through this policy will be posted on the student’s transcript and count toward a student’s grade point average (GPA) and graduation credit. Students interested in completing PE through Credit Flexibility are encouraged to contact Mr. Harter (christopher.harter@lakewoodcityschools.org) for assistance in completing the Credit Flexibility form.
Out-of-School Credit
Credit for night school, summer school, correspondence courses, online courses and any other alternative pathway is counted toward graduation requirements only if the student obtains written approval from his/her school counselor before enrolling. In most cases, Independent Study/Credit Flexibility application will be required.
Foreign Exchange Students
Each year, Lakewood High School accepts up to 5 foreign exchange students for enrollment in the district. Exchange students will be given priority with host families that have a student in good standing who attends Lakewood High School or who work with a non-profit organization. Exceptions may be made if no current LHS family has applied to host an exchange student. Those families interested in hosting a foreign exchange student should contact the LHS Principal for more information. The deadline for approval is August 1st for the upcoming school year.