Academic Options

Advanced Placement (AP) Program

The Advanced Placement Program gives high school students exposure to college-level material through involvement in AP courses. The AP Program promotes critical thinking, independent evaluation, accelerated learning and achievement. The academic rigor of these courses provides students with the opportunity to proceed at a faster pace and develop and strengthen academic talents. Students learn subjects in depth, refine analytical reasoning skills, and form disciplined study habits that will contribute to their success in college. Along with academic performance, the most significant factor in college admissions decisions is the strength and rigor of a student’s curriculum. Advanced Placement courses are recognized and valued for their quality, depth and rigor. The Advanced Placement Program is for students who possess intellectual curiosity and who seek intellectual growth. Reading and homework assignment expectations for AP classes are extensive. Students are expected to perform at the college level, particularly in the areas of writing, reading for analysis and synthesis, and test taking. Satisfactory completion of research papers and class projects is also an expectation. Students are cautioned to consider what impact the combination of employment, extracurricular activities, home responsibilities and course load might have on their academic success. Students interested in Advanced Placement courses should consult with their teacher and/or counselor. Students must complete an application process in order to be considered for AP courses. Academic departments notify students through their classes when AP applications are available, and students apply in mid-January. In May, following the schedule established by the College Board and the Educational Testing Service, Lakewood High School administers Advanced Placement examinations. Students will be advised early in the fall of the cost of exams and registration procedures. By participating in the AP Program and taking AP exams, students may earn credit or advanced standing in college. 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 a partnership with University of Akron) 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. Students are strongly encouraged to have taken the ACT/SAT by May prior to applying.

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 or can be downloaded from the LHS Counseling page on our website.

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.

Key Components to a Successful CCP On-Site Experience (LHS)

Through agreements with the University of Akron, Hiram, Lorain County Community College (LCCC), and Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C), select courses are offered at Lakewood High School that allow students to earn both high school and college credit while staying at Lakewood High School. These classes are taught by LHS teachers recognized as adjunct faculty of the University of Akron, Hiram, LCCC, and Tri-C. A college course syllabus and college textbook are used. These courses are free to students if the course is successfully completed. The current courses offered at Lakewood High through this partnership are: Anatomy and Physiology, Spanish, Intro to College Psychology, and Social Psychology. There are GPA, college entrance test score requirements and university registration/application deadlines required to be eligible to take a College Credit Plus course through the University of Akron and LCCC. Each of these is specific to the college course.

Key Components to a Successful CCP Off-Site Experience

•Students must notify their school counselor by April 1 regarding their intention to participate in College Credit Plus at a college/university for the next year. After April 1, students will need permission from the school district superintendent to participate.

• Early in the school year, students should initiate discussion with their respective high school counselor sharing their interest in taking college courses and how it fits in with their overall academic plan and career goals.

• Students need to contact colleges for information, application forms, and criteria for acceptance into College Credit Plus. Students must go through the procedures established by the colleges/universities to apply to College Credit Plus and to enroll in the college’s course(s). Students may have to take a college placement test to be accepted. Some college materials may be available in Lakewood High’s School Counseling Office, but the most accurate information is found on the specific college’s website or speaking directly with the college.

• A College Credit Plus informational session will be held at Lakewood High. All colleges and universities within a 30-mile radius will be invited to attend. If a student cannot attend, he/she needs to schedule an appointment with a school counselor to understand the information presented.

• Prior to college class attendance, a high school counselor will assist the students in determining a course’s equivalency to a high school course(s).

• Taking a college course from a public college or university, or a 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 (non-participating) college or university, there may be costs.

• For athletes: Be sure to understand how College Credit Plus courses impact your Athletic Eligibility by reviewing the document posted at this link: https://www.ohiohighered.org/sites/ohiohighered.org/files/uploads/CCP/ OHSAAEligibilityGuidelinesGuidanceCounselors_jun2017.pdf

• For current CCP probation and dismissal procedure contact the School Counseling Department.

Refer to Ohio’s College Credit Plus Student and Family website at the following link: https://www.ohiohighered.org/content/college_credit_plus_info_students_families

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.

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

Lakewood High School accepts 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. 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 LHS School Counselor Roberta Marcinek at 529-4272 for more information.

Studying Abroad

Lakewood High School also works in partnership with the Rotary Exchange Program to provide opportunities for students to study abroad. Each year, students have traveled to a variety of other countries and lived with host families for varying lengths of time while continuing their high school coursework toward a Lakewood High School diploma. Those interested should contact LHS School Counseling Department at 529-4032 for more information.