Generally, courses required for graduation are taken at Pelham High School. However, it is the policy of the Pelham School Board (IHBH) to allow extended learning opportunities at the high school level as long as those opportunities are aligned with the school’s educational goals and objectives. Extended learning means the primary acquisition of knowledge and skills through instruction or study which extends beyond the Pelham High School classroom and course requirements. Please note: Alternative methods of earning academic credit cannot be a course offered at Pelham High School.
Students who wish to take courses through an extended learning opportunity and/or online programs may do so in consultation with their school counselor and upon approval from the administration. If applicable, students or their parents/guardians are responsible for all related expenses including tuition and textbooks. Alternative credit may be accepted toward requirements leading to a Pelham High diploma if approved by administration.
An Alternative Credit Application is available in the College and Career Counseling Department and must be completed and approved in advance of taking the course. Upon successful completion of the course, credit will be awarded and noted on the transcript, but grades will not be included in a student’s GPA calculation.
Independent Study is intended to provide students with an opportunity to go beyond the classroom experience and to pursue and study a particular area of academic interest. Credit may be earned for projects that will be coordinated, supervised, and evaluated by a Pelham High School faculty member. Recognizing the value of self-discovery and self-teaching, the independent study will encourage responsibility and growth. Throughout the independent study, students will be asked to define goals regarding what they want to learn or accomplish. They will also refine their goals in an ongoing manner to make them specific and realistic. Students wanting to undertake an independent study will submit a proposal in writing to the Director of School Counseling of Students who will present the proposal to the administration for final approval. In order to qualify for an Independent Study, students must be a junior or senior, maintain a B average in the chosen subject area and be in good academic standing. In no case will an independent study replace a course that is currently offered at Pelham High School.
The Internship is a supervised program, usually in a professional field, that affords students the opportunity to engage in a learning experience that augments classroom learning and extends beyond the traditional classroom walls. Working in conjunction with a worksite mentor and the school, the student develops a learning plan to coordinate academic and occupational skills that the student will learn and apply on the job. An internship is an excellent tool for testing out a career interest thus giving the student first-hand knowledge of a particular professional field. Importantly, students will gain real world experience while learning how to conduct themselves in a professional work-place environment. They observe first-hand how skills relating to decision-making, problem solving, teamwork, and technology are employed on the job. Students report that an internship helps them to value themselves and their abilities, gain confidence, and reflect on their future. Moreover, an internship experience can help when the time comes to apply to colleges or technical school; select a college major; and provide opportunities for future employment. Students are encouraged to find their own work site and all interns must provide their own transportation. Prerequisite: Junior or Senior Status
The Virtual Learning Academy (VLACS) is a state-funded high school. Any New Hampshire resident enrolled in middle or high school is allowed to take online courses for free at any time. With prior approval from the school counselor, credit may be earned by successfully completing online through the VLACS. There are also college courses available for a fee. For more information, please visit their website at VLACS.org. Students who wish to have these courses on their high school transcript must provide a VLACS official transcript to the registrar upon completion of the course. GPA credit will be awarded for VLACS courses.
Early college credit enables students to jump start their college education by earning college-level credits during their high school years by attending a regular college class on a college campus. With prior approval from the administration and from the local community college, students select courses from the general education program. Prior approval must be granted and a passing grade must be earned to transfer credits to fulfill high school graduation requirements.
Prerequisite: Junior or Senior status. (Note: Students are responsible for any fees, transportation costs, and for assuring the transcript is sent to Pelham High School for credit.)
Students who have not successfully earned required course credits are provided the opportunity to get back on track through the Credit Recovery Program. The same rigorous competencies made available to students during a course at Pelham High are provided to students through the recovery program. Students needing remediation are provided with targeted resources to gain mastery and acquire course credits necessary to graduate on time. In order to participate in the Credit Recovery Program, students will need to have a reasonable foundation of the course material. The type of student successful in a credit recovery program is a strong independent worker motivated to complete the required work to earn credits. The Credit Recovery Program may require computer work and students will be expected to work independently and ask questions when needed.