Enrichment Program

Enrichment courses are designed for those students who wish to participate in accelerated courses, which go into more depth of study. All courses are open to all grade-level appropriate students. The prerequisite to taking enrichment courses is the following:

  1. The student has a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or above, or

  2. The student has a 3.0 GPA or above in previous related coursework.

  3. Exceptions to these prerequisites can be made via a written application process.          

      Applications can be obtained at the Student Services Center.

The enrichment program consists of the following five components:    

• • Honors courses are designated sections of required courses. These courses are largely for freshmen and sophomores. They are more rigorous, enriched, and are taught at an accelerated pace. Honors courses are scored on a 4.0 non-weighted grading scale.

  • College Elective Courses, are usually vocational classes, which offer college credit, equal to specific courses at the community college level. They are also transferable to some 4-year colleges as elective college credit. A 3.0 GPA is not required for admission. College Elective courses are scored on a 4.0 non-weighted grading scale.

  • College Credit Courses, are core academic classes, which offer direct college credit, equal to specific courses at the college or university level. College Credit courses are scored on a 4.5 weighted grading scale.

  • Advanced Placement (AP) courses meet the requirement of the College Board Advanced Placement curriculum. These courses are designed to prepare students to take the advanced placement test for that course, an optional test given in May. Depending upon the student’s score and the criteria of the specific university, students may earn college credit.  AP courses are scored on a 4.5 weighted grading scale.

  • Post Secondary Enrollment Options Act, which involves Gifted & Talented freshmen and sophomores; and junior or senior students taking courses at Central College or through other colleges.

College Credit Transfer Details:

The high school offers college credit courses for students but remember, it is the students’ responsibility to request transcripts to be sent to their college of choice for the transfer of credits. There is a form in the guidance office to assist you with this process. 

Important note: your GPA and letter grade received in these courses MAY affect your college GPA and financial aid. This will depend on which college you attend.

POST-SECONDARY ENROLLMENT OPTIONS ACT

The Post‐Secondary Enrollment Options Act allows students to take college level courses as a part of their high school curriculum. 

Enrollment forms must be picked up from the counselors and completed before registration at Central College. Students who are interested in pursuing a Central College  course must visit with a counselor at the high school. Students who fail the course and fail to receive credit shall reimburse the school district for all costs directly related to the course. Students who fail the course and fail to receive credit for the course for reasons beyond their control, including, but not limited to, the student’s incapacity, death in the family or a move to another district, may not be responsible for the costs of the course. 

Paperwork will need to be completed and turned into the counselor by the following deadlines:

Fall courses: May 25th

Spring courses: December 1st

DMACC CAREER ACADEMY ONLINE COURSES

https://dmacc.edu/careeradvantage/pages/pella.aspx

Students can take online DMACC classes that have had prior school board approval.  Students who are interested in pursuing an online DMACC course must visit with a counselor at the high school. Paperwork will need to be completed and turned into the counselor by the following deadlines:

Fall courses:  May 25th 

Spring courses: December 1st 

Students can count one online course toward their number of required in-person classes per semester:

9th, 10th graders need at least 6 in-person classes with one online course per semester

11th, 12th graders need at least 5 in-person classes with one online course per semester

Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 256.11, .11A; 261C; 279.8; 280.3, .14 (1997).

281 I.A.C. 12, 22.

Cross Reference: 505 Student Scholastic Achievement

604.4 Program for Talented and Gifted Students

REVIEWED 12.15.08

APPROVED 7.15.13

APPROVED 11.27.17

APPROVED 9.27.21