2026-2027 VRHS Program of Studies

Understanding Academic Opportunities for Valley Regional High School Students

Valley Regional High School provides opportunities for students to take rigorous college-level courses, and the option to potentially earn college-credit while in high school. Credit is earned based on successful completion of the program’s course criteria at a recognized level of achievement. The ability to transfer the earned college credits to all universities and colleges varies depending upon the receiving school. It is recommended that students research the viability of the transfer credits transferring to the post-secondary universities in which they are interested. Students are encouraged to discuss these options with their teachers and their school counselor prior to enrolling.

College Prepatory (CP)

The curriculum for CP courses is standards-based and designed to provide relevant and engaging coursework for all students who are seeking a strong foundation in a subject area. Courses are designed by teacher teams to provide a range of challenges and supports for students to fulfill their academic potential.

Grade in CP classes will be weighted as 1.0

Honors (H)

Honors courses are designed to provide a more rigorous curriculum than college preparatory classes. These courses often move at a faster pace and cover topics in greater depth, encouraging critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

Honors courses challenge students academically, preparing them for the demands of college level coursework. The courses often provide students more opportunities to work independently and explore the subject in depth. Students develop strong study habits, time management, and deeper understanding of the subject matter.

Honors courses often require a significant time commitment and effort. Students should ensure they maintain a balanced schedule between academics and extracurriculars.

Grades in Honors classes will be weighted as 1.1

Click IB logo for more program information.

International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme

Valley Regional offers multiple ways for students to engage with International Baccalaureate (IB) courses, allowing them to choose a pathway that best aligns with their goals, interests, and postsecondary plans. Students may pursue the full IB Diploma Programme, participate in the IB Career Programme, or enroll in individual IB courses while following a traditional high school program.

Students enrolled in the IB Diploma Programme (DP) complete a comprehensive, two-year academic program in grades 11 and 12 that emphasizes critical thinking, global awareness, and academic balance. DP students study six subject areas, complete the Theory of Knowledge course, write an Extended Essay, and participate in Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS). This rigorous pathway prepares students for success in college and beyond and is recognized by universities worldwide.

Students may also choose the IB Career Programme (CP), which combines IB courses with a focused career-related pathway. CP students take at least two IB Diploma Programme courses, a career-related study, and the CP Core, which includes personal and professional skills, service learning, reflective projects, and language development. Additionally, students who do not wish to pursue a full IB program may enroll in individual IB courses. These students benefit from IB’s inquiry-based, college-level instruction while maintaining flexibility in their overall course schedule.

More information about the IB program at Valley can be found HERE.

Grades in IB courses will be weighted as 1.2

CollegeBoard's Advanced Placement (AP) Program

Advanced Placement (AP) courses use the CollegeBoard's curriculum as a guide to providing a challenging college-level experience to students who are motivated to go further into a subject area. AP courses prepare students for the academic rigor of college, often enhancing college readiness. A wide range of subjects are available, allowing students to explore diverse areas of interest.

AP courses across all departments. Students enrolling in AP courses are expected to take the AP Exam in May, a nationally standardized exam administered by the CollegeBoard. Scores on AP exams can lead to potential college credit, saving time and tuition costs. To read more about the specific policy of most colleges and universities, please visit www.collegeboard.org/ap/creditpolicy.

VRHS facilitates an AP exam registration process each fall, as there is a fee for taking the AP exam. Students who enroll in AP courses at VRHS will receive exam registration information each year in early fall.

More information about the CollegeBoard's AP Program can be found by visiting www.ap.collegeboard.org

Grades in AP courses will be weighted as 1.2

UConn's Early College Experience (ECE) Program

The University of Connecticut Early College Experience (ECE) program allows high school students to take college courses through course offerings at Valley Regional High School. These challenging courses allow students to preview college work, build confidence in their readiness for college, and earn college credits. UConn ECE instructors are high school teachers certified by the University.

Students can earn college credits (at a significantly reduced cost) that provide both an academic and financial head start on a college degree and postsecondary opportunities. There is a registration process associated with obtaining ECE credits. Students who earn a C or better in the ECE course based on UConn's performance criteria will earn college credit from UConn. This credit is posted on a University of Connecticut transcript and may be used as transferable credit. 87 % of colleges accept UConn ECE credit.

More information about the UConn ECE Program can be found by visiting www.ece.uconn.edu

Grades in UConn ECE Courses will be weighted as 1.2

CT State Community College: College Career Pathways Concurrent Enrollment Program

The Concurrent Enrollment program through CT State Community College allows students enrolled in designated VRHS courses to earn both high school credit from VRHS and college credit from CT State. To participate, students must register with CT State and meet the college’s prerequisite requirements. There is currently no cost to students for Concurrent Enrollment courses.

For more information about CT State's Dual and Concurrent Enrollment opportunities, email CTState-DualConcurrent@ctstate.edu.

IB COURSES

AP COURSES

ECE COURSES

DE COURSES

CURRICULUM SOURCE

International Baccalaureate Programme

CollegeBoard

University of Connecticut

CT State Community College

CREDITS

Every college and university adopts their own policies regarding IB exam scores and the awarding of college credit

A student's score on the IB exam determines their ability to earn college credit at each school

A student's final grade in their IB course at VRHS does not determine their eligibility for college credit

Every college and university adopts their own policies regarding AP exam scores and the awarding of college credit

A student's score on the AP exam determines their ability to earn college credit at each school

A student's final grade in their AP course at VRHS does not determine their eligibility for college credit

Credit is awarded on a University of Connecticut transcript upon successful completion of the university's performance criteria

In most cases, students must earn above a C for their final grade in the course

Credit is awarded on a CT State Community College Transcript upon successful completion of the course

GRADE REPORTING

IB exams are scored between a 1-7

AP exams are scored between a 1-5

A-F on UConn Transcript

A-F on CT State Transcript

COST

Subject to Change

Students are required to take the IB exam. ($62.00 per exam)

Students are required to take the AP exam. ($49.50 per exam)

ECE course fee determined by UConn. Most courses are 3 or 4 credit courses ($50.00 per credit)

There is no cost associated with Dual Enrollment courses

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Exam cost is waived for students who qualify for Free / Reduced lunch

UConn ECE waives all fees for students who qualify for Federal Free / Reduced Lunch program.

There is no cost associated with Dual Enrollment courses

COLLEGE ENROLLMENT

Not applicable

Students are enrolled as non-degree UConn students

Students are enrolled as non-degree CT State students

CREDIT TRANSFER

IB credits are accepted depending on the score and university

AP does not report on the transferabillity/ acceptance rates of credit earned through the program

Scores of 3 or higher are accepted at most institutions, including all CT State Schools

UConn Credits earned through UConn ECE transfer to colleges and universities 87% of the time

Credit transfer information can be found by visiting ctstate.edu

REGISTRATION & PAYMENT

VRHS facilitates a registration & payment process for IB exams each fall. Students are not automatically registered for their exam. Students and families will be shared registration instructions once they begin the IB course in early fall.

VRHS facilitates a registration & payment process for AP exams each fall. Students are not automatically registered for their exam. Students and families will be shared registration instructions once they begin the AP course in early fall.

VRHS facilitates a registration & payment process for ECE courses each fall. Students are not automatically registered for ECE credit. Students and families will be shared registration instructions once they begin the ECE course in early fall.

VRHS facilitates a registration & payment process for DE courses each semester. Students are not automatically registered for DE credit. Students and families will be shared registration instructions once they begin the ECE course in early fall.

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