ACCELERATED COURSES

Accelerated courses move more quickly than regular-level courses and cover additional material beyond the general curriculum requirements. Students earn grade points based on the accelerated class value column. Students who have earned A’s or B’s in regular courses are encouraged to explore accelerated course options in that subject area. 

ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP)

The Advanced Placement program gives students the opportunity to try college-level work while still in high school. AP courses are taught by our CASS teachers onsite. In order to receive college credit for AP courses, students must score at an acceptable level on the AP exam in the spring. Individual colleges determine the AP score required in order to award college credit, but in general a 3 or higher on the AP exam will earn credit at many colleges. 

SPPS DISTRICTWIDE CAREER PATHWAYS PROGRAM (DCPP)

In partnership with 3M, Saint Paul College, and Heart of America, this new program allows students from any SPPS high school to get hands-on experience in high-wage, in-demand careers. The courses offered through DCPP are college-level, and students will earn college credit upon successful completion of the course. DCPP courses are taught by college professors at the SPPS Career Pathways Center (transportation provided). 

POSTSECONDARY ENROLLMENT OPTIONS (PSEO)

The Minnesota PSEO Act enables 10th*, 11th and 12th grade students to enroll in courses or programs at eligible post- secondary institutions and receive course credit. This program promotes rigorous educational pursuits and provides a variety of options to high school students. 

• Applying: Students must follow application deadlines and procedures outlined by the post-secondary institution. Deadlines and criteria for PSEO applications vary from college to college. 

• Choosing Courses: Students must also make sure they are fulfilling their SPPS graduation requirements by  meeting with their school counselor. Students may take one or more courses up to a full load (12-16 semester  credits equal a full load). Students may take more credits than that, but additional credits will be at the family’s expense.

• Credits: Typically four semester college credits equal one full year of high school credit in a given course. Credits received from a postsecondary institution are recorded on students’ transcripts and count as courses completed  at that institution. Transferring of credits to another institution will depend on the new institution. Since all  institutions may not accept allPSEOcredits,students should check with the college of choice. 

• Withdrawing: Students must inform the post-secondary institution and the high school immediately. Students are subject to the same procedures as any other high school student when withdrawing from a course or failing a course. 

• Transportation: Students and families are responsible for transportation to and from the post-secondary institution. 

Please visit the Minnesota Department of Education Website for more information. 

*10th graders admission is limited. 

COLLEGE LEVEL EXAMINATION PROGRAM (CLEP)

CLEP offers students who have mastered a certain subject a test out opportunity to earn college credits or skip the introductory college-level course. Check the MN Office of Higher Education Website to find out more about this program and what tests are available.

MINNESOTA BILINGUAL SEALS AND CERTIFICATE

The MN Bilingual Seals and Certificate is an opportunity for any students who can speak, write, read, and understand a language other than English to earn free college semester credits at any Minnesota State College and University upon graduation. Exams take place each spring at an SPPS High School. See languages offered and sample exams here. Contact your counselor for more information.