Credit by Demonstrated Mastery

(CDM)

Some students are writing wizards, others excel at math; and with Credit by Demonstrated Mastery, GCS students have the chance to receive credit for some courses without completing classroom instruction. Credit by Demonstrated Mastery (CDM) is an option which allows students to demonstrate mastery of a course’s content, getting credit and a pass/fail grade for the course by taking an assessment (Phase I) and completing an artifact (Phase II). Transitioning away from seat time, in favor of a structure that creates flexibility, allows students to progress as they demonstrate mastery of academic content, regardless of time, place, or pace of learning.

This isn't for students who are "good at" some subjects though. It is for students who can show they have a deep understanding of the content without classroom experience. Students who can accomplish receive a pass/fail grade and credit. Failed attempts at CDM are not reflected on a student’s transcript.

Honors/AP

Opportunities for academic challenge are offered to students through Advanced Placement (AP) options and the Honors program. The Honors curriculum and the AP curriculum (as established by the College Board) have a more demanding and rigorous curriculum than regular classes and can help prepare you for college.

The AP program offers able and ambitious students an opportunity to study college-level coursework and to prepare for a national AP exam, which is required of all students enrolled in an AP course. Many colleges grant college credit or advanced placement based on AP exam scores. Honors and AP courses receive weighted credit in computing GPA.

Each student is required to take the appropriate EOC assessment the first time the student takes the course even if the course is an honors or AP Course. Students enrolled in honors courses will be allowed to continue in those courses if they transfer from one high school to another within Guilford County Schools.

Career and College Promise

Career and College Promise offers North Carolina high school students the chance to earn college credits at a community college campus. The program is tuition-free for high school junior and seniors. You must have a cumulative unweighted GPA of 2.8 or higher or passing test scores. GCS students may take community college coursework at Guilford Technical Community College in one of the following pathways:

• College Transfer Pathway

• Career and Technical Education Pathway

• Cooperative Innovative High School Pathway

College Transfer Pathway – juniors and seniors may take courses in one of four areas leading to a minimum of 30 hours of college transfer credit. Many courses can be used to provide dual credit to meet both high school and college requirements.

Career and Technical Education Pathway – juniors and seniors may take courses in designated areas leading to a certificate or diploma aligned with one of sixteen Career Clusters. Courses may be used in partial or complete fulfillment of a four-unit high school career cluster.

Cooperative Innovative High School Pathway - Students attending a Cooperative Innovative High School program will have their tuition, student fees, textbooks and transportation provided. Students who are not enrolled at a Cooperative Innovative High School may opt to take courses with their tuition paid through the Career and College Promise Initiative, but the student will be responsible for GTCC student fees, textbooks and transportation.

*For more information about the Career and College Promise program, including courses offered and eligibility requirements, please visit the Career and College Promise webpage at https://ccpi.gtcc.edu/

Virtual Learning Options

Apex Learning Virtual School (ALVS), North Carolina Virtual Public School (NCVPS), and Guilford County Schools Virtual Public School (GCSVPS) provide students with expanded academic options by offering online courses at NO COST to your student. By virtue of online course delivery, students have access to courses taught by NC certified teachers. The grades from the online course(s) will transfer to the student’s school as part of their academic record. Students are registered for online courses by their school counselor. A list of available courses from each online program can be found on the GCS Blended Learning site: