College-Level Coursework

Students in grades 10, 11, or 12 have the opportunity to earn a Minnesota World Language Certificate, Bilingual or Multilingual Seal.  This is a wonderful opportunity to recognize all of our students’ languages as assets.  To earn a Certificate or Seal, students must demonstrate proficiency in listening, reading, speaking and writing in a language(s) other than English, as well as meet all WHS English Language Art requirements. World Language Certificates and Bilingual/Multilingual Seal awards will be noted in students’ high school transcripts.  Students who earn these awards may also earn college credit at Minnesota State Colleges and Universities:

Bilingual Platinum Seal: Proficiency Level = ACTFL Advanced Low, Number of college credits earned  = 4 semesters

Bilingual Gold Seal: Proficiency Level = ACTFL Intermediate High, Number of college credits earned = 3 semesters

World Language Proficiency Certificate: Proficiency Level = ACTFL Intermediate Low, Number of college credits earned = 2 semesters

Students who complete an AP Language & Culture Exam automatically earn a Certificate (AP score of 3), Gold Seal (AP score of 4), or Platinum Seal (AP score of 5).  No further testing is needed.

Students who do not complete an AP Language & Culture Exam will be provided language testing opportunities at WHS in the fall, February, and May.  Proficiency tests are currently available in 25 languages including: Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Hebrew, Hindi, Hmong, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Thai, & Vietnamese. 

WHS encourages ALL students to complete a language proficiency testing opportunity:  

• Students enrolled in WHS language courses should test in levels 4, 5, and/or AP.  Students are encouraged to test at the end of their language learning experience.

• Heritage language students are encouraged to test in grades 10, 11, or 12.  WHS encourages heritage language students to test in February, with the opportunity to retest their lowest scoring test sections (listening, reading, speaking, writing) in May.

• Any student may complete their language proficiency test more than once within a given academic year and/or in grades 10, 11, and 12.

More information can be found at our Wayzata World Language Certificate, Bilingual/Multilingual Seal website.

CLEP is a program affiliated with the College Board that offers students the opportunity to receive college credit for what they already know. CLEP exams are administered at various testing centers across the county, including one at Wayzata High School.  

At Wayzata High School, our CLEP exam program serves as a precursor to our AP Program and allows students to earn College Credit on courses such as College Composition, Introduction to Sociology, College Algebra, Pre-Calculus, Financial Accounting, Introduction to Business Law and Principles of either Management or Marketing.  Students who earn a 1 or 2 on the AP exam also have the option to take the corresponding CLEP exam during the summer.

The purpose of offering CLEP at WHS is not to compete with the AP Program, but to enhance the program by giving students the opportunity to earn college credit in courses that do not have a corresponding AP exam.  Students MAY NOT satisfy a prerequisite utilizing the CLEP exam as this is not a “test-out” nor a “test-in” to Advanced Placement.

Why should I consider taking a CLEP exam? CLEP can help you earn 3 or more college credits, save money on tuition, graduate on time, and add flexibility to a degree program.

It is important to note that each college sets its own policy regarding which CLEP exams it will grant credit for and how many credits it will award.  For a list of colleges that grant credit for CLEP, visit clep.collegeboard.org/school-policy-search.  

Descriptions of CLEP Exams offered at WHS

CLEP exams cover material that students typically encounter during their first two years of college. Many CLEP exams are designed to correspond to one semester courses. Some, however, correspond to one to two years of study. At most colleges, students earn three credits for a one-semester course and six credits for a full-year course. Exams are approximately 90 minutes and consist mainly of multiple-choice questions. Some exams, like College Composition and Spanish with Writing, include an essay section. World Language exams also include listening sections.

Do you have questions about CLEP?

Additional information regarding CLEP exams is available at https://clep.collegeboard.org/pdf/information-test-takers-bulletin.pdf

You can also contact Amy Swenson at amy.swenson@wayzatschools.org or Lory Ullom at lory.ullom@wayzataschools.org 

[Thinking About Taking An AP Course?]

The WHS Advanced Placement (AP) program continues to grow in the variety of courses offered as well as the numbers of students willing to engage in rigorous academic challenges that match their abilities and interests. AP courses are college courses taught by trained WHS teachers on the high school campus. The WHS AP Program offers numerous courses representing a variety of discipline areas to support 34 different AP exams. The benefits for a student selecting these courses are many:

• Provides academic challenge needed to maximize the potential of college-bound students.

• Provides students a chance to earn college credit accepted nationwide without leaving the high school campus.

• Allows students to excel in their chosen area of interest or strength.

• Permits students to “bank” credit for college graduation while also permitting students to fulfill core requirements or take more advanced courses.

• Motivates students to improve study habits.

• Fosters leadership qualities in outstanding students.

WHS encourages ALL students to take at least one Advanced Placement course in their areas of strength/interest prior to graduation. Tests are scored on a 1-5 scale, and a score of 3 or above may make the student eligible for credit depending on the individual college or university policy. The AP Program at WHS is highly respected by colleges and universities from around the nation. If you are considering AP for the first time, AP Seminar and AP African American Studies Pilot are accessible options.

If you have questions about AP courses, please contact our AP Coordinator at 763-745-6605. The AP teachers are also available to answer more specific questions about courses. We encourage students who plan to attend a four year college or university to try at least one AP course during their high school career. Weighted grades are used only with AP courses.

AP courses that are offered at WHS include:

Art

• 605 - AP Graphic Design (AP 2-D Art and Design-Portfolio)

• 629 - AP Drawing

• 631 - AP Ceramics (AP 3-D Art and Design-Portfolio)

Business

• 740 - AP Microeconomics

• 741 - AP Macroeconomics

English

• 145 - AP Seminar

• 166 - AP English Literature & Composition

• 199 - AP Language/Composition

Mathematics

• 311 - AP Precalculus

• 340/341 - AP Calculus AB

• 342 - AP Calculus BC

• 336 - AP Statistics

Music

• 645 - AP Music Theory

Science

• 422 - AP Environmental Science

• 425 - AP Biology

• 433 - AP Chemistry

• 444 - AP Physics 1

• 445 - AP Physics 2

• 447 - AP Physics C Mechanics

• 448 - AP Physics C Electronics & Magnetism

Social Studies

• 211 - AP United States History 

• 225 - AP Modern World History

• 233 - AP European History

• 249 - AP Human Geography

• 256 - AP Psychology

• 262 - AP US Government & Politics

• 263 - AP Comparative Government

• 268 - AP Research

• 276 - AP African American Studies (Pilot)

Technology Education

• 716 - AP Cyber: Networking (Pilot)

• 944 - AP Computer Science Principles (S)

• 947 - AP Computer Science (S)

• 9993C - AP Cyber: Security (Pilot)

World Languages and Culture

• 525 - AP French Language

• 545 - AP Spanish Language

• 574 - AP Chinese Language

University of Minnesota Talented Youth Mathematics Program (UMTYMP)  [UMTYMP Presentation]

Each spring, students can apply to start UMTYMP in the fall, either in Algebra 1 or Calculus 1.  It is not possible to start in UMTYMP in Algebra II, Geometry or PreCalculus.  Students in grades 7-10 can take the qualifying exam in the spring by contacting MathCEP at the University of MN.  Students who have been enrolled in the UMTYMP program in middle school can continue the program in high school or they may wish to transition to the Accelerated or Advanced Placement program at WHS.  

Students choosing UMTYMP will not receive a school authorized absence to leave early to get to their UMTYMP class and will be expected to remain in their assigned 4th block class until 3:20 p.m.  The 10 absence policy will be followed for UMTYMP students who choose to leave early. Transportation to and from the University is the responsibility of the family.

Students may not accelerate graduation through UMTYMP.  Students are eligible to earn 16 credits per year, per WPS School Board policy.  It is strongly recommended that students participating in UMTYMP register for 14 credits and 2 UMTYMP Holds so that UMTYMP credits will transfer to a student's transcript at the conclusion of the course.  Students can meet with their counselor to discuss when it is appropriate for a student to enroll in 16 credits at WHS in addition to UMTYMP.  Students wishing to enroll/continue in UMTYMP should select from the following course options.  Doing so notifies WHS of your intent.  You will still need to complete the registration requirements set by the University of MN for this program.

Students continuing in UMTYMP should enroll in the following UMTYMP Hold options.  Students not continuing in UMTYMP should enroll in 0014P - Override Request.  Students will be placed in the appropriate math course once transcripts are released from the University of Minnesota in the spring.

• 001A - UMTYMP Hold (TM 1)

• 001B - UMTYMP Hold (TM 2)

• 001C - UMTYMP Hold (TM 3)

• 001D - UMTYMP Hold (TM 4)

0014P - Override Request

Students who have completed a prerequisite via an alternative path (i.e. UMTYMP, Credit for Learning or Credit by Assessment) and who are unable to request a course in Skyward, should enroll in 0014P - Override Request.  Students will be contacted for additional information including the course they wish to take and verification of prerequisite completion.

Join UMTYMP

Concurrent enrollment partnerships provide high school students the opportunity to take college credit-bearing courses. Concurrent enrollment is defined as a dual enrollment courses taught by college-approved high school teachers. Concurrent enrollment partnerships and early college programs successfully transition students from high school to college.  [Watch Video] 

Students gain exposure to the academic challenges of college while in their supportive high school environment, earning transcripted college credit at the time they successfully pass the course. Concurrent enrollment also facilitates close collaboration between high school teachers and college faculty that fosters alignment of secondary and postsecondary curriculum.

How are Concurrent Enrollment classes Different from AP Classes? 

Advanced Placement courses are advanced high school courses where standardized tests are used to assess students’ knowledge at the end of a course. Some colleges and universities will place students out of entry-level courses and/or provide credit-by-exam based on students’ performance on these exams.

Concurrent enrollment courses are credit-bearing college courses. Concurrent students earn a college grade based on multiple and varied assessments throughout a course, not just from one high-stakes test. Concurrent enrollment students earn transcripted college credit at the time they successfully pass the course.

Concurrent Enrollment Courses offered at WHS

• 722 CM - Personal Financial Literacy

• 734 C - Entrepreneurship (Start a Bus.)

• 866 C - Introduction to Education

• 931 - Applied Graphics 2

• 9991A/B - Principles of Management and Economics

• 9992A/B - Composition for College and Advanced Applied Graphics

• 9993A/B - Cybersecurity and Applied Mathematics

An articulation agreement is a formal agreement between two or more educational entities to accept credits in transfer toward a specific academic program.

In order to use the Articulated College Credit a student must attend the specific education institution that the Articulation Agreement has been made with, articulated college credits are not transcripted credits.

Articulated College Credits at WHS 

• 705 - Introduction to Computers: Microsoft, IT & Web Design

• 708 - Introducction to Website Design

• 709 - Applied Website Development

• 760 S - Information Technology 1 Hardware

• 861 - Interior Design 

• 864 - Child Psychology 2

• 871 - Advanced Culinary Arts

• 872 - Baking and Pastry

• 910 S - Architectural Design 1

• 911 S - Architectural Design 2

• 912 S - Home Construction and Maintenance

• 913 S - Advanced Home Construction

• 923 - Introduction to Animation

• 924 S - Applied Animation

• 930 - Applied Graphics 1

• 944 S - AP Computer Science/PLTW SFTW Eng Principles

• 945 S - Metal Manufacturing

• 947 S - AP Computer Science A

• 950 S - Introduction to Wood Manufacturing 1

• 951 S - Advanced Wood Manufacturing

POSTSECONDARY ENROLLMENT OPTION (PSEO)

The Post-Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) program allows high school juniors and seniors to take college courses—either part-time or full-time—at participating two-year and four-year institutions. These courses earn both high school and college credit. Sophomores are eligible to take one Career and Technical Education (CTE) course. Tuition, fees, and required textbooks are covered through the program; however, transportation is not provided.

Each college or university sets its own eligibility requirements, and students must meet application deadlines: May 30 for fall semester and October 30 for spring semester.

PSEO students are considered college students, which means parents will not have access to grades or be able to contact the college for information. Since participation in PSEO establishes a student’s permanent college transcript, it is important for students to select courses thoughtfully to ensure academic success.

Wayzata High School awards 1 high school credit for every 2 college credits earned through PSEO. Students are responsible for choosing courses that fulfill all WHS graduation requirements.

A copy of the WHS PSEO Presentation conducted by the counselors can be found here.

STEPS FOR PSEO

1. Check which colleges participate in the PSEO program.

2. Complete the college’s online PSEO application.

3. Keep track of username (i.e. STAR ID) and password information - you will need it again

4. Complete Part 1 of the MDE - PSEO NOSR 3 Part Form (2025-2026)

5. Submit the form and a copy of your transcript to the college to which you are applying or to Polly Davidson in the admin office who can help you submit your materials.

6. Follow the required orientation/registration steps at PSEO institution

7. Schedule a meeting with your School Counselor to figure out a schedule.

By enrolling in PSEO, I understand and agree that:

• Graduation Requirements:  I am responsible for knowing and completing all Wayzata High School (WHS) graduation requirements. I must meet these requirements to participate in the graduation ceremony. WHS awards 1 high school credit for every 2 college credits earned through PSEO.

• College Admissions: I am responsible for completing any coursework needed to meet admission requirements for the colleges I plan to apply to.

• Course Changes:  If I drop, withdraw from, or fail a PSEO class, I must notify my WHS counselor right away. I understand that changes can impact my graduation status and college admissions.

• Monitoring My Progress:  My WHS counselor does not have access to my PSEO grades. It is my responsibility to monitor my academic standing and contact my counselor if I am struggling.

• Dropping Classes:  If I decide to withdraw from or drop a PSEO class, I must follow the college’s official process and meet their deadlines.

• Transcript Reporting:  All PSEO grades—including "W" (Withdraw), "I" (Incomplete), or "F" (Fail)—will be reported on my official WHS transcript.

• College Record:  The grades I earn through PSEO will be part of my permanent college GPA and transcript.  PSEO course grades are not weighted on the WHS transcript. 

• Academic Standing:  I must maintain a good GPA and course completion rate. Too many low grades or withdrawals can affect my eligibility for future college admissions. 

• Forms and Deadlines:  I am responsible for completing all required forms (for the Minnesota Department of Education, the college, and WHS), collecting the necessary signatures, and meeting all deadlines. 

• Semester Schedules:  I must provide my WHS counselor with a copy of my PSEO schedule within the first week of each semester.

• Official Transcripts: At the end of each semester, I must ensure that my WHS counselor receives an official transcript from my PSEO college.

• Staying Connected: It is my responsibility to stay informed about important WHS events and opportunities (such as activities, prom, college rep visits, ACT testing, and graduation).