JCHS Academic Planning Guide_2020-2021

ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT CERTIFICATES
The Presidential Academic Fitness Award, initiated by President Ronald Reagan, is given to seniors
who have met the following criteria:
• Grade point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale at the end of seven semesters.
• Score at or above the 85 th percentile or higher in mathematics or reading on the ACT.
The George Washington Carver Award recognizes graduating seniors who rank in the top 10
percent of their class.
JEFFERSON CITY COLLEGE PREPARATORY CERTIFICATE
DIPLOMA REQUIREMENTS
Credits Subject Required Courses
4 English
4 Math Algebra 1 through Math Analysis/Trig or higher
4 Science
Physical Science/Physics First or Biomedical Science, Biology,
Chemistry, and 1 additional
4 Social Studies
Government/AP Govt and Politics/AP Comparative Govt, and
US/AP US History and 2 additional
1 Fine Art
.5 Practical Art **
1 PE
.5 Health
.5 Personal Finance
2 World Language 2 of the same World Language
*Must have a 3.5 GPA.
***Personal Finance can count as a .50 of the Practical Art requirement.
**A Rating of Proficient or Advanced on 2 of 3 of MO Assessment Program tests admin. at the H.S. level.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT
ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
The Advanced Placement Program is an offering of college level courses and exams for secondary students. It
is a rigorous learning experience. AP courses are typically more challenging and require more work than
other high school courses. An AP exam is required for those students who would like to earn college credit.
Exams are given in May on pre-determined dates established by the College Board. College credit is usually
accepted for exam scores of 3, 4, or 5 on a 1-5 scale. The fee for this national exam is approximately $97.00 per
test. Weighted grades are given to AP courses. https://apstudent.collegeboard.org/creditandplacement
Students and parents should be very sensitive to the demanding nature of AP courses. Reading expectations
are extensive. Students will be asked to be involved in college level activities, particularly in the areas of
writing skills and test taking. AP courses place a high degree of emphasis on the student’s own selfmotivation,
study skills, and ability to self-direct his/her own learning.
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