Course Request General Information

Grades 9-12 Full Year

Students will be assigned a grade level advisory. Curriculum will center on strategies for high school success and planning for post secondary opportunities. Students receive 1.0 credit per year (0.25 credits/quarter) for Advisory. 

Advisories are randomly determined in ninth grade and continue through graduation. 
 

International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program (IB MYP): Grades 9-10

This globally-minded program is offered to students during 9th and 10th grade. The teaching and learning aims of the IB MYP structure are to provide all students with:

• authentic and concept-driven learning opportunities so students can make personal, inter-disciplinary and real world connections.
• opportunities to develop and apply thinking, communication, social, self-management and research ATL (Approaches to learning) skills that foster their academic and personal success.
• Opportunities to build empathy, and character, while connecting their learning to their community.

IB MYP is guided by three fundamental concepts: Holistic Development, Inter-cultural Awareness, and Communication. The content within each subject group is addressed through Global Contexts, providing participants with the opportunity to perform at their highest level while making global and academic connections between subject areas. 

Courses in the IB MYP will use IB Assessment Criteria for some assessments. These are unique to each subject group. These criteria focus on student holistic development of skills and academic knowledge.

The culmination of the IB MYP in 10th grade is the capstone Personal Project. In this process, students get to develop a unique project and reflect on the skills developed during the program. The IB MYP at Central prepares students for a variety of academic options in 11th & 12th grade and beyond. Full details on the IB Diploma Program are listed later in the guide and specific IB class descriptions are listed under each department.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IB DP)

This global pre-university program for Grades 11 and 12 offers a set of advanced courses for students interested in challenging themselves beyond the basic high school curriculum. Class choices are in the following areas of Math, Science, English, Philosophy, History, Economics, six World Languages, Theater, Visual Art, and Music. All IB courses can be taken as standalone classes, but students also have the opportunity to take part in the IB Diploma Program, which adds a Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) requirement, enrollment in the Theory of Knowledge class, completion of the IB Extended Essay, and specialized advising and support. Student work is assessed through both internal papers or projects and external exams. All IB instructors are specially trained to deliver the curriculum prescribed by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO). Full details on the IB Diploma Program are listed later in the guide and specific IB class descriptions are listed under each department.

Quest

Developed in 1973 by Central teachers, Quest was the first gifted/talented high school program approved for SPPS. Quest classes focus on an interdisciplinary approach to literature with culturally relevant English course offerings that challenge students to think, read and write critically, globally and cross culturally. Class descriptions are found in the English and Quest Electives offerings later in this guide.

Advanced Placement (AP)

The AP program of the College Board consists of courses that allow willing and academically prepared students to pursue college-level studies while still in high school. Exams are externally graded by the College Board. AP courses are presently offered in:

• Art History 
• English
• Calculus 
• Statistics
• Computer Science
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Environmental Science 
• US History 
• Geography
• Government 
• Economics 
• Precalculus

Performing Arts

Central’s acting and dance students have the opportunity to perform throughout the Twin Cities and work with renowned theatre and dance artists. Central’s Concert Band, Concert Choir, and Orchestra perform on and off campus throughout the year. Central musicians have a tradition of excellence and superior ratings at local, state and national festivals and competitions. 

AVID 

Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) is a proven, in-school elective college readiness class that prepares students in grades 6-12 for college and career readiness. Students enrolled in AVID demonstrate higher school attendance rates, increased enrollment in rigorous coursework, higher high school graduation rates, and acceptance to and enrollment in post-secondary opportunities. 
 
AVID provides students with a comprehensive curriculum grounded in writing, inquiry, collaboration, organization, and reading. AVID students participate in collaborative group tutoring, college campus visits, and career exploration opportunities. Class descriptions are located in the Non-Department Course offerings found in this guide.

Concurrent Enrollment College Opportunities

College in the Schools (CIS) through the University of Minnesota (U of M)

The University of Minnesota’s nationally accredited CIS program brings U of M faculty together with high school teachers to offer college courses physically into high school. Seniors must meet University of Minnesota program criteria to be eligible and should check with their counselor if they are interested in taking classes in the CIS program. Seniors receive both college and high school credit for those classes. Descriptions and specific criteria of each CIS course can be found under English, Social Studies and World Languages. More information can be found on the U of M website: https://ccaps.umn.edu/college-in-the-schools

Post-Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO)

PSEO allows high school sophomores, juniors and seniors to attend a participating 2- or 4-year Technical Institute, College or University at no cost to the student. Students enrolled in PSEO can take classes part- or full-time to earn high school and college credits simultaneously. Students cannot take more than a full course load when high school and PSEO programs are combined. Each institution has individual eligibility requirements and application deadlines. It is the student’s responsibility to work with the PSEO school to apply and see their counselor for entry requirements and details. Detailed information can be found at the Minnesota Department of Education website: https://education.mn.gov/MDE/fam/dual/pseo
 

***These are a sample of the activities offered last year at Central

3M STEP Anime Club Art Club  Athletic Sports teams: 36 offerings Book Club Cabaret  Central Dance Ensemble  Central Environmental & Social Justice College Possible Debate Team  Drama Board  East African Student Union  French Club  Gender Sexuality Alliance  Genesys Works  German Club  Girl Scouts  Girls Who Code  Indian Education Program International Affairs Club  Jewish Student Union Jit Jitsu Lend a Hand

Math Team  MinuteBots Mock Trial Music Listening Contest  National Honor Society  Political Education for Progressives (PEP) Prom Committee  Restorative Practice Student Leaders Roots N’ Shoots Senior Class Council  Student Council  Table Tennis Club  Title One Tutoring  Unified Club Upward Bound - St. Olaf/Lakewood  Yearbook  Yoga Club  Young Democrats Youth In Government

 

Cumulative GPAs for each student are computed at the end of quarters 2 and 4, by dividing the total points earned since beginning ninth grade by the total number of credits attempted since beginning ninth grade. The cumulative GPA is used in determining the class rank, Academic Letter Awards and the Senior Honors List.

The formula for honors and accelerated courses is figured for GPA via a 1.25 multiplier effect. The chart below lists the normal point scale and the weighted point scale. Cumulative GPA is calculated at the end of quarters 2 and 4 by adding all point scales together and dividing by the number of classes since 9th grade. 

Example: 4 classes with point scales ~ English (A-) 3.7; Honors Math (B-) 3.375; Science (B+) 3.3; Honors Social Studies (A) 5.0

Cumulative GPA =

3.7 + 3.375 + 3.3 + 5.0 Points 4 classes

= 3.84 GPA

Grade Point Scale

Grade	Point Scale	Weighted Scale	Grade	Point Scale	Weighted Scale	Grade	Point Scale	Weighted Scale
A	4.0	5.0	B-	2.7	3.375	D+	1.3	1.625
A-	3.7	4.625	C+	2.3	2.875	D	1.0	1.25
B+	3.3	4.125	C	2.0	2.5	D-	0.7	0.875
B	3.0	3.75	C-	1.7	2.125	N	0.0	0.0

Grades of A through D- will receive credit and impact a student’s overall GPA. If a student receives an N (failing) final grade, it will impact their GPA and will need to make the credit up. 

Honor Roll Students

Honor Roll Students are identified after the calculation of grade point averages (GPA) after quarters 2 (first semester) and 4 (second semester). All students with a weighted GPA of 4.0 or better are considered “A” Honor Roll Students. Students earning a weighted GPA of 3.0 to 3.9 are part of the “B” Honor Roll.

Graduating with Honors

Students will be recognized for academic achievement based on the Latin Honor system, using their weighted GPA.

• High Honors with Distinction (Summa Cum Laude) – Cumulative GPA average of 4.00 and above
• High Honors (Magna Cum Laude) – Cumulative GPA average of 3.75 to 3.99
• Honors (Cum Laude) – Cumulative GPA average of 3.3 to 3.749
   

College Entrance Recommendations And Requirements

All high school students who plan to continue their education beyond high school should select their high school classes carefully. Post secondary institutions look closely at transcripts, so students will want to be fully prepared for the application process. A good schedule will reflect a balance between courses that are required to prepare for the future and courses that reflect the special interests of the student. The following samples of requirements are characteristic of most colleges. However, students in collaboration with their counselor are encouraged to investigate their particular school of choice to determine which high school courses are most appropriate for them. Additional information is also available on the counseling website and through Xello.

Two-year State Community & Technical Colleges

Most two-year colleges have a policy of "open admission," which means anyone with a high school diploma or a GED may enroll. Even if you don’t have a high school diploma or GED, you may still be admitted if you demonstrate the potential for being successful in college. 

Four-year Universities and Colleges

Students will need to go directly to a university or college’s website to see EXACTLY what their high school course requirements are for applying for their school. Most 4-year universities require - at a minimum - completing the following curriculum:

•  4 years of English (including composition and literature)
•  3 years of math (2 years of algebra and 1 year of geometry, 4th year recommended)
•  3 years of science (including 1 year each of biological and physical science)
•  3 years of social studies (including 1 year each of U.S. history and geography)
•  2 years of a single world language
•  1 year of either world culture or fine arts

If you do not meet these requirements you may still be considered for admission, but you may be required to take specific coursework designed to enhance your opportunity for academic success. Contact the admissions office of the school you wish to attend for more information.

College Representatives

Representatives of colleges, universities, community & technical colleges, military branches and private vocational schools regularly schedule visits at Central High School. Dates of these visits are announced and posted by the College and Career Resource Center.

Financial Aid Application (FAFSA)

Applications for financial aid are available online (step-by-step instructions are provided on this site). Students who are not US citizens will fill out the MN Dream ACT instead of the FAFSA. Central hosts FAFSA Workshops for seniors, juniors and their families each winter. There is also a college financial planning seminar for all students and their families.

College Access Programs

Students may be eligible for a variety of college access programs available at Central High School, including but not limited to: AVID, College Possible, Upward Bound, and Genesys Works. Please contact the Counseling Department for more information.

ACT and SAT

Students planning to attend a four year college or university should plan to take the ACT or SAT in the spring of their junior year. Students can register for the ACT here and the SAT here. All juniors will have the opportunity to take the ACT for free at Central in spring, and will register through their advisory. Any student who qualifies for Free or Reduced Lunch or participates in Upward Bound, College Possible, or AVID can qualify for a test fee waiver. Students can get a waiver in the CCRC. Many colleges are also test optional.

PSAT

The College Board offers the PSAT in October as a screening tool for National Merit Scholarships and as a practice for standardized testing. The test is given on a school day and like the ACT, is free for juniors. Sign up will be required. 
 

Daily Schedule

Students will have the opportunity to take 8 courses (4 per day) that rotate between “A days” and “B days.” Periods 1A and 1B will be aligned to start and end at the same time across all SPPS high schools for students to access supplemental courses. A strong advisory component will provide an opportunity to support community building and social emotional learning (SEL) of all high school students. 

Students will receive progress grades at mid-quarter and final grades at the end of each quarter. Students have the opportunity to earn one credit, per class, per quarter. 

Testing Requirements for Graduation

There are no standardized testing requirements to graduate from Central. Saint Paul Public Schools offers the opportunity for 11th grade students to take the PSAT and ACT at no cost through District Testing. ACCESS testing is provided for all students in the English Language Learning program. 

Central High School Requirements for Graduation

A student must successfully complete specific classes and earn a required amount of credits in multiple subject areas each year in order to graduate with their class. Students need a minimum of 86 credits to graduate. 

Students failing required classes will need to make up these credits. Credit recovery is completed during Evening High School, Extended Day Learning after school at Central, and during Summer School. Students are responsible for knowing the class requirements for graduation and should work closely with their school counselor to make certain they are on track to graduate. Transfer students must meet with their school counselor to determine if they are on track or need additional classes to graduate.

SPPS Graduation Requirements
 

The purpose of Title I (Title One) is to ensure that all children have a fair, equal, and significant opportunity to obtain a high quality education by providing enriched, accelerated academic opportunities to all students. 

Title I supports all students in meeting or exceeding proficiency on state and other academic assessments, focuses on closing the achievement gap between high and low performing students, and improving and strengthening accountability to ensure a rigorous, high-quality education for all students. Central’s Title I Coordinator will strengthen connections and communications between parents/guardians and community partnerships. Meetings and workshops will be scheduled throughout the year so families have meaningful opportunities to participate in the education of their students.