Jefferson High School

Principal Chad Duwenhoegger

Linda Maiers & Carrie Urness, Counselors

Dual Credit/Concurrent Enrollment Coursework is… Taken at the high school Taught by high school instructors Credit is included on the high school transcript AND on the college transcript. Courses are offered in coordination with Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall (College Now) or Alexandria Technical & Community College. Juniors must rank in the top 1/3, seniors in the top ½ or meet qualifying ACT scores to qualify for dual credit at SMSU; students must earn qualifying ACT or ACCUPLACER scores to qualify for dual credit at ATCC.

AP Coursework is… Taken at the high school. Taught by high school instructors. College credit is determined by a score (3, 4, or 5 of 5) on the end of course AP Exam AND by the AP credit policies of individual colleges. Students who challenge themselves with AP Courses will be better prepared for the ACT and success in college. AP coursework is the MOST rigorous of our college credit opportunities. AP students will likely be the best prepared to handle college coursework at competitive colleges and universities. Check out your colleges AP credit policies at

Regular Grading ScaleAP Grading Scale A range = A range = B range = 80-89B range = C range = 70-79C range = D range = 60-69D range = F = 59 and below F = 56 and below

Articulation courses are… Taken at Jefferson High School. Taught by Jefferson High School instructors. Students earning a B or better will earn a certificate. Certificates can be cashed in upon enrollment at Alexandria Technical & Community College (or other participating college) for college credit.

Several JHS Courses are aligned with CLEP tests… Coursework is taught at Jefferson High School. Coursework is taught by Jefferson High School teachers. College credit is determined by CLEP test scores and individual colleges CLEP credit policies. Some studying may be required over and above the JHS courses to fully prepare for CLEP tests. Upon completion for a CLEP-aligned course, students should confirm their readiness to test by taking the practice test (available in Guidance Office). When ready, students need to contact our local CLEP testing site (ATCC) to schedule an appointment to test ($80 per exam + $25 exam administration fee). Check if your college accepts CLEP at

PLTW Courses are… Taught at Jefferson High School. Taught by Jefferson High School instructors. There is potential college credit, advanced college placement, preferred admission, scholarship opportunity to PLTW students at colleges and universities throughout the nation, especially those who are PLTW Affiliate Partners. Many Colleges and Universities across the nation are PLTW Affiliate Partners including those listed at partnershttp:// partners

11 th Grade RequirementsCollege Credit Equivalent at JHS English 11-1 and 11-2 Advanced Placement English College American Studies- includes College Composition I (3 college credits) CLEP Alignment – Honors English 11 College American Studies Early & Recent History Advanced Placement US History College American Studies- College U.S. History (up to 6 college credits) CLEP Alignment College American Studies Advanced Placement US History Algebra II College Algebra CLEP Alignment Algebra II, Honors Algebra II, College Algebra Honors Pre-calculus Science 11 Advanced Placement Chemistry College Physics & Lab Consider getting a head start on your first year of college by taking additional AP, Dual Credit, CLEP-aligned, PLTW or Articulation (Tech Prep) classes in these 4 Elective slots (see course offerings in college credit brochure).

12 th Grade RequirementsCollege Credit Equivalent at JHS English 12-1 & 12-2 Advanced Placement English College Composition I College Composition II College Public Speaking CLEP Alignment AP English College Composition I College Composition II Honors English Communications 12 Senior Social 1 & 2College Macroeconomics College American Government Consider getting a head start on your first year of college by taking additional AP, Dual Credit, CLEP-aligned, PLTW or Articulation (Tech Prep) classes in these 8 Elective slots (see course offerings in college credit brochure).

See pages 11 & 12 of the JHS Registration Guide for a complete list of courses at JHS that offer opportunity for college credit.JHS Registration Guide

Starting questions Readiness… What is your level of commitment to completing a degree? Are you ready for a college-level class? Increased accountability Increased expectations Would you like to have a college-level course experience before you undertake a variety of additional changes as you transition to college?

Setting Yourself up for Success Are there any college credits that I could take at JHS to help me meet my educational goals? Think beyond what will transferthink experience!

Setting Yourself up for Success Transferability… The receiving college will determine transferability and which college classes and AP/CLEP scores will be used for general education, required or elective credits. Do you have specific colleges in mind? Connect with a transfer counselor at your prospective colleges (Admissions Department or College Registrar) or explore college websites. You will need the college name and course numbers when you call (found on pages 11 & 12 of the JHS Registration Newspaper)JHS Registration Newspaper (concurrent classes) Do you have a specific major or academic program in mind? Research the college course sequence. Example (Vet Tech at Ridgewater College)

Risk factors for taking college classes. GPA and class rank Graduation Status Must pass all required classes to graduate Nontransferable credits As a consumer, look for colleges that will accept your credits Full-Time Status in College below) Minnesota Student Survey (see below)

Risk factors for taking college classes: MnSCU Example Academic Warning Status GPA less than 2.0 and/or completion less than 67% Concurrent Enrollment and PSEO students who are on Academic Warning status no longer qualify to take college credit classes while in high school. Financial Aid and suspension If a student is on academic warning, he or she would have one semester upon future enrollment in college coursework to earn a cumulative 2.0 GPA and 67% completion status. If in his or her next attempt at college course work, whether the very next semester or in 10 years, he or she does not meet the above guidelines, suspension will follow. The suspension will be at all state colleges and does not expire. This could greatly affect a students ability to qualify for financial aid in the future.

Why take college credit classes ? Save money and time Looks great on a college application Rigorous classes prepare students for college and the ACT (regardless of if they transfer!). Fight against the senior slide! Colleges will continue to look at the rigor of your course selections throughout your senior year

Why take college credit classes at JHS? JHS Staff Support Connectedness Learning

Testimonials I wanted to earn college credit before I actually started college, but at the same time, I wanted to be with my friends at Jefferson. Through AP and dual credit classes, I was able to do just that. I earned over a years worth of college credit while I was with all my friends at Jefferson. – Zach Van Orsdel The AP and Dual Credit courses that JHS offers have allowed me to challenge myself during my junior and senior year. I got to enjoy spending time with my high school friends while reaping the benefits of college level courses. -Will Sieling