1. Academic Pathways for your incoming High school student
Sara Schumacher
Coordinator of Guidance Services
Osceola School District

2. Congratulations on your child’s accomplishments!

3. What is the Right Path for your child?
Remember your child’s success is determined by appropriate placement academically.
Consider your child’s interests and abilities when choosing a program.
Discuss options with your child and select a plan that works for them.
Ask questions, seek information, and be an advocate for your child.

4. Your child’s future Academic Programs To Cover
IB (International Baccalaureate)
AP (Advanced Placement)
Honors
DE (Dual Enrollment)

5. Honors courses
Accelerated pace and more in depth content than regular academic courses.
Weighted GPA of + 0.5
Pathway toward AP and DE opportunities.
Courses Available for 8th Graders:
Algebra I Honors/Geometry Honors
Physical Science Honors/Biology Honors
World History Honors

6. International Baccalaureate (IB)
Academic opportunity for highly motivated students. Very rigorous high school course of study.
Those who obtain an IB Diploma qualify for Florida Academic Scholars Award (FAS) and Bright Futures Scholarship Program.
Offered at Gateway High School or Celebration High School (Choice Application Required)

7. Advanced Placement (AP)
Courses sponsored by the college board. High academic rigor (college level) coursework in high school. No requirements but high GPAs and test scores preferred.
Coursework completed and a 3 or higher on the AP Exam can determine college credit.
Credits can transfer to any post secondary institution. Well respected by college recruiters.

8. Dual Enrollment (DE)
Partnership with Valencia College, UCF, UF Online and Polk State College
Allows students to obtain high school and college credit simultaneously.
Courses offered on some high school campuses, online, and on college campuses.
GPA and test score requirements (PERT, PSAT, SAT or ACT)
Upon satisfactory completion of course, college credit is awarded.

9. Weighting of academic courses for GPA
Regular Honors A=4.0 A=4.5 B=3.0 B=3.5 C=2.0 C= 2.5 D=1.0 D=1.5 F=0.0 F=0.0
AP, IB & DE A=5.0 B=4.0 C=3.0 D=1.0 F=0.0

10. Extracurricular activities
Competitive colleges value in-depth involvement (at least 2 years in the same activity).
Colleges want to see that a student has taken leadership responsibility.
Encourage your child to find his/her passion.
Activities may occur through school or other organizations.

11. Entrance College Tests
SAT and ACT. Take both in the spring of the junior year. Take again in the fall of senior year as needed.
Some colleges require SAT Subject Area Tests as well.

13. SAT Test Prep https://youtu.be/D3vHhXMQPmE High School opportunities:
PSAT 9th-11th grade
11th grade National Merit Scholarship Program
11th grade school day SAT

14. Your roles Encourage your child to excel and to work hard.
Support your child’s endeavors.
Guide them. Set limits and standards.

15. Questions????? The time is now!
Contact your child’s zoned school, call your middle school or high school counselors, or look online.
Information is available for you! You are the most important advocate for your child.
Your child’s future is just beyond the horizon. Help guide the way!

16. Thank you for your time and your commitment to your child.
Sara Schumacher
Coordinator of Guidance Services