1. Advanced Programming at Southridge High School

2. Overview Competitive Colleges & Universities Honors Advanced Placement (AP) / International Baccalaureate (IB) SR Scholar Dual Credit thru PCC/PSU Career Academies Extra curriculars

3. Competitive Schools: What they look for Academic rigor in high school Grades/rank in class Weighted vs. unweighted Test scores Community involvement Extra & co-curricular activities Depth vs. breadth Honors and Awards

4. How should my child prepare for AP/IB or Challenge courses? 4 year plan Honors coursework CAPS (9 th or 10 th grades) Pre ToK course Students will be asked to speak and write with clarity and precision on a variety of thought provoking topics AP US History (sophomores) Involvement in Clubs /Activities

5. ‘Honors’ Designation 9 th graders can earn ‘Honors’ in World History and Government 9, Physics 1, and Lit & Comp 1 classes Freshman project / paper 10 th graders can earn ‘Honors’ in Lit & Comp.

6. STEM Chemistry Students need to have one of the following: Explore Science score of 21-25 Explore Math score of 21-25 OAKS science score of 247 or above.

7. Advanced Placement College Level coursework Offered in US History (blocked with Lit & comp) Offered in Statistics Offered in Music Theory AP Calculus exam available after Math HL I College credit awarded through AP exams Exams given the first two weeks in May

8. International Baccalaureate Diploma Program What ToK, CAS, Extended Essay CAPS (for freshmen & Sophomores) College credit Brochure IB night on Feb. 27 th for more information

9. What is IB? The IB Diploma Program is a rigorous pre-university program leading to assessment in six subject areas. IB is noted for its challenging curriculum and international perspective. Students are also required to engage in community service, individual research, and an inquiry into the nature of knowledge.

10. Theory of Knowledge (ToK) An additional class compulsory for full Diploma candidates. ToK explores different ‘ways of knowing’ through different academic disciplines and cultures. A philosophical exercise culminates in an essay that is assessed externally by an IB examiner. ToK is available to anyone

11. CAPS (9 th or 10 th grade) Critical Analytical Problem Solving Prepares students for the IB Theory of Knowledge class by analyzing knowledge and developing critical thinking skills Examines the history of philosophy and debate, as well as several Ways of Knowing

12. CAS Students must engage in Action (physical activity outside of PE class), Creativity (creative endeavors outside of classes), and Service (in the community) for a total of 150 hours across two years of the Diploma Program. Students write reflections on the activities.

13. Extended essay A 4000 word authentic research paper on a topic chosen from any IB subject. IB externally assesses this. Although students select faculty advisors, this is independent student research.

14. IB FAQ’s Can students take IB courses and exams without be a diploma candidate ? Can students take an IB course and not take an exam? Do colleges and universities give credit for IB exams ? Is it possible to participate in Band or sports and the IB program? How rigorous is the diploma program ?

15. Dual Credit Courses PSU credit offered for IB Spanish coursework PCC credit offered in: ASL coursework Several computer courses

16. Southridge Scholar Diploma GPA of 3.5 or higher (unweighted) Minimum of 26 credits earned Third level of a world language 1.0 credit in the Fine Arts (visual / performing) Career Academy Endorsement /Senior project At least 2 extra curricular activities IB Diploma candidates automatically earn a Southridge Scholar Diploma

17. Career Academies Performing Arts: vocal, instrumental, theater Publications Business: Accounting, management, marketing Engineering & Design Information & technology Social, human & government services

18. Career Academies Complete prescribed course work Propose and complete a Senior Project Mentorship, job shadow, or internship related to project Research/reflection paper Presentation to teachers, student, comm. members Endorsement

19. Examples of Past Projects Designing and creating a prom gown Re-building a small engine Establishing a school improvement club Teaching to elementary students Science research project Directing a play Creating a video

20. Get Involved ! Extra and co-curricular activities Awareness to Action Performing Arts Speech and Debate National Honor Society Athletics Key Club Leadership / Student Government Many more !

21. Thank You