University High & STEM at Sunrise Mountain: A Parent and Student Guide 1
Do you want to be challenged academically? Do you consistently strive to do your best? University High or STEM may be for you. 2
What is University High? University High is an advanced program for honors students. Students take rigorous (honors and AP) courses in math & science or English, social studies, and world language. Classes are chosen based on personal interest and abilities. There are very specific classes University High students need to take as well as additional requirements. 3
What is STEM? Our STEM Scholars program is a partnership with Grand Canyon University where advanced students can earn free dual enrollment college credit through GCU. 4
All University High students qualify for the free STEM GCU courses. STEM students do not have to complete all of the University High requirements. Both programs require that students maintain a 3.25 GPA with C s or better. 5
Benefits of UH/STEM U High College Preparatory Curriculum Colleges recognize the challenge and rigor of the curriculum May help class rank Special recognition & endorsement at graduation STEM Free dual enrollment courses Ongoing information about STEM career pathways STEM events & courses available on GCU campus Opportunity to hear from guest speakers 6
What can I do now? Make sure you are registered for or currently taking the required freshman courses. When do I apply for the program? Both programs do not officially begin until Sophomore year, so 2 nd semester of Freshman year is the ideal time to express your interest to your counselor. 7
The Plan Step 1: Take the required freshman courses Successful completion or English I H or AIM English I H and Pre-AP Biology, Prefer Algebra I block Step 2: Maintain a 3.25 GPA Step 3: Discuss program with your parents. Step 4: Express interest to your counselor. Complete the form for University High, so you & your counselor can track your progress & make sure you register for the right courses. 8
Required University High Courses (recommended for STEM) Choose 1 endorsement area 9
MATH/SCIENCE Endorsement Math Algebra I Algebra II H Geometry H College Algebra H Pre- Calculus H Brief Calculus (rec.) AP Calculus I AP Calculus II (optional) Science Pre-AP Biology Pre-AP Chemistry 2 AP Sciences AP Biology or AP Chemistry or AP Physics 5th science choice English AIM English I H or English I H English II H English III H College Prep H OR AP Comp & Lit Social Studies Global Humanities (optional) 10
World History or AP World History US History or AP US History AP Government AP Micro Economics AP Macro Economics Languages Spanish I III (H) or German I III (H) Arts Any visual or performing arts class 11
Liberal Arts Endorsement English AIM English I H or English I H AIM English II H or English II H English III H College Prep H & AP Comp & Lit Social Studies Global Humanities (optional) AP World History AP US History AP Government AP Micro Econ, AP Macro Economics AP European History (11th or 12th grade) Math Algebra I Geometry or Geometry H* Algebra II or Algebra II H* College Algebra H Pre-Calculus H 12
Science Pre-AP Biology Pre-AP Chemistry 3rd science - choice Arts Any visual or performing arts class Languages (start by 10th grade) Spanish I IV OR German I IV 13
Additional STEM requirements Register for dual enrollment while in the approved course GCU Dual Enrollment Courses College Prep English H College Algebra H Pre-Calculus H AP Calculus I AP Biology AP Chemistry GCU offers 2 summer courses on their campus for STEM students summer after 10 th & 11 th grades 14
Additional University High Requirements 3.25 cumulative GPA (as of December of the graduation year) 1 credit (120 hours) of community service Complete a minimum of 6 AP exams Earn a minimum of 30 college credits 15
How do I earn college credits? 1. Dual Enrollment* college courses taught on the SMHS campus by SMHS teachers who are certified and approved to teach college classes GCU dual enrollment - STEM classes (free to qualified students) 2. AP testing (test fee) 3. College classes taken on a college campus (regular tuition rates) *Dual enrollment may not be accepted at all Universities. Please contact specific Universities with any questions. 16
What if I want to drop either program at any time? STEM Scholars have the opportunity to earn free tuition while enrolled in the dual enrollment course. A student can choose NOT to participate in dual enrollment. Students who don t maintain the GPA do not earn free tuition. Students can earn free tuition in their next dual enrollment course if they meet the requirements. Students who do not complete the UH requirements will not receive the UH endorsement. 17