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Graduation Requirements refer to the number of credits required in each subject area and the 26 total credits needed for graduation. Students should plan their courses according to their future goals and take full advantage of the many elective and special interest courses available at Elizabeth High School. These, if carefully selected, will help students explore and develop interests and abilities.

EHS Diploma Requirements

Student grade levels are determined by the number of years they have attended high school.

A first-year high school student is a freshman, a second-year is a sophomore, a third-year is a junior, and a fourth-year or beyond is a senior.

A student's graduation status is not determined by their grade placement, but by their meeting the graduation requirements as outlined in this guide.

To be considered “on track” for graduation, sophomores should start their school year with at least 6 credits, juniors with at least 12, and seniors with at least 18.

• Grading Scale

   

  89.5 – 100 = A	I = Incomplete
  79.5 – 89.4 = B	NC = No Credit
  69.5 – 79.4 = C	P = Pass
  59.5 – 69.4 = D	WP – Withdraw Pass
  0 - 59.5 = F	WF = Withdraw Fail

   

  Weighted Grades

  Most advanced course grades are weighted as indicated in their description. The difference between weighted and unweighted grades in terms of grade point value is as follows:

   

   

  Un-weighted	Weighted
  A = 4 grade points	A = 5 grade points
  B = 3 grade points	B = 4 grade points
  C = 2 grade points	C = 3 grade points
  D = 1 grade point	D = 1 grade point
  F = 0 grade point	F = 0 grade point

Yes, this is a State of Colorado requirement. 

Students must demonstrate post-secondary readiness in English and Math based upon at least one measure listed below:

Yes. Students wishing to apply for early graduation must comply with the following: 

1. During 2nd semester sophomore year, discuss the request with your counselor to review credits earned to meet graduation requirements as well as plans to meet any additional credits. Students must meet the graduation requirements of their original graduation class. 

2. Complete the Early Graduation Application by March of your junior year along with the following:

• student letter requesting early graduation including rationale and post-graduation plans
• Parent letter of support 
• transcripts of credits to date 

3. The completed application will be forwarded to the counselor and Early Graduation Committee for final approval. The Early Graduation Committee will schedule a conference with the student and his/her parent(s) guardian(s) to discuss the early graduation request and the responsibilities of the student upon approval.

4. Students graduating early will not be eligible for the Valedictorian award, which requires eight semesters of high school credit. 

Early Graduation for Approved Seniors 

1. Seniors graduating one semester early will take Fall Semester Final Exams during the December exam period. 

2. Seniors must complete the withdrawal process during the semester. The withdrawal form can be obtained through the counseling office. 

3. Seniors must contact the office manager in the main office to complete graduation information. They also must finalize all cap and gown orders. 

4. Seniors may participate in second semester evening school activities using their student ID.

5. If an Early Graduated Senior does not participate in graduation activities, they may pick up their diploma the week after graduation. See the office manager in the Main Office. 

• Home-Schooled Students

  Students enrolled in a home-based program may graduate from high school in the school district only after completing a prescribed course of study leading towards a diploma and successfully completing all applicable graduation requirements. 

  Home-schooled students will receive a “waiver of credit” towards graduation for completing coursework from other accredited high schools. These students are subject to proficiency tests for such classes and/or coursework for which the child requests credit. 

  Concerning non-public home-based educational programs, the school district will also consider a portfolio of the student’s work during high school through home-schooling in determining the waiver of credit towards graduation. Successful completion of graduation requirements and the waiver of credit as described in this paragraph shall be determined by the school district at its sole discretion.

  Home-schooled students are welcome to attend our AP and standardized exams as scheduled. Contact the counseling department for more information.

• Withdrawing from School

   

  A student planning to transfer to another school or withdrawal from school must present permission from their parents/guardians to the counseling office. Before leaving school, the student must complete the withdrawal procedure outlined in the checkout form. Contact the attendance office to begin or inquire about starting the withdrawing process.

   

  Failure to withdraw properly will result in withholding the student’s transcripts. Per Colorado Senate Bill 68, the school may withhold a diploma, transcripts, or grades from any student who fails to return or replace any such textbooks or pay any fees.

Homeroom

Homeroom at Elizabeth High School will occur one day per week (Friday). All Elizabeth High School students are required to attend Homeroom. Students will be assigned a Homeroom class of students of the same grade level. Homeroom is considered pass or fail and does not count towards a student's GPA. No credit will be given.

The purpose of Homeroom is to provide time for:

• Study hall and tutoring opportunities
• Class meetings
• Pre-registration of classes
• College and scholarship planning
• Assemblies

• Summer School & Correspondence Courses

   

  Elizabeth High School recognizes the need for summer school and correspondence course opportunities under certain circumstances. Summer school and correspondence courses may be pursued by complying with the following guidelines to meet individual needs and interests. Currently, EHS does not offer a summer school program. Please see your counselor for information regarding summer school opportunities.

   

  • Prior approval by a guidance counselor is needed before enrolling in a correspondence or summer school course.
  • No more than two Carnegie units shall be applied to satisfy the courses required for graduation.
  • All costs of summer school or correspondence courses shall be the responsibility of the student, parent, or guardian.
  • Fees may apply

• Elizabeth High School Advanced Placement Courses

  Advanced Placement is the most academically rigorous class offered at Elizabeth High School. Each of these classes is considered college-level, and students may earn college credit based on their AP exam scores. Please refer to department descriptions in the Course Description Guide for information on prerequisites and details about AP courses.

  ART 

  • AP Studio Art
  • AP Studio Art 2-D Design
  • 3D Design 

  MATHEMATICS

  • AP Calculus AB
  • AP Calculus BC
  • AP Statistics

  LANGUAGE ARTS SOCIAL STUDIES

  • AP English Language and Composition
  • AP European History
  • AP English Literature and Composition
  • AP United States Government and Politics
  • AP United States History
  • AP Human Geography

  SCIENCE 

  • AP Biology
  • AP Chemistry
  • AP Physics C: Mechanics BUSINESS
  • AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based

  MUSIC

  • AP Music Theory

  COMPUTERS AND TECHNOLOGY

  • Computer Science Principles (AP Credit)

  WORLD LANGUAGES

  • Spanish (II, III) (AP Credit)

   

  Prerequisites for enrolling in an Advanced Placement Class: 

  Students who wish to enroll in an AP class must have teacher approval. A student’s achievement in previous courses, test scores, and counselor and administration recommendations may be considered
  for approval.

  *If you choose to enroll in an AP course, you must sign a contract committing to the course and the required summer homework.*

  ** You will not be permitted to drop an AP Course once the contract
  is signed.**

  Please be aware that for each hour spent in an AP class, a minimum of two hours of work outside of the course can be expected.

  Advanced Placement classes carry weighted grades except for F’s.

  A = 5.0
  B = 4.0
  C = 3.0
  D = 1.0
  F = 0

• EHS has partnered with local colleges and trade schools to better prepare students for their career of choice.

   

  Pickens Tech & Englewood’s Finest School of Choice;

   https://www.pickenstech.org/

   Prerequisite: Application Process

  Qualified students (see qualified student document) who are in their junior or senior year may apply to participate part-time in a trade program at one of our partner trade schools. Interested students may choose a field of study that aligns with their interests.

   

   Pickens offers programs in the following core areas:

  • Arts Media and Communication
  • Business Marketing and Public Administration
  • Construction and Development
  • Engineering and Technology
  • Health
  • Human Services
  • Landscaping and Environmental
  • Transportation

   

   Colorado’s Finest Salon & Spa Academy

  CFSSA offers a two-year Cosmetology program and a one-year Esthetician program. Some programs available in core areas may not be provided to high school students. 

   

  Participating in CE Trade/Tech School Programs

  Students interested in taking CE Trade/Tech school programs at Pickens or the Cosmetology school must complete an additional application process which may include application, interview, site visits etc. Students will participate in each program part time and are required to have their own transportation to and from EHS and their program. 

   

  Each program takes 1-2 years to complete, and credits at EHS vary depending on the program enrolled. It is important to note that trade school programs are highly competitive, with no guarantees that a student will be able to participate. We receive a limited number of slots each year, some slots are chosen by lotter, and the availability changes year by year.

  • Grade: 11-12 Length: 1-2 years (based on program) 
  • Credit: Varied based on the program
  • Fee: Various fees may apply depending on the program and are the responsibility of the student and/or parent.

   Please check your application packet and communicate with the trade school to determine your financial responsibility.

   

   Arapahoe Community College

   Prerequisite: Application process + 3.0 GPA (or qualifying test results) + prerequisites based on specific course

   

  Qualifying juniors or seniors may apply to participate in Community College courses that count towards their high school and college credit, on ACC’s campus/online or through an ACC course taught on EHS campus. Interested students will be advised on courses based on career and post-secondary goals.

   

  CE Enrollment courses at ACC that students may be approved for (but not limited to):

  • College English and Literature
  • History
  • College Algebra
  • Sciences
  • Psychology

   

  An application process, including an interview, must be completed by students interested in participating in ACC courses. Students must be on track to graduate in order to apply. Students taking courses at ACC will also be responsible for completing an orientation and advising appointment with ACC. For students taking courses @ACC, they are required to provide their transportation. Students taking classes through ACC online are required to have the appropriate technology and access to the internet.

   

  Students taking CE community college classes are expected to take on the responsibilities of college-level students, including efficient communication, attendance, and course load. Students will be approved for up to 6 credits taken at ACC and as many courses at EHS as their counselor, and they believe to be manageable.

  • Grade: 11-12 Length: 1 semester-1 full year 
  • Credit: Varied based on course
  • Fee: Various fees may apply depending on the program and are the responsibility of the student and/or parent. 

  You will need to inquire with ACC to determine your financial responsibility.

   

  Post Secondary 5th & 6th Year Opportunities

  ASCENT:  The ASCENT Program (Accelerating Students Through Concurrent Enrollment) is a post secondary 5th year program that allows students to take advantage of state and district funds to pay their community college tuition for 1 full school year (full or part time). Students qualify by taking 9 CE credits before graduation and must complete an application process. 

  https://www.cde.state.co.us/concurrentenrollment/options-ascent

  TREP: (Teacher Education and Recruitment Program) TREP is a post secondary 5th/6th year program that allows students to take advantage of state and district funds to pay for their college tuition. This program is only available at some participating colleges and only for students in an education degree. Students qualify by taking one of the Educator Pathway CE Courses outlined by the state in their 12th grade year. Students who are interested will be required to go through an application process.

  To be Eligible for Concurrent Enrollment a Student Must: 

  • Be in the 9^th -12^th grade

  • Have no less than 85% attendance and no unexcused absences or truancies

  • Have no more than 1 suspension (suspension must not be violence related)

  • Must meet minimum GPA:

    • Trade School Applicants- 2.5 cumulative GPA

    • ACC & MSU-3.0 cumulative GPA (This is a pre-requisite for ACC class enrollment)

      • Students who do not meet the GPA pre req for ACC may be required to provide other proof of readiness or to take the ACCUPLACER

  • Be enrolled at EHS and taking EHS courses (early graduates will not be qualified to take concurrent enrollment courses after their early graduation date)

  • Complete the application process which may include, but not limited to;

    • Interview with Concurrent Enrollment Coordinator (Discuss ICAP plans, application process etc.)

    • Complete relevant concurrent enrollment agreements and EHS Applications

    • Meet with their school counselor for a credit check, students who are not on track for graduation are NOT eligible for concurrent enrollment

    • Have their course selection approved by the concurrent enrollment coordinator, counselor, admin

    • Complete any relevant orientations or Academic Advisor appointments through the concurrent enrollment partner

    • Students must apply each new school year

  *There may be additional application steps for the individual schools or programs the student chooses. 

  EQUAL EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

  Every student of this school district shall have equal educational opportunities regardless of race, color, sex, religion, national background, marital status, disability, or handicap. Further, no student shall, based on sex, be excluded from participating in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under any educational program or activity conducted by the district.

   

  More specifically, as prescribed by legal requirements, the school district shall treat its students without discrimination based on sex as this pertains to access to and participation in course offerings, athletics, counseling, employment assistance, and extracurricular activities.

• Repeating a Course

   

  If a student repeats a course previously taken, the credit value for the first course will be eliminated. The grade and credit for the course retake will be the sole grade counted in computing the student’s G.P.A. However, the grade and course name of the first course will remain on the transcript as a matter of record.

  *Certain courses may be taken more than once for credit and are indicated as such in their description.

The Colorado Commission on Higher Education (CCHE) determines the college admissions requirements for Colorado public four-year colleges. The following are required for college admission to any four-year college. Please be aware that many colleges may also have additional requirements. 

English (4 yrs) 

Mathematics (4 yrs Algebra I and above) 

Natural Science (3 yrs, 2 of which must be laboratory classes) 

Social Science (3 yrs) 

Foreign Language (1-3 yrs, varies by college) 

Academic Electives (2 yrs)

• Course Selection & Schedule Change Guidelines

   

  Selecting courses is one of students' and parents' most important tasks. Proper course selection prepares students for graduation, explores career interests, prepares them for post-secondary education opportunities, and engages them in activities they enjoy. Course selection is vital to the school, and our schedule for the next school year is built on the choices our students make now. Teaching assignments and teacher selection are based on the needs of our schedule.

   

  Students must make the right choices to make all of these different pieces work together. The school's role in course selection will be to confirm with the student their options and verify that the courses selected are indeed wanted or needed by the student. Once this is complete in the spring, schedule changes will be limited. Students will be expected to stay in the courses they choose. Changes will be made based on misplacement, a desire to take a more challenging class, or an extreme change in circumstances. Simply changing one's mind after the schedule is built or believing a course or teacher is "too hard" are not valid reasons to change classes; this includes dropping a year-long course mid-year. 

   

  Therefore, we expect students and parents to choose next year's schedule wisely. If a student needs out of a course after the schedule change deadline (as defined in the student handbook), will result in the student receiving an "F" for the dropped course(s). Students with three hours off will be required to select another class. Additionally, we will not drop classes for off hours. Teacher requests will only be made with a meeting with Mr. McClendon.

   

  As you choose your schedule, please also keep the following in mind: Students who elect to have an "off hour" may not also enroll in a study hall. Juniors are only allowed one "off hour." Seniors may have two "off hours" in the fall and three in the spring. The selection of when an "off hour" fits into a student's schedule will not drive the schedule we create. We discourage higher numbers of "off hours" for students who wish to pursue higher education after high school.

   

  The counseling office and administration are here to assist in any way possible. If you have questions, please feel free to contact us.

   

  Schedule Changes during Check-In Will Include the following:

  • If you have an "EMPTY" spot in your schedule.
  • Concerns about teachers changing at semester.
  • If you are missing a core class (English, Math, Science, History)
  • If you believe you still need to complete one semester of a year-long course.
  • If you think you still need to meet any graduation requirements.

   

  Withdrawing from a Course

   

  Beginning the second week of the semester, a student may withdraw from a course after the teacher, parent, and counselor approve. Students who withdraw from a class will receive an "F" for the class at the withdrawal time.  

   

  Students may only add a study hall to their schedule if they withdraw from a course. After the 20th school day of the semester, a student cannot withdraw from a course without receiving a letter grade of F on their transcript. All fees and/or fines must be resolved before withdrawing from a course, and all textbooks/library books checked out by the student must be returned.

If, after careful consideration, you find college or university is not the best decision for you, the following pathway is recommended to earn your diploma at EHS:

• The Colorado Commission on Higher Education (CCHE) determines the college admissions requirements for Colorado public four-year colleges. The following are required for college admission to any four-year college. Please be aware that many colleges may also have additional requirements. 

  English (4 yrs) 

  Mathematics (4 yrs Algebra I and above) 

  Natural Science (3 yrs, 2 of which must be laboratory classes) 

  Social Science (3 yrs) 

  Foreign Language (1-3 yrs, varies by college) 

  Academic Electives (2 yrs)

  If you are considering a two or four-year university, college, or tradeschool, the following pathway is recommended:

  FRESHMAN YEAR
  Class	Credit
  Literature and Composition 100 (or CP or AP as well)	1.0
  CP Algebra I	1.0
  Physical Science (or CP or AP as well)	1.0
  World Geography (or AP Human Geography)	1.0
  Health	0.5
  Physical Education	0.5
  Intro to PC Applications	0.5
  Electives	2.5
  TOTAL CREDITS	8

   

  SOPHOMORE YEAR
  Class	Credit
  Literature and Composition 200 (or CP or AP as well)	1.0
  CP Geometry	1.0
  Biology (or CP or AP as well)	1.0
  World History (or AP European History)	1.0
  Spanish I	1.0
  Physical Education	0.5
  PC Elective	0.5
  Art Elective	0.5
  Electives	1.5
  TOTAL CREDITS	8

   

  JUNIOR YEAR
  Class	Credit
  Literature and Composition 300 (or CP or AP or CE as well)	1.0
  CP Algebra II (or CE as well)	1.0
  Chemistry (or CP or AP as well)	1.0
  US History (or AP or CE as well)	1.0
  Spanish II	1.0
  Art Elective	0.5
  Electives (or internship)	1.5
  Up-to one hour off per semester if on track	(1.0)
  TOTAL CREDITS	8

   

  SENIOR YEAR
  Class	Credit
  Literature and Composition 400 (or CP or AP or CE as well)	1.0
  Advanced Algebra or Trigonometry (or CE as well)	1.0
  US Government (or AP or CE as well)	0.5
  Personal Living, Personal Finance, or Personal Finance and Investments	0.5
  Electives (or internship)	5.0
  Up-to two off hours first semester and three off hours second semester if on track
  TOTAL CREDITS	8

   

  We discourage higher numbers of "off hours" for students who wish to pursue higher education after high school.

During the registration process, students are encouraged to spend time selecting appropriate level classes each year. Every effort is made to meet the school-wide demand of specific courses. However, some courses may not be available due to budget, staff, lack of enrollment, and/or facility limitations. Students should always list alternative classes they will be interested in taking.

ELIZABETH HIGH SCHOOL REGISTRATION PROCESS 

This guide should help you and your parents plan your school program at Elizabeth High School. Throughout your time at high school, your counselor will review your educational and vocational goals and craft an individualized program of study that will help you achieve your goals. 

Graduation requirements are designed to give you a balanced program that will help you develop the skills and understanding necessary to become a well-educated person. To fill out your course of study, a wide range of electives are available. These, if wisely selected, will help you explore and develop your own interests and abilities.

Building Your Schedule:

This course description guide provides a complete description of courses that should be read, reviewed, and carefully weighed by the student and their parents. Students should choose courses based on their ability, record of academic achievement, interest in the subject, career goal(s), and teacher recommendations. 

Students should select courses for the upcoming school year with careful thought and consideration. A “Tentative Schedule Projection” and a “Program of Study” planning sheet are included in this manual to assist you in course selection. 

Computers generate students’ schedules based on desired courses. This procedure allows students to make decisions about the courses that they take. Students should choose at least four alternate courses should their first choice be unavailable. 

Things to consider are:

1. The minimum number of courses are:
   1. Freshmen must have eight (8) blocks per semester.
   2. Sophomores must have eight (8) blocks.
   3. Juniors must have seven (7) blocks per semester.
   4. Seniors must have a minimum of six (6) blocks in the first semester and five (5) blocks in the second semester if students are on track for graduation. 
2. Know the graduation requirements and if you are meeting them in your plan. If you doubt graduation or college entrance credits, see your counselor or transcripts on Infinite Campus.
3. Consider college entrance and vocational requirements. 
4. Plan ahead--not just for next year, but for your entire high school career. In this booklet, we have provided you with a four-year planning form. It may help prepare your course of study in high school and the Academic Planner on Infinite Campus. 
   1. Colorado Career Cluster Models Chart (Click Here) 
   2. CCHE Index / Commission’s Admission Standards For First-Time Freshmen (Click Here) 
5. Check the description before selecting a course to be sure it fits your needs, interests, and abilities--and that you have completed the prerequisite coursework necessary for enrollment.
6. Neither EHS nor your counselor promise permission for off-hours or elective changes. 
7. Students may repeat courses. The grade and course name of the first course will remain on the transcript as a matter of record. However, the most recent score and credits will be used to compute the student’s GPA.