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    The Advanced Studies Program

    The Quince Orchard High School Signature Program is designed to provide all students an opportunity to maximize their multiple intelligences and creativity and to value their uniqueness by allowing them to participate in a wide variety of advanced level and Advanced Placement courses. Advanced coursework is offered in the English, Science, Social Studies, Foreign Language, Math, Computer Science and Fine Arts Departments.

    Coordinator, Colleen Adams manages this program at QOHS to provide teachers and students the resources and support necessary for success.

    Goals

    The Advanced Studies in Arts and Academics Signature Program is designed to:

    • increase the number of students who become involved in the Advanced Studies program, which includes advanced and Advanced Placement courses.
    • increase the number, range, and scope of advanced course offerings. sustain and increase minority student representation in honors classes, beginning in the ninth grade.
    • increase the number of minority students who will then eventually become involved in the Advanced Placement program. 
    • increase the numbers of students submitting art portfolios for Advanced Placement consideration. 
    • provide in-school and after-school support programs for students aspiring to become involved in advanced courses.
    • provide training programs and opportunities for teachers, designed to help develop and direct classroom practices which enhance students's math skills, critical and analytical thinking skills, and writing skills, all of which are required for success in advanced courses.
    • expose middle school students to the benefits of planning a high school program that includes taking advanced courses in preparation for college.

    Signature Program Honors  

    honors

    *Note there have been changes made to the program for the 2023-2024 school year, they are included below.  A link to the 2022-2023 guide is to the right.

    Signature Program Distinguished Scholar Certificate

    In recognition of outstanding scholarship and achievement in college-level courses, this certificate will be awarded to any student who has:

    • completed AP NSL by 10th grade with a grade of B or higher for each semester.
    • completed at least 2 AP classes during the 11th grade, one of which must be in English or Math, with a grade of B or higher for each semester.
    • completed 2 additional AP classes during 12th grade, with a grade of B or higher for each semester. 
    • Students are highly encouraged to take the AP exam for each course they take during high school.

    Signature Program Certificate in Advanced Arts

    Students who pursue an area of study, by participating in 5 courses, at least one of which is an AP course, will be awarded an Advanced Arts certificate in one of the following areas:

    Signature Program Certificate in Career Technologies

    Students who pursue an area of study, by participating in 5 courses, at least one of which is an AP course, will be awarded an Advanced Career Technologies certificate in one of the following areas:

    Signature Program Certificate in Education (page 14)

    This certificate will be awarded to students who complete 3 levels of Child Development classes, AP Psychology and an internship course.

    Signature Program Certificate in Social Studies/Law - pages 15 & 16 

    Students have two options for who pursuing an area of studies in the Social Sciences.

    • 4 Social Studies AP courses and a capstone, “Quest” course
    • 4 Law courses and 1 Social Studies AP course

    Signature Program Certificate in Engineering - page 17 (Project Lead the Way)

    This certificate will be awarded to students who completed all 5 required courses for PLTW, 4 of which  can earn them college credit.

    Signature Program Certificate in Advanced Academics
    In recognition of program completion, this certificate will be awarded to any student who has completed one college-level course and maintained an overall GPA of “B” or better.

    Advanced Placement

    AP classes affiliated with College Board

    Advanced Placement classes are college-level courses taught at the high school level. Because of the resources provided by our signature program, we are proud to offer 24 AP courses to our students, across all departments.

    Through college-level AP courses, student gain knowledge that might otherwise remain unexplored in high school; through AP Exams, they have the opportunity to earn credit or advanced standing at many of the nation's colleges and universities.

    Collegeboard.com is affiliated with the College Board, a 100-year-old, not-for-profit membership association. The mission of the College Board is to prepare, inspire, and connect students to college and opportunity. Its members include more than 3,900 schools, colleges, universities, and other educational associations.

    Collegeboard.com brings together all the information and tools that students and parents need to plan for the transition from high school to college. It is the only place where students can register for the SAT online and practice online with actual SAT test questions.

    Students and parents also use collegeboard.com to identify and search for suitable colleges, apply to college online, explore career options, learn about college costs, and navigate the confusing world of financial aid.

    Collegeboard.com also offers a convenient way for educators to stay on top of test requirements, deadlines, and dates, and provides tools and resources that help them advise students about academic preparation and guide them in practicing for the SAT, finding and applying to the colleges that are right for them, and planning for college costs.

    Questions about our program should be directed to coordinator, Colleen Adams.