Rigor-Preparing our students for tomorrow
Relevance-Relating instruction to the real world and students’ future
Relationships-Building strong relationships with our students and community that will last a lifetime.
Career Pathways
The Kenton County School District
The Kenton County School District
0
The Kenton County School District
Table of Contents
Message to Parents........................................................................................ 2
Career Pathways
Understanding Careers .................................................................................. 3
The Kenton County School District Schools of Study ............................... 4-6
A Career Planning Guide for Students and Families in
The Kenton County School District
Making Career Decisions .............................................................................. 7
Students Can Earn College Credit in High School ....................................... 7
P-16 Rigor, Relevance and Relationships
The Freshman Academy ............................................................................... 8
Spring 2010
Parent Involvement Tips on Career Development ........................................ 9
Individual Learning Plan ............................................................................. 10
Types of Diplomas Offered in The Kenton County School District ........... 11
Other Career Resources .............................................................................. 11
Rigorous Programs: Commonwealth Diploma Program............................ 12
Kentucky Scholars Diploma Program......................................................... 13
Governor’s Scholars Program ..................................................................... 14
PSAT Information....................................................................................... 15
Kenton County High Schools and Secondary Facilities ........................ 16-20
Other Interesting Statistics .......................................................................... 21
College Credit with Local Postsecondary Partners ..................................... 22
School of Study Brochure ...................................................................... 23-24
References ................................................................................................... 25
The Kenton County School District
1
Message to Parents
Your child’s future success is important to all of us, and we
want to work with students and their families to develop a
rewarding career path for every child in the Kenton County
School District. To achieve this goal families and educators
must help young adults identify their interests and talents and
work diligently to afford every student the knowledge and
skills necessary to compete in the global economy of the 21st
century. Once a student recognizes his or her talents, he or she
has the building blocks for a successful future; so it is never too
early to begin looking at career interests and possibilities with
your child. Armed with this knowledge, students can pursue a
variety of occupations which will not only provide them with a
successful career but increase their quality of life.
As we work together to map out an individual learning plan
for your son or daughter, please discuss all options with them
and select the one that best fits your child’s needs and dreams.
Once a student has narrowed his or her interests to identify a
career cluster, it is vital that the student knows the preparation
program necessary to obtain the career goal. Help your child
get a jump start on the future by taking career direction
seriously in high school, and pay close attention to your child’s
class schedule in high school every year to determine required
courses for his/her chosen career option.
many opportunities for students to gain a greater understanding
of the realities of a chosen career through our Schools of Study.
Encourage your child to take advantage of the job shadowing
experiences, career testing, conversations with other adults
about careers and apprenticeship opportunities offered in our
schools.
We trust that the information contained in this handbook
will motivate our students to choose a rigorous course of study
in high school as they prepare for a successful future. Enclosed
you will find a description of Schools of Study opportunities
and career interests for all of our students and an outline of
career pathways in each or our high schools. The teaching and
use of technology is infused within each school of study; but,
due to the constant changes in preparation programs, career
pathways, required coursework and technology may change to
provide the best set of options for our students. Please continue
to provide feedback, ask questions and work with your high
school so that we can continue to improve what we are
providing for students and their families. I wish all students
success in the exciting years of their high school experience!
Tim Hanner
Superintendent, The Kenton County School District
Currently, almost half of all students entering college
nationwide drop out after the first semester or first year. This is
often due to an avoidance of challenging courses needed for
college preparation while still in high school. To avoid this
situation, make sure math and other rigorous course work are
included in your child’s class schedule every year while in high
school. Another impediment to post-secondary student success
is a lack of career maturity. To address this problem we offer
The Kenton County School District
2
Understanding Careers
Recently, your middle school student was engaged in
taking an interest inventory survey from an online product
called Career Cruising. This interest inventory survey
includes a series of questions to which the student responds
indicating personal likes and dislikes to various kinds of
activities. Student interests are then translated into potentially
compatible career areas or clusters on an individual student
results page. These career clusters are reported on the student
page in order from highest interest to least interest. The career
clusters are as follows: Agriculture, Construction,
Manufacturing, Transportation, Science and Mathematics, Arts
and Humanities, Communications, Business and Marketing,
Information Technology, Education, Human Services, Social
Sciences, Public Services, and Health.
A more detailed look at career clusters identified by the
Kentucky Department of Education can be found at
http://www.education.ky.gov/KDE/Instructional+Resources
/Career+and+Technical+Education/Career+Clusters/. A
career cluster is a grouping of occupations according to
common knowledge and skills for organizing educational
programs and curricula. The exploration of potentially
satisfying occupations within a School of Study provides each
student information regarding multiple career options.
Students need to understand that most people have several
satisfying career choices.
In the fall of 2007, The Kenton County School District
began a career-intensive program in all three high schools.
Each high school created small learning communities that
relate to the career clusters by creating the Schools of Study as
follows: The School of Science, Technology, Engineering
and Math (STEM); The School of Visual/Performing Arts
and Media (VPAM); The School of Business and
Information Technology (BIT); and The School of Law,
Education, Health and Human Services (LEHHS).
On each high school’s website, you will find a general
outline of high school courses and college opportunities to
guide both parents and students as they consider a particular
School of Study. The high school websites can be easily
accessed through our district website at
http://www.kenton.kyschools.us. Please visit this page on
our district website and select a high school to view school
specific information on the Schools of Study. These websites
are designed to guide students and parents as they develop and
modify an education plan to help meet requirements for
graduation and prepare students for postsecondary education
and the work place.
Even though all three high schools offer basically the same
type of curriculum, there are some unique programs and
courses that are school specific. A sequence of courses leading
to employment in an occupational field and/or further
education is referred to as a career pathway. Samples of career
pathways developed at the state level can be accessed at
http://www.education.ky.gov/KDE/ . Each high school
website provides an outline of suggested courses for students to
consider as related to each School of Study and to the
Kentucky Career Clusters.
Supplemental guidance materials are available for you
describing career pathways for students at J. D. Patton Area
Technology Center, where students develop and acquire high
tech knowledge and skills in various programs. There are
opportunities at J. D. Patton for students to earn certificates
while also earning college credits toward an associate degree at
Gateway Community and Technical College.
3
The Kenton County School District
The Kenton County School District
Schools of Study
Provide meaningful connections to student chosen career interest within the curriculum
Provide unique career related opportunities and experiences through the curriculum
Allow students with similar learning styles and career interests to be in classes together with teachers who share the same interests
The Kenton County School District
4
The School of Science, Technology, Engineering
and Math (STEM)
STEM supports exploration in
realistic jobs such as engineer,
scientific researcher, automobile
mechanic, aircraft controller,
surveyor, farmer or electrician.
Courses taken within this School of
Study will help develop scientific
thinking and mechanical abilities.
Students interested in this School of
Study may like nature, athletics or
tools and machinery, and may be
described as conforming, frank, genuine, honest, humble,
modest, natural, persistent, practical, shy and thrifty. This
School of Study will also support exploration in investigative
jobs such as biologist, chemist, physicist, anthropologist,
geologist or medical technologist. Courses taken within this
School will help develop mathematical and scientific abilities.
Students interested in this School of Study may also be
described as analytical, cautious,
complex, critical, curious,
independent, intellectual, methodical,
modest, precise, rational and
reserved (Holland, 1994).
The School of Visual/Performing Arts and
Media (VPAM)
VPAM supports
exploration in artistic jobs
such as composer, designer,
musician, stage director,
writer, interior decorator or
actor/actress. Courses taken
within this School of Study
will help develop artistic
abilities in writing, music and
art. Students interested in this
School of Study may be
described as complicated,
emotional, expressive,
idealistic, imaginative,
impulsive, independent,
introspective, intuitive,
nonconforming, open and
original (Holland, 1994).
5
The Kenton County School District
The School of Law, Education, Health and Human
Services (LEHHS)
The School of Business and Information
Technology (BIT)
LEHHS will support
exploration in social and/or
service people-oriented jobs
such as lawyer, teacher,
doctor, nurse, religious
worker, counselor, clinical
psychologist, psychiatric case
worker or speech therapist.
Courses taken within this
School of Study will help to
develop good social skills and
talents. Students interested in
LEHHS may be described as convincing, cooperative, friendly,
generous, helpful, idealistic, kind, patient, responsible, social,
sympathetic, tactful, understanding and warm (Holland, 1994).
BIT will support exploration in
enterprising jobs such as salesperson,
manager, business executive, television
producer, sports promoter or buyer.
Courses taken within this School of
Study will help develop leadership and
speaking abilities. Students interested
in BIT may be described as acquisitive,
adventurous, agreeable, ambitious,
attention-getting, energetic,
extroverted, impulsive, optimistic,
pleasure-seeking, self-confident and
sociable. This School of Study will also support exploration in
conventional jobs such as bookkeeper, stenographer, financial
analyst, banker, cost estimator or tax expert. Courses taken
with this School will help develop clerical and arithmetic
abilities. Students interested in this School of Study may be
described as conforming, conscientious, careful, efficient,
orderly, persistent, practical and thrifty (Holland, 1994).
The Kenton County School District
6
Making Career Decisions
Students Can Earn College Credit in High School
Most students worry about making sure that their
occupational choice is right for them. They also want to be
sure that they have not overlooked a more desirable
occupation. Although interests surveys may be helpful, only
actual experience in a field and assure a good fit. In working
with students, the goal is to provide ideas and guidance to
reduce unwanted outcomes and risk (Bolles, 2002). It is
important for students to learn as much as they can about
themselves and the occupational world. Students will consider
a program of study and develop an Individual Learning Plan
(ILP) that matches their interests, talents, and possible future
career choices.
High school students
need to make careful and
wise decisions about course
selections to provide them
with the type of knowledge
and skills needed to pursue a
particular occupation or
career choice. The purpose
of this career planning guide
is to assist students and
families in providing
information and resources to
guide their decisions for a
rigorous preparation
program. Future options
depend upon intentional
planning.
Career pathways are useful in providing guidance counseling
and assisting students in setting goals for high school
graduation and further education. Career pathways do not limit
choices since students can change from one career path to
another. In the Kenton County School District, career
pathways provide opportunity for dual enrollment and the
earning of postsecondary credits while still in high school.
Current articulation agreements and dual credit programs exist
between our high schools and Gateway Community and
Technical College, Northern Kentucky University (NKU) and
Thomas More College (TMC) so that students can earn college
credit.
Our high schools in The Kenton County School District
partner very closely with our local postsecondary partners to
create additional dual credit opportunities for our students each
year. You are encouraged to visit NKU’s website at
http://admissions.nku.edu/parents/parents.php to learn more
about their School-Based Scholars Program and early
enrollment for high school students. To learn more about the
Gemini Program at TMC, please visit their website at
http://www.thomasmore.edu/gemini/index.cfm?group=Earl
y%20Admissions%2FDual%20Credit . Also, please see
Appendix A at the back of this planning guide. Our students
enrolled at James D. Patton Area Technology Center may also
earn college credit while still in high school. This provides a
great savings on college tuition and also allows students to
complete their college education in a shorter time frame. For
more information on earning college credit while still in high
school, consult with the high school guidance counselor.
Advanced Placement (AP) classes are offered at all three of
our high schools. Students scoring 3 or higher on an advanced
placement assessment may qualify for college credit at most
colleges and universities.
The Kenton County School District
7
The Freshman Academy
Your son or daughter’s first year in high school as a
freshman will be exciting, yet very challenging. Each of our
high schools has a Freshman Academy whose teachers have
carefully designed very intentional activities that begin in the
spring of the 8th grade year to transition students to high
school. Students will be scheduled into courses sharing a
common set of teachers to create a team approach in setting
goals to help all students be successful. There will be
continued exploration of careers as students will explore each
School of Study. Students are asked to choose a particular
School of Study in the spring of their freshman year that
supports their Individual Learning Plan and a career pathway
matching their career interests.
During the sophomore year, each student schedule will
emphasize one of the Schools of Study. As students are
exposed to new experiences and new learning, they will have
an opportunity each year, at the time they schedule their classes
for the following year, to select a different School of Study as
their career interests may change. In doing so, they will not be
penalized as all Schools of Study offer rigorous coursework
and help students to meet graduation requirements.
The Kenton County School District
8
Parent Involvement Tips on Career Development
 Talk with your son or daughter about their career
interests. Help them explore possible paths to success.
 Help your student do a search of occupations reflected on
the results of his or her interest inventory in the electronic
Individual Learning Plan (ILP) accessed at
www.careercruising.com/ILP/ .
 Throughout the high school experience, suggest your
student talk with a few people who do the kind of work in
which he or she is interested. Most workers are flattered
when someone asks about their typical work day, how
they acquired their training and background education.
 Help your student meet a variety of workers by arranging
job observations or personal interviews.
 Encourage your high school student to work a part-time
job outside the home during the summer months.
Recommended hours for part-time work during the
school year range from 12 to 15 hours per week. Hours
beyond this may negatively impact student success in
school (DePietro et al., 2004).
 Encourage your student to engage in service learning
activities in the community. These are requested on
applications for college and applications for scholarships
and can be recorded in the student ILP.
 Explore a variety of postsecondary education
opportunities with your student on the ILP.
 Review your student’s ILP annually to ensure course
selections and postsecondary options match career
interests and career decisions. Convey high expectations
for your student throughout their senior year.
 Expect and encourage modifications and changes in the
career exploration and decision-making process.
The Kenton County School District
 Students need to understand the importance of course
selections in high school since their choices will impact
their performance on college entrance exams, their
postsecondary education options, and thus, the potential
to attain a satisfying occupation in the world of work.
 Suggest that your student seek assistance from a
counselor or teacher advisor.
9
Individual Learning Plan
The Individual Learning Plan (ILP) is an academic and
career plan for all students beginning in the 6th grade. The ILP
helps students identify their educational and career goals, as
well as, identify requirements for high school graduation.
Students complete activities that will provide the knowledge
and skills needed to prepare for a successful career. The ILP
includes personal information about a student’s hobbies,
interests, school and community activities, work experiences
and awards, as well as, the names of people who may provide
good references. Also included are the results of an interest
inventory and/or a career aptitude assessment. Results of
Kentucky’s Commonwealth Accountability Testing System
(CATS), the EXPLORE, PLAN, ACT, SAT or other
assessment results are included in the ILP.
ILP’s are updated prior to scheduling classes each school
year. The student, parent/guardian, and school counselor/
advisor collaborate on the revisions and updating of the ILP.
Identification of postsecondary goals and outcomes (i.e.,
employment, postsecondary education, or military) should be
included in this process.
An electronic version of your student’s ILP is available to
you online. To view your child’s work within the electronic
ILP, a username and password has been assigned to you as a
parent. You may access this account information through the
school counselor. Access to the ILP website can be found
either in the parent section of our district website at
http://www.kenton.kyschools.us/ and by clicking on
“Students” and “ILP” or by visiting
www.careercruising.com/ILP/. Your student has also been
assigned a student username and password.
The Kenton County School District
10
Types of Diplomas Offered in the Kenton County
School District
The Kenton County School District offers the following five
different kinds of diplomas:
1. Commonwealth Diploma
This diploma is awarded to students who meet additional
requirements (see page 12) in world language and advanced
placement courses that may also serve as college credit in
many postsecondary institutions.
2. Kentucky Scholars Honors Diploma
This diploma is awarded to students who meet the
requirements of the Kentucky Scholars Diploma and in
grades 9 through 12 score proficient or higher on four of
six content areas of the state assessment and score
proficient or higher on their writing portfolio.
3. Kentucky Scholars Diploma
This diploma is awarded to students meeting additional
social studies, math and science credits (see page 13)
beyond that required for a Standard Kenton County
Diploma.
4. Standard Kenton County Diploma
This diploma requires an additional math and English credit
beyond the state minimum requirements.
5. Career Passport Work Ethic Diploma
An additional diploma is awarded to graduating seniors
who demonstrate a good work ethic and meet additional
criteria decided upon through school council policy.
The Kenton County School District
Other Career Resources
“American Careers: Special Edition for Kentucky Parents” –
this resource was made available by the Kentucky Education
Cabinet Department for Workforce Investment.
http://www.kenton.kyschools.us/school_home.aspx?scho
olid=24
http://www.bls.gov/k12/azlist.htm
http://jobsearch.about.com/od/jobsbycareerfieldlist/Job
s_by_Career_Field_List.htm
http://www.careeroverview.com/
http://www.usnews.com/money/careers/articles/2008/12/
11/the-30-best-careers-for-2009.html
http://www.act.org
http://www.collegeboard.com
http://www.familyeducation.com
www.gateway.kctcs.edu
www.nku.edu
www.thomasmore.edu
http://www.bls.gov/oco
Please contact your guidance counselor for further information
relating to high school course selections or career planning
with your student.
Information on financial aid and scholarships is available
through KHEAA at www.GoHigherKY.org and in the student
ILP. Another resource can be found in the high school
guidance counselors’ office or local library entitled, “Affording
Higher Education: Financial Aid Programs for Kentucky
Students.”
11
Rigorous Programs
Students completing rigorous programs of study such as the
Commonwealth Diploma Program or the Kentucky Scholars
Program are ready for postsecondary education without the
need for remediation in college. Kentucky Scholars students
are also academically prepared for high tech, military, job
training, and apprenticeship programs. Rigorous coursework,
regardless of the grade earned, is more valuable than a less
rigorous course.
Commonwealth Diploma Program
Requirements are as follows for the Commonwealth Diploma:
(1) Successful completion of at least twenty-two (22) approved
units of credit, including all the minimum unit requirements for
high school graduation set forth in 704 KAR 3:305 and any
additional units specified by the applicable local board of
education.
(2) Successful completion of all minimum requirements of the
Pre-College Curriculum established by the Council on Higher
Education.
(3) Successful completion of at least four courses which
contain essential content as described in the Advanced
Placement program course description booklets of the College
Entrance Examination Board. These courses include: a)
English; b) Science or Mathematics; c) World Language; and
d) one additional Advanced Placement course; and
(4) Completion of examinations in at least three of the
Advanced Placement subject areas specified above, without
regard to score.
Students who achieve a composite score of “8” or higher on the
three required AP examinations are eligible for reimbursement
of their examination costs.
The Kenton County School District
12
Kentucky Scholars Program
All students who have successfully followed the Kentucky Scholars coursework will be recognized at graduation in The Kenton
County School District with a Kentucky Scholars Diploma.
Students who meet the requirements of the Kentucky Scholars Diploma plus score proficient or higher on any four of six content
areas on the state assessment and score proficient on the writing portfolio will receive a Kentucky Scholars Honors Diploma.
Kentucky Scholars Course of Study in Kenton County:
4 credits in English
4 credits in math including Algebra 1, Geometry and Algebra 2
4 credits in basic lab science including Integrated Science, Biology, Chemistry and Physics or Principles of Physics
or Principles of Engineering at Simon Kenton; 3.5 credits in basic lab science including Biology, Chemistry or
Physics at Scott; and 3.5 credits including Colonel Scientific Investigation, Biology, Earth/Space, and Physical
Science plus Chemistry or Physics at Dixie
3 credits in social studies (chosen from Intro to Social Studies, U.S. and world history,
geography, economics, and government)
2 credits in the same world language
*Please see your high
school’s course guide book
for the names of the specific
courses and additional
school specific criteria
required to earn the
Kentucky Scholars
Diploma.
13
The Kenton County School District
Governor’s Scholars Program
In Kenton County, the selection process includes both a
school-based selection committee and a district selection
committee. Guidelines for selection include the following:
70% or above in English on the PSAT
80% or above in two areas of Math or Writing Skills or
Selection Index on the PSAT
Composite of 26 or above on the ACT (or with exception by
the school)
Students are rated in the following categories: academic
achievement; student profile; writing entry; teacher
recommendations; and special considerations.
The Governor’s Scholars Program is a challenging fiveweek residential program at a Kentucky college for
outstanding Kentucky students completing their junior year in
high school. Students must be nominated by the district
selection committee to be considered for admission. They
attend free of charge and the only expenses are for personal
needs and incidentals. There are no grades or credits given
through participation in the program. The program fosters an
environment where ideas are shared, discovery of learning
takes place, and community is built within a diverse group of
students. This program helps students achieve their academic
and personal potential, develops creativity and critical
thinking skills, and cultivates leadership capabilities. The
academic program moves at an advanced level concentrating
on concepts, theory, and discovery.
The PSAT is a prerequisite to applying for candidacy and
should be taken during the freshman and/or sophomore years. The
ACT or SAT taken before the application deadline can be used as
a valid test score. To be considered for this program, students
must complete and submit the Student Nomination Packet to the
high school guidance counselor. Please contact your high school
guidance counselor for more information regarding this
opportunity and related deadlines.
14
The Kenton County School District
About PSAT/NMSQT
PSAT/NMSQT stands for Preliminary SAT/National Merit
Scholarship Qualifying Test. The Preliminary SAT®/National
Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test is a co-sponsored program
by the College Board and National Merit Scholarship
Corporation (NMSC). It's a standardized test that provides
firsthand practice for the SAT Reasoning Test™. It also gives
you a chance to enter National Merit Scholarship Corporation
(NMSC) scholarship programs. The PSAT/NMSQT measures:
critical reading skills, math problem-solving skills, and writing
skills. Your son or daughter has developed these skills over
many years, both in and out of school. This test doesn't require
you to recall specific facts from your classes. The most
common reasons for taking the PSAT/NMSQT are:
to receive feedback on your strengths and weaknesses
on skills necessary for college study. You can then
focus your preparation on those areas that could most
benefit from additional study or practice.
to see how your performance on an admissions test
might compare with that of others applying to college.
to enter the competition for scholarships from the
National Merit Scholarship Corporation (grade 10).
to use scores in qualifying for the Kentucky Governor’s
Scholars Program.
to help prepare for the SAT. You can become familiar
with the kinds of questions and the exact directions you
will see on the SAT.
to receive information from colleges when you check
"yes" to Student Search Service on the answer sheet.
15
The Kenton County School District
Dixie Heights High School
Dixie Heights has become a leading high school in Kentucky through
our move to small learning communities and trimester scheduling. We
offer our students three Schools of Study that match their career interests:
Law, Education, Health, and Human Services (LEHHS), Science,
Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), and Visual Performing Arts
and Media (VPAM). We also provide our students a variety of high
interest elective courses like Forensic Science, Ready-Set-Teach,
Animation, Digital Photography, Web Design, Principles of Marketing,
and Accounting just to mention a few. For our juniors and seniors who
wish to jump start their college careers we offer Advanced Placement
classes in English, Chemistry, Calculus, and History; and we encourage
all of our students to move out of their comfort zones and reach for the
top of their potential.
At Dixie Heights, we have the courage to question traditional
wisdom, the passion to break new ground, the imagination to pursue
quality, and the resolve to champion our community. Our faculty strives
to bring education to life and to build a school community providing our
students with a limitless future.
16
The Kenton County School District
Scott High School
Scott High School offers first class
educational programs and experiences for all
students. Within Schools of Study our
STEM students participate in webinars
demonstrating surgeries at local hospitals.
Many BIT students earn MCAS (Microsoft
Certified Application Specialist) certification. LEHHS
students learn about the fields of education and law through
specialized courses such as “Intro to Criminal Law” and “Intro
to Education.” VPAM students display their original art work
throughout the community, perform concerts at community
functions and consistently win top honors in competitions.
Each year through the VPAM School of Study the SHS Drama
Department also presents an annual Martin Luther King tribute
called “Remembering Martin” during the Kenton County “Live
the Dream” Education Celebration.
For students seeking college credit in high
school, Scott High School’s Advanced
Placement program offers excellent instruction
and a legacy of success. In 2005, 111 students
were enrolled in AP classes; by 2009 that
number had increased to 200. In 2005, 33% of
our AP students earned college credit; last
year, 54% of our students earned college credit through their
participation in our AP courses. With the vertical alignment of
our accelerated and honors courses, our students start preparing
to be successful in our AP program from their freshmen year,
and some begin as early as the 8th grade. The results have been
outstanding--Scott High School produced 11 Governor’s
Scholars last year, and sent 12 Governor’s Scholars nominees
to state this year.
In addition to our academic programs, Scott High School
offers a unique “shared campus” opportunity to our student.
Our location adjacent to Woodland Middle School allows for
easy collaboration between middle school and high school
faculty. This collaboration helps ensure a seamless transition
for students entering the ninth grade, and the close proximity of
our two schools allows us to
efficiently create and maintain
a vertically-aligned curriculum
to meet the educational needs
of our students. SHS even
offers a class to seniors
whereby they serve as peertutors at Woodland and earn
course credit. Here at Scott,
students truly have the
opportunity to learn, to excel,
and to contribute to their
community.
17
The Kenton County School District
Simon Kenton High School
With state of the art facilities, rich academic and extracurricular
programs, and a strong connection to our community, Simon Kenton
High School offers students an excellent opportunity to achieve and to
prepare for post-secondary success. Recently upgraded, our facilities
include a new theater, a science wing with complete physics and
chemistry labs, a greenhouse, and fully modernized athletic facilities.
Working with dedicated students and top-flight facilities, our
outstanding faculty and staff have produced award-winning drama and
musical productions, won several district and regional athletic
championships, developed a nationally ranked academic team; and, most
importantly, secured over three million dollars in college scholarships
for our students just last
year.
For students seeking
college credit during high
school, Simon Kenton
provides a full range of
Advanced Placement and
Honors courses in English,
science, math, history and
foreign language. We also
offer several dual credit courses through Northern Kentucky University
and Thomas More College. Unlike many schools in the area whose
students must travel to NKU or Thomas More to conduct science labs,
Simon Kenton’s state of the art science labs allow our students to stay on
campus to fulfill their Advanced Placement science lab requirements.
In addition to being a great place to learn, Simon Kenton also affords
students many opportunities to connect to the community around our
school. Several students participate in career mentoring and a job
shadowing program through their School of Study, and our school
developed and continues to manage a regional farmers market.
The Kenton County School District
18
Success Academy
The Kenton County Success Academy (KCSA) offers a
military academy education as an option for high school
students in the Kenton County School District. In our third
year of operation, our enrollment is increasing, and our first
class of cadets was graduated in June of 2009. KCSA only
accepts students through an application process. Once
accepted, cadets complete their high school requirements
through a combination of direct instruction and on-line
learning. Our program also includes Honors and Advanced
Placement courses, community service and physical training.
While cadets at KCSA learn about the discipline, tradition and
opportunities in all branches of the United States military,
students are under no obligation to join the military after high
school; and we prepare them for college, the military or the
work force. At the Kenton County Success Academy we value
leadership, integrity, honor and service. With courage and
commitment to our nation and our fellow cadets we proudly
embrace the legacy we are building as the KCSA Wolfpack!
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J. D. Patton Area Technology Center
Whether students are college bound or work bound, J.D. Patton Area Technology Center offers excellent opportunities for 11th
and 12th grade students to learn through hands-on activities, explore a career path and practice real job training. Here at J.D. Patton
our students don’t just learn “how to” from a textbook, they develop a variety of skills and solve complex problems. Supported by a
faculty with decades of experience in the field and provided with access to over 2.5 million dollars of equipment and technology, our
students build knowledge and real world expertise. We also offer small classes that provide each student with greater individual
attention from their instructors and specific career and college planning assistance from our counselor and administration. Because
academic classes are an important component of our students’ education, J.D. Patton employs a full-time Math and English teacher to
assist our students and to link their technical training to relevant math, reading and writing skills. Among area colleges and businesses
we have built excellent relationships that allow many of our students to earn college credit for their coursework or to co-op in the
workplace. J.D. Patton Area Technical Center is a great place for any student who wants to experience rigorous learning and career
preparation in a non-traditional high school setting.
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Other Interesting Statistics and Data
In 2004, the unemployment rate for recent high school
graduates who had not enrolled in college in the fall of
2004 was 20 percent.
The unemployment rate for young people who
dropped out of high school between October 2003 and
October 2004 was 40 percent.
Students who graduate high school with more
challenging classes are more likely to succeed in
college or post-secondary programs.
Students who attain college credit while in high school
are more likely to complete college and other postsecondary programs.
The rest of the world (China, India, etc) will produce
more college graduates in 2010 than the United States
will produce high school graduates.
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College Credit with Local Postsecondary Partners
Gateway
NKU
Thomas More
High School Option:
-High School teachers that meet TMC adjunct
requirements or, in some cases, TMC faculty teach
the college course at the high school
-Eligible to juniors or seniors
College Campus Option:
-Early Admission Program (EAP).
-Eligible to juniors or seniors
-College may add special sections
-Fill open seats in regularly scheduled courses
Completed the following HS units:
-2 in English, 2 in Science, 2 in Math, 2 in Social
Studies
-3.5 GPA in above units
-Students must complete an application and submit
transcripts
-Provisional admittance through Academic Dean
What does
dual credit
look like?
High School Option:
~An Area Technology Center student
College Campus Option:
~Eligible students can take any class on
the Gateway Campus for which they meet
the pre-requisites.
High School Option: School-Based Scholars
Program (SBS) - NKU faculty teach college
courses at the high school campus, bringing the
college culture and contact time.
College Campus Option: Early Enrollment
Program (EEP) - Eligible students can take any
class on the Highland Heights campus for which
they meet the pre-requisites.
What are
the criteria?
High School Option:
~An Area Technology Center student
College Campus Option:
~ ACT or Compass minimum requirement
~Completed application packet
- Completed sophomore year
- ACT score of 20/PLAN score of 18/SAT of
940/PSAT of 94
- High school GPA of 3.25
- Completed application packet
What
classes are
offered at
the high
schools?
Same Courses that are offered at the Area
Technology Center
Examples but not limited to: Speech,
History, Political Science, Fine Arts, World
Religions, and Criminal Justice.
Examples but not limited to: Biology, Chemistry,
Computer Science, English, History, Business and
Education.
What are
the costs?
High School Option:
~Free, including textbook
College Campus Option:
~$115 per credit hour
~Plus Textbook
High School Option: (SBS)
- $150 tuition per course (up to four)
College Campus Option: (EEP) - No tuition for
first class; full tuition for subsequent classes.
Other Costs- One time application fee of $40
-Textbook (average about $75)
High School Option
-$125 per course plus any applicable lab or
materials fees (7 credit limit per semester)
College Campus Option:
-same as high school option
Other Costs ~Textbook
Will these
college
credits
transfer to
other
colleges?
High School Option: Courses taught at
the Area Technology Centers are technical
courses and are not designed to transfer.
However, Gateway has some articulation
agreements with NKU and Thomas More.
Students should consult with the transfer
liaison at the college to which they want to
transfer.
NKU is a regionally accredited institution
whose credits are accepted by most major
colleges and universities. Students should
consult with the college of their choice as to
how their NKU credits would apply.
Thomas More College is regionally accredited by the
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools,
which greatly eases transferability of credit; however
students should consult with their college of choice
as to whether TMC credits will transfer and how they
would apply. Thomas More College will guarantee
that all the high school credit earned while enrolled
in the Thomas More Dual credit program will be
accepted and applied toward graduation at Thomas
More.
John Brown, 859.442.4104
School-Based Scholars Program:
- Jeff Fox (859) 392 – 2408 or foxj@nku.edu
- NKU’s Admissions counselor:
Heather Burns (859) 572 - 5715
Gemini Program:
-High School Option, Maria Mitchell, 859.344.3657
-Campus Option, Billy Sarge, 859.344.3402
Who do I
contact for
more
information?
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References
Bolles, Richard, N. (2002). What Color is Your Parachute: A practical manual for job-hunters & career changers. Ten Speed Press:
Berkeley, CA.
College Board. About PSAT/NMSQT. Retrieved January 29, 2007, from
http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/psat/about.html
DePietro, M., Laramee, F., Powell, L., Rafter, D., Rhine, J., Rowh, M., Williamson, P., Yager, J. (2004). American Careers: Parent
edition. Career Communications, Inc.: Overland Park, KS.
Holland, John, L. (1994). Self-Directed Search: You and your career, Form R, Fourth edition. Psychological Assessment Resources,
Inc.: Odessa, FL.
Kentucky Department of Education. (April, 2002). Guide To Selecting Career Clusters and Career Majors in Kentucky. Retrieved
February 5, 2009, from
http://www.education.ky.gov/KDE/Instructional+Resources/Career+and+Technical+Education/Career+Clusters/
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