Advanced Studies Guide 2013
ADVANCED PLACEMENT COURSES (All High School Locations)
Advanced Placement (AP) is taught at the level of understanding and competency expected in college classes.
Students should expect intensified study and great demands placed on their time and energy.
This program is operated by the College Board, a national organization that develops the course curriculum,
provides teachers training and administers a national standardized exam for each AP course.
Students MUST pass the appropriate Advanced Placement courses in order to have an opportunity to receive
college credit after completing a course. Advanced Placement courses currently being offered are listed in the
2014 Course Guide. Prerequisites are specified in the course description section of this guide
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/get-started/for-parents
http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/public/courses/descriptions/index.html
IB (Fort Dorchester High School)
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme at Fort Dorchester High School is designed to provide a rigorous,
well-rounded education for highly motivated students who plan to attend a four-year university immediately after
high school. Students who earn the IB diploma are awarded advanced standing at many universities in the United
States and throughout the world. The International Baccalaureate Programme serves the needs of students who
work to gain the IB diploma as well as students who desire to take coursework at the college level but not pursue
the Diploma Programme as a whole. Students are encouraged to take advantage of the full IB Diploma
Programme; however, students may take IB courses for certificates with the exceptions of English HL, History of
the Americas HL, Language ab initio SL, and Theory of Knowledge. Students interested in IB courses at Fort
Dorchester High School should see the IB Section of the 2014-2015 Curriculum Guide under School of Arts &
Humanities.
The IB Diploma Programme (DP) is an academically challenging and balanced program of education with final
examinations that prepares students, ages 16 to 19, for success at university and life beyond. It has been designed
to address the intellectual, social, emotional and physical well-being of students.
http://www.ibo.org/diploma/
Dual Credit with Trident Technical College (All High School Locations)
The Dual Credit Program at TTC allows high school students to take college courses for which the student can
simultaneously earn both college and high school credit.
With the permission of their high school counselors, qualified students may enroll in college courses at Trident
Technical College that will be applied to the 24 units of credit required for a state high school diploma. Successful
completion of these courses also allows high school students the opportunity to make substantial progress toward
their college education before finishing high school.
http://www.tridenttech.edu/hs_DualCredit.htm
Accelerate (Summerville High School)
Governor’s School for Science and mathematics Foundation has developed Accelerate to cultivate the next
generation of creative engineers and technical leaders by offering motivated high school students from across
South Carolina an innovative and accelerated path toward college engineering degrees.
Applicants must:
 Be in 9th grade
 Attend one of our participating partner districts/schools
 Have successfully completed Algebra II by the end of 9th grade
http://www.scgssm.org/programs-clubs/accelerate
Advanced Studies Guide 2013
Early College Program (All High School Locations)
The Early College program is predicated on community collaboration between Dorchester School District Two and
Trident Technical College to serve eligible high school students. Through this partnership, students will be able to
complete their high school diploma concurrently while completing credits toward a college credential. Students
must apply to be admitted into the Dorchester School District Two Early College Program.
http://dorchester.schoolfusion.us
HONOR GRADUATES
At the end of 4th quarter of the senior year, seniors with an overall GPR of 4.000–4.3699 are considered honor
graduates for graduation. Those seniors with an overall GPR of 4.3700 and above are distinguished honor
graduates.
DIPLOMA OF DISTINCTION
Students must meet all seven criteria listed below to receive a diploma of distinction.
• Earn at least 28 credits by the end of the 8th semester of high school and meet requirements for a South Carolina
high school diploma.
• Earn at least 28 credits by the end of the 8th semester of high school and meet requirements for a South Carolina
high school diploma.
• Earn an overall 4.000 GPA or higher based on the South Carolina uniform grading policy. This will be calculated at
the end of the 8th semester of high school.
• Earn a composite SAT score of 1600 or higher (critical reading, writing and math) or a composite ACT score of 24
or higher.
• Earn four or more units of credit in math, science, social studies and English.
• Earn three or more units of credit at the Advance Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB) or Dual Credit
level. Two or three must be earned at the AP or IB level and must be earned in 3 of the 4 core subjects (English,
math, science and social studies).
• Earn at least three units of credit in the same foreign language; students enrolled in the IB program who
complete Group 2 requirements earn at least three units of credit in one or more second languages.
• Show written verification of participation in at least one school sponsored organization during grades 10 through
12th, or complete 50 hours of approved community service during high school.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How do I know which program will fit my child? A good option is to do the research and ask a lot of questions,
both online and at the school. Talk to parents of students who have taken the course work and progressed.
What happens if my child does poorly? All grades will go on a student’s transcript like a regular class. Tutoring is
available throughout the year at all locations. Parents and students can schedule meetings with teachers and
counselors to discuss progress in their courses.
What support is offered for these students to be successful? Each school has a different support system set up to
be successful for their advanced studies programs. Contact your child’s teacher and or counselor to develop a plan
of support.
Which AP classes are offered in freshman year? AP Human Geography
Are all programs offered at each high school? Unfortunately no, all programs are not offered at each school, see
descriptions above.