- Ferguson-Florissant School District
- Advanced Course Options
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Advanced Course Opportunities
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The Ferguson Florissant School District offers several programs that are designed for students who are looking to challenge themselves academically. These courses offer advanced, college level intellectual challenges through various forms of curriculum, which are designed to improve competitive advantage for college admission or other advanced study, and increase scholarship opportunities. By taking an AP, IB, Dual Credit, Dual Enrollment, or other advanced courses, you may also be able to earn college credit.
When considering course selection, please factor in student interest, career pathway, and post-secondary plans. Courses offered at various levels may provide your student with increased opportunities for BOTH college and career after high school. Students should work with their guidance counselors to ensure that their individual career and academic plans are in place, and account for the courses they need for college and career upon graduation.
Click one of the options below to learn more and then speak with your counselor to help make the best choices for your overall situation.
Advanced Course Programs
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Advanced Placement
AP (Advanced Placement) is a well established, nationally recognized program of advanced classes developed by the AP College Board that gives high school students an opportunity to take rigorous, introductory, college level classes while still in high school.
These courses require passing an AP exam at the end of the year for the chance to earn college credit. Upon completing the course, you will also receive HS credit and a grade from FFSD.
AP Capstone Program
In addition to taking individual AP courses, the AP College Board also offers a Capstone Seminar and Research Certificate, and a Diploma Program. You can earn either the AP Capstone Diploma or the AP Seminar and Research Certificate at McCluer, or STEAM Academy at McCluer South Berkeley High School.
Enrollment Requirements
There may be required or recommended prerequisite courses. See specific courses in the CCPG (College and Career Planning Guide), and speak to your guidance counselor to begin planning your college and career path as soon as possible.
How Do I Earn Credit?
To earn college credit, you must earn a qualifying score on the AP Exam. College credit is determined by the college of your choice. Upon completing the course, you will also receive HS credit and a grade from FFSD.
Links For More Information
McCluer HS AP Capstone Program
STEAM Academy at McCluer South-Berkeley AP Capstone Program
College and Career Planning Guide
Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) info on AP
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International Baccalaureate
The International Baccalaureate program is an internationally recognized academic program of advanced courses that gives high school students an opportunity to take rigorous, introductory, college level classes while still in high school. These are generally two year courses that take place over the junior and senior year, and require the successful completion of all official IB assessments, including a May exam at the end of the senior year for a chance to earn college credit. Upon completing the course, you will also receive HS credit and a grade from FFSD. IB courses are different from other program opportunities because these courses emphasize inquiry based learning,, interdisciplinary connections, and the importance of being a caring, principled, and balanced citizen of a global community who is equipped with the knowledge and skills to make the world a better place.
IB Diploma Program, and the IB Career Program
In addition to individual IB courses, the IBO also offers a Diploma Program, and a Career Program. You can earn the IB Diploma at McCluer North High School, and the Career Program is coming soon at STEAM Academy at McCluer South Berkeley High School, scheduled to begin for the 2022-2023 school year.
Enrollment Requirements
There may be recommended prerequisite courses. See specific courses in the CCPG, and speak to your guidance counselor to begin planning your college and career path as soon as possible.
How Do I Earn Credit?
To earn college credit, you must complete and earn a qualifying score on the IB assessments which includes an exam in May of your senior year. College credit is determined by the college of your choice. Upon completing the course, you will also receive HS credit and a grade from FFSD.
Links For More Information
McCluer North IB Diploma Program
IB Career Program 2022-2023 at STEAM Academy at McCluer South Berkeley
College and Career Planning Guide
Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) info on IB
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Courses for Dual Credit
Dual credit courses offer students the opportunity to take officially approved college courses from an FFSD certified instructor one of the high schools. (See StLCC and UMSL) Dual Credit classes are taught by high school teachers that have been approved by a college or university to be adjunct professors.
Enrollment Requirements
Cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.0 or higher for juniors or seniors. Sophomores with an unweighted GPA of 3.5 or higher. Freshmen with an unweighted GPA of 3.5 or higher AND 90th percentile score on ACT or SAT. Enrollment requirements may differ depending on the institution. Please see your school's guidance counselors for more information about enrolling.
How Do I Earn Credit?
Earn college credit by passing a course designated as Advanced or College Credit in the CCPG guide with a C or higher from a post-secondary partnering college or university. Upon completing the course, you will also receive HS credit and a grade from FFSD.
Need More Information?
Dual Credit courses are offered at McCluer, McCluer North, and STEAM Academy at McCluer South Berkeley currently through UMSL and STLCC. For more information, see the courses designated as Advanced or College Credit in the College and Career Planning Guide. You can also learn more from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) info on Dual Credit and Dual Enrollment.
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Dual Enrollment
Dual enrollment courses allow students the opportunity to earn both high school and college credit by taking courses at a college, while still enrolled in high school. Dual enrollment classes are taught by college or university professors, and the school district has arranged to award high school credit for the classes.
Enrollment Requirements
Contact a partnering college/ university for information and work with your HS guidance counselor as soon as possible.
How Do I Earn Credit?
Successful completion of course based on college/ university requirements. Upon completing the course, you will also receive HS credit and a grade from FFSD.
Need More Information?
Dual enrollment classes are taught at the college/ university site at Florissant Valley, UMSL, and/or MO Baptist. Students must provide their own transportation.
College and Career Planning Guide
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Honors Courses
Honors programming consists of courses that offer increased academic challenge and extra grade point possibilities.
Honors courses may be AP, IB, or other stand-alone advanced courses that also have weighted GPA’s. They are often indicated by (H) preceding the course in the course description section of the catalog.
Enrollment Requirements
Recommendations and requirements may vary. See your guidance counselor for more information.
Need More Information?
All high schools in FFSD offer honors courses. Speak with your guidance Counselor and review the College and Career Planning Guide.