College & Career Planning
College and Career Planning Guide
The College and Career Planning Guide presents important information about programs and courses offered to the students of the Ferguson-Florissant School District. With the help of parents, school counselors, and teachers, students complete an Individual Career & Academic Plan (ICAP) most appropriate to their personal career goals, post-secondary planning, and individual pathway options. An ICAP is a “roadmap” to help students develop the awareness, knowledge, attitudes, and skills to create their own meaningful pathways to be success ready graduates. Students are encouraged to clarify their general goals early and attempt to develop a four-year plan during the ninth grade. Establishing goals and a four-year plan makes course selections from year to year a much easier task.
Preparing for Graduation
Graduation Requirements
A student must meet all requirements of the Ferguson-Florissant Schools Board of Education and the State of Missouri to earn a Ferguson-Florissant High School diploma.
Ferguson-Florissant School District requires a minimum of 24 units of high school credit.
All students are required to take the following courses to meet the requirements for graduation:
ELA: 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th Grade Lit/Comp or honors equivalent
Math: Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry
Science: Biology
Social Studies: World History, American History, Government
Physical Education: Fitness for Life
CTE: Personal Finance
*Although World Language is not required for graduation, several colleges and universities require two years of the same language for admittance.
College & Career Readiness Assessments
The state of Missouri requires students to complete an EOC (End of Course Assessment) for English, Math, Science, and Social Studies prior to graduation. EOCs comprise 10% of the student's final grade in that course. Additionally, the district may choose to administer the College and Career Readiness Assessments to all 9th - 12 grade students, in which case it will be required for all 9th - 12 grade students to take one or more College and Career Readiness Assessments; however, it will not count as part of the final grade in any course.
- College and Career Readiness Assessment: All 9th - 12 grade Students
- Algebra I EOC: Students enrolled in Algebra I
- Algebra II EOC: Students enrolled in Algebra II (for those students who took Algebra I EOC in middle school)
- Biology I EOC: Students enrolled in Biology, Biology Review, or Honors Biology
- Government EOC: Students enrolled in Government or Intro to American Politics
Grading Scale and Letter Grade Equivalents
Weighted grade points differentiate between regular courses, honors, advanced placement courses, dual credit, and other courses that have been approved by the Board of Education are are associated with the weighted grade scale. Weighted grade points are inflated by one point if the student earns an A, B, or C in a weighted course.
Honor Roll=GPA 3.333 and above for the current semester
Graduating with Honors
Every senior who has a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 4.4 or above at the end of their eighth semester is considered a valedictorian.
Every senior who has a grade point average (GPA) above 4.2 but below 4.4 at the end of their eighth semester is considered a salutatorian.
Seal of Biliteracy
The Missouri Seal of Biliteracy (SoBL) and Distinguished Missouri Seal of Biliteracy is awarded to graduating high school students who have demonstrated achievement in English, a Language Other Than English (LOTE), and sociocultural competence. All Missouri students studying any of the world’s languages are potential Seal candidates.
The Seal of Biliteracy encourages students to pursue biliteracy, honors the skills our students attain, and can be evidence of skills that are attractive to future employers and college admissions offices.
Eligibility
The Missouri Seal is intended to be earned by graduating high school students as well as awarded and celebrated at the culmination of the students’ senior year. Native English-speaking students may acquire the second language through traditional world language classrooms, community-based programs, at home, worldly experiences, or any other method attempted by the student. English learners (ELs) and other heritage language learners are also eligible. It is important to emphasize that ALL students acquiring any language in addition to English is a potential awardee.
Contact
Bradley Johnson
Content Manager - College and Career Readiness
314-824-2251
bjohnson@fergflor.org
Helpful Links
- College and Career Pathways for High School Students
- Advanced Credit, AP Courses, Dual Enrollment
- A+ Scholarship Program
- Explore Missouri Colleges & Universities
- College and Career Resources and Programs
- Tips for Getting Letters of Recommendation
- NCAA
- Scholarships
- Technical Education: North Tech High School
College and Career Pathways for High School Students
Advanced Credit, AP Courses, Dual Enrollment
Advanced Course Opportunities
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.
Advanced Course Programs
- AP (Advanced Placement) Courses
- International Baccalaureate Program
- Dual Credit
- Dual Enrollment
- Honors Courses
AP (Advanced Placement) Courses
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
International Baccalaureate Program
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
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.
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
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.
Advanced Credit, Advanced Placement, and Dual Enrollment
Juniors and Seniors may be eligible to receive college credit while in high school, if they meet the requirements to take a college credit course. Students have three different ways to earn college credit: Advanced Credit, Advanced Placement, and Dual Credit.
All public universities in Missouri accept the three forms of credit in the chart. While most universities accept college credit earned in high school, some do not. We strongly encourage students and parents to contact the university they are thinking about attending and ask if they accept Advanced Credit, Advanced Placement, and/or Dual Enrollment earned while in high school.
Possible Courses for Advanced Credit & Advanced Placement
| ELA | Math | Science | Social Studies | CTE | Electives |
| AP Literature/Composition | Algebra 3 | Anatomy & Physiology | AP/College American History | Digital Electronics | French 3 |
| AP Language/Composition | Pre-Calculus | IB Biology | AP World History | Civil Engineering & Architecture | French 4 |
| Creative Writing | Calculus | Meterorology | H World Studies | Spanish 3 | |
| College Speech and Debate | AP Calculus | College Criminal Justice | Spanish 4 | ||
| Senior Humanities | AB Calculus | Compartive Politics | AP Spanish | ||
| BC Calculus | Intro to American Politics | IB 1 Spanish | |||
| Calculus 3 | Senior Humanities | IB 2 Spanish | |||
| College Algebra | Women's Studies | ||||
| Differential Equations | |||||
| Linear Algebra | |||||
| Probability and Statistics | |||||
| AP Statistics | |||||
Dual Enrollment
Check out more of our Dual Enrollment stories at FFSDTV on Youtube!
A+ Scholarship Program
A+ Scholarship Program
The A+ Scholarship Program provides scholarship funds to eligible graduates of A+ designated high schools who attend a participating public community college or vocational/technical school, or certain private two-year vocational/technical schools.
Ferguson-Florissant students are eligible for the A+ Scholarship Program if they meet the following requirements:
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Be a U.S.. citizen, eligible non-citizen or lawfully present in the United States.
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Attend a designated A+ high school for two years prior to graduation.
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Enter into a written agreement with the school prior to graduation.
The following requirements must be met for a four-year span and by established deadlines:
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Graduate from high school with a GPA of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
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Graduate with at least a 95% attendance average.
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Perform 50 hours of unpaid tutoring and mentoring of other students. Up to 12.5 hours of job shadowing experiences can count towards this requirement.
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Maintain a record of good citizenship and avoidance of the unlawful use and/or possession of drugs and/or alcohol, and/or related paraphernalia. This prohibition applies at all times, whether on or away from school property.
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Violation of Level 5 Behavior, as defined by the Student Expectations Code, will result in immediate disqualification from the A+ Schools Program.
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If a student pleads guilty or nolo contendere (no contest) to, receives a suspended execution of sentence form or has been convicted or a felony, he/she is immediately disqualified from the A+ Schools Program.
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The student accumulates eight (8) days of suspension over four (4) years.
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The student accumulates ten (10) referrals that result in disciplinary action (excluding tardy and ID violations).
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Score “Advanced” or “Proficient” on the Algebra I EOC.
Explore Missouri Colleges & Universities
Missouri offers a broad higher education system, with options for degrees, certificates, and specialized training to fit your goals.
As of now, the state’s higher education institutions include:
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13 public four-year universities DHEWD Missouri
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14 public two-year colleges DHEWD Missouri
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24 independent (private) colleges & universities DHEWD Missouri
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11 specialized or technical institutions DHEWD Missouri
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17 theological schools DHEWD Missouri
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More than 150 proprietary & private career schools DHEWD Missouri
Want to dig deeper? Click the button below to view the full directory on the Missouri Department of Higher Education website:
College and Career Resources and Programs
College Planning
College Entrance
Many four-year colleges require more academic high school credits in several academic areas than does the Ferguson Florissant comprehensive diploma. School counselors have extensive college admission requirement information.
Admission Information for First-time Freshman Students
The University of Missouri System has a uniform policy for admission of freshman students to its four campuses. The procedure for regular admission from high school is based on high school class rank, performance on a standardized college aptitude test, and required high school units. Any high school graduate may be admitted with evidence indicating the fulfillment of the following requirements:
At least 17 units of credit (One unit=one year in class) as follows:
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English: Four units. Two units emphasizing composition or writing skills. One of the remaining two units may be in speech or debate.
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Mathematics: Four units (Algebra 1 and higher)
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Science: Three units not including general science, one of the three units must be a laboratory course
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Social Studies: Three units
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Fine Arts: One unit
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Foreign Language: Two units of a single foreign language
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Math and foreign language units may be accepted from middle/junior high school.
In addition to the 17-unit requirement, each applicant will be evaluated on high school rank and test score (ACT or SAT). Applicants with an ACT composite score of 24 or higher, SAT Total (Critical Reading and Math scores) of 1090 or higher, or redesigned SAT of 1160 or higher, will be admitted without regard to class rank.
If the ACT Composite score is between 17 to 23, SAT Total (Critical Reading and Math scores) is between 820 to 1080, or the redesigned SAT Total is between 900 to 1150, the applicant must meet the following high school class rank requirement or core GPA to qualify for admission.
Comparison of Colleges and Universities
Find the college that's the best fit for you by using U.S. News and World Report college comparison tool. See how colleges stack up against one another by ranking, graduate salary, tuition and financial aid, and admissions data.
Tips for Getting Letters of Recommendation
NCAA
Scholarships
Technical Education: North Tech High School
Technical Education
- North Tech High School
- Career & Technical Education Tech Prep
- Career & Technical Education Certificate
North Tech High School
Technical Education: North Tech High School
North Tech High School offers hands-on training in a variety of career and technical education programs. Students have the opportunity to investigate career interests prior to college and begin a career right after high school graduation. Since it is a public high school, there are no tuition fees or transportation costs.
Who should apply?
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Current 10th - 12th grade students who are enrolled at a FFSD high school and in good standing in academics, attendance, and behavior
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Students who enjoy learning in a real-world, hands-on environment
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Students who want to get involved in their career interest areas now
How are the programs offered?
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Juniors attend a two-year specific training program in one specific field of their choice
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Seniors attend a one-year specific training program in one specific field of their choice, if available
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Full Day Program
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Enroll in both academic and technical classes at North Tech High School
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Graduate from North Technical High School
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Choose to participate in many sports and clubs, school dances, and other events offered exclusively to North Tech full day students
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Half Day Program
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Enroll in academic classes at a FFSD high school
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Enroll in technical classes at North Tech High School
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Graduate from a FFSD high school
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How Do I Apply?
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Complete an application online or fill out a paper application and submit it through your high school’s counselor's office
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Meet with your school’s admission representative, Omar Perkins, to complete the application process
When Do I Apply?
Priority for full day consideration will be given to applicants who apply prior to June 1st.
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Students can apply at anytime, but use the guidelines below to ensure your application is reviewed in a timely manner
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Freshmen who want to attend in the fall of sophomore year begin applying January of freshman year
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Sophomores who want to attend in the spring of sophomore year begin applying at the beginning of sophomore year
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Sophomores who want to attend in the fall of junior year begin applying at the beginning of sophomore year
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Juniors who want to attend Tech in the spring of junior year begin applying at the beginning of junior year
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Programs and Course Descriptions
Career & Technical Education Tech Prep
Career & Technical Education Tech Prep
Tech Prep is an agreement between Ferguson-Florissant School District's high schools and the St. Louis Community College system (all campuses) that allows students to earn both high school and college credit in certain courses for a particular unit of study. As a result, a high school graduate can enter St. Louis Community College with up to twelve hours of college credit. There is no charge for this program and the course credit is free. Students must remain in the same department and take the equivalent high school courses in sequence for tech prep credit to occur. College credit is received when student successfully complete the courses with a B or above. Any student enrolled in a Tech Prep articulated course will register on CATEMA (Online Management System for Career and Technical Education) provided by St. Louis Community College. Each student will continue to update any additional Tech Prep articulated courses completed during the student's high school career on the CATEMA system.
Career & Technical Education Certificate
Career & Technical Education Certificate
Career Education helps students explore real-world pathways and build the skills they need for life after high school — whether that means college, technical training, industry certification, or entering the workforce. Through programs that blend academic learning with practical career preparation, students can discover interests, prepare for high-demand careers, and plan their next steps with confidence.