1. Scholars Academy High School Transition Night
November 29, 2017

2. Magnet Programs
Magnet schools are public schools inside of larger county wide school systems with a specific theme.
International Baccalaureate, Early College, World Languages, STEM, and Arts
Magnet schools have lotteries with strict deadlines

3. International Baccalaureate
Many Scholars graduates have chosen an IB program for its rigor and global recognition
IB is considered a magnet option
IB-Middle Years Program: Grades 6-10
IB- Diploma Program Take international exams
CMS IB Programs: Myers Park, Harding, East, North, and West Mecklenburg High Schools
Union County IB Program: Marvin Ridge High School
Cabarrus County IB Program: Concord High School

4. Advanced Placement AP courses available most high school
Students can select which courses are the best fit for their academic interests and future.
Exam in early May-scores of 4 or 5 on an AP exam may earn college credit (varies among colleges)
AP courses taken for the rigor provided in these courses as well as the quality points often awarded in the GPA.

5. IB vs AP Resources Link to CMS Talent Development Department:
efault.aspx
Articles on choosing between IB and AP programs:
Database/entry/A10701

6. High School Classes taken in middle school
Math I, II, II
Spanish I or Chinese I (possibility to earn Spanish II or Chinese II)
American History: The Founding Principles, Civics, and Economics
Biology
English I
Most students will have 5-7 high school credits
Likely not allowed to retake courses – depends on HS
May be able to graduate early or take a gap year
Opportunity to take advanced courses or electives

7. Transitional Middle School Grading System
Recognize the need to help students understand grades before HS
Forgiveness in system for middle school students
<80% opportunities to bring grade up
Minimum Quarter grade of 60% for Quarters 1 and 2: opportunity to pass course

8. Transitional Middle School Grading System
All 8th grade courses (Math, Science, SS, LA, and FL) are high school courses
Students can earn HS credit with a 70% or higher (10 point scale mirrors NC grading scale)

9. Transcripts SA Transcript HS Transcript
Your HS will request this from us – no action is necessary on your part
Transcript will include final grades for all classes for which high school credit is recommended
You will receive a copy of the high school credit transcript with the 4th quarter report card
HS Transcript
SA HS classes will appear at the bottom of the HS transcript as credit

10. Preparing Academically
Tour the schools you are considering
Talk to guidance counselor about the best courses for your child
Get into consistent study routines this year
Increase amount of responsibility for school work

11. Developmental Considerations
Teen brain is in a “pruning” process
Prefrontal cortex is still developing
Rely on a part of the brain called the amygdala to make decisions and solve problems more than adults do.
Associated with emotions, impulses, aggression and instinctive behavior

12. Social Challenges
Kids in the new school have been friends since elementary: making new friends can be a challenge
May be the only freshmen in most classes since they took 9th grade courses at SA
“Regular” kids may have more experience with socially mature activities (dating, fashion, make-up)

13. Emotional Challenges Anxiety, stress, or fear about the change
Will miss the close connection that they had with students and teachers at SA
Not sure how to act with “normal” kids
May be overwhelmed by the size of the new school

14. Easing the Transition Attend some events at the school
Get involved early with age level peers: clubs, sports, academic teams
Meet in person with the guidance counselor to discuss the unique needs of your child
Stay connected to your SA family

15. Transition meetings
This year we will offer individual transition meetings for all 8th grade students and their parents in February.
Review mid-year transcript
Discuss high school plans
Recommendations for course selection
Answer parent questions about transcripts, high school credit, etc.

16. Alumni Survey
89 SA alumni were surveyed last year and asked some questions about their HS transition
What advice could you give to Scholars Academy 8th graders about transitioning to high school?
Most common themes: Work hard, try new activities, and don’t worry!

17. What Alumni Wished They Knew About HS
Importance of grades
Amount of homework
There are lots of other smart kids out there
It just takes time to adjust

18. Change is how we grow! Questions?
For most SA alumni, this is a scary, but exciting time.
No “one solution fits all HS” for SA students.
We are here to help if you need recommendations for the best fit for your child.
Thank you for coming tonight!
Questions?