Student Learning Opportunities

An overview of student learning opportunities, including Advanced Placement (AP), English as a Second Language (ESL), Striving to Achieve Excellence (STAE), Online Learning, and High School courses for Middle School Students.

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Student Learning Opportunities

Advanced Coursework & Dual Enrollment

Advanced Coursework

NC Career and College Promise - CFCC

North Carolina Career and College Promise (NCCCP)

North Carolina Career and College Promise (NCCCP) provides seamless dual enrollment educational opportunities for eligible North Carolina high school students in order to accelerate completion of college certificates, diplomas, and associate degrees that lead to college transfer or provide entry-level job skills. Cape Fear Community College (CFCC) is the partnering agency for New Hanover County students. Qualified students may enroll in up to two pathways (only one of which may be a College Transfer Pathway). The pathway categories are as follows: College Transfer Pathways; Career or Career and Technical College Pathways; and Workforce Continuing Education Pathways (WCE) offered through the college’s division of Economic and Workforce Development. Check out the Career and College Promise (CCP) website for more information and application process. www.cfcc.edu/ccp

***Students enrolling in Career and College Promise courses are strongly advised to be aware of the collegiate calendar and various rules and procedures outlined by the collegiate institution.

Note: College and university courses shall earn high school dual credit as specified below:

CFCC Course Credits Semester Hours Credit	High School Course Credits
1 - 2	0
3 - 4	1
5 - 8	2
9 or more	3

College Classes

Students may enroll only in the college classes listed in their approved pathway.
Once admitted to this CCP program, students can change programs with permission from the high school principal or designee and with a program change form.
Students will be able to participate in early registration just like traditional students.

Note: It is very important to note that Career and College Promise courses will reflect on a student’s high school and college transcript. The grades incurred in these courses can affect financial aid and college acceptance.

NCCCP at CFCC Details

College Transfer Pathway

College Transfer Pathway

In order to participate in a College Transfer Pathway, a high school student must meet the following criteria:

Be a high school junior or senior;
Have an unweighted GPA of at least 2.8 on high school courses; or
Demonstrate college readiness on a college placement test, such as Pre-ACT, PSAT, SAT or ACT.
Choose one of the following Nine College Transfer Pathways in which to enroll:
- Associate of Arts Transfer Pathway
- Associate of Science Transfer Pathway
- Associate in Science in Teacher Preparation Transfer Pathway
- Associate in Arts in Teacher Preparation Transfer Pathway
- Associate of Engineering Transfer Pathway
- Associate of General Education Nursing Transfer Pathway
- Associate of Fine Arts-Visual Arts Transfer Pathway
- Associate of Fine Arts Music Transfer Pathway
- Associate of Fine Arts Theater Transfer Pathway

Note: College Transfer Pathway courses 3 credits or higher count the same weight as AP courses toward a student’s GPA.

Career Technical Education Pathway

Career Technical Education Pathway

In order for a student to participate in the Career Technical Education Pathway, a high school student must meet the following admissions criteria:

Be a high school junior or senior;
Have an unweighted GPA of a 2.8, or
Demonstrate college readiness on a college placement test, such as Pre-ACT, PSAT, SAT or ACT, or
Have the recommendation of the high school principal or his/her designee and his/her rationale for recommendation in place of GPA requirement (assessment scores should be considered) and have the recommendation of the college’s Chief Academic Officer or Chief Student Development Administrator

Note: If the pathway requires any course on the UGETC, (Universal General Education Transfer Component) list, the same criteria for the transfer pathway will be required. Recommendation will not be allowed for CTE pathways that include UGETC courses included in the pathway.

Note: Most CTE Pathway courses do not count as weighted credit toward the student’s high school GPA

Career and Technical Education Pathway Options at CFCC

Accounting
Accounting Fraud Analytics
Advising and Graphic Design
Air Conditioning Heating and Refrigeration
Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration - Commercial Refrigeration
Architectural Technology
Automotive Customizing
Automotive Systems Technology
Baking and Pastry
Boat Building
Business Admin. – Business Admin.
Business Admin. – Banking & Finance
Business Admin. – Entrepreneurship
Business Admin. – Customer Service
Business Admin. – Entrepreneurship
Business Admin. – International Business
Business Admin. – Management & Supervision
Business Analytics CTE Pathway
Business Admin. CTE Pathway
Chemical Technology CCP (Contains UGETC course)
Collision Repair and Refinishing
Community Spanish Interpreter
Construction Management Technology
Construction Management Technology Framing
Cosmetology
Criminal Justice
Culinary Arts
Cyber Crime
Diesel and Heavy Equipment
Early Childhood Education – Preschool

Early Childhood Education – Infant / Toddler
Electrical Systems Technology
Electronics Engineering Drone Technology
Emergency Management
Fire Protection Technology
Health and Fitness Science
Healthcare Business Informatics
Hospitality Management
Human Services Technology / Substance Abuse
IT Information Technology Cybersecurity & Network.
IT Systems Administration
IT Software and Web Development
Interior Design
Landscaping Design
Landscape Gardening
Landscape Gardening, Horticulture Production
Landscape Gardening, Sustainable Gardening
Marine Technology
Medical Assisting
Medical Office Administration
Mechanical Engineering Technology
Mechanical Engineering, 3D Printing
Mechatronics Engineering Tech Automation
Mechatronics Engineering Tech Certificate
Nuclear Technology
Nurse Aide Certificate
Paralegal Technology
Plumbing
Welding

Withdrawal Process

Withdrawal Process

Students desiring to withdraw from classes must submit a withdrawal request form through the link on the CFCC Registrar’s page. Additionally, they must notify their high school counselor of their desire to withdraw. CFCC CCP Liaisons/Career Coaches are notified of the submission of this form and reach out to the high school counselor to make them aware of the request. The withdrawal request is not forwarded along for processing until the CCP Liaison/Career Coach receives an email from the high school counselor acknowledging the withdrawal. Once this email is received, the CCP Liaison/Career Coach pushes the withdrawal request along to the instructor (to record the last date of attendance). Then it is sent to the Registrar for final processing. Once the student has been formally withdrawn from the course, they will be assigned a W on their transcript and the high school counselors will be notified of that W on the weekly enrollment report sent out by CFCC.

Students who stop attending a class without officially withdrawing will receive a grade of “F,” which is computed as a failing grade.

Students who have not attended at least once by the 10% date of the class will be dropped by the instructor as “never attended.” Additionally, students enrolled in online, blended, and hybrid courses who fail to complete their enrollment verification assignment by the deadline will be dropped by the instructor as “never attended.” No tuition and fee adjustments will be made. The Registrar’s office cannot reverse a “no show”.

Students who withdraw from a course(s) within the first 75 percent of class hours will receive a grade of “W” which will not be computed in the GPA (Grade Point Average). All withdrawals appear on the student’s academic transcript.

Exceptions to 75% Withdrawal Date: The Vice President of Student Services may make exceptions to extend the 75% date when warranted in cases of extenuating circumstances at his/her discretion. Such cases shall include, but are not limited to, national or local emergencies, weather related events, or student medical related absences. In such cases a grade of "W" will be issued during the final twenty five percent (25%) of the academic term. Refer to the academic calendar for deadlines. Please follow the link for more information: https://cfcc.edu/registrar/withdrawals/

Please refer to the Cape Fear Student Handbook for complete information on all CFCC policies and procedures.

Costs

Costs

Tuition is waived for college courses taken as a dual-enrolled student during every semester at CFCC as a CCP student (Career and College Promise). Students who are successfully progressing towards high school graduation have access to the Career and College Promise Program for one year as a junior and one year as a senior. This includes the summer semester between Junior and Senior year. Eligibility to take courses in the summer semester following senior year hinges upon the high school graduation date. If the high school graduation date falls after the start of CFCC’s summer semester, then students are eligible for enrollment that summer following their Senior year. If high school graduation falls before the beginning of the CFCC summer semester, students are not eligible for that summer semester.
Students are responsible for technology, activity, and parking/security fees. Fees are due to the CFCC Business Office at the time of registration.
Students are also responsible for purchasing required textbooks and supplies for each course. Textbook listings and prices can be found in the CFCC Bookstore and at www.cfcc.edu.

Note: Transportation to CFCC is the student’s responsibility. For more information on CFCC guidelines, course selection and applications please see your Career Development Coordinator, school counselor, or visit the Cape Fear Community College website at http://cfcc.edu/ccp/.

Note: All Cape Fear courses now have an online gradebook that students have access to – if they would like up-to-date information on their grades. Please contact the designated course professor if the course’s grades are not updated.

Dual Credit Allowances

Dual Credit Allowances

Please check the North Carolina Dual Credit Allowances Chart in order to see where CCP classes can be applied for high school graduation. Here is the web address: https://files.nc.gov/dpi/documents/advancedlearning/ccp-dual-credit-allowances.pdf

All courses are based upon the Comprehensive Articulation Agreement and will transfer for equivalency credit. For purposes of calculating student Grade Point Averages, courses included on this chart are weighted in accordance with SBE policy GCS-L-004.

Note: 11^th or 12^th graders who are using HIS 131 and HIS 132 to satisfy high school graduation requirements, must be coded as a P1012C- Associate in Arts. They must not have taken any other Social Behavioral Sciences. The rule is for them to select three courses from the following from at least two different disciplines.

Advanced Studies at UNCW

Advanced Studies at UNCW

New Hanover County Schools and the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) have a cooperative agreement to allow students to take courses at the university. Eligible students must have (1) completed two calendar years as a student at a high school or homeschool and (2) earned enough credits to be designated a junior or senior year in high school. Students may only register for 2 undergraduate courses per term. Advanced study courses taken at UNCW must be courses not offered on the high school campus. Not all UNCW courses will be available to dual-enrolled high school students, depending upon the requirements of or restriction for the course. For instance, courses that have a component that includes international or overnight travel are not available. An application is required and students are responsible for tuition, fees, books, and transportation. It is understood that the transfer of college credit for the course(s) will be dependent upon the decision of the university. The UNCW course enrollment deadline for fall and summer semesters is April 1^st and spring semester is November 1^st. Course selections should be discussed with a counselor and then approved by the principal. Additional information can be found at https://uncw.edu/admissions/undergraduate/non-degree/dual-enrollment

This program is available to students whose primary residence is New Hanover, Pender, and Brunswick County. Dual-Enrollment applications for admission are available on the UNCW website. Students are required to submit a new application for every semester they wish to take classes at UNCW. Late applications will not be considered.

*Note: Students enrolling in UNCW courses are strongly advised to be aware of the collegiate calendar and various rules and procedures outlined by the collegiate institution.

**Note: It is very important to note that UNCW courses will reflect on a student’s high school and college transcript. The grades incurred in these courses can affect financial aid and college acceptance.

***Note: All final grades will reflect the plus/minus UNCW grading scale.

****Note: These requirements do not apply to an Isaac Bear Early College Student.

Advanced Placement

The Advanced Placement (AP) program offers college level courses and exams for secondary students in the areas of English, mathematics, social studies, and science. Select second languages and arts classes may also be offered. AP course offerings may vary at each high school. AP courses may also be available through North Carolina Virtual Public School (NCVPS). In May, students are encouraged to demonstrate their proficiencies on the appropriate Advanced Placement examinations. The exams are offered free to all students enrolled in an AP course. Students may earn university course exemption and/or credit. These exams are scheduled, designed, and graded by the College Board. Additional information can be found at http://www.collegeboard.org.

The chart below highlights Advanced Placement courses that can be taken in the place of North Carolina graduation requirements because of the similarity of the curriculums. AP courses do provide students with a higher weighted grade point average than honors or standard level courses; however, Advanced Placement courses are very challenging and require significant amounts of outside reading and writing. Please see a school counselor and/or an AP teacher for scheduling assistance.

For more information on specific AP course weight for your particular graduation cohort, please see the Enrollment and Graduation section of this handbook for determining class ranks and weights.

Standard Course of Study Course Replacement with AP/IB/Dual Enrollment

AP and IB Course as NC Standard Course of Study Replacement

Advanced Placement Course	International Baccalaureate (IB) Course	North Carolina Course that AP Course Can Replace
AP English Language and Composition	IB English Language and Literature	English III
AP Literature and Composition	IB English Language and Literature	English IV
AP Environmental Science	IB Environmental Systems and Socities	Earth and Environmental
AP Chemistry	IB Chemistry	A Physical Science (5 Physical Science options)
AP Physics	IB Physics	A Physical Science (5 Physical Science options)
AP Biology *	IB Biology	Biology *
AP World History: Modern	IB History SL	World History
AP US History	IB History of the Americas HL	American History
AP Government and Politics		Civic Literacy
AP Precalculus, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Computer Science A, AP Statistics	IB Computer Science, IB Analysis and Approaches, IB Applications and Interpretation	Fourth Math Credit

*Note: Students taking AP/IB Biology in place of the NC created Biology course will still need to take the state required End-of-Course Exam for the NC Biology Course.

For the Dual Credit Standard Course of Study Allowance Table, please refer to this link from NCDPI:

Dual Enrollment Course Credit Allowance

Credit by Demonstrated Mastery

Credit by Demonstrated Mastery (CDM)

The State Board of Education defines “mastery” as a student’s command of course material at a level that demonstrates a deep understanding of the content standards and the ability to apply his or her knowledge of the material.

Credit by Demonstrated Mastery (CDM) is a two-phase process where a student can earn credit in a high school course without requiring classroom instruction or classroom seat time. Phase One requires a level 5 on an EOC exam, where applicable, OR 90% accuracy on a cumulative exam or North Carolina Final Exam or locally developed final exam, OR proficiency on a World Language assessment, where applicable. Phase Two requires a student artifact that demonstrates a deep understanding of the course content, and is evaluated by the school's CDM team. The CDM process window is open three times across the academic year and is available to any student in high school attempting to demonstrate mastery of a high school course available in New Hanover County, with the exception of those listed below. Though students can receive credit for successfully completing the CDM process, they will not receive a grade on their transcript and it will not be factored into their GPA.

Students considering the CDM process can find the fall and spring timeline on the NHCS Instructional web page or contact the school counselor or Gifted Education Specialist for more information.

The following courses are excluded from Credit by Demonstrated Mastery:

Career and Technical Education (CTE) work-based learning courses (co-op, internship, apprenticeship)
CTE courses that have a clinical setting as a requirement of the course, such as ProStart, Early Childhood Education I/II and Nursing Fundamentals
CTE Advanced Studies courses
English Language Learner (ELL) courses
Healthful Living required courses
AP/IB Courses

For more information, please visit the North Carolina Credit by Demonstrated Mastery page at NC DPI.

Credit by Demonstrated Mastery Application

English as a Second Language

English as a Second Language (ESL)

English as a Second Language (ESL) classes or services are offered to students whose first language is a language other than English and whose academic English is not yet fluent. ESL classes provide a content-based, academic context that supports the development of the English speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills necessary for academic success.

Striving to Achieve Excellence

Striving to Achieve Excellence (STAE)
at Ashley, Hoggard, Laney, and New Hanover High Schools

Striving To Achieve Excellence (STAE) is designed to prepare students for the rigor of post-secondary education while increasing student achievement and developing overall success through empowerment. The STAE class provides students with academic, social, career, and college support as well as leadership development. The STAE student is one that has college potential, may be under-represented in four year colleges or may be a first-generation college student. The STAE student has the potential to excel and go to college but needs extra support and guidance. STAE will provide students with the necessary support to allow them to reach their greatest potential.
The student must meet the considerations of acceptance designated by the STAE criteria and must continue to meet those parameters in order to remain in the program.

See a school counselor or STAE coordinator for more details and information on applying for the STAE program.

Ideal Candidate and Pre-Requisites	Academics	Extra-Curriculars	Additional Requirements
Students that have college potential & desire to attend with support; academically motivated; under represented at colleges.	Focus on study skills, time management, organization, leadership, college application process, and career exploration; additional help with general ed classes.	College visits and other community based activities determined by student need and interest.	Application, student interview.

Online Learning

Online Learning

Online learning is offered at all secondary schools in New Hanover County. Students may request online learning through their school counselor. Online courses are accessed on a case-by-case basis, based on a conversation with the school’s online learning team. Online courses are offered through North Carolina Virtual Public School (NCVPS), North Carolina School of Science and Math (NCSSM), and Edgenuity.

NORTH CAROLINA VIRTUAL PUBLIC SCHOOL (NCVPS)

NCVPS provides online courses to public school students throughout North Carolina, and is the primary provider for high school online coursework in NHCS. Students who are enrolled with NHCS may access these web-based courses from anywhere at any time. Credits and/or grades earned throughout NCVPS become part of a student’s academic record as the student works toward graduation goals. Course registration occurs at each school through the Virtual Academy Coordinator (VAC). While this is an exciting opportunity for all students, it is important to consult with school counselors, teachers, and school administrators for course selection and scheduling advice. Online coursework is an option for middle school students under extenuating circumstances.

Students participating in an NCVPS course will be required to take any state mandated assessment, including End-of-Grade and End-of-Course exams associated with that course.

To increase student success in online coursework, schools have implemented a Virtual Academy support model to assist students with navigation, communication, progress monitoring and goal setting. This support is provided to all students taking online courses, both those scheduled in the lab and those working from home. Additional information about NCVPS can be found at http://www.ncvps.org/ or on the NHCS Online Learning webpage https://sites.google.com/nhcs.net/onlinelearning/home.

NORTH CAROLINA SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS (NCSSM)

The North Carolina School of Science and Math (NCSSM) offers online courses to students throughout North Carolina. The courses are science and math focused and may be offered as synchronous or asynchronous classes. Online dual enrollment with NCSSM is also an option for New Hanover County Schools’ students in 11th and 12th grades. Please contact your school counselor to learn more about enrolling in NCSSM courses.

EDGENUITY

Edgenuity is the online provider for our fully virtual middle school students and high school students in need of a credit recovery course.

FULLY VIRTUAL OPTION

NHCS seeks to assist middle and high school students in need of unique enrollment situations. Students wishing to be considered for fully virtual status begin by discussing this option with their school's online learning team. Once accepted for fully virtual status, a student will access NCVPS or Edgenuity courses from home with support from their zone school’s online learning team. For more information, contact Jean Hall, Supervisor of Innovative and Special Programs (jean.hall@nhcs.net).

SUMMER SCHOOL

High school students may participate in summer coursework online to recover credits or to accelerate their learning with new coursework (typically, no more than one summer course tends to work best for students). Multiple lab locations are available throughout the district to support students with summer coursework.

High School Courses for Middle School Students

High School Courses for Middle School Students

With principal approval, middle school students may participate in select high school courses via an NHCS-approved online provider.

Upon successful completion of a high school content course, middle school students will earn a high school credit towards graduation and this course will appear on the student’s transcript; however, the actual grade from this coursework taken in middle school will not count toward the high school Grade Point Average (GPA).

Note: Middle school students taking high school courses will not have an honors designation on their high school transcript. The North Carolina Student Information System does not differentiate between honors and on-level courses at the middle school level. Please see your school counselor for more details.

High School Courses for Middle School Students: FAQ

1. Will the grades earned in high school courses taken in middle school appear on the high school transcript?
Yes. The grade will be listed on the transcript under Grades 6, 7, or 8 with one unit of credit.

2. Will the grade earned be included in the student’s grade point average (GPA)
No. Only courses taken during the high school years will be included on the student’s grade point average.

3. Can a student repeat a course for credit at the high school level?
No.

4. Which world language course(s) must students successfully complete in order to earn one unit of high school credit?
Students earn credit based on their AAPPL score for World Language taken in Middle School.

5. Is there a math placement exam?
No. Students who successfully complete mathematics courses may be placed in the next level of mathematics based on middle school math placement guidelines.

6. Are students required to take a standard exam for math course(s)?
Students taking NC Math 1 must take the NC Math 1 End-of-Course (EOC) test. Students taking NC Math 3 must take the NC Math 3 End-of-Course (EOC) test. Students taking other high school math courses will take a teacher-made exam.