Introduction:

This information is prepared as a guide to help parents assist their student in navigating through the 7th to 12th grades at Providence Community School.  The secondary process with preparing for college in mind, takes a lot of time and effort, but proves very rewarding to see the results and successes that are poured into your student.  The goal is to have students begin to think about their educational future BEFORE they begin high school.

It is important for each student and parent to meet with the guidance counselor each year and ensure that the student is on the proper track for the goals that are established for post-high school. 

Curriculum

PCS establishes a schedule with enhanced curriculum that will lead each student in the proper path for graduating with a college preparatory diploma. PSC adhere's to the Florida state standards and meets/exceeds the standards for each course offered at PCS.  If a student has needs that vary from the established schedule, then please make sure to receive permission from the guidance counselor to ensure the curriculum and course meet the necessary requirements of PCS and of the State of Florida.

Courses

The amount of courses required in the State of Florida is a minimum of 24 credits.   A student may have more that 24 credits, and depending on the post-high school choice, a student may want more credits to enhance their transcript.  PCS has articulation agreements with State College of Florida and the Florida Virtual School, so there are opportunities to add to a student’s course selection outside of PCS.  PCS also allows credit for courses done at home; an Course Verification Form must be completed and the portfolio must be reviewed and approved before receiving credit.  A high school credit consists of 80 hours of successful completion of a course in a 90 day semester to receive .5 credits, and 160 hours in a 180 day year for 1.0 credit.

**Please note that classes available at PCS must be taken at PCS unless prior permission is given.

Course criteria for classes taken outside of PCS:

• The publisher must list the book as a high-school level course.
• The guidance counselor must approve the curriculum and course before starting course for credit.
• Some subjects may require pre-requisites.
• Student must complete 80% or more of the Florida State Standards for credit and submit a copy of the course code. Visit www.cpalms.org/public/search/course for listing
• Students must submit an Course Verification Form and have the portfolio reviewed by the guidance counselor to receive credit.
• Students may receive vocational credit for work programs, for more information on vocational credit requirements, visit: http://www.fldoe.org/academics/career-adult-edu/career-tech-edu/curriculum-frameworks/2015-16-framework
• Students must take and pass a College Board AP exam to receive AP credit.
• Students taking dual enrollment or FLVS classes must submit final grade to the guidance counselor for credit.
• A PE course must be completed outside of PCS classes and a PE Verification Form must be submitted to the guidance counselor to receive credit.
• Community service credit may be earned by a student for continual service to an organization where the student is overseen by a supervisor, and a report can be given to verify hours. A Course Verification Form must be completed and/or an evaluation letter attached from the supervisor of the organization.

For more information on the State of Florida course standard requirements, visit:

   http://www.cpalms.org/Public/search/Course

For more information on classes offered at State College of Florida, visit:

   http://scf.edu/

For more information on classes offered at the Florida Virtual School, visit:

   http://www.flvs.net

**Please note that any high school courses taken outside of PCS for Science or History where the curriculum is not of Christian content, must complete and additional Christian supplement requirement to receive credit.  Please see guidance counselor for more information.

Grading Scale

PCS Grades are given on a semester basis and are reported from www.jupitergrades.com.  Each parent and student has an account to view grades, assignments, attendance, discipline and communications. See the guidance counselor for assistance with the website.

Honors, AP and Dual enrollment classes are given a +1.0 weight in the weighted GPA calculation. Please note that PCS does not accept below a “C” to receive a credit.  Students that receive a D in one semester must make up the deficit the following semester to average a “C” for the year and then will receive credit. Students may have the opportunity on a case by case basis to remediate during a semester to improve a grade and have an opportunity to receive credit.  A written request to the guidance counselor with an explanation of need would need to be submitted before the last day of the semester before approval may be given.  Any costs incurred would be passed onto the family.

Course Requirements for Graduation with a College Prep or Standard Diploma

GPA Requirements:

College Prep Diploma: 3.0 and no grades less than 70% on core 24 courses listed above.

Standard Diploma: 2.0 and no grades less than 70% on core 24 course listed above (unless subsequent course successfully completed)

Test Requirements: 

College Prep Diploma:

SAT: Critical Reading 460; Mathematics 460; Combined 970

ACT: English 18; Reading 19; Mathematics 19; Composite 20

PERT: Reading 104; Mathematics 123; Writing 99

Standard Diploma:

SAT: Critical Reading 430; Mathematics 430

ACT or PLAN: English 15; Reading 17; Mathematics 19

PCS course Track for 7^th-12^th Grade:

Graduating with Honors

The goal of PCS is for each student to graduate with the highest GPA possible that represents their academic abilities.  A student that maintains a cumulative un-weighted 3.5+ GPA through out their high school years, will be awarded special honors at graduation. High GPA’s will assist a student with scholarship awards and help to meet GPA requirements for entering colleges. Be sure to start strong in 9^th grade, stay strong in the middle, and finish strong through graduation.  Hard work will pay off!!

Graduation Requirements

College Prepartory Diploma--It is the goal for each student to graduate high school from PCS and to go on to attend some sort of post secondary education.  The following credits required are:  4 english, 4 math (including Algebra 1 and higher), 3 science (with 2 labs), 3 social studies (World History 1.0, US History 1.0, American Government .5 and Economics .5), 2 Foreign Language (same language), .5 Physical Education, 1 Personal Fitness/Life Management, 1 Practical/Performing Arts, 2 Bible, 1 On-line course, 1.5 Electives equalling 24 credits.

Standard Diploma--The same amount of credits are required as listed for the College Prep Diploma with the following differences: students that receive below 70% in a course that is transferred into PCS, an ommission of the Foreign Languages, Algebra II or higer, and or Chemistry will receive a standard diploma.

Dual Enrollment        

Students are encouraged to take dual enrollment classes in the 11^th and/or 12^th Grade at PCS.  Students must have a 3.0 un-weighted GPA and have sufficient test scores to apply.  Test scores required for application: 

 Test Category                    PERT(SCF in-house test)     College Board SAT      ACT      Classes Approved

 *Gordon Rule Class                                                                                  

These classes are held at the State College of Florida, a public university, and classes are held at their Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, Venice and/or Web Class campuses. Dual enrollment classes are available starting the summer of a student’s junior year in high school.  A student may dual enroll during summer, fall and/or spring. Caution needs to be taken when entering the Public University atmosphere and students need to have the proper level or maturity to withstand the public college setting and instructors that will be teaching the classes. Dual enrollment credits count towards college and high school and the classes are free(registered as a home schooled student), so the opportunity of saving time and money makes this option very appealing.  Students who dual enroll get a head start into their college studies and can sometimes even take enough classes to fulfill one year of college credit hours. PLEASE NOTE:  students must earn a “C” or better to continue in the program, and once the grade is earned, it remains on the student’s college transcript, so take these classes seriously!  Please see your high school guidance counselor for more details and attend the spring workshop for full information.

There are other benefits besides grades and free college.  SCF has many resources that are available to students that dual enroll.  Take advantage of the "Career Planning Process."  SCF has a wonderful Career Resource Center where students can have career assessments compiled, explore careers that fit their profile, connect with career resources and plan for their career decision. 

For more info, go to: www.scf.edu/CareerResourceCenter

**See Enrollment Steps page

Early Admissions

Seniors have the opportunity during their 1^st and/or 2^nd semester to enroll in 4-5 classes for credit; same stipulations apply as dual enrollment.

CLEP Tests

Subject proficiency tests, CLEP college exams, are a good way to earn college credit.  Motivated students who have a good grasp of a subject matter can pay a small fee and take a CLEP exam and receive credit instead of taking a full semester class.  The exams are administered at locations around the country, and are owned and operated by College Board.  CLEP exams are available for Algebra, American Government, Biology, Chemistry, Calculus, English Composition, Trigonometry, Western Civilization, and many World Languages.  For more information, visit https://clep.collegeboard.org 

Community Service

Community Service Hours Required during the 9-12^th Grades:  100 hours; 10 hours per year are required to be fulfilled at PCS, and the balance of the 15 hours per year may be served at any non-profit company. All community service hours must be done as volunteer work. By serving in your community, it is helpful for each student to observe different professions, help fill needs, and network with possible future employers.  Our Christian witness to our community is a light for Christ and an opportunity to share God’s love in word and in good deeds. A log and signatures verifying completion of hours must be kept by student and turned in the last day of each semester for credit.

Examples of PCS hours include: work days, jamboree, childcare for quarterly meeting and/or moms group, office help, summer clean up, Friday worship, etc.  Please keep a seperate PCS log sheet in the guidance office for PCS hours.

Examples of hours outside of PCS include:  Habitat for Humanity, local hospitals, local churches, food banks, animal shelters, political offices, schools, pro-life organizations, misc. non-profit organizations, etc.  Students should invest in areas that they are interested in.

Extra-Curricular

Many colleges and employers look at outside activities along with grades, so a student should remember to develop talents outside of academics.  Our world needs Godly leaders to take us into the next generation, so be a leader in a youth group or club.  Music, sports, dance and drama are all important areas to develop and take with a student into college.  Mission’s trips, help equip students for other cultures and create opportunities to see other places in the world.  Students should strive to be a light where ever God directs them, and by listening to Him, choices for careers and/or vocations at adulthood will become known for what career or vocation is right for the student.  God always equips people, when He calls people!!

PCS is a non-member school with FHSAA (Florida High School Athletic Association), so students are allowed to play their zoned public high school. The parents must complete form EL-12 and have PCS fill out page 2 of form. Please check with the Guidance Counselor for questions and see an example of the form.

Students may also play for the local home-school team, Manatee HEAT.  Students playing for HEAT must register with the County of Residence before the beginning of the school year.  The family must also complete the EL-7 form. PCS also requires a non-enrolled status form to be completed and on file as long as the student is registered with the County.  Please note, that a student that plays for the HEAT their senior year, will not receive a PCS Transcript or Diploma since the student has “home-schooled” status. Please check with the Guidance Counselor for questions and/or to see an example of the forms EL-7 and Non-Enrolled Status. Please note that FHSAA forms and information may be obtained at www.fhsaa.org

 Standardized Testing   

PCS holds standardized testing each year through the 9^th grade*.  10-12th students are required to take the college board exams, SAT or ACT, to fulfill the requirement of standardized testing.  It is recommended to take both SAT and ACT the 10/11^th grade year, then test again the 12^th grade year the test that your student does the best with.  Your student may take each test multiple times to achieve their testing goals for scholarship qualifications and for class placement in college.  Students that take the ACT and SAT, take their test on a Saturday morning from 8am-12noon at a local high school.  To receive more information on testing, cost, sign up dates, times and location, visit www.collegeboard.com  or www.actstudent.org  you will need the PCS school code of 100-188 when signing up.  Students must sign up each year by March 1^st , print and submit a copy of their admission ticket to the guidance counselor for the student file.

Before Test Day:  Visit www.act.org/theact/testprep  There are many tools to prepare; ACT question of the day www.actprofile.org Preparing for ACT (download booklet), Test tips, sample test questions, test descriptions for each section of the ACT: English, Mathematics, reading and science.

Test Day: Make sure to bring photo ID that matches your admission ticket, admission ticket, two number 2 pencils with erasers and an approved calculator. Visit www.sat.org/photo-requirements for instructions or questions regarding photo ID's. DO NOT bring your cell phone into the test center and be sure to arrive on time. visit www.sat.org/test-day for more information

PSAT is an additional prep test and is  administered in October on the PCS campus each year to help with the testing process.  9^th to 11th grade classes test (see PCS calendar for specific date).  PSAT is scored by College Board (this test is a scholarship qualifier for the National Merit Scholar Award for 11th students, so please encourage your students to study the pretest and do their best). 

Colleges look at test scores sometimes over GPA’s and courses taken in high school since the tests are taken throughout the whole country and all students take the same tests.  Juniors should take both the SAT and ACT in their junior year, then re-take the test with the one that best fits the student’s learning style. The second and/or 3^rd time that a student takes the SAT or ACT, it is recommended that the student add the colleges that they are interested in to the test score list so the schools will receive the scores directly from the testing agency.  Most public universities will only accept test scores from the testing agency, and if a student request scores after the test is taken, then a fee is charged.  When a college sees a student’s test scores, then they may start to approach the student and offer scholarships based on the scores.  Let their light shine!!  Some differences in tests include:

SAT:  Assesses a student’s reasoning, based on knowledge and skills developed by the student’s school coursework.  The test is broken up into 3 main sections: Critical Reading (English skills), Math, and Writing.  Guessing counts against a score, and it is very beneficial to take a practice test and learn the strategy of the test.  For extra help with studying and signing up for the test, visit:  www.collegeboard.org  The SAT II test are is for a specific subject area and are not required at most schools, so check with the college of interest to see if this test is required.

ACT:  Assesses a student’s general educational development, and their ability to complete college level work.  This test is a multiple choice test that covers 4 basic areas:  English, Math, Reading and Science.  The writing test is optional, so check and see if your college of interest requires this.  Wrong answers do not count against the student on this test.  For more information on studying, practice tests and sign ups, please visit: www.actstudent.org