| SHS ACADEMIC PROGRAM |
| Course Offerings/Levels |
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Students are expected to challenge themselves by enrolling in the course that best matches their ability. The standard academic program and course work at Spaulding High School
is designed to prepare students for a variety of post-secondary options (four-year colleges, two-year colleges, technical schools, apprenticeships, work/career opportunities, and life after
high school).
Students wishing to pursue a higher level of rigor and intending to apply to four-year colleges with more competitive admissions may choose to enroll in courses designated as
ENRICHED (ENR). Grades in these courses are weighted more heavily in the calculation of a student’s GPA (grade point average).
Students wishing to pursue course offerings at the highest level of rigor and who have a record of strong academic achievement may qualify for and enroll in HONORS (H) and/or
ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) courses. Grades in these courses are weighted most heavily in the calculation of a student’s GPA.
Students with special needs or learning disabilities are placed in one of three tracts. Mainstreamed with accommodations and support is where the majority of special education students
are placed and they earn a standard 26 credit diploma. SKILLS courses are for those students who are pursuing a modified diploma (20 credits) with interventions being part of
each skills |
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Additional types of offerings |
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A range of on-line (or distance learning) opportunities are also available to SHS students via the VHS (Virtual High School) program and the NH Virtual Learning Academy Charter
School (VLACS). VHS and VLACS courses augment what we offer here at the high school. These courses can also be helpful when students face scheduling conflicts. Students
interested in enrolling in VHS or VLACS courses should see their guidance counselor.
Running Start courses provide students the opportunity to earn dual credits at the same time – for high school and for college. See page 24 for details. Most Running Start classes
are weighted as enriched (ENR) offerings.
SHS students can enroll – via application – in an array of Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs offered here at the Creteau Tech Center, at Dover High School, and at
Somersworth High School. See pages 22-23 for details.
Independent study is an option for juniors and seniors who have demonstrated an ability to do advanced work and desire to investigate academic topics beyond the scope of the learning
experiences offered at the high school. No more than one independent study may be taken per semester, and the deadlines for initiating and completing regularly scheduled courses
are applicable to independent studies. Students considering independent study should first consult with their guidance counselor to receive initial permission.
High school credit for real work experience is available to students through our Career Internship and Work Experience offerings/programs - and to CTE students through our
Cooperative Education offering/program.
Lastly, with advancd permission from the principal, students may earn high school credit for other types of course work, academic programs, and/or nontraditional learning experiences.
Permission will be granted only for demonstrably high quality and rigorous experiences – and will be based on the learning objectives, the elements of the curriculum, and appropriate
assessment. Generally, when credit is awarded, the student's grade is registered as "passing" and does not count toward his or her SHS GPA. Rarely will permission be granted
after the course or program has already been completed. An application is required.
Alternative offerings
Students who fail any required course in math, science, English, social studies or health with a grade |
| Alternative offerings |
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Students who fail any required course in math, science, English, social studies or health with a grade that falls below 50 must repeat the course.
Students who fail one of these required courses with a grade that falls between 50 and 69 may consider the options below (PLATO, E-block courses, and summer school). Guidance
counselors will assist students in making their choice - and with the enrollment process. Credits earned via PLATO, E-block courses, or summer school will be registered as “passing”
and will not count toward the student’s GPA. (Please note that students who fail Fundamental Physical Education must repeat the course - regardless of the grade that was earned).
PLATO is a web-based program that allows students to work independently during the school day (at a computer with supervision) to learn critical material and demonstrate the necessary
learning to earn course credit.
E-block courses are taught by Spaulding faculty and are offered after school throughout the school year.
Rochester Community Education is a state-approved adult diploma program offering an array of high school credit courses, and non-credit arts & crafts courses. Policies regarding
enrollment are dependent upon background and experience. Adult classes are generally offered in the evening, at the Richard W. Creteau Regional Technology Center, during the
school year. For a complete listing of courses offered please see website.
Bud Carlson Academy, located in the Rochester Community Center, is a separate school for students in grades 9-12. The school aims to help students become more successful academically
and socially – and to build motivation to succeed in post-secondary options, work, and life after high school. The admission process includes an application and interview.
Summer school: Updated details will be available in the Spring of each school year. |
| Dual Credit / Running Start / College Credit Offerings |
The New Hampshire Running Start Program is a higher education initiative for high school students to enroll in college courses offered by the N.H. Community Technical College System
as well as other colleges and universities at a significant reduction in tuition. The courses earn dual credit, high school and college. The courses are taught by selected Spaulding High
faculty who meet or exceed the qualifications of the institution(s) granting credit
- College credit can be used to continue study at 2 or 4-year N.H. Community Technical College and/or 4-year college of the University of New Hampshire
System and other colleges and universities and is transferable potentially.
- Accelerates the process of higher education
Significant savings on a college education
Students will be able to sign up for Running Start courses at the beginning of each class. Students accepted into the dual credit / Running Start / college credit courses are required to
pay a nonrefundable fee of $100.00 more or less to cover college transcript/credit cost (cost is subject to change).
NOTE: The Creteau Regional Technology Center’s Career and Technical Programs also offer unique opportunities to students through articulation agreements that allow students to
enter participating colleges and technical schools with post-secondary credits already earned. These partnerships allow students to earn college credit while still in high school. Students
who successfully complete their CTE Program can request these credits at no cost. See your CTE instructor for additional information. |
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