Advanced Academics

  • Taking a rigorous curriculum in high school is the best predictor of students' ability to complete a bachelors degree (Answers in the Toolbox, 1999).

  • The number and quality of advanced courses a learner takes is more significant than GPA or class rank for predicting college success. 

  • Students taking more advanced courses score about 2.4 points higher on the ACT composite than students taking standard graduation plan courses (ACT High School Profile, 2005).

  • Students taking Advanced Placement (AP) courses in high school have higher GPA in college than students who do not take AP courses (Answers in the Toolbox, 1999). 

  • Learners who have taken AP courses generally score higher on the SAT than learners who have not taken AP courses.

  • The number of advanced courses a learner takes in high school may be a factor considered by a college when making admission decisions.

  • Taking advanced courses in middle school and high school is the best way to prepare for college admission and college success.

  • Coppell ISD recommends that learners challenge themselves by participating in advanced academic programs.

Advanced Placement (AP)

Gain an Edge in College Preparation and Life-long Skills

The Advanced Placement (AP) program was created by college board in 1955 to provide students with a college-level work in high school. There are currently 32 Advanced Placement Exams across 19 subjects offered during May of each year. Students may earn college credit for their AP exam scores.

  • Get a head start on college-level work.

  • Improve your writing skills and sharpen your problem-solving techniques.

  • Develop the study habits necessary for tackling rigorous course work.

  • Study subjects in greater depth and detail.

AP Exam Registration

Resources

Dual Credit

Coppell High School and New Tech High @ Coppell are partnering with North Lake College to give students an opportunity to earn college credit while in high school. CISD has expanded the dual credit classes available to students by offering over 60 courses such as English, psychology, U.S. history, biology, calculus, and accounting. Students can choose to take as little as a single half-credit course or complete the 48-hour college "core" utilizing the CISD Jump Start on College Plan.


Starting the summer after completing their sophomore year, students who meet the entrance requirements are eligible for dual enrollment in high school and college. The college credit earned is transferable to most Texas public colleges and universities. Additionally, if a student completes the 48-hour "core," the credit is automatically transferred as a block, equivalent to more than what is needed for college sophomore status.

This program benefits both students and parents. Students taking dual credit classes could begin taking courses in their major as college freshmen and even complete college in less than four years. Since Dallas County pays the college tuition fees for students enrolled in dual credit classes, parents could save several thousand dollars depending on which college their child attends.

Students interested in the dual-credit program should read through their high school campus' course catalog for more information or visit the North Lake website.

Every Texas public college and university is required by Texas law to have a core curriculum that, if completed, should transfer and take the place of the core at the receiving institution.

Highlights Of The Dual Credit Program

 No college tuition for parents
 Students earn high school and college credit simultaneously
 Courses can count for DAP (Distinguished Achievement Program) graduation measures

Resources