HIGH SCHOOLHIGH SCHOOL
GRADUATION PATHWAYSGRADUATION PATHWAYS
Choose your path to success!
St. Mary’s County Public SchoolsSt. Mary’s County Public Schools
C Y S
Electives may include:
• World Languages
- Spanish, French, and more!
• Physical Education/Health
• Fine Arts
- band, chorus, theatre, visual arts, and more!
• Career and Technology Education (CTE) programs
- computer science, technology, JROTC, and
more!
As students make decisions about which courses to take
in high school, they can enroll in a variety of courses that
match their interests and career goals. These choices
oer the opportunity to explore dierent subjects, or
to dig deeper into a program that prepares them for
college and the world of work.
Core requirements Your Path, Your Future
Students are encouraged to earn more than the
minimum units of credit for graduation. Most students
will graduate with more than 26 units of credit. Units of
credit are earned at the end of the year with a passing
grade. A unit of credit is based on all four marking
periods for a year-long course.
universitY ComPleter Dual ComPleterCte ComPleter
• Complete core credits
• Complete 4 credits in Mathematics
to include Algebra 1, Geometry,
and Algebra 2 (non-trivial Algebra
minimum in senior year)
• Complete 2 credits in the same World
Language
• Complete the core credits
• Complete 4 credits in an approved
Career and Technology Program
Sequence
• Meet all the requirements of the
University Sequence
• Complete the core credits
• Complete 4 credits in an approved
Career and Technology Program
Sequence
P C
To receive a high school diploma in St. Mary’s County Public Schools (SMCPS), students must select and enroll in a course
of study for a program pathway. All students must complete the Maryland core requirements. Students must also select
a University Sequence or a Career and Technology Education Completer Sequence. All students are highly encouraged
to take advantage of all that SMCPS oers and to be a Dual Completer, meeting the requirements of both sequences.
Subjects
University
Sequence
CTE
English 4 4
Mathematics 4 4
Science 3 3
Social Studies 3 3
Fine Arts 1 1
PE/Health 1.5 1.5
Technology
Education
1 1
World Language 2
CTE 4
Elective 2 1
For more information about course requirements,
visit https://www.smcps.org/program-of-studies
Students may take PE/Health, Fine Arts, or Technology
credits their 9th grade year. However, electives may be
taken any year of high school.
Additionally, there are specialized classes for students
with an Individualized Education Plan or students who
are in need of ESOL courses.
Academy Programs have specic course requirements
for each grade that are mandated by the Academy.
If accepted into an Academy, specic course and
schedule requirements will be provided.
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E M O
aCaDemY oF FinanCe
aCaDemY oF visual &
P
erForming arts
FairleaD aCaDemY
stem
This academy provides students an opportunity to
develop professional skills, receive specialized instruction
in business nance and management, and gain an
awareness of the marketable skills needed to be successful
in the eld.
This academy meets the needs of our highly abled arts-
inspired youth who exhibit desire and motivation to
pursue higher levels of achievement and learning in the
Arts. Students participating in the AVPA will have a choice
of one of three areas of focus: music, theatre, or visual arts.
Through positive relationships, 21st century technology,
and a small learning environment, 10th-12th grade
students graduate with condence and motivation to
achieve college and career success.
This academy provides a rigorous, engaging education
where students study specic curriculum related to world
cultures, current aairs, history, literature, and languages.
Students learn within a trans-disciplinary instructional
model to allow regrouping and extension of lessons.
Within the Science, Technology, Engineering, and
Mathematics (STEM) program, there is an emphasis on
critical and creative thinking in all academic coursework
as well as an interdisciplinary approach to curriculum.
Students are exposed to the most contemporary
technologies to develop their scientic inquiry skills,
mathematical calculation abilities, and problem-solving
techniques. Reading and technical writing skills are
developed and rened, and a focus on both verbal and
visual communication abilities exists within the program.
Cte & Forrest teCh Center
aDvanCeD PlaCement
Dual enrollment
St. Mary’s County Public Schools' Career and Technology
Education programs are designed to provide students
with 21st Century Skills in preparation for the workplace
and/or a seamless transition to a post-secondary
education experience. The goal is to oer programs that
blend academic and technical skills with employability
skills. CTE courses are logical, challenging, and aligned
to standards recognized by both industry and college
readiness. Students enrolled in CTE courses are exposed to
a wide range of current and emerging technologies, work-
based learning opportunities, and extended classroom
experiences that bring each class to life.
Advanced Placement (AP) courses are rigorous, college
level courses. We encourage all students to take at least
one AP course in their high school course of study. In the
late spring, students in AP courses can take the AP exam
given by the College Board with an opportunity to earn
college credit.
Dual Enrollment courses allow students to earn college
credit while in high school. Dual Enrollment courses
include: Calculus, Human Anatomy, and College Prep
English. In addition, over 25 courses at the Dr. James A.
Forrest Career and Technology Center have articulated
credit agreements with several colleges and institutes of
higher education.
For more information about the academy programs, visit
www.smcps.org/academies.
A
global &
i
nternational stuDies
WWW.SMCPS.ORG/RFON
ChoPtiCon great mills leonarDtown
St. Mary’s County Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, national
origin, religion, or disability in matters aecting employment or improving access to programs. For inquiries related to this policy or to
contact Board of Education members, write: Board of Education of St. Mary’s County, 23160 Moakley Street, Leonardtown, MD 20650.
Email messages can be sent to: [email protected]g. Phone messages can be left at 301-475-5511, ext 32177.
25390 Colton Point Road
Morganza, MD 20660
Phone Number: 301-475-0215
Fax Number: 301-475-0222
https://chs.smcps.org
21130 Great Mills Road
Great Mills, MD 20634
Phone Number: 301-863-4001
Fax Number: 301-863-4006
https://gmhs.smcps.org
23995 Point Lookout Road
Leonardtown, MD 20650
Phone Number: 301-475-0200
Fax Number: 301-475-0204
https://lhs.smcps.org
Talk with your school counselor
about the best path for you based
on your goals, your interests, and
your aspirations.
As you plan your path, think about
how you can learn something
new, how you can grow, and
what will prepare you for your
future beyond high school.
*Choose one: PE/Health, Technology Credit, Fine Arts, World Language
**Beyond graduation requirements, electives may include: CTE, Forrest Center
Programs, and additional AP and Dual Enrollment opportunities.
9th Grade 10th Grade 11th Grade 12th Grade
English English English English
Mathematics Mathematics Mathematics Mathematics
Social Studies Social Studies Social Studies Elective**
Science Science Science Elective**
Elective* Elective** Elective** Elective**
Elective* Elective** Elective** Elective**
Elective* Elective** Elective** Elective**
Choose Y
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