Catalog Definitions
ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP)
Advanced Placement courses are accelerated in rigor and pace. Advanced Placement (AP) allows students to complete college-level studies while in high school. Participation in the AP exam is a requirement for any AP course.
BLENDED COURSE
A course offered in an environment that is both traditional and digital. These courses require administrator approval.
BLOCK SCHEDULE
A schedule based on four semester-long classes that last until the end of each term.
CORE COURSE
Those courses required for graduation (English, Math, Science, Social Studies) for all students.
COURSE
A unit of instruction.
CREDIT
A unit of academic work (Carnegie Unit).
DUAL ENROLLMENT
Dual Enrollment/Dual Credit allows eligible high school students to enroll in college classes concurrently with high school classes to receive both high school and college credit.
GRADING SCALE
A 100-90
B 89-80
C 79-70
D 69-60
F 59-0
GRADUATION COHORT
The student’s graduation year.
HONORS/ADVANCED CLASS
Honors courses are designed to exceed the content standards and are intended for college-bound students. Honors/Advanced courses are noted in the course description and receive Honors/Advanced weighted GPA credit per the current grading scale. Honors/Dual and AP English classes require independent reading activities.
INDEPENDENT READING
Students enrolled in Honors, Dual, and AP English classes are required to participate in independent Reading activities. These assignments are due in the fall, no matter when the Honors, Dual, or AP English class is scheduled on the student's schedule. The independent reading assignments can be found on the school website, counselor's office, or students may contact teachers directly through email.
PARENT PORTAL (POWERSCHOOL)
The digital Student Information System (SIS) used by Athens City Schools to store student data and records. Parents are given information about accessing student accounts at the beginning of the school year.
PORTRAIT OF A GRADUATE
ACS Portrait of a Graduate prepares students not only for academic achievement but also for success in their personal and professional lives beyond the classroom. Locally developed and globally positioned, the Portrait of a Graduate serves as a North Star for preparing students for the incredible opportunities and challenges of today and tomorrow. Learn more about Portrait of a Graduate at www.acs-k12.org/portrait.
REMOTE COURSE
Courses are conducted via web-based instruction and collaboration. Courses are offered through a software platform and designated for those students who are participating in remote learning. Remote learning requires a nine-week commitment.
SCHEDULE CORRECTIONS
Schedule corrections will be made only when approved for the following reasons: duplication of courses, courses out of sequence, or Sports PE/Band, etc., to be entered due to auditions.
SEMESTER (FALL)
The first and second nine-week terms of the school year (18 weeks).
SEMESTER (SPRING)
The third and fourth nine-week terms of the school year (18 weeks).
TEACHER APPROVAL
Approval is required when there is a definite screening process (audition or application).
TRADITIONAL COURSE
Traditional classroom environment where the instructor and the students are not separated by geographic space or time.