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High School Home Page
PSAT Test on October 12, 2011
You should register today! The PSAT test will take place at the La Mesa school site on October 12, 2011 at 10:00AM.
To register, send Jeff Fechner an email message, but hurry only 15 spots available! It will be on a first come first serve basis.
Learn more about the PSAT and other high school tests by clicking on the High School Testing tab below...
SAT AND SAT SUBJECT TEST FEE WAIVERS HAVE ARRIVED.
Please contact your EP for details!
Financial Aid Information and Links
Once you find a community college, university, vocational school, or any other type of higher education, you have to find a way to pay for it. While you're looking for scholarships and other forms of paying for college it is important to exhaust all of the other available resources. Below you will find some links that provide valuable tips about financing your future...
FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
The first logical step to take, if you are entering your senior year, is to fill out a form known as the "FAFSA." This form, once you fill it out completely and send it off, gives the government finance folks a chance to review your needs and to offer you some options regarding your eligibility for different types of aid. Click on the following links to get started...
If you follow all the steps related to the FAFSA, you will receive a worksheet from them that indicates what type of aid for which you qualify. The most common categories include grants, loans, and possibly scholarships. Grants are often the most beneficial, for they don't have to be paid back. They are available to students who fit a certain profile that includes a good GPA, financial need, residency parameters, and acceptance to a qualifying school in California.
Other useful links:
What is the PSAT?
What is the ACT?
What is the SAT?
PSAT Test
The Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test is intended to help students prepare for the SAT. The test measures your skills in critical reading, mathematics and writing. It is not a quiz based on specific facts. And don't worry about whether a low PSAT score might prevent you from getting into the college of your choice; the PSAT isn't used to determine college admission. You may sometimes see the test written as "PSAT/NMSQT." The second part stands for National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. The National Merit Scholarship Corporation uses PSAT scores to determine how to distribute their national merit-based scholarships. If you score high enough on the PSAT (and meet additional academic requirements), you may qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program, where you will have a chance to win money for college tuition.
When is the test given?
The PSAT test will take place at the La Mesa school site on October 12, 2011 at 10:00AM. Please allow 3 hours for the test.
How do I register?
Email: Counselor@learningchoice.org, but hurry only 15 spots available! It will be on a first come first serve basis. Test is opened to 10th and 11th graders.
What should I bring to the test?
Bring No. 2 Pencils with erasers and a calculator (for the math section only). All other materials are prohibited. Cell phones and other portable electronic devices must be turned off and put away. Watches and alarms should be turned off.
Why should I take the PSAT?
The general format of the PSAT is similar to that of the SAT, taking the PSAT gives you the opportunity to familiarize yourself with the types of questions you'll encounter on the SAT. Other reasons include:
- Your results will reveal your testing strengths and weaknesses and you can concentrate your study efforts on the areas that need improvement.
- A high PSAT score will give you a chance to enter the competition for National Merit Scholarships.
- Your score report will include your percentile, which reveals where your score falls in relation to other students' scores.
- You can receive admission information from colleges by accepting the Student Search Service option. Colleges will send information to you if your scores fall within a certain range. Please note that your actual scores are not sent to those schools.
You will receive a free PSAT/NMSQT study guide after you sign up!
ACT Test
The ACT is a national college admissions examination that consists of subject area tests in: English, math, Reading, Science
The ACT Plus Writing includes the four subject area tests plus a 30-minute Writing Test.
ACT results are accepted by all 4-year colleges and universities in the U.S.
The ACT includes 215 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes to complete, including a short break (or just over four hours if you are taking the ACT Plus Writing). Actual testing time is 2 hours and 55 minutes (plus 30 minutes if you are taking the ACT Plus Writing).
Register online at: http://www.actstudent.org/index.html
| Test Date | Registration Deadline | (Late Fee Required) |
|---|---|---|
| September 10, 2011 | August 12, 2011 | August 13 – 26, 2011 |
| October 22, 2011 | September 16, 2011 | September 17 – 30, 2011 |
| December 10, 2011 | November 4, 2011 | November 5 – 18, 2011 |
| February 11, 2012* | January 13, 2012 | January 14 – 20, 2012 |
| April 14, 2012 | March 9, 2012 | March 10 – 23, 2012 |
| June 9, 2012 | May 4, 2012 | May 5 – 18, 2012 |
SAT Test
Why should students take the SAT?
Students and parents often ask why it is important to take the SAT. Reasons include:
- All colleges accept the SAT as an objective measurement of students' college readiness.
- Used with GPAs and high school transcripts, SAT scores allow colleges to fairly compare applicants.
- Taking the SAT gives students access to scholarship opportunities.
- Most colleges require an admissions test like the SAT.
- The SAT provides students with the most comprehensive performance feedback of any admissions test.
| 2009-10 Test Dates |
Test | Regular Registration Deadline (postmark/submit by) |
|---|---|---|
| October 10, 2009 | SAT & Subject Tests | September 9, 2009 |
| November 7, 2009 | SAT & Subject Tests | October 1, 2009 |
| December 5, 2009 | SAT & Subject Tests | October 30, 2009 |
| January 23, 2010 | SAT & Subject Tests | December 15, 2009 |
| March 13, 2010 | SAT only | February 4, 2010 |
| May 1, 2010 | SAT & Subject Tests | March 25, 2010 |
| June 5, 2010 | SAT & Subject Tests | April 29, 2010 |
California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE):
Starting with the graduating class of 2006, all students must pass the Language Arts/Writing and Mathematics portions of the California High School Exit Exam to earn a high school diploma. Students take the exit exam for the first time in the spring of their 10th grade year and will have multiple opportunities before their graduation date to earn a passing score on both portions. It is to your students’ best advantage to take it the first time it is offered, to familiarize themselves with the test format and give themselves a better opportunity to pass in the future. If 10th graders do not take the test, it negatively impacts the school.
Seniors at TLC who have not passed the CAHSEE, but who have taken the exam each time it has been offered, may be allowed to participate in the school's graduation ceremony, provided they have met all other requirements for graduation; however they will not receive their high school diplomas until the CAHSEE is taken and passed. The school does have materials that can help students to prepare for and take this exam. Seniors who participate in the graduation ceremony but have not passed the CAHSEE are expected to take the CAHSEE again at the next available test administration. These students have the right to intensive instruction and services for up to two additional years if they have not passed one or both parts of the CAHSEE by completion of the 12th grade. Currently students with IEPs are also required to participate in this testing
CAHSEE Testing Dates 2011-2012
Passing the California High School Exit Examination (CAHSEE) is a graduation requirement. The CAHSEE assesses
California academic content standards for English-Language Arts and Mathematics. CAHSEE results are being used for state and federal accountability purposes. The CAHSEE must be administered according to state standards and guidelines. There is no cost for the test. Testing must be conducted on the specific dates listed below to ensure security of the test throughout the state. Test sessions will start at 9:00AM, with check in at 8:30 at each school site. The first CAHSEE test dates will be November 1 & 2. This test administration is open to all TLC 11th and 12th graders. Tuesday, November 1, 9AM--English Language Arts portion of the test.
Wednesday, November 2, 9AM—Mathematics portion of the test. Need help studying? Talk to your EP to get a CAHSEE study guide. You can also find exam blueprints, released test questions, and study guides online at http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/hs/resources.asp
A look ahead to the other testing dates…
English–Language Arts (Tuesday)
Mathematics (Wednesday)
November 1, 2011 November 2, 2011 (grades: 11, 12)
February 7, 2012 February 8, 2012 (Grades: 10, 11, 12)
May 8, 2012 May 9, 2012 (Grades: 11, 12)
STUDENT ELIGIBILITY NOTICE: AB 347 VALENZUELA
Graduation Requirements
Grade Point Average
Graduation Requirements
Graduation Requirements
To graduate from the Learning Choice Academy, students must successfully complete 220 credits (units) of course work. Ten credits equal one year of work in one class. In addition to fulfilling the credit requirements, students shall have successfully passed the California High School Exit Exam. Beginning with the graduating class of 2006, all students will be required to pass the California High School Exit Exam. In addition, students will complete a minimum of 80 hours of Service Learning.
The following credits (units) are required for graduation: |
|
|---|---|
| Credits (Units) | Subject |
| 40 | English |
| 30 | Math (Algebra I required) |
| 20 | Physical Education |
| 30 | Science |
| 30 | Social Science |
| 10 | Visual and Performing Arts |
| 10 | Foreign Language |
| 10 | Computer Literacy / Study Skills |
| 40 | Electives |
| 220 Total | |
Grade Point Average
A student’s grade point average (GPA) is calculated each semester on the basis of grades received from all of the courses in which the student is enrolled, and these grades are included in transcripts as a part of the student’s permanent school record. The GPA is used to determine college and university admissions, scholarships and academic eligibility for graduation.
High school students are given the option of attending local community colleges and receiving high school credit (for up to two classes per semester). The Community College option is perfect for students wishing to take advanced, college-level courses not offered through The Learning Choice Academy. Here are some important points to remember before the students take a college class:
- Every community college has different policies! Please check with your college of choice to see what their specific requirements for admission are.
- Students are NOT guaranteed admission to the college or class of their choice.
- Students wishing to attend some community colleges must be either 14 years old or entering the 9th grade. Some colleges have different policies; some colleges may require that students must have completed tenth grade and be at least 14 years old. You should check with each college about their policies.
- Students must be determined by the Director or designee to have the ability to benefit from “advanced scholastic or vocational work.” The student must be in good academic standing with at least a 2.0 GPA.
- Students must have written parental approval prior to filing a college Application for Admission. Student s must also submit the Concurrent Enrollment form.
- High School students are limited by college policy to attending 2 college classes per semester, for a total of 4 courses per year
- Students must attend a community college within the school’s boundaries (San Diego, Riverside and Imperial Counties).
- If a student does not complete or fails a community college course, the student will not be approved to take community college courses the following semester.
- The Learning Choice Academy will pay for tuition only, not books, parking, student cards or other fees.
- Students on academic probation will not be approved to take any college course.
- Students completing most college classes will earn 10 high school credits.
- Most semester-long college courses are equal to a year-long high school course, physical education excepted. College courses move much faster than high school courses, and students should be prepared to do more work in a semester than they do in high school classes.
Students attending college classes will be required to verify their attendance (similar to the need to verify elective hours). The student will accomplish this by providing the educational partner with the course syllabus and professor information and bi-weekly work samples from their class. In the event the class is only assigned a mid-term and final, they may receive grade printouts from the college attendance office. These are the same forms used to verify attendance for financial aid. Students will receive their final high school credit for the class once their grades have been posted. In the event that a student either fails the class or drops out more than halfway through the semester, they will not receive credit in that subject for the semester.
There are two opportunities for payment of community college fees:
-
Community College Form
These funds are for high school students to take a class that is not offered by TLC. These funds are not part of the regular student units and will not be deducted from the student’s account. In order for TLC to pay for these classes, they must be in core academic subjects and be present on the student’s Master Agreement.
-
Reimbursement
Students can use their elective units to pay for an enrichment class taken at the community college and get reimbursement. Payment for this class would be deducted from the student’s account.
All classes must be pre-approved by both the EP and the main office before any payment will be made. TLC’s community college fund will not reimburse families for tuition of classes that do not qualify for High School course credit. However, students may use their extended class units to pay for these classes.
Students can only count a total of two classes per semester for high school credit, no matter which opportunity they use.
Community College forms
Community College Reimbursement Form
Important Forms for High School
- Graduation Checklist 2008-2009
- Graduation Checklist 2009-2010
- Graduation Checklist 2010-2011
- Graduation Checklist 2011-2012
- High School Course Catalog
- Transcript Request form
- Petition to graduate early
- GROSSMONT-CUYAMACA COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT High School/College Credit Enrollment Authorization Form
- STUDENT ELIGIBILITY NOTICE: AB 347 VALENZUELA
Need a Work Permit?
Students may obtain a work permit through the school counselor. Student must be in good academic and behavior standing in order for a work permit to be issued. Guidelines set forth by the state of California on the work permit must also be followed. The work permit needs to be filled out in its entirety in order for processing; this includes all phone numbers, addresses, signatures and insurance information. Work permits will not be issued if ANY information is missing. Please allow one week for processing the temporary work permit. The official work permit is issued through the San Diego work permit office and is mailed directly to the employer with in six weeks pending approval.
For further questions please contact Jeff Fechner
What is Community Service: Community service refers to service that a person performs for the benefit of his or her local community. If you are unsure if a certain project will count towards community service please email the counselor at counselor@learningchoice.org.
Examples of community service projects include (but are not limited to):
- cleaning a park or beach
- collecting items including clothes, shoes, food, blankets for a specific cause
- getting involved with organizations (Red Cross)
- reading to the elderly in nursing homes
- helping out a local fire or police department
- helping out at a local library
- tutoring
- school activities that benefit our community
- helping out at a local Animal Shelter
Download the forms here
Community Service Agreement Form
Please note that there is an 80 hour community service requirement for graduation!