CCPS Student Education Planning Guide

College Courses Offered at the High Schools

This option, jointly sponsored by Cecil County Public Schools and Cecil Community College, allows students who are 16 years of age or older to begin to take college courses while in high school. Eligible students may take college courses at their high schools. The course offerings vary at each high school and are taught during the regular  high school schedule by college instructors. These courses allow students to get a “jump start” on college requirements.  Students must complete the appropriate skills assessments to determine placement in college courses.  Payment arrangements must be made with the college.

Dual Enrollment Courses

Qualified high school students may enroll in a specified college course(s) and receive both high school and college credit for the course.

Eligible students must submit requests for dual enrollment courses. Courses eligible for dual credit must support the student’s 6-year education plan and must align with the courses identified in the Student Education Planning Guide.

One (1) high school credit will be awarded for the successful completion of college courses that are three (3) or more credits. One-half (1/2) high school credit will be awarded for the successful completion of college courses that are two (2) or fewer credits.

Students electing to enroll in a course that counts as college credit and high school credit must have prior approval by the Superintendent.

College Campus Courses

Students must be 16 years of age or older to enroll in college courses on college campuses. College course schedules must not conflict with students’ required high school schedules. Some college classes typically meet in the evening.

Senior Waiver

Students may request to substitute college credits for high school credits.

Partial Day Waiver --Seniors approved for a partial day waiver will attend classes at their high school and at a selected college or career/technical school. They will graduate with their high school class and retain full privileges as high school students. Prior approval from the Superintendent is required for this option. Students and parents must submit requests for a partial day waiver of the senior year by June 15 after the completion of the junior year for a Semester I waiver, and by December 10 of the senior year for a Semester II waiver.

Students requesting a partial day waiver must:
•  have completed all required Maryland High School Assessments and high
school service learning requirements;
• have a minimum 2.5 GPA, with a transcript reviewed by the principal;
• meet all college admission requirements and enroll in and complete a minimum of 6 (level 101 or higher) college credits per semester;
•  submit documentation of enrollment in an accredited college or approved career/technical school; and
•  be recommended by the principal.

Full Day Waiver -- Seniors on full day waivers attend classes at a selected college and graduate with their high school class.  Prior approval from the Superintendent is required for this option. Students and parents must submit requests for a waiver of the senior year by June 15 after completion of the junior year for a Semester I waiver, and by December 10 of the senior year for a Semester II waiver.

Students requesting a full day waiver must:
•  have completed all required Maryland High School Assessments and high
school service learning requirements;
•  have a minimum 2.5 GPA, with a transcript reviewed by the principal;
•  meet all college admission
   requirements and enroll in and complete a minimum of 12 college credits per semester;
•  submit documentation of enrollment in an accredited college or approved career/technical school as a full-time student; and
•  be recommended by the principal.

Students may request to terminate attendance in high school at the end of 11th grade if all credit requirements and other applicable graduation requirements are satisfied. Students electing to graduate early relinquish all student privileges, including participation in interscholastic athletics and eligibility for valedictorian or salutatorian honors.

Students electing to graduate early:

• will be ranked with the class with which they would normally graduate;
• may take part in graduation ceremonies with the earlier graduation class;
• may sit for senior portraits; and
• may compete for need-based college financial aid and/or scholarships—local, state, or national.

Students and parents/guardians must submit requests for early graduation to school counselors by June 15 after completion of the tenth grade.

Students who are granted a full day waiver relinquish the right to participate in interscholastic athletics but are eligible for valedictorian or salutatorian honors.