Schedule change requests require an “Academic Change Request Form” available in the counseling office. All requests must be submitted prior to the start of the semester. Students who want to drop a course must make that request within the first three weeks of a semester course. Students may not drop below the minimum course load required. All academic level changes should be completed by the end of the fourth week of each semester unless recommended by a teacher.

Minnetonka High School offers more than 300 courses. Many departments provide classes for varying levels of student ability. Because of the superior preparation Minnetonka students receive in elementary and middle school, most students have demonstrated above-average ability compared to national norms and are prepared for high-level courses in areas of academic strength and interest. Among recent MHS graduating classes, MOST students (approximately 84%) completed at least one Advancement Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) course as part of their four-year plan. Students preparing for college are encouraged to consider high-level courses; selective colleges expect enrollment in accelerated (Honors), AP or IB courses. Advantages of enrollment in these courses include:

• Less repetition of material already learned
• More in-depth discussion
• Possible college credit
• Stronger college preparation and more competitive college application

An explanation of high-level courses is provided to colleges and universities along with a student’s transcript. In the course list, “Honors” indicates that the course is designed to prepare students for AP and IB courses.

Weighted Grades. Per District policy, all AP and IB courses shall be weighted +1.0 if the student earns a C- or higher, the courses have been determined to meet the standards of rigor established by the District, and the student successfully achieves a “3” or higher for Advanced Placement courses or a “4” on an International Baccalaureate assessment. For courses that are beyond the rigor of AP and IB (these courses include Multivariable Calculus, Differential Equations, Scientific Research I and II, Hispanic and Chinese Humanities Honors), students must earn a C- or higher in the course and achieve a C- or higher on the end-of-course exam to receive a weighted grade.

Students enrolled in rigorous courses of study, such as AP or IB must still meet Minnesota State Standards for a comprehensive education. State statute provides local school boards with authority to grant a rigorous course of study waiver for students who meet the criteria in the statute.

To be considered a qualifier at a Division I institution and to be eligible for financial aid, practice, and competition during the first year, the student must meet the following core course requirements:

DIVISION I

16 Core-Course Rule

• 4 years of English
• 3 years of mathematics (Algebra I or higher)
• 2 years of natural/physical science (1 year of lab if offered by
• high school)
• 1 year of additional English, mathematics or natural/physical science
• 2 years of social science
• 4 years of additional courses (from any area above, foreign language or non-doctrinal religion/philosophy)

DIVISION II

16 Core-Course Rule

• 3 years of English
• 2 years of mathematics (Algebra I or higher)
• 2 years of natural/physical science (1 year of lab if offered by
• high school)
• 3 years of additional English, mathematics or natural/physical science
• 2 years of social science
• 4 years of additional courses (from any area above, foreign language or non-doctrinal religion/philosophy)

For purposes of meeting core curriculum requirements, a “core course” is defined by the NCAA Bylaw 5-1(j) as recognized academic course designed to prepare a student for college level work as opposed to a vocational or personal-service course. All core Tonka Online courses are NCAA approved.

Courses taught at a level below the high school’s regular academic instruction level (e.g., remedial, special education or compensatory) shall not be considered as core courses regardless of course content. The counseling office has a list of “core courses” that have been approved by the NCAA Initial Eligibility Center.

SAT/ACT: The NCAA also requires SAT or ACT scores to participate in freshman athletics at Division I and II colleges.

PASS/FAIL: If you plan to participate in Division I or Division II college athletics, note that courses awarded pass/fail will be assigned our schools’ lowest passing grade by the NCAA Initial Eligibility Center. Students must realize that once they sign up for this grading system, they cannot change systems during the course without teacher approval.

Credits

Full-time students must be enrolled for a minimum of six (6) credits in grades nine and ten, a minimum of five (5.0) credits in grades eleven and twelve, with an adequate number of credits to progress toward graduation.

A student who satisfactorily completes a high school course shall receive secondary course credit and the credit shall count toward the student’s graduation requirements.

Tonka Online courses earn .5 credits, which count toward graduation. There is no fee for Tonka Online taken with the regular six-credit course load. Fees will apply for students who wish to maximize their opportunities by adding a seventh class or taking a summer class through Tonka Online.

PASS/FAIL

The PASS/FAIL option is for unusual personal circumstances and requires school principal approval. If a student is taking the course PASS/FAIL, the student must have passing work to receive credit for the course. All “Pass/Fail” students in any course will take all tests and turn in regular class work along with other students. A class taken on a “Pass/Fail” basis will not affect a student’s grade point average or honor roll standing. If the student passes the class, the student will receive a “P” and a full semester credit on his/her report card for that class. If the student fails the class, the student would then receive an “F” on the report card. A student may only have one PASS/FAIL course per year except in unusual circumstances as determined by the school principal.

Attention Athletes: If you plan to participate in Division I or Division II college athletics, note that courses awarded pass/fail will be assigned our schools’ lowest passing grade by the NCAA Initial Eligibility Center. Students must realize that once they sign up for this grading system, they cannot change systems during the course without teacher approval.

This program is designed to enable students to earn credit for an independent study that will satisfy a needed graduation requirements for a subject area. The independent study will parallel the curriculum of a high school course, but the methods of learning may be different and the experiences will take place outside the classroom. Students should contact the Advanced Learning Coordinator for application forms and detailed information about the program to see if a plan qualifies.

University of Minnesota Talented Youth Mathematics Program (UMTYMP)

UMTYMP is an accelerated program for students in grades 6-12 who are decidedly talented in mathematics. The highly accelerated courses are specially designed to provide students with an intense academic experience that stimulates their mathematical interest and abilities. UMTYMP is offered through the University of Minnesota School of Mathematics Center for Educational Programs (MathCEP), and students must test into the program. Students who attend UMTYMP earn their math credits for high school graduation through this program. For information on UMTYMP and the qualifying exam, consult the website at http://mathcep.umn.edu/umtymp/ or call the MathCEP office at 612-625-2861.

MN Center for Arts Education Public High School

The School of the Arts is a unique, statewide, tuition-free public high school. It offers intensive arts programs in dance, literary arts, media arts, music, theater, and visual arts coupled with strong general studies. Applications are accepted from all Minnesota 10th and 11th grade students who wish to apply for the following school year. The application deadline is February 1 of the year prior to the school year for which application is made. Enrollment is limited. Please see a counselor for additional information.

Minnetonka Options

Students who plan to submit coursework done in a setting other than Minnetonka High School for MHS graduation credit must consult with their counselor for guidelines governing acceptance of such credit.

Course Credit for Prior Learning

Students may test out of any courses offered at Minnetonka High School and receive credit in any subject area if the student is able to demonstrate mastery of the curriculum for that course. Application for Credit by Assessment may occur one quarter in advance of the start of the class or no later than three weeks into the course. See your counselor for application forms and more detailed information.

Area Learning Center–Independent Study

Independent Study is a state certified program for students who are 16 years of age or older who have fallen behind in their graduation plan. Students meet once a week with their teacher(s) and complete assignments on their own time (these courses are in addition to the student’s regular schedule). See counselors for additional information.

PSEO—Post-Secondary Enrollment Options

This option allows any 11th or 12th grader to attend a Minnesota college (subject to college acceptance) at the expense of the state. Students will be granted credits toward their high school diploma for classes successfully completed at the college level. Eligible 10th grade students can enroll in one Career and Technical Education course. It is important that you check with the college you are interested in for the specific PSEO application deadline. See your counselor for more information regarding this program.

SouthWest Metro Intermediate

The Southwest Metro Intermediate District in Chaska, Minnesota, offers career and technical course offerings beyond those which are available at MHS. Please consult with your Minnetonka High School counselor if you have questions.

Students who have disabilities related to hearing, vision, speech, physical mobility, or who have disabilities related to learning or social, emotional, or behavioral needs may be eligible for special education service after an assessment to determine eligibility and need. Students may not register for these services; enrollment is a team decision and is based upon the assessment results. Programs which carry credit toward graduation include alternative courses in the Learning Center including: instruction in the basic skills areas of reading, writing, spelling, math, teaching executive functioning skills (organization, time management, study skills), guidance in behavioral and emotional regulation, social skills and improving peer interactions, and transition planning for post-secondary programs. Special education services could also include speech and language, adaptive physical education and work programs.

Learning Center – Grades: 9-12 – Credit as Arranged

A student’s eligibility for special education is based on an assessment process after a referral has been made. The program is designed to meet individual student needs. This includes: assistance with mainstream assignments, teaching study skills, instruction in the basic skills areas of reading, writing, spelling, math, guidance in behavioral and emotional adjustments in dealing with teen issues and improving peer interactions, and transition planning for post-secondary programs. Special education also includes speech and language services.

COMPASS Program – Grades 9-12

The core goal and focus of COMPASS is to provide support to students both personally and academically. A major part in reaching this goal is to help students build the skills they need to meet personal challenges, be self-advocates, increase self-esteem, improve study skills, complete academic work and plan for the future. COMPASS’ mission is to guide our students to their highest potential while developing the necessary skills for the world outside Minnetonka High School. To meet these goals students are provided a flexible and supportive environment where they are challenged by the mainstream curriculum. Class sizes are limited to 15 students per grade; others may be placed on the waiting list.

ELL (English Language Learners)

Students may qualify for ELL classes with the approval of the ELL department. This program is for students whose first language is not English and whose English proficiency makes it difficult to perform in a mainstream class. Students are tested and may be placed in one to three classes. All ELL students also take some mainstream classes. All ELL classes offer instruction in the four basic areas: speaking, reading, listening, and writing. See the ELL Webpage for more information.