High School Course Information Guide
Our Mission
To ensure all students are career ready and college prepared by designing and providing excellent and engaging learning opportunities.
Our Vision
To be an innovative school system committed to excellence for ALL.
- Course Information
- Course Progression Chart
- Graduation Requirements, Promotion Requirements, & Mid-Year Graduation
- Graduation Checklist for Students
- Class Rankings & GPA
- Choice Schools & Programs
- Credit Recovery
- Dual Enrollment-Career and College Promise (CCP) Program with VGCC
- Driver's Education and Eligibility Requirements
- Endorsements
- High School Transfer Credit
- NCHSAA Eligibility Requirements
- SAT, ACT, Financial AID Resources for College
- Transcripts
- University of North Carolina: Minimum Admission Requirements
- Modified Graduation Plans
Course Information
All courses offered by Franklin County Schools have been listed by subject area. To view all courses available in each area, please select the subject first and then view the courses offered. Please note that some courses may only be offered on one high school campus and will be designated in the heading for the course. Additional courses and programs are also offered through VGCC Career and College Promise, NCVPS Online, and NCSSM Connect.
In compliance with federal law, Franklin County Schools administers all education programs, employment activities, and admissions without discrimination against any person on the basis of gender, race, color, religion, national origin, age or disability. If you have questions or concerns, please visit the following site for further information: FC Policy Code: 1710/4020/7230 Discrimination and Harassment Prohibited by Federal Law
Course Progression Chart
Course Progression Chart
The charts below provide recommendations for course progression pathways for student and parent/guardians to use when planning a student's high school course of study. It is important to note that students are not "locked in" to a particular pathway and can progress to more rigorous coursework based on academic succes and college and career plans. Course offerings and progression pathways may vary at the FCS high schools, students should check with their school counselor for more information. 11th and 12th grade students may also take college-level course through Career and College Promise Program (see Dual enrollment-Career and College Promise Program section for eligibility and course offerings).
Grade | Academic | Honors | Advanced Placement (AP) |
9 | Foundations of English (Fall Semester) & English I (Spring Semester) | ||
9 | English I | English I Honors | |
10 | Composition (Fall Semester) | Composition Honors (Fall Semester) | |
10-AP Capstone Students | AP Seminar & English II Honors | ||
10 | English II (Spring Semester) | English II Honors (Spring Semester) | |
11-AP Capstone Students |
AP Research & AP Language & Composition |
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11 | English III | English III Honors | AP Language & Composition |
12-AP Capstone Students | AP Literature& Composition | ||
12 | English IV | English IV Honors | AP Literature & Composition |
Grade | Academic | Honors | Advanced Placement (AP) |
9 |
Foundations of Math I (Fall Semester) & Math I (Spring Semester) Note: Foundations of Math I may count as a 4th credit for students that plan to attend a community college or enter directly into a career after high school. The students may opt to not take a math course in grade 12. |
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9 | Math I (1 semester) | Math I Honors (1 semester) | |
9 | Math II Honors-If Math I was passed in 8th grade | ||
10 | Math II |
Math II Honors
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|
10 |
Math 3 Honors -For students who passed Math II Honors in grade 9 |
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10 | Math 3 Honors (Fall Semester & Pre-Calculus Honors (Spring Semester)-For students who passed Math II Honors in grade 9 and plan to take Calculus Honors and AP Calculus AB in grade 11. | Math 3 Honors (Fall Semester & AP Pre-Calculus Honors (Spring Semester)-For students who passed Math II Honors in grade 9 and plan to take Calculus Honors and AP Calculus AB in grade 11. | |
11 | Math III | Math III Honors | |
11 | Pre-Calculus Honors-For students who passed Math III Honors is grade 10 |
AP Pre-Calculus-For students who passed Math III Honors in grade 10 AP Statistics-For students who passed Math III Honors in grade 10 |
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11 | Calculus Honors (Fall Semester) & AP Calculus AB-For students who passed Math III Honors and Pre-Calculus Honors in Grade 10 | ||
12-Admission into Community College or enter directly into a Career after High School |
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12-Admission into a 4 year university | Math IV |
Math IV Honors PreCalculus Honors |
AP Pre-Calculus-Prerequiste: Math 3 Honors recommended Honors Calculus & AP Calculus AB (Yearlong)-Prerequiste:Pre-Calculus Honors or AP Pre-Calculus AP Calculus BC-Prerequiste: AP Calculus AB AP Statisitics-Prerequiste: Math 3 Honors recommended |
Grade | Academic | Honors | Advanced Placement (AP) |
9 | Earth Science | Earth Science Honors | |
9 | Biology Honors - For students who plan to take AP Environmental Science in grade 10 | ||
10 | Physical Science | ||
10 | Biology Honors-For students who passed Earth Science Honors in Grade 9 | ||
10 | Biology Honors (Fall Semester) & AP Biology (Spring Semester)-For students who passed Earth Science Honors in grade 9 (Pathway offered at BHS) | ||
10 | AP Environmental Science-For student who passed Biology Honors in grade 9 | ||
11 | Biology | Biology Honors | |
11 |
Chemistry Honors-For students who passed Biology Honors in grade 10 Students may also take Honors Science electives: Anatomy, Astronomy, and Forensics |
Biology II Honors & AP Biology-Prerequiste: Biology Honors (Pathway Offered at FHS) Reasearch Methods in Biology Honors & AP Biology-Prerequiste: Biology Honors (Pathway Offered at LMHS) |
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12 | Honors Science Electives: Anatomy, Astronomy, Forensics |
Honors Chemistry and AP Chemistry-(Pathway Offered at FHS and NCVPS online) AP Environmental Science |
Grade | Academic | Honors | Advanced Placement (AP) |
9 | World History | World History Honors | World History Honors (Fall Semester & AP World History: Modern (Spring Semester) |
10 | American History | American History Honors | American History Honors (Fall Semester & AP US History (Spring Semester)-For students who took Honors World History and/or AP Modern World History in Grade 9 |
11 | Founding Principles of USA & NC: Civic Literacy | Founding Principles fo USA & NC: Civic Literacy Honors | AP US Government & Politics (Offered at FHS & NCVPS Online) |
12 | Economics and Personal Finance | Economics and Personal Finance Honors |
AP Human Geography-Elective (Offered at FHS & NCVPS online)
|
Graduation Requirements, Promotion Requirements, & Mid-Year Graduation
Graduation Requirements
See Franklin County Schools Policy Code 3460 for specific information regarding graduation requirements
Special Graduation Requirement Notes
NOTE 1: Beginning in fall 2022, students entering Grade 6 and subsequently entering Grade 9 for the first time in 2025-26 shall have at least one arts education course in grades 6-12 (Session Law SL2020-78).
- Students must complete the standard course of study (no local electives) for a given arts education course in its entirety to satisfy this requirement. After-school activities or partial courses do not fulfill this graduation requirement.
- Students who transfer into a public school unit beginning in the ninth grade or later may be exempt, if such a requirement would prevent a student from graduating with the graduation cohort to which the student was assigned when transferring.
NOTE 2: One credit of Computer Science instruction to the North Carolina Graduation Requirements starting for students entering ninth grade in the 2024–2025 school year (G.S.115C-12(9d)).
- This will not increase the total number of credits but will reduce the total required number of elective credits by one.
- The course(s) that meet the graduation requirement provided may be offered to middle school students and would fulfill the requirement.
- Only accepted courses on the DPI Accepted Computer Science Courses form can satisfy this requirement.
Promotion Requirements
28 Credits for Graduation
18 units to be a senior with a schedule that qualifies for graduation
12 units to be classified as a junior
6 units to be classified as a sophomore
NOTE: In the event of conflict between State requirements and FCS Board (Policy 3460), the State requirements shall prevail; however, FCS can recommend requirements in addition to State requirements for promotion and graduation.
Mid-Year Graduation (After Seven Semesters)
Seniors who wish to graduate at the midpoint of their senior year through acceleration, will need to consult with their school counselor regarding
graduation credits and all local requirements prior to the beginning of the seventh semester. If a student is approved for midyear graduation and
schedules have been adjusted accordingly, the decision to graduate after seven semesters becomes binding. Each FCS high school holds one graduation ceremony in June for all graduates.
Graduation Checklist for Students
Student Graduation Checklist
Complete the course credit worksheet below using your transcript. Talk to your school counselor and/or teachers if you need help understanding graduation requirements or reading your transcript. Your transcript is a complete record of all the high school courses you took, your grades and the credits you earned.
Student Name:_______________________________________
What is your postsecondary goal? _____________________________________________________________
FCS Revised 2023-2024 Future-Ready Core Graduation Plan 2019-Present
Note: No course can count in more than one content area to meet the graduation requirement. *Four End-of-Course (EOC) assessments must be taken: English II, Math I, Math III, and Biology
Content Area | Credit | Courses Completed/Mark | Notes |
English *English II EOC___ |
5 |
|
|
Mathematics *Math I EOC___ |
4 |
All of these
OR Math Substitution* different based on 9th grade entry date.
|
|
Science *Biology EOC___ |
3 |
|
|
Social Studies | 4 |
Entering 9th graders 2021-2022 & Beyond (All New Courses)
Entering 9th graders 2020-2021
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Health & PE
|
1 |
|
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CPR Certification | P |
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Two Electives from any of the combination from either:
|
2 |
Write in elective courses you have taken below:
2._________________________/______
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Note: For clarification, possible elective combinations may include 2 World Language credits; or 1 CTE credit and 1 Arts Education credit; or 2 CTE credits; or 1 Arts Education credit and 1 World Language credit; or other combinations from a, b and c. *World Language may be required for admission to a 4-college; For college admission, World Language credits must both be in the same language. Be sure to check the admission requirements to the college you plan to attend. |
4 Elective credits from the following (Four-course concerntration recommended):
|
4 |
Write in the elective courses you have taken below:
2._________________________/_____ 3.__________________________/_____ 4._________________________/ _____ |
|
General Electives | 5 |
Write in the elective courses you have taken below:
2._________________________/_____ 3.__________________________/_____ 4._________________________/ _____ 5._________________________/ _____ |
Note:
G.S.115C-12(9d) Computer Science: Adds one credit of Computer Science instruction to the North Carolina Graduation Requirements starting for students entering 9th grade in the 2024–2025 school year. This will not increase the total number of credits but will reduce the total required number of elective credits by one. List of courses that satisfy this requirement. Beginning in fall 2022, students entering Grade 6 and subsequently entering Grade 9 for the first time in 2025-26 shall have at least one arts education course in grades 6-12 (Session Law SL2020-78). |
Total Credits | 28 |
#HS Credits Earned____________ #Credits Earned in Progress________ |
Modified Graduation Plans-22 Credit Programs: Students and parents/guardians interested in a modified graduation plan will meet with a high principal and school counselor to discuss eligibility requirements and the application processes for the following programs (Policy Code 3460-R, GRAD-001, and GRAD-006) |
Class Rankings & GPA
Quality points for rank and GPA
90-100 = A
80-89 = B
70-79 = C
60-69 = D
Below 60 = F
For information on Assignment of Students to Classes and Grade Levels please see Policy Code 4160.
For information on High School Course Credit please see Policy Code 3460
For information on Student Evaluation, Progression and Placement please see Policy Code 3420.
Weighted Courses
Standard courses – Course content, pace and academic rigor follow standards specified by the North Carolina Standard Course of Study (NCSCoS). Standard courses provide credit toward a high school diploma and require the end-of-course test for those courses identified as such in the NC accountability program. Quality points for the GPA calculation are assigned according to the standard 4.0 scale and receive no additional quality points.
Honors courses - Course content, pace and academic rigor place high expectations on the student, demanding greater independence and responsibility. Such courses are more challenging than standard level courses and are distinguished by a difference in the depth and scope of work required to address the NCSCoS. These courses provide credit toward a high school diploma and require the end-of-course test for those courses identified as such in the NC accountability program. An honors review process shall be followed, as outlined in the latest edition of the North Carolina Honors Course Implementation Guide. The state course weighting system awards the equivalent of one-half (.5) quality point to the grade earned in Honors courses.
Advanced Placement/International Baccalaureate (AP/IB) courses - Course content, pace and academic rigor are considered college-level as determined by the College Board or the International Baccalaureate (IB) program and are designed to enable students to earn high scores on the AP or IB test, potentially leading to college credit. These courses provide credit toward a high school diploma and require an EOC in cases where the AP/IB course is the first course taken by a student in a subject where an EOC is required by the NC accountability program. The state weighting system awards the equivalent of one (1) quality point to the grade earned in an AP/IB course.
College courses (“dual enrollment”) - Course content, pace and academic rigor are, by definition, college-level for these courses. College courses, which may be delivered by a community college, public university or private college or university, provide credit toward a high school diploma and may satisfy a graduation requirement or provide an elective course credit. The state weighting system adds the equivalent of one (1) quality point to the grade earned in community college courses included on the most recent Comprehensive Articulation Agreement Transfer List, and for courses taught at four-year universities and colleges.
Courses eligible for weights include higher-level high school courses that fall into one of the following categories:
1. Honors sections of standard-level academic courses, including NC Virtual Public School courses and other on-line courses, that are in accordance with the philosophy, rubric, procedures, guidelines, and standards for curriculum, instruction, and assessment as described in the North Carolina Honors Course Implementation Guide. Such courses are assigned additional quality points in accordance with the Honors section above; it is not necessary to offer a standard level of a course to offer an honors level.
2. Pre-calculus, non-AP/IB calculus, mathematics courses beyond the level of calculus, and world language courses beyond the second-year level are considered inherently advanced and are assigned Honors-level weighting in accordance with the Honors section above.
3. Arts education courses meeting the standards for proficient and advanced dance, music, theatre arts, and visual arts are assigned Honors-level weighting in accordance with the Honors section above.
4. Project Lead the Way courses approved for college credit are assigned college-level weighting in accordance with College Courses section above.
Choice Schools & Programs
Franklin County Early College High School (FCECHS)
The Franklin County Early College High School is a collaboration between Franklin County Schools and Vance-Granville Community College. FCECHS opened in 2010 and is located on Vance-Granville’s Franklin Campus in Louisburg, NC. Funded by a grant through the NC New Schools Project and the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, ECHS is a five-year school where graduates will receive a high school diploma and a two year Associates Degree and/or College Transfer Credits from Vance-Granville Community College.
- Information for Prospective Students and Families
- ECHS Graduation Requirements
- VGCC AA Degree Requirements
- VGCC AS Degree Requirements
- VGCC AA Teacher Preparation Program
Louisburg Magnet High School emphasizes a specialized theme focused on STEM education using the engineering design process and Project Based Learning. It is our mission to provide students with the ability to be innovative thinkers while learning in an engaging hands-on learning environment that will help them cultivate career and college interest and opportunities. All Franklin County schools, including magnet/choice schools, follow a curriculum prescribed by the State. Magnet/choice schools, however, provide unique opportunities for in-depth study and enrichment experiences in specific areas of interest such as math, science, the arts, technology, etc. STEM experiences are taught using the Engineering Design Process and Project Based Learning which greatly expand a student's exposure to particular areas of interest beyond those available in other schools.
TEACH Program-Teachers Educated and Cultivated at Home
Under the TEACH program, students and families must first apply and be accepted to Franklin County Early College High School (FCECHS) to participate. Please complete the application to FCECHS
Credit Recovery
CREDIT RECOVERY
Students who fail a high school course may retake parts of the course through an online credit recovery, APEX, to earn credit for the course. Credit recovery delivers a subset of the blueprint of the original course in order to specifically address deficiencies in a student’s mastery of the course and target specific components of a course necessary for completion. A pre-assessment of the student’s understanding of the course material will be administered at the beginning of the course and the credit recovery will be tailored to meet the needs of the individual student. The length of a credit recovery course is dictated by the skills and knowledge the student needs to recover and not a fixed length of seat time.
Any EOC exam associated with the credit recovery course may be administered no later than 30 days upon completion of the credit recovery course. The credit recovery will be graded as pass or fail and will not impact the student’s grade point average. The original grade for the course will remain on the student’s transcript.
The superintendent shall develop procedures addressing the implementation of credit recovery opportunities across the school system.
REPEATING A COURSE FOR CREDIT
1. Repeating a Previously Failed Course
As provided in State Board of Education policy CCRE-001, high school students who fail a course for credit may repeat that course. To take advantage of this option, the student must repeat the entire course. Beginning with the 2015-16 school year, when a student initially fails a high school course and successfully repeats the course for credit, the new course grade will replace the original failing grade for the course on the student’s transcript and in calculations of the student’s GPA, class rank, and honor roll eligibility. If a student is repeating an EOC course for credit and has a passing score, the student may elect to take the EOC. If the student is not passing the course, the EOC exam must be taken. The superintendent may develop procedures for students to indicate their intent to repeat a course for credit under this paragraph and may establish any other rules as necessary and consistent with State Board policy.
2. Repeating a Course for which Credit was Earned (Grade Replacement)
The board recognizes that high school students may need to repeat a course for which they have earned credit in order to increase their understanding of the course content, to improve skill mastery, or to meet postsecondary goals. Students may repeat a course for which they have previously earned credit, subject to the following preconditions and any other reasonable rules established by the superintendent:
a. the student must have earned a letter grade of C or lower in the course on the first attempt;
b. the student must make a written request to repeat the course;
c. the principal or designee must approve the request;
d. there must be space available after seats have been assigned to students who are taking the course for the first time or repeating a previously failed course;
e. the course to be repeated must be a duplicate of the original class and must be taken during the regular school day at a high school in this school system or through the North Carolina Virtual Public School;
f. upon completion of the repeated course, the new course grade will replace the student’s original grade on the student’s transcript and in calculations of the student’s GPA, class rank, and honor roll eligibility, regardless of whether the later grade is higher or lower than the student’s original mark;
g. credit towards graduation for the same course will be given only once;
h. a course may be repeated only one time; and
i. students may repeat a maximum of four previously passed courses during their high school careers.
The superintendent shall require notice to students and parents of these preconditions and of any other relevant information deemed advisable by the superintendent.
Dual Enrollment-Career and College Promise (CCP) Program with VGCC
VGCC Registration & Application Process
Career and College Promise (CCP) Pathways are for qualified high school students who wish to pursue college courses while still in high school. Through Career and College Promise opportunities, students may enroll in college courses in order to accelerate completion of college certificates, diplomas, and associate degrees that lead to college transfer or provide entry-level job skills. In some cases, it is possible for students to meet all of the necessary requirements for certificate completion and award upon graduation from high school.
CCP College Transfer (CT) Pathways and the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Pathways offered through Vance-Granville Community College (VGCC). Students who wish to pursue a pathway in one of these areas should first contact their high school counselor. The school counselors are in the best position to determine a student’s eligibility and should be able to assist and guide both students and parents with the application and registration process.
Career & College Promise Transfer Pathway
The CCP Transfer Pathway is designed for high school juniors and seniors who wish to begin study toward an Associate degree and a baccalaureate degree. The Transfer Pathways are a structured set of courses, in the Comprehensive Articulation Agreement (CAA) between the University of North Carolina and the North Carolina Community College System, leading to completion of the Associate in Arts or Associate in Science degree. The courses in each pathway are selected from the Universal General Education Transfer Component (UGETC) component of the CAA. All UGETC courses in which the student earns a grade of “C” or better will transfer for equivalency credit at any of the UNC universities. The pathways require the completion of at least 30 semester hours of transfer courses including English, mathematics, and ACA 122. Eligible Students can select one of the following pathways:
College Transfer Enrollment Eligibility
1. Be a high school junior or senior;
2. Have a unweighted GPA of 2.8 on high school courses or demonstrate college readiness in English, reading, and mathematics on an assessment or placement test (see school counselor for more information).
To Maintain Eligibility for Continued Enrollment, a student must:
1. Continue to make progress toward high school graduation, and
2. Maintain a 2.0 GPA in college coursework after completing two college courses.
A student who falls below a 2.0 GPA after completing two college courses will be subject to the college’s policy for satisfactory academic progress.
Driver's Education and Eligibility Requirements
DRIVER’S ELIGIBILITY AND STUDENT PARKING
DRIVERS EDUCATION
The state of North Carolina provides each student with the opportunity to take driver training. Drivers Education is offered through a private contractor during after-school hours, holidays, and summer months. Enrollment information is available from site coordinators in each high school.
- Students must be at least 14 ½ years old and academically eligible to obtain a driver’s permit and/or license.
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Classes are held during the school year and during the summer.
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Sign-ups will be held periodically throughout the year at each high school.
There are several ways students can lose their driver's license or permit or eligibility to receive those items:
- failure to make appropriate progress in school (on a block schedule, a student must pass at least 3 subjects per semester);
- dropping out of school;
- expulsion, suspension, or assignment to an alternative education setting for more than ten days for comitting one of the following offenses; possession/sale of alcohol or a controlled substance on school property or at a school-sponsored or school-related activity; possesion or use of a weapon or firearm on school property; and assault on a teacher or other school personnel on school property or at a school sponsored or school activity.
PARKING PERMIT - PROCEDURES
Student parking is by permit only. All students applying for a campus parking permit must show proof of a valid driver's license before the permit is issues. Please see your school's site coordinator for parking permit information.
Endorsements
Endorsements
Beginning with the graduating class of 2014-15, students have the opportunity to earn Endorsements to their High School Diploma (GRAD-007). Students must meet all requirements set forth in State Board Policy GRAD-004: State Graduation Requirements related to earning a high school diploma. Endorsements identify a particular area of focused study for students. Students may earn a Career Endorsement, a College Endorsement, a Global Languages Endorsement, and/or a North Carolina Academic Scholars Endorsement. The requirements for each type of endorsement are listed on the following pages.
Career Endorsement Requirements
- Except as limited by NCGS §115C-81(b), the student shall complete the Future-Ready Core mathematics sequence. Acceptable fourth math courses for the Career Endorsement include any math course that may be used to meet NC high school graduation requirements including applied math courses found in the Career & Technical Education (CTE) domain.
- The student shall complete a CTE concentration in one of the approved CTE Cluster Areas.
- The student shall earn an unweighted grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.6.
- The student shall earn at least one industry recognized credential. Earned credentials can include Career Readiness Certificates (CRC) at the silver level or above from WorkKeys assessments or other appropriate industry credential/certification.
College Endorsement Requirements
Option #1
- The student shall complete Future-Ready Core mathematics sequence. The fourth math course must meet the University of North Carolina system Minimum Admission Requirements or be acceptable for earning placement in a credit-bearing math class under the North Carolina Community College System’s Multiple Measures Placement Policy.
- The student shall earn an unweighted GPA of at least 2.6.
Option #2
- The student shall complete the Future-Ready Core mathematics sequence and a fourth math course that meets the University of North Carolina Minimum Admissions Requirements that include a mathematics course with either Algebra II, Math III, or Integrated Mathematics III as a prerequisite.
- The student shall complete three units of science including at least one physical science with a lab, one life science, and one additional science course.
- The student shall complete US History or equivalent coursework.
- The student shall complete two units of a world language (other than English).
- The student shall earn a weighted GPA of at least 2.5. Global Languages Endorsement
- The student shall earn a combined unweighted GPA of 2.5 or above for the four English Language Arts courses required for graduation.
- The student shall establish proficiency in one or more languages in addition to English, using one of the options outlined below in accordance with the guidelines developed by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction:
- Pass an external exam approved by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction establishing “intermediate low” proficiency or higher per the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) proficiency scale
- Complete a four-course sequence of study in the same world language, earning an overall unweighted GPA of 2.5 or above in those courses.
- Establish “intermediate low” proficiency or higher per the ACTFL proficiency scale using the Credit by Demonstrated Mastery SBE policy.
North Carolina Academic Scholars
Endorsement Students who complete the requirements for this academically challenging high school program are named North Carolina Academic Scholars and receive special recognition. Students must:
- The student shall complete the Future-Ready Core mathematics sequence of Math I, II, III; Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II; or Integrated Math I, II, III and a fourth-level mathematics course that meets University of North Carolina system Minimum Course Requirements that include a mathematics course with either Math III, Algebra II, or Integrated Mathematics III as a pre-requisite;
- The student shall complete three course credits of science including an Earth/Environmental science course, Biology, and at least one physical science course that must include either physics or chemistry;
- For students entering ninth grade in 2012-13 or later, the student shall complete four course credits of social studies;
- The student shall complete two course credits of a world language (other than English);The student shall complete four elective course credits in any one subject area, such as Career and Technical Education (CTE), JROTC, Arts Education, World Languages, or in another content area;
- The student shall have completed at least three higher-level courses during junior and/or senior years which carry quality points such as Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate or Dual Enrollment courses; Advanced CTE and CTE credentialing courses; honors level courses, or Project Lead the Way courses; and
- The student shall earn an unweighted grade point average of at least 3.50.
High School Transfer Credit
Acceptance of High School Transfer Credit
Students transferring into Franklin County Schools from another school, whether private or public, a home school, or an alternative school may receive credit toward graduation for courses successfully completed in the sending school. Students who previously attended a public school in North Carolina will receive credit and grades through the student information management system for NCDPI.
Upon review and approval by the principal, students transferring into a Franklin County high school from a private school, non-public school or home school may receive credit toward graduation for courses successfully completed in the previous setting under the following conditions:
- documentation must be provided to the receiving Franklin County high school by the sending school as to the course of study the student followed, materials used, total number of contact hours per course, and scores of any standardized tests the student has taken;
- grades will be recorded as "Pass" (P) or "Fail" (F) and will be identified on the transcript as non-Franklin County Schools grades; and
- grades and credits will not be included in the calculation of GPA or class rank
To the extent possible, students who transfer into a Franklin County high school in the middle of an academic year or semester will be enrolled in courses that are similar to those in which they had been enrolled at their previous school. In the event that, due to course offerings at the receiving Franklin County school, a student is unable to enroll in a course that is similar to one in which he/she had been enrolled, the student will be given the opportunity to enroll in an alternate course that will not result in the denial of credit to the extent practical. For example, if the student can "catch up" in the class or perform adequately without having completed the first part of the class, the student may earn credit in an alternative course. Determinations of credit for transfer students will be based on a review of individual circumstances. The Board does not guarantee course credit if a student is unable to complete a course due to a transfer. For futher information see FCS Policy Code: 4160 Assignment of Students to Classes.
NCHSAA Eligibility Requirements
To participate in high school athletics, a student must have passed a minimum load of work during the preceding semester to be eligible at any time during the present semester. A minimum load is defined as three courses on a block schedule. A senior must take a minimum load of two classes during the spring semester to be eligible to participate in spring sports.
NCHSAA
COLLEGE LEVEL ATHLETIC ELIGIBILITY
NCAA FRESHMAN-ELIGIBILITY STANDARDS
Core Courses
NCAA Divisions I and II require 16 core courses. See the charts below.
Beginning August 1, 2016, NCAA Division I will require 10 core courses to be completed prior to the seventh semester (seven of the 10 must be a combination of English, math or natural or physical science that meet the distribution requirements below). These 10 courses become "locked in" at the start of the seventh semester and cannot be retaken for grade improvement.
Beginning August 1, 2016, it will be possible for a Division I college-bound student-athlete to still receive athletics aid and the ability to practice with the team if he or she fails to meet the 10 course requirement, but would not be able to compete.
Test Scores
Division I uses a sliding scale to match test scores and core grade-point averages (GPA). The sliding scale for those requirements can be viewed here.
Division II requires a minimum SAT score of 820 or an ACT sum score of 68.
The SAT score used for NCAA purposes includes only the critical reading and math sections. The writing section of the SAT is not used.
The ACT score used for NCAA purposes is a sum of the following four sections: English, mathematics, reading and science.
When you register for the SAT or ACT, use the NCAA Eligibility Center code of 9999 to ensure all SAT and ACT scores are reported directly to the NCAA Eligibility Center from the testing agency.
Test scores that appear on transcripts will not be used.
Grade-Point Average
Be sure to look at your high school’s List of NCAA Courses on the NCAA Eligibility Center's website (www.eligibilitycenter.org). Only courses that appear on your school's List of NCAA Courses will be used in the calculation of the core GPA.
Division I students enrolling full time before August 1, 2016, should use Sliding Scale A here to determine eligibility to receive athletics aid, practice and competition during the first year.
Division I GPA required to receive athletics aid and practice on or after August 1, 2016, is 2.000-2.299 (corresponding test-score requirements are listed on Sliding Scale B here.
Division I GPA required to be eligible for competition on or after August 1, 2016, is 2.300 (corresponding test-score requirements are listed on Sliding Scale B on Page No. 2 of this sheet).
The Division II core GPA requirement is a minimum of 2.000.
NCAA Student-Athlete Eligibility
SAT, ACT, Financial AID Resources for College
Transcripts
Transcripts
FCS high schools use the College Foundation of North Carolina (CFNC) Electronic Transcript as the primary method of sending senior transcripts to institutions of higher education in North Carolina. All North Carolina colleges, universities and community colleges accept the CFNC Electronic Transcript. These transcripts are free to current seniors and are sent within one day of the request through the student CFNC account online. More information can be found at www.cfnc.org
FCS high schools provides each currently enrolled high school student access to official transcripts at no charge. After receiving written permission from the parent for students under the age of 18, these transcripts will be sent to any college, university, or organization requested. Consult your school counselor or registrar for more information on sending transcripts.
In addition to the initial transcripts, there is no charge for the following:
- Mid-year senior year transcript
- Final transcript after graduation
- Transcript for any scholarship or award requested by the high school scholarship committee.
After senior year, alumni will need to submit transcript requests through the transcript request tool NeedMyTranscript.
University of North Carolina: Minimum Admission Requirements
University of North Carolina System: Minimum Admission Requirements
The UNC Board of Governors recently adopted a time-limited policy provision that allows a student to meet minimum eligibility requirements for admissions consideration. A student who earns at least a 2.5 weighted high school grade point average OR a minimum test score on either the ACT (19) or the SAT (1010) is eligible for review by any of the 16 UNC System universities. A student must still take either the ACT or the SAT to be considered for admission. All applicants must submit a valid score as part of their application to any individual institution. Please note that while these are the minimum requirements for consideration, they do not guarantee acceptance.
*Due to COVID-19 impacts, the UNC Board of Governors voted to extend the current testing waiver for students applying for admissions through Fall 2024. Students will have the option to submit an ACT or SAT test score, but test scores will not be required for admission decisions. Those who do not submit a standardized test score will need to meet the minimum weighted GPA of 2.5 to be considered for undergraduate admission.
UNC System Minimum Admission Requirements
Four course units in language, including
- four units in English emphasizing grammar, composition, and literature
Four course units of mathematics, in any of the following combinations
- algebra I and II, geometry, and one unit beyond algebra II,
- algebra I and II, and two units beyond algebra II, or
- integrated math I, II, and III, and one unit beyond integrated math III.
The University strongly encourages future students to take at least one mathematics course unit in the 12th grade.
Three course units in science, including
- at least one unit in a life or biological science (for example, biology),
- at least one unit in physical sciences (for example, physical science, chemistry, physics), and
- at least one laboratory course.
Two course units in social studies, including one unit in U.S. history. Students who do not have the unit in U.S. history may be admitted on the condition that that they pass at least three semester hours in that subject by the end of the sophomore year.
For students applying for first-time (freshman) admission to constituent institutions through the 2024 spring semester:
- Two-course units of a language other than English.
NEW - For students applying for first-time (freshman) admission to constituent institutions after the 2024 spring semester:
- Two additional academic courses from English, mathematics, science, social studies, world languages, or computer science.
(Note: these courses should be selected in alignment with a student’s academic and career objectives. Completion of two sequential world language courses is recommended.)
Reference UNC Minimum Admission Requirements
Modified Graduation Plans
Modified Graduation Plans
Students and parents/guardians interested in a modified graduation plan will meet with a high principal and school counselor to discuss eligibility requirements and the application processes for the programs listed below.
- Franklin County Schools 22 Credit Program: (Policy Code 3460-R)
- Early Graduation (GRAD-001)
- Accelerated Pathway for Early Graduation (GRAD-006)
Informed Choice Registration
High schools operate under a parent/student informed choice open registration. The decision to enroll in any course offered is the choice and responsibility of the student and his/her parents. Parameters, of course, exist such as proper course sequence and those courses required for graduation. Although school personnel may make recommendations concerning level of difficulty (for example, academic, honors, and so forth), the parent and student should weigh all options and be part of the final decision. Every effort is made to place a student in the desired classes, but there are times when some changes must be made. Class schedules are generally received by the student several weeks prior to the beginning of the school year. Please note the designated drop/add dates and times. It is most important that any schedule changes take place during those times to ensure desired classes are obtained and no class time is missed.
Course Selection
Parents and students are encouraged to consider upper level courses that will offer more rigor and challenge to students. Franklin County Schools has a wide selection of courses taught at the Honors and Advanced Placement levels. Colleges and universities look closely at the level of work on a student’s transcript. Students earn an additional quality points for taking classes at the Honors and the Advanced Placement (AP) levels. Most colleges and universities will accept AP test scores earned in high school and apply them as college or university level credits. For additional information, contact your school counselor.
Course Load & Course Withdrawal Penalty
All students are expected to take a full load (four) of courses each semester. Under certain circumstances a student may be considered for less than a full load. For this, the principal must approve, as well as the parent and student, with the appropriate form completed and on file in the student’s permanent school folder.
Students are not allowed to drop a course after the first ten days of school. If a student withdraws after the ten-day period, a failure (WF) is noted as the grade and the course is counted as a course attempted with no quality points earned. This action will result in a lower grade point average for the student.