Academic

9th Grade Planning Timeline (PDF)

Freshman year is all about laying the foundation for your high school career. It is a time to find out “who I am,” and begin to establish your academic self. It is a great time to explore extracurricular activities and explore options for your career or further education.

Fall of Freshman Year

• Meet your school counselor
• Get involved in clubs, activities, or sports that suit your interests
• Explore your strengths and interests through elective courses
• Develop a routine and time management skills to help navigate the demands of high school
• Ask questions

Winter of Freshman Year

• Explore your interests and potential careers through Xello
• Scheduling - remember each grade impacts your GPA and failed core courses must be repeated
• Begin to explore post secondary options including further education, work or military 

Spring/Summer of Freshman Year

• Begin to map out a 4 year plan that aligns with your goals
• Understand the importance of GPA, transcript and graduation requirements
• Register for summer school courses for enrichment or credit recovery if needed
• Get involved in the community and look for potential job opportunities

Planning for Parents

• Progress reports
  • Reports will be given every five (5) weeks which gives a snapshot of how your student is doing. Monitor your students progress through canvas any time of the year
• Get involved
  • Maintain open communication with your student. Often times the transition to high school can be a difficult adjustment, both academically and socially/emotionally. Reach out for support in areas they may be struggling with
• Encourage exploration
  • Many students do not know exactly what they want to do post high school. Encourage your student to explore elective classes as well as school and community opportunities
• Provide support by praising their hard work and continue conversations about their academic and social progress
   

10th Grade Planning Timeline (PDF)

Fall of Sophomore Year

• Evaluate your course load- work on balancing academics, career planning, and social activities
• List what you know and familiarize yourself with the difference between 2 year colleges, 4 year colleges, technical colleges, private colleges, and military options
• Commit to extracurricular activities, clubs, and volunteering that suit your interests.
• Register to take the PSAT
• Stay on track with your courses- do not let yourself fall behind
• Continue exploring career options with Xello and your Academic and Career Planning lessons in Homeroom to assist you in your post-secondary planning

Winter of Sophomore Year

• Scheduling- review your course selection for junior year
  • Make sure you are enrolling in courses needed to prepare you for college admission or a career
• Explore options for dual credit courses
• Meet with your school counselor to ensure you are staying on track

Spring/Summer of Sophomore Year

• Begin looking at potential colleges/careers that interest you
  • Decide what factors are important to you and find colleges/careers that match your criteria
• Stay on track in your classes and pay attention to your grades
• Register for summer school courses for either enrichment or credit recovery if needed
• Begin preparing for the ACT test - ALL juniors will take this in Spring
• Get involved in the community to acquire volunteer experience
• Explore getting a summer job - you may qualify for work experience

Planning for Parents

• Stay involved
• Continue with open conversations regarding their progress, potential struggles, and future plans. Encourage exploration and balance when selecting future courses 
   

11th Grade Planning Timeline (PDF)

Junior year is probably your most important year for establishing a strong academic record and proving your commitment to extracurricular efforts. This is also a key year in the college planning process as you’ll be taking standardized tests, narrowing your college list, and learning about financial aid. It is a great time to narrow your focus and think about the future.

Fall of Junior Year

• Review your schedule carefully, have you selected appropriate courses for your career path?
• Meet with your school counselor to continue exploring and solidifying your post-secondary plans.
• Meet with college representatives and military recruiters during W Hour to learn more about their opportunities!
• Continue compiling a list of potential colleges/career choices.
• Participate in school and communities activities!

Winter of Junior Year

• Spend time preparing and studying for the ACT test!
• Select appropriate courses for senior year!
  • Make sure course selections are based on your post-secondary goals!
• Make sure choices satisfy ALL graduation requirements- if you are unsure, ask!
• Continue to explore college/career options.
• Continue to explore colleges and careers on Xello
  • Seek assistance from your school counselor if you need it!
• Prepare or add to your resume for college applications and future scholarships!

Spring/Summer of Junior Year

• Take the ACT at West, and send scores to schools you are interested in attending
• Begin to visit colleges you are planning to attend (check the college website for scheduled preview days)!
• Register for summer school for either enrichment or credit recovery if needed
• Make sure you meet academic admission requirements for colleges you are planning to apply
• Ask 3 different people for letters of recommendations to be prepared for the beginning of senior year

Planning for Parents

• Ask questions
  • If you have questions, discuss them with your student and try to find answers together
     

12th Grade Planning Timeline (PDF)

Your senior year is where it all finally comes together. All of your hard work and involvement will hopefully help you achieve the goals you have set for yourself. Senior year is often a very busy time. Be sure to stay on track, get organized, and beware of deadlines. Before you know it, you will be preparing to walk across the stage and into the next chapter of your life.  

Fall of Senior Year

• Double check!
  • Check that your academic program meets high school graduation and postsecondary entrance requirements. Double check your transcript for accuracy and make sure you are taking the correct courses your senior year. 
• Letters of recommendation and the college essay
  • Request letters of recommendation from teachers and counselors in a timely manner. 
• Complete and submit applications
  • Colleges begin accepting applications August 1st. 
• After application is sent, send your transcript through Parchment
  • Parchment $4.15
• FAFSA and Scholarships
  • Complete FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) after January 1st.
  • Look for scholarships listed on our website and through your selected colleges 

Winter of Senior Year

• Schedule changes for second semester:
  • If you have applied or been accepted to a college, you need permission from the admission office to make changes to your schedule!
• Double check your schedule to ensure you are meeting ALL graduation requirements! 
• Continue to explore and apply for scholarships!
• Stay on track in your courses, do not fall behind!

Spring/Summer of Senior Year

• Make final decisions on post-secondary plans.
• Make final housing arrangements if attending a college and not living at home.
• Attend senior graduation meetings!
• Check over the Student Aid Report (SAR) from your Financial Aid Application.
• Register for and take any required college placement exams.
• Order final transcripts to be sent to the college of your choice through parchment.com
   

What are CAPP Courses?

Juniors and seniors who meet eligibility requirements may take University of Wisconsin Oshkosh (UWO) courses at Oshkosh West High School and earn BOTH high school and college credit. This agreement with UWO is called Cooperative Academic Partnership Program, or CAPP.

The school district grants .25 high school credits for each college credit (example: a 3 credit UWO course equals .75 high school credits). All CAPP courses are computed into both your high school GPA and your University GPA!

What are the eligibility requirements?

• Juniors OR seniors who meet at least ONE of the three:
  • Rank in the upper 25% of their class
  • Have a minimum cumulative Grade Point Average of 3.25
  • Have an ACT score of 24 or higher AND one of the following: in the top 50% of the class or have a minimum cumulative Grade Point Average of 2.75 or higher

What is the cost of a CAPP course?

Tuition for CAPP courses is $100 per college credit. The number of credits varies per course. Tuition for students who qualify for free/reduced lunch is $50 per college credit. 

Before Choosing between AP and CAPP Courses:

• You may wish to call your prospective colleges and/or universities to which you plan to apply in order to find out if AP and/or CAPP credits are accepted at each school.
• Please note that not all colleges and universities accept AP and/or CAPP credits.

For additional information on CAPP courses and the enrollment process, please refer to the CAPP website HERE!

Who should I contact if I am interested in taking a CAPP course?

If you are a junior or senior who meets the eligibility requirements to take a CAPP course and have additional questions, please reach out to your school counselor.

What is the Advanced Placement Program?

The Advanced Placement Program enables students to pursue college-level studies while in high school. Based on their performance on rigorous AP Examinations, students can earn credit, advanced placement, or both for college.

Oshkosh Area School District offers several AP courses, which prepare students for the AP Examinations. In addition, students may choose to take any of the other exams in which they feel prepared without enrollment in an AP course. AP examinations are offered in the spring semester of every year. For a complete listing of AP examinations available, please visit the AP Website. 

How do I earn college credit for an AP course?

• Students earn high school credit and a grade for the class based on their academic performance in the class.
• Student may earn college credit based on a cumulative assessment taken at the end of the school year (cost of the test.
  • Students must register and pay $94 to take the AP assessment in September.
• A score of a 3, 4, or 5 is generally needed to earn college credit.

Who should I contact if I am interested in taking an AP course?

Alex Piester is Oshkosh West's AP coordinator- please feel free to reach out if you have questions! 
Email: alexandra.piester@oshkosh.k12.wi.us

What is the Early College Credit Program?

The Early College Credit Program permits eligible juniors and seniors enrolled full-time at West High School, to attend the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh (UWO) for the purpose of taking one or more dual-credit courses during or after school hours (school year only)- up to a maximum of 18 credits during high school. Additionally, the cost of tuition and book/materials are paid for by the Oshkosh Area School District.

To qualify for a course at UWO, a student must exhaust ALL courses for that subject offered in the Oshkosh Area School District. The Oshkosh School District will grant .25 high school credits for each college credit awarded (example- a 3 credit college course equals .75 high school credits). All Early College Credit courses are computed into BOTH your high school GPA and appear on your official University transcripts.

What is the eligibility criteria for the Early College Credit Program?

• Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 on a 4.0 scale
• Rank in the upper 25% of your class
• Currently rank in the upper 50% of the class AND have an ACT score of 24 or higher. 

Note- UW Oshkosh administrators determine the final decision on admission. The student will receive a letter from the university regarding final admission decision. 

How do I apply to be an Early College Credit Student?

• Talk with your school counselor about your eligibility and which classes you are interested in taking.
• Complete ALL all application materials on time:
  • Complete the UW System Early College Credit Application
  • Complete the UW System Early College Credit Participation Form

University of Wisconsin System ECCP Information and Application

What is the Start College Now Program?

Start College Now is a program designed to introduce high school students to the world of higher education. In addition to getting a first-hand view of the college experience, you can earn both high school and college credit at the same time. These credits may be applied toward a degree at Fox Valley Technical College or at many other Wisconsin Colleges. 

To qualify for a course at FVTC, a student must exhaust ALL courses for that subject offered in the Oshkosh Area School District.

The Oshkosh School District will grant .25 high school credits for each college credit awarded (example- a 3 credit college course equals .75 high school credits). All Start College Now courses are computed into BOTH your high school GPA and appear on your official University transcripts.

What is the eligibility criteria for the Start College Now Program?

• Minimum cumulative GPA of 1.67 OR
• Be a student in good standing 
• Meet course entry requirements

How do I apply to be a Start College Now Student?

• Talk with your school counselor about your eligibility and which classes you are interested in taking.
• Complete ALL all application materials on time:
  • Complete the Start College Now interest inventory located on the FVTC website
  • Complete the Start College Now program application

Fox Valley Technical College (Start College Now) Information and Application

What are Fox Valley Technical College Dual Credit Courses?

Juniors and seniors who meet the criteria set by the Oshkosh Area School District and Fox Valley Technical College are eligible to take certain high school courses and receive high school and FVTC credit.

The school district grants. 25 high school credit for each college credit (a three credit FVTC course equals .75 high school credit). All dual-credit courses are computed into both high school grade point average and technical college GPA.

What is the cost of a Fox Valley Technical College Dual Credit Course?

Students enrolled in FVTC courses must purchase course materials, including textbooks, and may be required to pay tuition. Exemptions for these costs exist for families who qualify for free/reduced lunch.

What is Youth Apprenticeship?

Juniors and seniors who are in good standing and have taken at least one class in the career area they are applying to are eligible for the Youth Apprenticeship program. Youth Apprenticeship is a state sponsored program that allows students to "try out" the career they are interested in within a real world work environment. Students must work at least 450 hours in a calendar year at their job setting and complete two semesters of related coursework.

What are the requirements to be placed in a Youth Apprenticeship?

• Complete one class in the career area and one concurrent during placement
• Successful interview
• Complete an application and resume
• Secure transportation to and from job site

For more information please fill out an interest form, or contact Mr. Alex Corrado (acorrado@cesa6.org).