Advanced Academics

The Advanced Placement (AP) Program, sponsored by the College Board, offers highly motivated and capable high school students an opportunity to take college-level courses at the local high school. Courses are offered in language arts, mathematics, social studies, science, foreign languages, art music, and computer science depending on course requests at Lockhart High School. AP courses are open enrollment and participation is based on course prerequisites as indicated in the course catalog. In addition to all Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills, a wider range and greater depth of content is taught, with an emphasis on higher level critical thinking skills as well as provisions for creative and productive thinking. The students are required to complete independent as well as guided research. Upon successful completion of the course, the student receives high school credit.

AP Exams

LHS students enrolled in AP courses are expected to take the AP exam that accompanies the AP course in which the student is enrolled. Costs of these exams must be borne by the student; however, limited financial assistance is available.

If the student takes the associated AP exam, advanced placement and/or college credit may be awarded upon college entrance. Colleges and universities have policies regarding how much credit and/or advanced placement will be received for a given score on an AP exam, including any courses from which the student will be exempted or any higher-level courses the student will be allowed to enter. Before taking AP exams, students should check college websites about specific advanced placement and credit policies.

The AP Program also offers the AP International Diploma for students who plan to apply to an overseas university. For further information regarding the College Board AP Program at Lockhart High School, see a school counselor.

The Texas Success Initiative (TSI) web site of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board defines dual credit and concurrent credit in this way:

Dual credit

Dual credit courses are college courses that also count toward high school requirements. These courses may be taken at the high school (or at the college) during the regular school hours and are taught by a high school teacher with appropriate credentials, or by regular college faculty. Successful completion of the course can earn high school credit as well as college credit.

Concurrent Credit

Concurrent courses are college courses taken by a student outside of high school hours and not associated with the high school or the high school curriculum. Successful completion of the course results in college credit.

Dual credit is a process that allows high school students to enroll in college-level classes to earn both high school and college credit. Dual credit courses may be offered on the high school campus or on the college campus during the school day. High school students may also enroll in a college course from the approved list during the summer or after school with the approval of the high school principal.

The Dual Credit courses are in cooperation with Austin Community College and the University of Texas at Austin OnRamps program.

Students who take a college course offered by the high school during the school day will receive simultaneous high school and college credit. During the summer or outside school hours, students who satisfactorily complete pre-approved college courses on the dual credit list will receive high school credit after they present their college courses transcript/grades for placement on the high school transcript.

Dual credit is open to students who have completed the sophomore year requirements.

Juniors and seniors may enroll in college concurrently with high school to extend learning or accumulate college hours.

Credit earned through dual enrollment counts for college and high school credit and fulfills high school graduation requirements if the college course covers required state curriculum.

To take college courses, students must receive both the principal’s and parent’s prior approval. Students pay all costs associated with the courses and must submit an official transcript to the district in order to receive high school credit. To receive credit, the grade in the course must be a C or better.

To take a dual credit or concurrent class from ACC, students must receive prior approval from both the school and their parents. ACC waives all or part of the tuition and fees for dual credit courses for LISD students. Students must submit an official transcript to the district in order to receive high school credit.

Dual enrollment credit is accepted by state schools. Students who plan to attend a private or out-of-state school should check with schools on their policy of accepting dual or concurrent enrollment courses. Interested students should check the course catalog online or with counselors who will have updated lists.

Duke University‘s Talent Search can help academically talented young people get inspired to learn through exciting educational opportunities. At Duke TIP, we understand that children of exceptional intelligence need motivation and support. Through the 4th/5th Grade Talent Search, Duke TIP provides parents with information about how they can help their children develop their talents, and provides students with encouragement to continue challenging themselves during a pivotal stage in their growth. The students who participate in the 4th/5th Talent Search are formally recognized, praised for their performance, and sent a clear message that continuing to develop their intelligence can be fun and fulfilling.

To be eligible a student must live in or attend a public, private, or home school in the state of Texas; must be in 4th/5th grade when applying; and must have scored at the 95th percentile or above on a grade level standardized achievement, aptitude, or mental ability test or approved state criterion referenced test. Participation in the 4th/5th Grade Talent Search continues through the student’s 6th grade year.

Students in LISD will receive notification letters informing them that they have qualified to participate in the 4th/5th Grade Talent Search from campus counselors. The notification letters includes some important information that students will need in order to complete the application if they decide to enroll. Parents may contact the TIP office directly at (919) 668-9100 for further assistance.

Each year, seventh grade students on middle school campuses are identified to participate in the Duke University Talent Identification Program (Duke TIP). The Talent Search recognizes academically talented 7th graders based on standardized test scores achieved in prior years. Candidates are invited to complete either the SAT Reasoning Test or the ACT Assessment college entrance examination. TIP then provides the participants with comparative information concerning their academic abilities and resources for unique educational opportunities.

For more information about preparing for the SAT, visit the College Board website.

LISD offers students the opportunity to accelerate in subject areas through exams aligned with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) and provided through Texas Tech University, the University of Texas, or LISD School Board approved exams.

Students in grades K-5 may accelerate a full grade level by successfully taking exams in math, science, social studies, and language arts. Secondary students may accelerate in a single subject area or in multiple subject areas.

Eligibility

To be eligible for this opportunity, students must be enrolled in the district and student performance and records should indicate a high probability of success.

• University of Texas Distance Education: List of Available Exams
• Texas Tech University Division of Outreach & Distance Education: List of Available Exams

For more information and district registration forms, please contact your campus counselor.

Exam Calendar

TBD: Please contact your school counselor for additional information.