An Overview of the High School Grades

 Students have individual schedules in high school. The program of studies students follow in high school must meet Baltimore City Public School System (BCPSS) graduation requirements. All BCPSS students are expected to enter either a tech prep, occupational prep, or college prep program of studies. (A minimum of four credits in an approved career and technology education program is necessary to meet high school graduation requirements for tech prep and occupational prep programs.)

Tech prep programs have been designed in cooperation with specific two or four-year colleges or universities. Tech prep programs have specific program requirements that vary by program. Students in these programs are preparing for skilled positions in fields that require some training beyond high school. Program requirements have been developed in cooperation with the partner two or four-year college or university.

Occupational prep programs are designed to provide students with entry level job skills after high school graduation. Because these programs also include most of the courses required for college admission, students can easily tailor the program to enable them to prepare for both college and the world of work.

College prep programs are designed to prepare students to meet the entry requirements of four-year colleges and universities. By carefully selecting electives, it is possible for students to combine a rigorous college preparatory program of study with an occupational or tech prep program.

Most BCPSS high schools have a four-period day schedule, which offers the opportunity to earn eight credits each year. Students in schools that are not on the four-period day schedule have the opportunity to earn six or seven credits each year.

Students and their families should meet with counselors at the beginning of ninth grade to create a four-year plan for a program of studies. Although students are able to change the plan as they go through high school, it is important to design a plan that meets BCPSS graduation requirements and that reflects student interests and plans related to work and/or additional schooling after high school graduation. When a student meets with the counselor, he or she will receive a booklet titled Planning Your High School Program. This booklet contains the specific graduation requirements that the student will be required to meet.