Program of Studies

Once the master schedule is created, based on student requests, no schedule changes will be permitted after the designed drop / add period. Within the first ten (10) days of a course, students will be permitted to submit the Schedule Change Application form (available in the HS Counseling Office) to either add or drop a course for the following reasons.

1. Approved changes will be made on a space-available basis:
2. Scheduling error: (Missing period) 
3. Academic: Incorrect course level, Graduation Deficiency
4. College/Career Plans Change 
5. Summer School Work Completed 
6. Work Release/Dual Credit
7. Study Hall/ Electives: Students may also add an elective course in order to eliminate a study hall or drop an elective course if they are without a study hall.  Adding a study hall will only be considered if students are on pace with their graduation requirements.  Students are not permitted to change electives, or to request a specific teacher.

PLEASE NOTE: Meeting any of the conditions listed above does not mean the automatic granting of a schedule change. There are times when the student’s course change request cannot be met due to full classes, unavailability of classes at appropriate times necessary to meet the student’s needs, or other similar circumstances. Classes may be added or dropped during the first ten days of the course with no impact on the student’s transcript. 
 

Honors courses are designed for students who are academically prepared to engage in accelerated, in-depth, and independent learning. These courses serve as explicit preparation for Advanced Placement (AP) and College in High School coursework and are taught at a pace and level of rigor that exceeds standard academic courses.

Advanced Placement (AP) and College-in-High-School (CIHS) courses are taught at the college level that follow postsecondary academic standards and expectations. These courses require students to demonstrate the skills, independence, and academic stamina expected in post-secondary settings.

Students and parents are strongly encouraged to follow teacher and counselor placement recommendations when selecting Honors, AP, or CIHS courses. Enrollment in these courses indicates acceptance of the pace, workload, and performance expectations, regardless of prior course experience or personal preference.

After the first ten (10) days of a course, the student and teacher may have a conference and begin to complete the Course Drop form to request a placement change. If the course placement change is approved, the grade from the previous course will follow them to the newly approved course.

Placement and level changes will only be considered if all of the following have occurred

• Teacher and student have a conference and begin completing the input forms
• Academic Team Meeting
• Student completes all homework
• Student attends tutoring (must attend at least 3 sessions)
• Counselor, Teacher, Administrator discussion and approval

Course(s) Withdrawal: In the event that a student would want to drop a course after the 10-day period, a designation of “WF” (withdraw failing) will appear on the student’s transcript. This becomes part of the student’s permanent record. However, for level schedule changes, the student’s percentage of achievement in the original course will be transferred to the new course and no “WF” will appear on the transcript.  

PLEASE NOTE: Classes with less than 10 students enrolled could be dropped from the master schedule. Students will be notified and afforded the opportunity to choose another class.   

Official Transcripts requested to be sent to colleges/universities will be processed no earlier than 2 weeks after the first day of the current school year. This will ensure that the students’ academic records are correct and that their current schedule is accurate. Please note that only one transcript can be sent to each college via Naviance, which can be found on the student’s links page of www.sparksd.org. Additionally, only transcript requests made via Naviance will be processed. No email requests from parents or students will be considered official. 

For a student to enter South Park High School as a 9th grader, proper educational achievement must be attained through 8th grade. If a student fails any major subject in grade 8, he/she is expected to make-up the failed course(s) in a certified summer school. No more than two summer school credits may be taken in the summer. 

For a student to be considered a member in proper academic standing of his/her next year’s class: 

1. A student must have earned a minimum of 6 credits to be considered a Sophomore. 
2. A student must have earned a minimum of 12 credits to be considered a Junior. 
3. A student must have earned a minimum of 18 credits to be considered a Senior. 
    

Course credit is given as official acknowledgement that a student has successfully completed the course (with a grade of 60% or better) and has met the attendance policy requirement.

Parents are able to access their child’s grades through PowerSchool. The grades are uploaded weekly to give parents up-to-date information on their child’s progress. Directions for setting up a secure account and accessing student information will be passed out to students. Attendance, discipline, and homework assignments are also available through the website. 

Honor rolls are published at the end of each nine-week period. To be on the high honor roll, students must have a grade average of 92%. To be on the honor roll, students must have a grade average of 85%. Students who have received below a 73% or an incomplete in any subject will not be on the honor roll. If a student is issued an incomplete “I” on their report card - the student has 2 weeks (10 school days) from the last day of the marking period to make up any missing work. Any work not completed within the 2-week period will be adjusted to a zero mark. 

According to The College Board, Advanced Placement students are able to experience the rigors of college-level studies while they still have the support of a high school environment. Resourceful and dedicated Advanced Placement teachers help their students develop and apply the skills, abilities, and content knowledge they will need later in college. By participating in the Advanced Placement courses exam, your child has the opportunity to earn possible college credit and stand out in the college admission process.   

Advanced Placement (AP) courses are taught at the college level that follow postsecondary academic standards and expectations. These courses require students to demonstrate the skills, independence, and academic stamina expected in post-secondary settings.

The following AP Courses are offered:

English

AP English Language and Composition
AP English Literature and Composition
 

Math

AP Calculus AB
AP Calculus BC
AP Computer Science 
AP Computer Science Principles
AP Probability and Statistics

Fine Arts

AP Music Theory

Science

AP Biology
AP Chemistry
AP Environmental Science
AP Physics

Social Studies

AP European History
AP Micro/Macro Economics 
AP U.S. History
AP World History

College in High School (CIHS) offers high school students the opportunity to earn both high school and college credit in courses taught right in their classrooms. CIHS is an academically rigorous program for motivated students seeking an intellectual challenge within a supportive high school environment. CIHS-certified high school teachers work closely with college/university faculty to teach a high school course that is also a college course. Students use college-level textbooks, take college-level exams, and upon successful completion of the class, earn college credit that is recorded on an official college transcript. CIHS grades are generated from assessments throughout the course. CIHS credits are designed to be equivalent to on-campus college courses; however, transferability is determined by each individual college or university. Families are responsible for confirming how these credits will be accepted at prospective institutions. The colleges/universities that South Park High School partners with are: Carlow University (pending approval), University of Pittsburgh, Point Park University, Robert Morris University and Seton Hill University.

CIHS Courses 

Carlow University

Anatomy and Physiology [Pending Approval]

University of Pittsburgh

20th Century African American Literature
Computer Science  
Human Nutrition 
Probability and Statistics 

Point Park University

Digital Photography 
Video Production 

Robert Morris University

Financial Accounting
Foundations of Special Education 
Law Business and Society 
Live-Stream Production and Podcasting
Management Theory and Practice 
 

All costs will be incurred by the family.

Junior and senior students are permitted to participate in a dual credit program in association with local colleges and universities. Specific guidelines can be obtained through individual guidance counselors.  Dual Enrollment acceptance will be based on the requirements and prerequisites set forth by the Dual Enrollment institute (i.e. CCAC) 

All costs will be incurred by the family. 

A college course may be taken concurrently as a high school course only if it is completed through an approved dual enrollment program with a formal agreement in place with the South Park School District. This ensures that students continue to receive a rigorous education that prepares them for future success. The college course must closely align with high school graduation requirements.  South Park High School graduation requirements are outlined in the program of studies.

Students in their senior year at South Park High School will have the opportunity to apply for early release from attending a full day of school at SPHS for two purposes, Employment or Dual Credit. The early release program will only be used for students who are making adequate progress* toward graduation requirements and whose class schedule permits the early dismissal. Students will be released from SPHS on a daily basis, upon administrative, parental, and employer approval, if they qualify under one of the following situations and all criteria are met. 

*Adequate progress is defined as having earned 20 credits, passing all classes needed for graduation. 

Situation #1: Work Release 

• Student completes the work permit form
• Students are employed 15 or more hours a week at an administratively approved place of employment. 
• Students will also need to provide pay stubs on a monthly basis.
• Students upload his/her work schedule to the Work Release Google classroom on a weekly basis  
• Students will also submit a summary of their performance on a bi-weekly basis

Situation # 2 Dual Credit 

• Students are enrolled in at least one class through the dual credit program.
• Dual Credit Application and Proof of Class Registration must be supplied to the high school and will be kept on file. 

Termination Policy: If release time is granted and the student’s employment or college classes cease for any reason, or the student is failing high school courses or accumulates illegal absences, then the student must notify the school and return to full time attendance at SPHS immediately. 
 

The South Park School District students who participate in the interscholastic athletics program, a member of the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association, Inc. ("PIAA"), must comply with PIAA eligibility rules. According to the WPIAL/PIAA, if a student fails to comply with the eligibility rules, the student forfeits their participation in interscholastic athletics. If a student participates while ineligible, the student, the school, and/or the team will be penalized. 

The WPIAL/PIAA has set forth the following academic and curricular requirements for interscholastic student-athletes:

• The student must pursue a full-time curriculum defined and approved by the Principal.
• The student must be passing, at least, four full-credit subjects, or the equivalent, as of each Friday during a grading period. If a student fails to meet this requirement, they will lose their eligibility from Sunday through the next Saturday after grades are checked again on Friday.
• The student must have passed at least four full-credit subjects or the equivalent during the previous grading period.  Eligibility for the first grading period of the new school year is based on the student’s final grades from the previous school year. If a student fails to meet this requirement, they will lose their eligibility for at least 15 school days of the next grading period, beginning on the first day that report cards are issued. If a school has four grading periods, students will be ineligible for at least 15 school days.

The Principal of South Park High School is responsible for certifying a student’s athletic eligibility. If a student has any questions concerning their athletic eligibility, either now or in the future, they should refer to the Student Athletic Handbook or contact the Athletic Director, Mr. Patrick Colligan (412-655-3111 x 2050).
 

Students who did not pass one or more required courses are encouraged to attend summer school to make-up the lost credit.  Students are able to take up to 2 classes during summer school sessions. Information regarding accredited summer schools in our area may be obtained in the counseling office. Grades for repeated courses are placed on the transcript. They do not replace the original grade already on the transcript. Summer school grades will be factored into the student’s QPA.  

Graduation from South Park High School is based on the standards set by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the South Park Board of School Directors. 

• Scholastic achievement in Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12 determines a student's status for graduation. 
• All students must have successfully completed a total of 25.25 credits in grades 9, 10, 11, and 12 to become eligible for a diploma. 
• In accordance with Pennsylvania’s ACT 136 of 2020, beginning with the graduating class of 2023, students must meet the statewide graduation requirement of obtaining a Keystone Pathway.

English : 4.00 Credits 

Social Studies: 4.00 Credits (Must include Civics/Equivalency, World History/Equivalency and U.S. History/Equivalency; Students who attend Steel Center are only required to earn 3 Social Studies credits to graduate)

Mathematics:  3.00 Credits (Must include an Algebra and a Geometry Course) 
Science:  3.00 Credits (Must include Biology) 

Health: 0.25 Credit (online) 

Phys Ed.: 1.00 Credit 

Personal Finance: 0.5 Credit 

College and Career Preparation: 0.5 Credit 

Electives: 9 Credits (Students will select additional credits from any content area in the curriculum to complete minimum requirements of 25.25 credits for graduation)
 

In order to participate in the commencement ceremony, a student must have earned 24.25 credits by the end of their senior year, prior to the commencement ceremony. No exceptions are made. Students may process if they are short no more than one core credit provided, they can present proof of registration in an approved summer school program for the (1) credit prior to the commencement ceremony. A total of 25.25 credits are required for graduation. In addition, students must have met all outstanding financial obligations.

Pennsylvania high school students have the option to demonstrate their postsecondary preparedness and meet statewide requirements through one of five Pathways to Graduation.

1. Keystone Proficiency Pathway: Scoring proficient or advanced on each Keystone Exam - Algebra I, Literature, and Biology. 
2. Keystone Composite Pathway: Earning a composite score of 4452 on the Algebra I, Literature, and Biology Keystone Exams (while achieving at least a proficient score on at least one of the three exams and no less than a basic score on the remaining two).
3. CTE Pathway:  For Career and Technical Education (CTE) Concentrators, successful completion of locally established grade-based requirements for academic content areas associated with each Keystone Exam on which the student did not achieve proficiency and attainment of an industry-based competency certification related to the CTE Concentrator's program of study or demonstration of a high likelihood of success on an approved industry-based competency assessment or readiness for continued meaningful engagement in the CTE Concentrator's program of study.
4. Alternate Assessment Pathway: Successful completion of locally established grade-based requirements for academic  content areas associated with each Keystone Exam on which the student did not achieve proficiency and one of the following:

• Attainment of an established score on an approved alternate assessment SAT (1010), PSAT (970), ACT (21), ASVAB (31);
• Attainment of an established score on an Advanced Placement Program exam in an academic content area associated with each Keystone Exam on which the student did not achieve at least a proficient score;
• Successful completion of a concurrent enrollment course in an academic content area associated with each Keystone Exam in which the student did not achieve at least a proficient score;
• Successful completion of a pre-apprenticeship program; or
• Acceptance in an accredited 4-year nonprofit institution of higher education and evidence of the ability to enroll in college-level coursework.

5.  Evidence Based Pathway: Successful completion of locally established grade-based requirements for academic content areas associated with each Keystone Exam on which the student did not achieve proficiency and demonstration of three pieces of evidence consistent with the student's goals and career plans, including one of the following:

• Attainment of an Advanced Placement Program Exam
• Acceptance to an accredited nonprofit institution of higher education other than a 4-year institution and evidence of the ability to enroll in college-level coursework;
• Attainment of an industry-recognized credential; or Successful completion of a concurrent enrollment or postsecondary course; and Two additional pieces of evidence, including one or more of the options listed above, or: satisfactory completion of a service-learning project; attainment of a score of proficient or advanced on a Keystone Exam; a letter guaranteeing full-time employment; a certificate of successful completion of an internship or cooperative education program; or satisfactory compliance with the NCAA's core courses for college-bound student athletes with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0.  

More information about the new statewide graduation requirement effective with the graduating class of 2023 is available on the PDE website by clicking here or visiting https://www.pa.gov/agencies/education/programs-and-services/instruction/elementary-and-secondary-education/assessment-and-accountability/graduation-requirements.html. Additionally, see Figures 1 and 2 below.

RISE is a new program designed to provide targeted academic support and enrichment opportunities during the school day. This initiative ensures students have access to personalized help with coursework, tutoring, or study time. Additionally, RISE fosters engagement in extracurricular and co-curricular activities while addressing students' emotional and social needs, creating a balanced and supportive environment for their success.

At South Park High School, we are committed to helping students explore and prepare for their future careers. To ensure all students are on track with their career development, we require them to complete a series of career-related activities by the end of each grade level. Below is an overview of these activities, which will help your child identify their interests, skills, and potential career paths.

9th Grade Career Activities (To be completed by the end of 9th grade)
These activities will be completed in the Computer Application Course:

• Strength Explorer: Students will take an Interest Inventory in Naviance and document their results.
• Entrepreneur Activity: Students will work on a project exploring entrepreneurship, where the students work with a team to create a business and a comprehensive business plan.
• Career Exploration and Presentation: Students will research and present on a career of their choice.
• South Park High School Career Plan: Students will document their current classes and activities, aligning them with their career goals.
• Steel Center Presentation and Tour: Students will attend a presentation from the Steel Center counselors and take a tour of the Center for Technical Education (CTE).

10th Grade Career Activities (To be completed by the end of 10th grade)
These activities will be completed in the 10th Grade English Courses:

• Working with a Team: Students will complete an activity focused on communication skills in the workplace.
• Career Interview: Students will interview someone in their career field of interest and write an essay summarizing their findings.
• Classes and Career Goals Activity: Students will complete the Career Cluster Finder survey, identifying their top career choices and aligning high school courses with those interests.
• South Park High School Career Plan: Students will update their career plan based on their selected career clusters and related goals.

11th Grade Career Activities (To be completed by the end of 11th grade)
These activities will be completed in Career and College Preparation (CCP):

• Time Management: Students will participate in an activity on time management and complete a survey in Naviance.
• Cover Letter and Resume: Students will create a professional cover letter and resume, and document their work in Naviance.
• Personal Budget: Students will develop a personal budget based on the salary of their chosen career.
• South Park High School Career Plan: Students will continue to update and refine their career plan, ensuring their courses and activities align with their career goals.

By the end of 11th grade, your child will have a comprehensive understanding of their interests, skills, and potential career options, along with practical tools like resumes, time management skills, and a career-focused academic plan to help them succeed beyond high school.
 

The South Park Cyber Academy is South Park High School's innovative cyber school program, available to students in grades 9 through 12. The program is conducted asynchronously, allowing students to learn at their own pace while utilizing the Edgenuity platform. All courses are monitored and supported by South Park's highly qualified teachers, who ensure that students receive a rigorous and engaging educational experience. The Cyber Academy provides the flexibility of online learning with the guidance and expertise of our dedicated educators, empowering students to succeed in a modern, technology-driven academic environment. Honors Courses have additional instruction and/or assignments to extend learning, and contain additional and more rigorous teacher-graded assignments. 

South Park Cyber Academy

The NCAA Eligibility Center certifies whether prospective college athletes are eligible to play sports at NCAA Division I or II institutions.  It does this by reviewing the student-athlete's academic record, SAT or ACT scores, and amateur status to ensure conformity with NCAA rules. 
 

• To be eligible to compete in NCAA sports in college, you must maintain minimum standards for your SAT/ACT and high school GPA, along with meeting the requirements for courses completed in high school.
• Student athletes must register with the NCAA Eligibility Center to be eligible to play NCAA Division I or II sports in college. Visit www.eligibilitycenter.org for registration and information.
• There is a fee involved.

Please Note: If you are planning to participate in a Division I or Division II sport in college, please see your counselor prior to scheduling courses.  The college-bound student-athletes who want to practice, compete, and receive athletically related financial aid during their first year at a Division I or II sport must meet the minimum requirements for core courses as established by the NCAA.

Test Scores
In January 2023, NCAA Divisions I and II adopted legislation to remove standardized test scores from initial eligibility requirements for all student-athletes who initially enroll full time on or after August 1, 2023. Check with the NCAA school you plan to attend regarding whether standardized test scores are necessary for admission or scholarship requirements.

DIVISION I 
16 Core Courses 
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 comparative religion/philosophy). 

DIVISION II 
16 Core Courses 
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 comparative religion/philosophy).