Pre-AP Program

University Preparatory School
Among the first to join the new College Board Pre-AP Program
New Pre-AP program offers instructional resources and classroom-based assessments to improve college readiness for all students

University Preparatory School was selected from over 1,000 schools worldwide that will participate in the new Pre-AP Program next school year. Pre-AP is designed to give all students the opportunity to learn the foundational knowledge and skills they need to be successful in Advanced Placement and other college-level coursework. The College Board selected University Preparatory School as a partner who is committed to college readiness for all students.

Participation in challenging coursework helps prepare students for success in high school and beyond. However, less than 50% of U.S. high school students are ready for college. And more than 300,000 high school students aren’t taking AP courses and exams that they’ve demonstrated the potential to succeed on, based on their scores on an SAT Suite assessment. With this data in mind – along with feedback from teachers who’ve said they’d like to help shape a curriculum that prepares students before they enter an AP class – the College Board has developed the Pre- AP Program.

Pre-AP courses are open to all students. The Pre-AP Program objectives are to:

• Significantly increase the number of students who are able to access and complete college-level work-like AP—before leaving high school.
• Improve the college readiness of all students.

University Preparatory School will receive an official Pre-AP designation for each course and the chance to bring engaging coursework to all their students. This designation signals consistent, high standards in focused courses that help build, strengthen, and reinforce student’s content knowledge and skills. The designated 9th grade courses (Pre-AP Biology, Pre-AP English, Pre-AP Visual Art) provide teachers and students with instructional resources, classroom-based assessments, high-quality professional learning, and focused practice.

“We applaud the educators and administrators at University Preparatory School who have worked to clear a path for all of their students,” said Auditi Chakravarty, Vice President of SpringBoard and Pre-AP Programs. “They are fostering a culture in their schools and classrooms that allows all students to learn the foundational knowledge and skills they need to be successful.”

Each Pre-AP course has been developed by committees of expert educators, including middle school, high school, and college faculty. These development committees work with the College Board to design effective instructional resources that emphasize and prioritize the content and skills that matter most for later high school coursework and college and career readiness. Pre-AP will continue to evolve through educator involvement, and University Preparatory School will be a critical partner. Throughout the initial cohort experience, Pre-AP course teachers will be encouraged to share feedback that will help shape the program in years to come.

More information on the College Board Pre-AP Program can be found at pre-ap.collegeboard.org/

Advanced Placement

The Advanced Placement (AP) Program is sponsored by College Board and is a cooperative educational endeavor between secondary schools and colleges and universities. According to College Board, 85% of selective colleges and universities report that a student’s AP experience favorably impacts admission decisions (“Competitive advantage in college admissions”). AP curriculum exposes high school students to college-level material through involvement in an AP course, and gives students the opportunity to show subject-matter mastery by taking an AP Exam. Colleges and universities may then grant credit, placement, or both to students who have done so. A university generally grants credit for all College Board Advanced Placement Tests on which a student scores 3 or higher. The credit may be subject credit, graduation credit or credit toward general education or breadth requirements, as determined by evaluators at each campus. By earning credit or advancement in high school, students are saving time and money that would otherwise be spent on college.

U-Prep offers the following AP courses: AP Human Geography, AP Modern World History, AP US History, AP Microeconomics, AP American Government and Politics, AP English Language, AP English Literature, AP Biology, AP Environmental Science, AP Physics 1, AP Physics 2, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Statistics, AP Computer Science Principles, AP Latin, AP Psychology, AP Studio Art, and AP Spanish.

During the 2017-2018 school year, U-Prep administered 426 exams within a high school of approximately 500 9th through 12th grade students. 71% of students passed their exams, which is exceptional.

Dual Enrollment

The U-Prep academic program maximizes access to college-level coursework through its robust Advanced Placement program and dual enrollment opportunities. U-Prep graduation requirements require all juniors and seniors to take AP English IV (Literature and Composition), AP English III (Language and Composition), AP U.S. Government and Politics/AP Microeconomics, and AP U.S. History. All freshmen are required to take AP Human Geography. For a full list of AP course offerings, please see the Course Guide. Demonstrated mastery of the course curriculum occurs through participation in the respective AP exam and application of AP scores for college credit varies by college and university. Students have an additional mechanism to secure college credit through Shasta College dual enrollment courses offered during the regular school day at U-Prep. Both pathways, AP and community college dual enrollment, open doors for completion of general education curriculum before high school graduation. There is no-cost associated with participation in dual enrollment courses. Students must earn a C or better to secure college credit.

The Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) is a general education program that California Community Colleges created to fulfill lower-division general education requirements at a California State University or University of California campus. The dual enrollment courses offered at U-Prep are specifically IGETC-identified courses. Dual enrollment of IGETC courses complements Advanced Placement coursework inasmuch as both experiences immerse students in college-level curriculum, which better prepares them for a successful and sustainable transition to a university-level program. Note that completion of IGETC is not a CSU/UC admission requirement nor does completion of IGETC guarantee admission to the campus or program of choice.

High school students may participate in other Shasta College programs. However, students may not take a college course in place of a course offered at U-Prep (i.e. History 17B at Shasta College may not replace AP US History) with the exception of taking a college course to improve an existing grade/course or taking a math/language course to achieve at-grade-level status for the following school year. Interested students should see their counselor. Concurrent enrollment forms are available in the Student Services Center.

Dual Enrollment Courses Offered at U-Prep

The following Shasta College Dual Enrollment courses are taught by U-Prep teachers and embedded within U-Prep equivalent course offerings:

• MATH 2 (Trig/Pre-Calculus)
• PHYS 2A (AP Physics I)
• PHYS 2B (AP Physics 2)
• ENG 1A and 1B (AP English Literature)
• ECON 01A (AP MicroEcon)

Curriculum

ENGLISH

Four years of English are required for graduation as students who plan to attend a university must have four years of college preparatory English. All English courses include work in the areas of reading, writing, grammar, vocabulary, and spelling. Click here for a listing of English courses.

SOCIAL SCIENCE

Four years of Social Science are required for graduation; all students must complete one semester of Geography and Culture, one year of Modern World History, one year of U.S. History, one semester of American Government, and one semester of Economics. Click here for a listing of Social Science courses.

MATHEMATICS

The cumulative and sequential nature of mathematics is such that a student must be certain that he/she is well prepared before taking any given course. The Mathematical Practice Standards apply throughout each course and, together with the content standards, prescribe that students experience mathematics as a coherent, useful, and logical subject that makes use of their ability to make sense of problem situations. Students are recommended for math courses in accordance with the policies and procedures outlined in the adopted U-Prep Mathematics Placement Policy. Thirty (30) units of mathematics are required for graduation. Students must complete two advanced courses in mathematics for graduation. It is highly recommended that seniors take a math class. Studies correlate college success with math taken the senior year. Click here for a listing of math courses.

SCIENCE

This is a lab-oriented department designed to give students experience interpreting data and applying scientific principles. Through a variety of methods such as labs, problem based situations, and guided inquiry, students are given a solid foundation in the sciences. Traditionally, more than 95% of U-Prep seniors take three or four science courses during high school program. At least one year of a biological science must be taken as well as one year of a physical science (Chemistry or Physics). Click here for a listing of science courses.

WORLD LANGUAGES

Two years during grades 9-12 of foreign language are required; three or four years are strongly recommended. All Spanish, French, and Mandarin courses use materials and methods that are in alignment with the Standards for Foreign Language Learning (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages). The primary national standard is Communication in Languages other than English and it recognizes three modes:

• Interpersonal: Students engage in conversations, provide and obtain information, express feelings and emotions, and exchange opinions.
• Interpretive: Students understand and interpret written and spoken language on a variety of topics.
• Presentational: Students present information, concepts, and ideas to an audience of listeners or readers on a variety of topics.

Instruction focuses on the Communication standard as it encompasses all other standards. The overarching methodology of teaching is Comprehensible Input, which leads to students’ acquiring proficiency in the foreign language. Click here for a list of World Language course offerings.

VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS

Students must take one year of the Visual or Performing Arts (VAPA) for graduation. Click here for a listing of courses in Visual Arts, Performing Arts – Instrumental Music and Choral, and Performing Arts – Dance. Dance may be taken in lieu of PE in Grades 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12. The fall musical and spring play are theatric experiences offered in addition to VAPA courses.

PHYSICAL FITNESS AND HEALTH EDUCATION

All freshman take P.E. and participate in the Fitness Gram Physical Fitness Test. A second year of P.E. is required. For the second year PE requirement (beginning the sophomore year), student-athletes who participate in two school sports (they do not have to be consecutive) during August – June calendar year may receive a semester (5 credits) of Physical Education credit. Student-athletes who participate in three school sports during the August – June calendar year may receive a year (10 credits) of Physical Education credit. In order to secure the Physical Education credit for graduation purposes, a student-athlete must complete the Petition for P.E. Waiver/Credit form and submit it to the Student Support Services office by the last day of the school year in which the credit is being requested. Students in the dance program fulfill the second year P.E. requirement, 10th through 12th grade. Click here for a listing of P.E. courses.

ADDITIONAL ELECTIVE COURSES

Click here for a list of additional elective courses not listed under other prior departments.

Latin

Latin Course Descriptions

Prep Latin (Seventh Grade)

Prep Latin is a course designed to develop critical thinking skills relating to language and to provide students with a strong foundation in English grammar terminology and usage. Emphasis is placed on the study of the parts of speech, understanding basic grammatical structures, spelling awareness, and English vocabulary building. Students will read short selections based on Roman mythology to enhance their knowledge of literature, promote their ability to identify various grammatical constructions, and engage in creative writing. Some basic elements of the Latin language are introduced through the study of prefixes, suffixes, Latin root words, and English derivatives.

Latin I (Eighth Grade)

This course seeks to provide students with a solid foundation in the basic understanding of the rudiments of the Latin language. Emphasis will be on the development of a clear understanding of the overall structure of the Latin language, the ability to comprehend, read, write and speak simple passages in Latin. The expansion of English vocabulary through the study of Latin root words and cognates also will be studied. Students will explore the basic elements of ancient Roman history, culture, mythology, engineering, architecture, government and how the achievements of the ancient Romans have influenced the world. Meets UC and CSU requirements.
Prerequisites: None. Open to all grades 8-12.
Recommended: Grade of C or better in English or previous foreign language course.

Latin II

This course is a continuation of Latin I. Students will continue to develop critical thinking skills relating to language and read passages about historically important figures and characters from classical mythology that incorporate the acquisition of new vocabulary and grammar concepts. Students will continue to expand their understanding of English derivatives based on Latin and various elements of ancient Roman culture. Meets UC and CSU requirements.
Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in Latin I.

Latin III

This course completes students’ survey of Latin grammar, particularly the subjunctive and dependent clauses. By the end of this course, students will have the knowledge and vocabulary necessary to study original Latin texts. Students will continue to explore ancient Roman history, culture, literature, mythology, and government, with a particular emphasis on the break-down of the Republic that led to the civil wars, the dictatorship of Julius Caesar, and the rise of the principate under Augustus. Students will also be introduced to basic elements of Latin poetry and verse. Meets UC and CSU requirements.
Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in Latin II.

Honors Latin IV

These courses introduce students to the works of various major Latin authors and to expand skills of reading and comprehension. Exploration of the influence of ancient Roman history, culture, and literature will be continued. Special emphasis will be placed upon Cicero and Virgil, their legacies, and their impact upon world literature, government and the arts. Special attention will be given to expanding English vocabulary through the study of derivatives based upon Latin vocabulary of classic Roman authors. Meets UC and CSU requirements.
Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in Latin III.

AP Latin/Latin V (HONORS DESIGNATION)

The course goals are to develop the students’ abilities to translate the required passages from classical Latin poetry and prose into English, to help them understand the context of the written passages (including the political, literary, and cultural background of each author and text), and to help them understand the influences behind the particular style of writing and the rhetorical devices employed. Meets UC and CSU requirements.
Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in Latin III.

National Latin Exam

The National Latin Exam, sponsored by the American Classical League and the National Junior Classical League, is administered at U-Prep as a means to promote the study of Latin and provide every student the opportunity to attain scholarly achievement with respect to their studies. Students do not compete against one another on a comparative basis. Rather, they are evaluated on their own merit. Each exam is a 40-question, multiple-choice test with a time limit of 45 minutes, offered to students on multiple levels. Students enrolled in the following Latin courses will take the respective exams:

U-Prep Course	Latin Exam
Latin 1	Introduction to Latin
Latin II	Latin 1
Latin III	Latin II
Latin IV/V (Honors/AP)	Latin III/IV Prose

AWARDS/RECOGNITION: Students are recognized by the ACL and NJC for designated levels of achievement on the NLE. Awards include: Gold Summa Cum Laude, Silver Maxima Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, Cum Laude, Blue Certificate of Merit, Ribbon and Perfect Certificate of Achievement, Ribbon and Certificate of Achievement, and Certificate.

U-Prep’s Latin Club

U-Prep’s Latin Club participates in the annual California Junior Classical League Ludi, among other events and activities. The club serves to promote a more comprehensive knowledge of Classical life, history, and literature while promoting friendship and camaraderie among students of the Classics.

ALSO...

Latin and English Language Latin and College Admissions Top 10 Reasons for Studying Latin

Visual & Performing Arts

The Visial & Performing Arts department of University Preparatory School exemplifies the school’s vision of excellence in all aspects of a child’s education. Our programs are a source of pride for the entire school population. Both competitive and student friendly, the U-Prep Fine Arts programs provide opportunities by which our students become culturally literate and aware of artistic influences in their world.

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Academic Support and Advisory (“ASAP”)

The purpose of ASAP is to strengthen connectedness between adults and students as a means to foster academic achievement and success within a close-knit, supportive school culture. ASAP meets Monday through Thursday during Period 8. Period 8 is not held on Friday and students are dismissed at 2:45 PM. In lieu of Period 8, faculty host Friday Office Hours to provide individualized attention to students seeking support. Students in 9th-11th grades are required to enroll in ASAP. Based on criteria, junior students may be exempt from Tutorial; please refer to the High School Graduation Requirements.

The goals and areas of focus for ASAP are as follows:

1. Develop healthy and supportive close-knit relationships between staff and students;
   A key element in this relationship is developing student trust. This allows faculty to work closely and individually with students to support their growth and success, socially and academically. Involvement with a caring and supportive adult within a small class size environment builds relationships and provides an emotional “home place”. This is vital in creating the sense of community that U-Prep graduates praise as a significant factor in their achievement.
2. Provide academic support to students;
   Creating the time, space, and attention for academic progress within a regular school day is a feature that sets the U-Prep experience apart from others. As a Period 8 class, ASAP allows students the opportunity to receive individualized feedback regarding academic work (e.g. test, essay), to receive coaching on strategies that will increase their success, and to receive nurturing and practical applications of growth mindset research. New challenges bring opportunities for students to build resiliency and emotional stamina while learning to gain success in a college prep environment. Strategies and activities include teaching academic goal setting, reviewing individual student progress, coaching students on life skills and study skills, and providing homework assistance.
3. Immerse students in U-Prep’s culture, Pursuing Excellence Together;
   An important goal for ASAP is the ongoing development and reinforcement of a school culture that reflects the values and mission of U-Prep, including collaboration and sense of community. U-Prep students learn to work hard, to identify and access available resources, to manage time and resources effectively, and to rely upon the relational support afforded through a staff that is focused on helping each student achieve individual excellence.
4. Augment and reinforce U-Prep’s exceptional preparation for university-level work.
   Faculty teach students developmentally and grade-appropriate skills (e.g. organization, time management, study skills, goal setting) that are necessary in a college-going learning environment. Information regarding college preparation flows continually through ASAP over the course of the school year; examples include exposure to Naviance (career and college readiness online tool), opportunities for college visits, and guest and alumni speaker visits.

Senior Transition

The high school counselor meets regularly with all seniors throughout their capstone year at U-Prep. Direct support with the post-secondary transition is provided through classroom visits. Seniors are immersed in ongoing education and assistance with the college application process, financial aid, scholarships, letters of recommendation, and much more. Also, under the guidance of the school counselor, seniors begin the process of creating their Senior Exit Presentation, a project that correlates with the U-Prep’s Student Learning Outcomes (SLO). In the spring, Senior Exit presentations are evaluated by a panel comprised of staff and community members. Successful completion of the Senior Exit Presentations is a graduation requirement.

Class Trips and Traditions

Class trips and traditions enhance U-Prep’s safe, supportive, and rigorous academic environment. Through shared experiences, trips and traditions, students build memories and make curricular connections that contribute to scholarly academic and behavioral outcomes. This page provides a glimpse into some of the cultural and traditional activities that underpin the school’s culture of academic excellence.

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Learning Through Travel

In addition to its commitment to academic excellence, U-Prep assists students in valuing and attaining specific skills and personal attributes; these include intellectual curiosity, creative thinking, analytical ability, technological competence, self-confidence, empathic action, and awareness of oneself as a member of a community, a diverse society, and an interconnected world. U-Prep challenges students to explore ideas, collect and organize information, think critically, and apply knowledge to real world situations. Travel opportunities are numerous and available to all students. These experiences serve to bring meaning to curriculum through broadening perspective and making connections with subject matter instruction and the real world. As a result, students become self-motivated, curious and life-long learners.

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Academic Conferences

Academic conferences are scheduled through the Student Support center during the months of October and February. Priority is given to students in greatest need based on report card performance. The Early Release Bell Schedule is followed on Academic Conference days. Appointments for these conferences are scheduled by the Registrar. Conferences are encouraged to minimize the possibility of failure by the student. Parents may wish to have their student complete weekly or monthly progress checks with teachers to monitor student progress. Arrangements for progress reports can be made by contacting the student's counselor. Parents are encouraged to contact teachers directly if they have questions about a student’s progress. Email addresses for faculty can be found on the University Prep website About Us – School Faculty section (www.uprep.net) and through the U-Prep Panthers School App. Parents may also monitor student progress through the online Aeries program.