Other Accelerated Programs

Honors classes are more academically rigorous than other courses. The Middle School Honors Program will prepare students for high school honors courses. Grades in high school honors classes are based on a 5-point scale (weighted), rather than the typical 4-point scale. These class are accelerated and appropriate for advanced students as well as other students who are interested in enrolling in higher academic level courses.

Honors classes are offered in the core curriculum and characterized by challenging academic assignments and activities which are interactive and open-ended in content and products. Students are expected to display advanced analytical, critical, and creative thinking skills.

Enrollment in honors classes is based upon multiple measures of academic success and/or students interest.

The following indicators of success are included to help parents in considering placement in Honors classes for their students, and should be reviewed separately for each subject area under consideration:

• Demonstrates interest/curiosity in the subject area.

• Previous attainment of prerequisite skill and vocabulary in the subject area.

• Motivation remains high in face of challenges (High frustration threshold).

• Reads above grade level.

• Engages in higher level critical thinking.

• Self-motivated, well-organized, and apt to work independently for extended periods.

• Demonstrates ability to self-advocate, seeks help and guidance when needed.

• Consistently completes and submits assignments on time.

• Actively participates in class activities and discussions with appropriate peer interactions. 

• Extends learning by voluntarily going beyond the parameters of the assignment.

• Enjoys learning and makes connections between subjects and with the larger world.

There is a strong expectation that students complete the year in the level (Standard or Honors) that they started. Based on instructional best practices and the limitations of the master schedule, we do NOT support the approach of trying an Honors level class and changing midyear if it is not working out, or vice versa. 

What is the criteria for placement in middle school Honors classes?

All San Juan middle schools offer Honors classes except for Churchill Middle School which offers the International Baccalaureate Program. Students who have demonstrated high achievement, interest, and/or potential in one or more areas may be ready to take Honors classes. Enrollment in Honors classes takes place in the spring during the course selection process. At that time, the school will assist students in choosing which Honors classes, English, social science, and/or science, will best meet their academic needs by reviewing information including previous classes taken, grades, standardized tests, and teacher recommendations.

What if my child wants to take all of the Honors classes?

If a student shows strength in all courses offered, then the student will be able to enroll in all three Honors classes.

Does my child need high test scores?

San Juan Unified wants all students to be successful and to reach their fullest potential. Students will need to demonstrate foundational knowledge and skills in the content area, but will not be bound to a specific cut point. Please discuss questions about placement criteria during spring enrollment at the middle school.

Will students always be in Honors courses?

Honors courses require that a student remain in good academic standing to continue in Honors courses. Students who experience difficulty with the pace and rigor of an Honors course will be provided support, but if necessary, may be reassigned to a more appropriate placement. 

Will Honors look different at different schools?

Schools and teachers are unique and have different styles. Honors teams from the middle schools around the district will develop curriculum and provide pathways, which accelerate or compress curriculum, around high-level skills and concepts for more efficient mastery of the Common Core Standards.

What is the criteria for placement in high school Honors classes?

All San Juan Unified  high schools offer various Honors classes. Students who have demonstrated high achievement, interest, and/or potential in one or more areas may be ready to take Honors classes. Enrollment in Honors classes takes place in the spring during the course selection process. At that time, the school will assist students in choosing which Honors classes will best meet their academic needs by reviewing information including previous classes taken, grades, standardized tests, and teacher recommendations.

Why doesn't the Advanced and Accelerated Programs Office place students in the Honors Program?

All high schools offer Honors classes, therefore, placement by the Advanced and Accelerated Programs Office is not necessary. High schools have the flexibility to provide the number of Honors classes needed based on the number of eligible Honors students. 

How are the International Baccalaureate (IB) students placed?

Mira Loma is the only high school that offers IB. Students from Churchill's IB Program may choose to continue in the IB Program at Mira Loma. New placements in Mira Loma's IB Program are done directly by Mira Loma High School. Although a student may be authorized for enrollment in Mira Loma's IB Program, each family must go through Open Enrollment to have their student enrolled in Mira Loma.  

For ongoing San Juan Unified students, what will occur during 9th grade registration at the high school?

During registration, the high school staff will review with the student and parent/guardian middle school information that is recorded on an articulation card. The high school staff will register a student for Honors classes based on the recommendations, eligibility, and availability. 

How do private school students and other students new to the district qualify for Honors?

For students from outside of the San Juan Unified School District who will be attending one of the district's high schools in the upcoming year, contact the counseling office of the high school that the student will be attending. The counseling office will request the information that they will need for placement, such as the most recent report card/transcripts, standardized test scores, etc.

What criterion is used to determine on-going enrollment in Honors classes?

Students need to consistently maintain an A, B, or C grade in Honors classes. Students who earn C, D, or F grades will be counseled and may be removed from Honors classes.

For further information on freshman entrance into the Honors classes, contact the counseling office of the high school your student will attend in the fall. 

Advanced Placement (AP) classes are college level, academically rigorous courses. Grades in AP courses are based on a 5-point scale (weighted), rather than a typical 4-point scale. Students may receive college credit for successfully achieving an appropriate score on an AP test. This level is determined by the college/university AP policy. Course enrollment is not a prerequisite for participation in an AP test. 

Advanced Placement classes are aligned with the Educational Testing Service College Board's course outline and are meant as preparation for the coordinating AP test. AP classes can be a part of the core curriculum to satisfy graduation requirements. 

Advanced Placement classes are open access and are available to all students. Classes are accelerated and appropriate for advanced students as well as other students who are willing to demonstrate appropriate effort.