Introduction

The Morgan School Honors Program is a course of study which has been designed to challenge the student who ahs demonstrated a high level of motivation for academic achievement and ahs proven skillful in mastering learning in middle school.

Exceptional performance on standardized tests (Connecticut Mastery Tests, Metropolitan Achievement Test) is mandatory for entry into the program. Results should indicate a mastery of skills in reading, writing, and mathematics. Previous identification form, or participation in, gifted classes is not a prerequisite. Students who have shown success in this program are those who:

§ display sense of purpose about schoolwork,

§ show an ability to plan and carry out a homework schedule,

§ demonstrate success in most academic areas.

These qualities, which will promote successful completion of the Honors Program, also will be honed by the program in an effort to prepare students to succeed at the most demanding colleges and universities. If you are interested in this course of study for you child, we encourage you to consult with his/her teachers and consider entering him/her into the program. Your child must begin the program in Grade 9 in order to receive Honors Program recognition upon graduation.

Please feel free to contact the principal or the guidance counselor who ahs been assigned to you child if you have any questions about this program.

Purpose

Specific and comprehensive, the Honors Program is the most challenging and demanding academic experience at The Morgan School. The curriculum includes a broad range of subjects and advanced courses in all major academic areas. Successful completion of the Honors Program will prepare students to meet the course requirements for acceptance to, and success in, the most demanding colleges and universities.

The Morgan School offers Honors level courses in the five major subject areas (English, Foreign Languages, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies) in each of the four years. Students who meet the specified criteria for individual courses are encouraged to select them. The Honors Program is a prescribed course of study that encompasses most of these offerings.

Grade 9

Honors English I

Honors Algebra I/Honors Geometry

Honors Intro to Physical Science

Honors Foreign Language II

Honors World History I & II

Health

Physical Education

Elective

Grade 10

Honors English II

Honors Geometry/Honors Algebra II
Honors Biology

Honors Foreign Language III

Honors World History III

Honors Civics

Honors Civics in the formation of the American Republic

Health

Physical Education

Elective

Grade 11

Honors English II

Honors Algebra II/Honors Pre-Calculus

Honors Chemistry

Honors Foreign Language IV

AP US History I & II

Health

Physical Education

Electives

Grade 12

English IV Seminar in Writing

Through Literature

Honors Humanities

Health

Physical Education

Electives

Required Courses

Honors Computer Programming I

-or-

Honors Computer Applications

Either of these two courses must be taken to complete the program. This requirement may be fulfilled in Grade 10,11, or 12.

Honors Pre-Calculus

Is required and may be taken either in Grade 11 or 12.

Recommended Electives

While we recommend courses on this list, students may elect any course in the Program of Studies if taken at the highest level offered.

Honors Computer Programming II

Honors Computer Programming III

Honors Computer Programming IV

Honors Computer Programming in Visual C++

Honors Visual Basic I

Honors Visual Basic II

AP European History

Honors Economics-Macro

Honors Economics-Micro

AP Advanced Biology

AP Physics

Honors Calculus I

Honors Calculus II

AP French

AP Spanish

Honors Drawing

Honors Engineering/Architectural Drawing

Honors Philosophy

Honors Holocaust History

Recognition

Students completing the four-year program receive:

· a special Morgan School Honors Diploma,

· recognition in the Commencement Program,

· recognition through academic attire at commencement.

Transcripts indicate enrollment in the Honors Courses.

Administration

A standing committee administers the program, managing admissions and removals according to the following procedures:

Admission to the program – To be considered for this program, attention should be given to grades, test performance, and teacher recommendations. Formal application to the program occurs in Grade 8 before the selection of high school courses. Admission to the program is open to all students. Grade 8 teachers, however, recommend placement for individual students and courses. Transfer students are considered for the Honors Program by the committee.

Recommended courses:

Grade 7: Foreign Language

Grade 8: Foreign Language, Algebra

Removal from the program – Each student is evaluated at year end. To continue in the program, a student must receive a final grade of ‘C’ or better in all courses (‘C-‘ is not acceptable in any course, required or elective). The committee meets to review requests for exceptions. In all reviews of this type, the committee’s decision is final.