Academics – Summit College Preparatory School
Academics Overview
Summit College Preparatory School (“Summit”) is a nonprofit, college-preparatory high school. Instruction is live and synchronous via Zoom Pro, supported by small-group seminars and structured independent study. Each student maintains an Individual Learning Plan (ILP) that governs course sequence, placement, time-on-task, and verified credit.
Philosophy & Mission
Student-Centered
Learning is individualized through ILPs with frequent oral defense of learning. Students practice disciplined writing and original scholarship.
Evidence-Based
We emphasize data-informed pedagogy, clear targets, and verifiable assessment. Progress is documented and auditable.
Global & Ethical
Graduates demonstrate advanced communication, quantitative reasoning, scientific inquiry, historical thinking, and cross-cultural competence.
Curriculum Framework (Grades 9–12)
All students complete a minimum of 6 courses per year, including core and advanced studies. Electives may be taken independently across grades.
Grade 9: Foundation
Year Outcome
Transition into high school with strong foundations in literacy, numeracy, and scientific inquiry.
Core Studies
English 1 · Algebra 1 · Biology · World History · Language I · PE/Health.
Depth & Skills
Academic writing basics · Lab reporting · Service learning · Presentation skills.
Standard vs. Advanced Work
Standard: Core CP classes with guided support.
Advanced: Honors Biology/Algebra · Independent projects · Higher reading loads.
Grade 10: Readiness
Year Outcome
Deeper analysis, multi-source research, and problem solving.
Core Studies
English 2 · Geometry · Chemistry or Environmental Science · Civics & Government · Language II.
Depth & Skills
Research methods · Digital/media literacy · Civic projects · Oral defense practice.
Standard vs. Advanced Work
Standard: CP Geometry, Chemistry, World Language II.
Advanced: Honors English, extended science labs, leadership/service credits.
Grade 11: Advanced Preparation
Year Outcome
Mastery of higher-level math, advanced science, and research-based coursework.
Core Studies
Advanced Composition · Algebra 2 · Physics or Chemistry · U.S. History · Language III.
Preparation
Research seminar · Extended essays · Application advising · Interview practice.
Standard vs. Advanced Work
Standard: CP track with faculty mentoring.
Advanced: Honors Algebra 2, Advanced Composition, deeper history research projects.
Grade 12: University Prep
Year Outcome
Final year focused on portfolio/project defense, advanced studies, and university readiness.
Core Studies
Pre-Calculus/Calculus/Statistics · Environmental Science options · Civics/Economics · Language IV.
Preparation
Portfolio/project defense · College advising · Leadership and service commitments.
Standard vs. Advanced Work
Standard: Meets CP diploma requirements.
Advanced: Honors/Advanced electives · Independent inquiry · Higher GPA target.
Electives & Interdisciplinary Program (Grades 9–12)
Electives are open across grade levels and provide flexible opportunities for enrichment, exploration, and interdisciplinary learning. Students may take electives in addition to their required six annual courses.
Public Speaking & Rhetoric
Clarity, confidence, persuasive delivery.
Critical & Creative Thinking
Logic, imagination, flexible problem solving.
Personal Finance & Economics
Financial literacy and life planning.
Media Literacy & Society
Digital analysis and civic responsibility.
Preparatory Principles
Scholarly Rigor
Analytical reading & writing; quantitative modeling; scientific inquiry & reporting; historical argument; civic literacy.
Global Readiness
Extended language study; cross-disciplinary projects with international perspectives; precise academic communication.
Ethics & Leadership
Original work, disciplined citation, service, and leadership; major projects include oral defense and source audits.
Live Zoom Pro 1:1 & Technology
Live Instruction
Scheduled Zoom Pro classes emphasize dialogue, analysis, and immediate feedback. Every student receives 1:1 faculty mentoring. Small seminars extend discourse, presentations, and critiques.
Proctoring: secure browser, camera, and ID checks for major exams.
Requirements & Privacy
Broadband ≥25 Mbps, webcam, microphone, and a secure device. Limited instructional recordings retained for feedback and quality review (not public) per policy.
Credits & Time-on-Task
Summit uses the Carnegie Unit. Unless stated, 1.0 credit ≈ 120–150 hours (live + verified independent work). 0.5 credit ≈ standard semester. Syllabi define weekly time-on-task, deliverables, and major assessments. Partial, transfer, and demonstration credit are administered by the Registrar.
Core Subjects & Typical Sequences
English Language Arts
Close reading, rhetoric, research methods, grammar/usage, presentation, digital literacy.
Sequence: English 1 → English 2 → Advanced Composition → Literature & Rhetoric → Research Seminar.
Mathematics
Concepts, fluency, modeling, application; ILP-based acceleration.
Sequence: Algebra 1 → Geometry → Algebra 2 → Pre-Calculus → Calculus or Statistics.
Science
Inquiry, design, data analysis, modeling, lab safety/ethics, technical reporting.
Sequence: Biology → Chemistry → Physics → Environmental Science or Advanced Electives.
Social Studies
Historical thinking, source analysis, civics, economics, geography, comparative systems, evidence-based argument.
Sequence: World History → U.S. History → Civics & Government → Economics / Global Studies.
World Languages
Spanish, German, French, Chinese; additional languages by ILP. Instruction targets interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational modes with cultural literacy.
Placement: diagnostics & proficiency evidence recorded on ILP and transcript.
Health & Electives
Health literacy, digital well-being, Independent Research, Writing Studio, Logic/Problem-Solving, Digital Media, Seminars, Service Learning.
Learning Levels & Placement
| Level | Purpose | Expectations |
|---|---|---|
College-Preparatory (CP) |
Standard secondary rigor; mastery of core outcomes. | Reading/writing, problem sets, labs, unit & cumulative assessments; verified evidence. |
Honors |
Elevated complexity and pace; deeper reading, extended problems, advanced labs. | More primary sources; modeling & analysis; higher precision thresholds. |
Advanced |
Intensified scope with independent components (major essays, extended investigations). | Self-directed inquiry; oral defense; formal citation and data reporting. |
Placement uses diagnostics, prior records, and faculty review; movement occurs through ILP updates and demonstrated mastery.
Diploma Pathways
Standard Diploma
Meets core graduation requirements with balanced coursework. Emphasizes foundational mastery and consistent progress.
Honors Diploma
Includes additional rigor with multiple Honors/Advanced courses, extended readings, and higher performance standards.
College-Preparatory Diploma
Targets selective university readiness with sustained advanced study, extended language sequence, and thesis-level project with defense.
Credit Distribution by Diploma Path
The credit structure varies by academic ambition. All students must complete credits across English, Math, Science, Social Studies, World Languages, PE, Fine Arts, and Electives. Advanced pathways demand additional rigor and GPA standards.
| Subject Area | Standard Diploma | Honors Diploma | College Prep Diploma |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 4.0 | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Mathematics | 4.0 | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Science | 3.0 | 3.0 | 4.0 |
| Social Studies | 3.0 | 3.0 | 4.0 |
| World Language | 2.0 | 2.0 | 3.0+ |
| Physical Education | 1.0 | 1.0 | 1.0 |
| Fine Arts | 1.0 | 1.0 | 1.0 |
| Electives | 4.0 | 6.0 | 5.0+ |
| Advanced Project | Optional | Recommended | Required |
| Minimum GPA | 2.0 | 3.5 | 3.5 |
Summit’s diploma pathways emphasize growth, ethical leadership, and readiness for college, career, or entrepreneurship.
Pathway Comparison
| Feature | Standard | Honors | College-Prep |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Credits | 22 | 24 | 26 |
| Min GPA | 2.0 | 3.5 | 3.5 |
| Honors/Advanced Courses | Optional | ≥5 | ≥5 total (≥3 advanced) |
| Languages | 2 | 3 (continuous) | 4 in one (or 3 + second) |
| Defense | Portfolio-Defense | Extended Project + Defense | Thesis-level Project + Oral Defense |
Universal Project & Defense
Portfolio-Defense (Standard)
Curated multi-disciplinary portfolio; reflective commentary; 15–20 minute oral defense with faculty panel.
Extended Project (Honors)
Proposal, context/literature, product/report, and oral defense; rubric-verified.
Thesis-Level Project (College-Prep)
Formal investigation, manuscript, public presentation, and oral defense; archival copy retained by Registrar.
Assessment & Grading
Assessment System
Major: unit exams, research essays, laboratory reports, document-based questions, oral presentations, thesis-level work.
Formative: problem sets, reading journals, practice labs, drafts with feedback.
Reporting: quarterly grades with narrative comments; mid-term & final evaluations per Academic Calendar.
Verification: oral defense or source conference may be required for major work.
Official Grading Scale (Transcript Format)
| Grade | Percentage | GPA |
|---|---|---|
| A+ | 96–100 | 4.0 |
| A | 93–95 | 4.0 |
| A- | 89–92 | 3.7 |
| B+ | 86–88 | 3.3 |
| B | 83–85 | 3.0 |
| B- | 79–82 | 2.7 |
| C+ | 76–78 | 2.3 |
| C | 73–75 | 2.0 |
| C- | 69–72 | 1.7 |
| D+ | 66–68 | 1.3 |
| D | 63–65 | 1.0 |
| D- | 60–62 | 0.7 |
| F | Below 60 | 0.0 |
Legend: H = Honors (+0.5) · A = Advanced (+0.5) · Advanced Plus (A+ level) (+1.0) · R = Repeat · I = Incomplete · W = Withdrawn.
Summit GPA Standards
Unweighted GPA (4.0 Standard)
The unweighted GPA provides a universal measurement of achievement on a 4.0 scale, regardless of course rigor. This baseline ensures comparability across schools.
| Letter Grade | Point Value |
|---|---|
| A | 4.0 |
| B | 3.0 |
| C | 2.0 |
| D | 1.0 |
| F | 0.0 |
Weighted GPA (Summit Policy)
To recognize academic rigor, Summit weights grades earned in Honors, Advanced, and Advanced Plus (A+) level courses. Weighted GPAs reflect both performance and difficulty.
| Course Level | Weight Added | Example (B) | Example (A) |
|---|---|---|---|
| College Prep (CP) | +0.0 | 3.0 → 3.0 | 4.0 → 4.0 |
| Honors / Advanced | +0.5 | 3.0 → 3.5 | 4.0 → 4.5 |
| Advanced Plus (A+) level | +1.0 | 3.0 → 4.0 | 4.0 → 5.0 |
How Colleges Interpret GPA
Colleges often recalculate GPAs to compare applicants across different schools. Summit transcripts report both Unweighted GPA (for universal comparison) and Weighted GPA (to reflect rigor). Selective universities recognize that a B+ in advanced calculus or honors chemistry represents greater academic challenge than an A in a standard class.
Weighted GPAs at Summit may exceed 4.0. Final GPA for Honors/Advanced adds +0.5, Advanced Plus (A+) level adds +1.0, per course credit. Both unweighted and weighted GPAs appear on official transcripts.
College & University Readiness
Academic Advising
Advisors guide ILP planning, course selection, pacing, and graduation checks. Families receive term planning notes and annual progress conferences.
Counseling Services
Application strategy, essays, recommendations, scholarship research, deadline tracking, and official documents via Registrar.
University-Facing Documentation
Official transcripts list course level (CP/Honors/Advanced), credit, grade, and GPA (weighted/unweighted). A school profile summarizing curriculum and grading accompanies transcripts.
Guidance for entrance examinations and subject benchmarks is provided as aligned to course outcomes and university expectations.
Faculty & Teaching Excellence
Qualifications
Faculty hold relevant degrees and classroom experience in their disciplines. Ongoing professional learning focuses on feedback, assessment, and instructional design.
Observation & Feedback
Summit conducts class observations, syllabus reviews, and assessment audits. Instructors receive coaching and support for continuous improvement.
Quality & Continuous Improvement
Summit conducts scheduled reviews of curriculum effectiveness, instructional materials, assessment practices, and outcomes. Revisions are approved through academic governance and the Course Catalog. Where updates affect graduation planning, families are notified through official communications. Benchmarking references well-recognized frameworks without implying endorsement.
Registrar & Transcripts
Official academic records are managed by the Registrar. Families may request transcripts and verifications via the Registrar’s office. Student privacy aligns with FERPA and related regulations.
Global Competence
Languages & Culture
Continuous study through advanced levels; cultural literacy embedded across courses; optional conversation labs and cross-campus seminars.
International Collaboration
Project-based collaborations with peers in other regions; global issues seminars; comparative systems in social studies; multilingual options by ILP.
Supports & Accessibility – Academics
Summit offers structured academic tutoring, office hours, and targeted interventions. Accessibility aligns with WCAG for digital platforms; families may request reasonable academic supports consistent with program standards.
Transfer & External Credit
Credit transfer requires official documentation and Registrar review for equivalency and hours verification. Demonstration credit may be awarded through validated assessments and oral defense.
Calendar & Attendance
Academic Calendar defines term dates, reporting windows, and exam periods. Attendance expectations are published by course; extended absences require ILP updates and Registrar coordination.
Academic Integrity
All academic work must be original and properly cited. Unauthorized assistance including unapproved AI generated content constitutes a violation. Instructors may require oral defense or conference to verify authorship. Violations follow published procedures and may affect grades, credit, or standing.
Governance & Improvement
Summit conducts scheduled reviews through academic governance and institutional planning. Course Catalog and policies are maintained for transparency and compliance.