Earning College Credit

Advanced Placement (AP) Classes

• While taking AP classes at RHS does not guarantee college credit at universities, students prepare through these year-long classes to take the AP exam in May. Typically, a score of 3, 4 or 5 earns the student college credit. These exams cost approximately $99 each.
• AP courses are averaged out of 5.0, instead of 4.0, in student GPAs.
• RHS currently offers 19 AP courses: US History, Economics, US Government, Psychology, English Language and Composition, English Literature and Composition, Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Statistics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Spanish, German, Computer Science Principles, Computer Science A, Physics C, Seminar and Art.
• Each college/university is different in the amount of credit it awards. For this specific information, students should refer to the the college/university website. Typically, this information can be found by searching “AP credit” on their website.

Early College Opportunities

Early College Brochure

RHS has partnered with Grand Valley University (GVSU) and Ferris State University (FSU) to offer college credit opportunities directly into our classrooms.  Courses are taken in-person during the school day and are taught by RHS teachers or a university professor.  Eligible students earn credit from the university at the same time they are earning a grade and credit at RHS.  These courses are fully funded through RHS.

GVSU Offerings:

Student eligibility criteria:  Seniors with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.  Must meet standardized testing benchmarks.  For AHS courses, students must have completed RHS Physiology/Honors Physiology and have the recommendation of their instructor.

• AHS (Allied Health Sciences), 100 Medical Terminology (3 credits) and AHS 110 Introduction to Health Care (3 credits), EDF 115 and HST 209.
• Education: EDF 115 Introduction to Education (3 credits) and HST 209 Teaching Social Studies for Elementary Teachers (3 credits).

FSU Offerings:

Student eligibility criteria:  Seniors with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.  Sophomores and Juniors with a GPA of 3.25 or higher. Must meet standardized testing benchmarks. 

• FSU courses run concurrently with the following RHS Courses: (3 credits each)
  • AP Language and Senior Comp students can earn credit for ENGL 150 English 1 
  • AP Literature students can earn credit for LITR 150 Literature
  • Spanish Immersion: (3 credits each)

    • SPAN 323 Survey of Spanish Literature, SPAN 333 Contemporary Culture in the Society of Hispanic America, SPAN 343 Hispanic Cinema, SPAN 350 Spanish and Cultures for the Professions

Articulation

Articulation is a process by which students may earn college credits for certain courses they take in high school after completing them at specific colleges where Rockford has established an Articulation Agreement. Rockford currently has agreements with Davenport, Central Michigan University, Ferris State University, Baker College and Grand Valley State University.

• Application is to be completed once the student enrolls in the university. Students contact their counselor at Rockford High School to complete the Articulation Application.
• The college or university may require a 3.0 or higher in order for the student to earn the articulated class/credit.

Dual Enrollment

RHS Dual Enrollment Process and Guidelines

• RHS students are enrolled as high school students while, at the same time, also being enrolled at a local college taking a college course. These classes are taken in place of RHS classes and are usually held on the college campus.
• Students earn dual credit by beginning their permanent college transcript, earning a college grade and GPA, and they are also awarded the same grade, or given the option to earn credit (CR), on their high school transcript.
• Both the student and the class must meet eligibility criteria set by the State of Michigan.

Comparing Early College and Dual Enrollment Opportunities

• Both Early College and Dual Enrollment opportunities result in college credit once the class is successfully completed.
• Early College classes are taught during the school day at RHS by RHS staff.  Dual Enrollment classes are taught on the college campus and taught by college faculty.
• Early College classes are fully funded through RHS.  Dual Enrollment is not always 100% funded. Often, families are expected to pay a remaining balance for tuition, books, and fees.
• Early College classes are currently offered through FSU and GVSU, and the enrollment/registration process is handled by RHS counseling staff.  Dual Enrollment registration is facilitated by the student and their family with opportunities at numerous colleges/universities. 

To prepare our students with knowledge and skills for 21st century jobs, Rockford Public Schools has created a thorough set of graduation requirements. With these requirements, students will be well prepared for their future endeavors in both college and the workforce.

R = Local RHS Graduation Requirement
Please note: a course may fulfill both a State and a local graduation requirement.

Other Requirements