Schedule change requests require an “Academic Change Request Form” available in the counseling office. All requests must be submitted prior to the start of the semester. Students who want to drop a course must make that request within the first four weeks of a semester course. Students may not drop below the minimum course load required. All academic level changes should be completed by the end of the fourth week of each semester unless recommended by a teacher.

Minnetonka High School offers more than 300 courses. Many departments provide classes for varying levels of student ability. Because of the superior preparation Minnetonka students receive in elementary and middle school, most students have demonstrated above-average ability compared to national norms and are prepared for high-level courses in areas of academic strength and interest. Among recent MHS graduating classes, MOST students (approximately 84%) completed at least one Advancement Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) course as part of their four-year plan. Students preparing for college are encouraged to consider high-level courses; selective colleges expect enrollment in accelerated (Honors), AP or IB courses. Advantages of enrollment in these courses include:

• Less repetition of material already learned
• More in-depth discussion
• Possible college credit
• Stronger college preparation and more competitive college application

An explanation of high-level courses is provided to colleges and universities along with a student’s transcript. In the course list, “Honors” indicates that the course is designed to prepare students for AP and IB courses.

Weighted Grades. Per District policy, all AP and IB courses shall be weighted +1.0 if the student earns a C- or higher, the courses have been determined to meet the standards of rigor established by the District, and the student successfully achieves a “3” or higher for Advanced Placement courses or a “4” on an International Baccalaureate assessment. For courses that are beyond the rigor of AP and IB (these courses include Multivariable Calculus, Differential Equations, Scientific Research I and II, Hispanic and Chinese Humanities Honors), students must earn a C- or higher in the course and achieve a C- or higher on the end-of-course exam to receive a weighted grade.

Students enrolled in rigorous courses of study, such as AP or IB must still meet Minnesota State Standards for a comprehensive education. State statute provides local school boards with authority to grant a rigorous course of study waiver for students who meet the criteria in the statute.

To be considered a qualifier at a Division I institution and to be eligible for financial aid, practice, and competition during the first year, the student must meet the following core course requirements:

DIVISION I

16 Core-Course Rule

• 4 years of English
• 3 years of mathematics (Algebra I or higher)
• 2 years of natural/physical science (1 year of lab if offered by
• high school)
• 1 year of additional English, mathematics or natural/physical science
• 2 years of social science
• 4 years of additional courses (from any area above, foreign language or non-doctrinal religion/philosophy)

DIVISION II

16 Core-Course Rule

• 3 years of English
• 2 years of mathematics (Algebra I or higher)
• 2 years of natural/physical science (1 year of lab if offered by
• high school)
• 3 years of additional English, mathematics or natural/physical science
• 2 years of social science
• 4 years of additional courses (from any area above, foreign language or non-doctrinal religion/philosophy)

For purposes of meeting core curriculum requirements, a “core course” is defined by the NCAA Bylaw 5-1(j) as recognized academic course designed to prepare a student for college level work as opposed to a vocational or personal-service course. All core Tonka Online courses are NCAA approved.

Courses taught at a level below the high school’s regular academic instruction level (e.g., remedial, special education or compensatory) shall not be considered as core courses regardless of course content. The counseling office has a list of “core courses” that have been approved by the NCAA Initial Eligibility Center.

SAT/ACT: The NCAA also requires SAT or ACT scores to participate in freshman athletics at Division I and II colleges.

PASS/FAIL: If you plan to participate in Division I or Division II college athletics, note that courses awarded pass/fail will be assigned our schools’ lowest passing grade by the NCAA Initial Eligibility Center. Students must realize that once they sign up for this grading system, they cannot change systems during the course without teacher approval.

Credits

Full-time students must be enrolled for a minimum of six (6) credits in grades nine and ten, a minimum of five (5.0) credits in grades eleven and twelve, with an adequate number of credits to progress toward graduation.

A student who satisfactorily completes a high school course shall receive secondary course credit and the credit shall count toward the student’s graduation requirements.

Tonka Online courses earn .5 credits, which count toward graduation. There is no fee for Tonka Online taken with the regular six-credit course load. Fees will apply for students who wish to maximize their opportunities by adding a seventh class or taking a summer class through Tonka Online.

PASS/FAIL

The PASS/FAIL option is for unusual personal circumstances and requires school principal approval. If a student is taking the course PASS/FAIL, the student must have passing work to receive credit for the course. All “Pass/Fail” students in any course will take all tests and turn in regular class work along with other students. A class taken on a “Pass/Fail” basis will not affect a student’s grade point average or honor roll standing. If the student passes the class, the student will receive a “P” and a full semester credit on his/her report card for that class. If the student fails the class, the student would then receive an “F” on the report card. A student may only have one PASS/FAIL course per year except in unusual circumstances as determined by the school principal.

Attention Athletes: If you plan to participate in Division I or Division II college athletics, note that courses awarded pass/fail will be assigned our schools’ lowest passing grade by the NCAA Initial Eligibility Center. Students must realize that once they sign up for this grading system, they cannot change systems during the course without teacher approval.

The Independent Study Program at Minnetonka High School is designed to meet the needs of students in situations where the traditional program will not meet their academic needs.  The Independent Study may or may not parallel the curriculum of a high school course, but the methods of learning may be different and will take place outside the classroom.  Students should contact the Advanced Learning Coordinator for application forms and detailed information about the program to see if a plan qualifies.

Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) is a program that allows students in grades 10, 11 and 12 to earn both high school and college credit while still in high school through enrollment in and successful completion of college nonsectarian courses at eligible participating postsecondary institutions.

Courses

Most PSEO courses are offered on the campus of the postsecondary institution. Some courses are offered online. Each participating college or university sets its own admissions requirements for enrollment into the PSEO courses. Eleventh and twelfth grade students may take PSEO courses on a full-time or part-time basis. Tenth graders are eligible to enroll in PSEO on a more limited basis. Students must meet the PSEO residency and eligibility requirements and abide by participation limits specified in Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.09. If a school district determines a pupil is not on track to graduate, the student may not continue to participate in PSEO.

Important Dates

By March 1 of each year, or three weeks prior to the date a student registers for courses for the following school year, schools must provide PSEO information to all students in grades 8-11 and their families. To assist the district in planning, a student must inform the district by May 30 of each year of their intent to enroll in postsecondary courses during the following school year (for first OR second semester). Failure to notify the district on time negates a student’s ability to participate in PSEO for that year. 

Notification

Minnetonka provides this information about PSEO on the MHS website in the Skipper Log and in counselors’ seminars with parents and students, prior to registration each year.

Cost

There is no charge to PSEO students for tuition, books or fees for items that are required to participate in a course. However, students may incur fees for equipment that becomes their property when the course or program is completed, textbooks that are not returned to the postsecondary institution according to their policies, or for tuition costs if they do not notify the district by May 30 and the district does not waive this date requirement.

Funds are available to help pay transportation expenses for qualifying students to participate in PSEO courses on college campuses. For more information on these funds, access the PSEO Mileage Reimbursement Program Instructions.

Activities

Enrolling in a PSEO course does not prohibit a student from participating in activities sponsored by the high school. Minnetonka Schools will allow PSEO students reasonable access to the high school building, computers and/or other technology resources during regular school hours to participate in PSEO courses, whether on-line or on campus.

Grades

Our District’s grade-weighting policy is published on the website. Students may earn weighted grades in Minnetonka AP and IB courses and courses that are advanced beyond AP and IB. Please check the Skipper Log for information on MHS courses.

More Details

All courses taken through the PSEO program must meet graduation requirements. Districts must transcript credits earned in PSEO by a ratio prescribed in statute. Districts have the authority to decide which subject area and standards the PSEO course meets. If there is a dispute between the district and the student regarding the number of credits granted for a particular course, the student may appeal the board's decision to the commissioner. The commissioner's decision regarding the number of credits will be final.

Postsecondary institutions are required to allow PSEO students to enroll in online courses consistent with the institution’s policy regarding postsecondary student enrollment in online courses.

Tenth grade students may initially enroll in one Career and Technical Education (CTE) PSEO course if they receive a reading proficiency score of “meets” or “exceeds” on the 8th grade MCA. If 10^th graders taking a CTE PSEO course earn at least a grade C in that class, they may take additional CTE PSEO courses. If the student did not take the MCA in 8^th grade, another reading assessment accepted by the enrolling postsecondary institution can be substituted. For students with disabilities, there is an alternative option to demonstrate reading proficiency.

For current information about the PSEO program, visit the Minnesota Department of Education’s Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) webpage.

University of Minnesota Talented Youth Mathematics Program (UMTYMP)

UMTYMP is an accelerated program for students in grades 6-12 who are decidedly talented in mathematics. The highly accelerated courses are specially designed to provide students with an intense academic experience that stimulates their mathematical interest and abilities. UMTYMP is offered through the University of Minnesota School of Mathematics Center for Educational Programs (MathCEP), and students must test into the program. Students who attend UMTYMP earn their math credits for high school graduation through this program. For information on UMTYMP and the qualifying exam, consult the website at http://mathcep.umn.edu/umtymp/ or call the MathCEP office at 612-625-2861.

MN Center for Arts Education Public High School

The School of the Arts is a unique, statewide, tuition-free public high school. It offers intensive arts programs in dance, literary arts, media arts, music, theater, and visual arts coupled with strong general studies. Applications are accepted from all Minnesota 10th and 11th grade students who wish to apply for the following school year. The application deadline is February 1 of the year prior to the school year for which application is made. Enrollment is limited. Please see a counselor for additional information.

Minnetonka Options

Students who plan to submit coursework done in a setting other than Minnetonka High School for MHS graduation credit must consult with their counselor for guidelines governing acceptance of such credit.

Course Credit for Prior Learning

Students may test out of any courses offered at Minnetonka High School and receive credit in any subject area if the student is able to demonstrate mastery of the curriculum for that course. Application for Credit by Assessment may occur one quarter in advance of the start of the class or no later than three weeks into the course. See your counselor for application forms and more detailed information.

Area Learning Center–Independent Study

Independent Study is a state certified program for students who are 16 years of age or older who have fallen behind in their graduation plan. Students meet once a week with their teacher(s) and complete assignments on their own time (these courses are in addition to the student’s regular schedule). See counselors for additional information.

SouthWest Metro Intermediate

The Southwest Metro Intermediate District in Chaska, Minnesota, offers career and technical course offerings beyond those which are available at MHS. Please consult with your Minnetonka High School counselor if you have questions.

Students who have disabilities related to hearing, vision, speech, physical mobility, or who have disabilities related to learning or social, emotional, or behavioral needs may be eligible for special education service after an assessment to determine eligibility and need. Students may not register for these services; enrollment is a team decision and is based upon the assessment results. Programs which carry credit toward graduation include alternative courses in the Learning Center including: instruction in the basic skills areas of reading, writing, spelling, math, teaching executive functioning skills (organization, time management, study skills), guidance in behavioral and emotional regulation, social skills and improving peer interactions, and transition planning for post-secondary programs. Special education services could also include speech and language, adaptive physical education and work programs.

Learning Center – Grades: 9-12 – Credit as Arranged

A student’s eligibility for special education is based on an assessment process after a referral has been made. The program is designed to meet individual student needs. This includes: assistance with mainstream assignments, teaching study skills, instruction in the basic skills areas of reading, writing, spelling, math, guidance in behavioral and emotional adjustments in dealing with teen issues and improving peer interactions, and transition planning for post-secondary programs. Special education also includes speech and language services.

COMPASS Program – Grades 9-12

The core goal and focus of COMPASS is to provide support to students both personally and academically. A major part in reaching this goal is to help students build the skills they need to meet personal challenges, be self-advocates, increase self-esteem, improve study skills, complete academic work and plan for the future. COMPASS’ mission is to guide our students to their highest potential while developing the necessary skills for the world outside Minnetonka High School. To meet these goals students are provided a flexible and supportive environment where they are challenged by the mainstream curriculum. Class sizes are limited to 15 students per grade; others may be placed on the waiting list.

ELL (English Language Learners)

Students may qualify for ELL classes with the approval of the ELL department. This program is for students whose first language is not English and whose English proficiency makes it difficult to perform in a mainstream class. Students are tested and may be placed in one to three classes. All ELL students also take some mainstream classes. All ELL classes offer instruction in the four basic areas: speaking, reading, listening, and writing. See the ELL Webpage for more information.