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College and Career Readiness

HELPFUL LINKS

Courses

Graduation Requirements

College Preparatory Requirements

Communication Arts*

4 units

4 units

Social Studies**

3 units

3 units

Math

3 units

3 units

Science

3 units

3 units

Physical Education

1 ½ units

½ unit

Health

½ unit

½ unit

Practical Arts

1 ½ unit

1 unit

Fine Arts

1 unit

1 unit

Electives

7 ½ units

6 units

Advanced Electives

0 units

3 units

Total****

25 units

25 units

SPS graduation requirements

The following provides a general overview of information related to college and career planning during the high school years. Contact your building’s counseling department for specific information, timelines, etc. each school year.

Juniors and seniors wishing to apply for a college visit will be allowed up to two days their junior year and up to two days their senior year for college visit(s). Verified absences will not count against student attendance. The visit and subsequent absence(s) must be pre-approved by an administrator.

College Visits

The FAFSA form must be filled out to get any financial aid from the federal government to help pay for college. Seniors need to be aware of three FAFSA deadlines:

College deadlines: schools may set their own deadlines

State deadlines: February 1 is typically the deadline for the Access Missouri Grant

Federal deadline: June 30 is the last day to apply for federal aid for the following academic year.

SPS Opportunities

Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, Dual Credit, Articulated Credit, Middle College. Students can begin earning college credits while taking high school courses.

Career Exploration. Students can explore careers through Career and Technical Education programs, GO CAPS,

OTC Career Center, and more.

Additional programs. Each high school offers additional college and career readiness programs, as well as the Missouri A+ program.

Explore SPS Counseling Department resources at sps.org/Page/2429

Learn more about the ACT, a college entrance exam at act.org

Complete the FAFSA form at studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa

Find scholarship matches based on your background at https://myscholarshipcentral.org

Find college scholarships and financial aid at fastweb.com