Prep Academy FAQ Sheet

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1	Prep Academy FAQ
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5	Questions	Answer
6	What is dual credit?	An opportunity for high school students to earn college credits while in high school.
7	What is an Associate's Degree?	Associate degrees are foundational degrees that can help students achieve academic and professional goals in less time than it takes to earn Bachelor's degrees.
8	Who can enroll in The Prep Academy?	Current 8th grade students that will be freshmen Fall 2025.
9	How many students will be accepted into the program beginning Fall 2025	Up to 50.
10	Can my high school student enroll as a current freshman, sophomore etc.?	Not at this time. The only entry point to enroll in the Prep Academy is the 8th grade year. After the first year of the program, expanding entry points into the program will be assessed by DPS & RCC.
11	Is this program free of cost?	Yes. The Prep Academy is free to students and our families enrolled in the program during the entire length of the program. Free tuition and books.
12	How many dual credit classes will my freshman take?	Two total: Student Development 101 in the Fall and Student Development 102 in the Spring.
13	Will my student have to take the Accuplacer after their freshman year?	Yes. Students will be well prepped during the Student Development courses to ensure success on this exam.
14	Will my student be able to take electives such as band, orchestra etc.?	No. This a Pathway Program and there is not flexibility in the scheduling in order to successfully transition the students through the four years of the high school graduation requirements and the Associate's Degree requirements. Each family should determine thier student's interest and pathways and select based on their studen't's desires.
15	What is required for acceptance into the program?	Attendance required at a Student informational session. Attendance required at one of the Parent informational sessions. One letter of recommendation from an adult (teacher, coach, principal, youth pastor, etc.) who is not immediate family Five paragraph essay on why the student wants to be accepted into the program and how the student plans to succeed.
16	Is there a GPA requirement to remain in the program?	Yes, students must maintain a 2.75 GPA for their high school and college courses.
17	Can my student be removed from the program?	Yes.
18	What does a complete and submitted application include?	Application filled out and signed by parent, letter of recommendation, and five paragraph essay should be submitted electronically via MINT by February 21, 2025.
19	When is the application due date?	February 21, 2025. Only complete applications will be reviewed and considered by the committee.
20	Who does the application get submitted to?	Students should turn the completed application packet into their current 8th Counselor or the main office of their building.
21	When will this information get shared to the current 8th grade students?	Innovative Programs and RCC staff met with SDMS 8th grade students and all K-8 buildings 8th grade students the week of January 15.
22	When are the Parent Informational Meetings?	Parents must register and attend one of the following informational sessions: Tuesday, February 11, 2025 @ 12:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 11 2025 @ 5:00 p.m. Thursday, February 13, 2025 @ 12:00 p.m. Thursday, February 13, 2025 @ 5:00 p.m. To register, visit www.dps61.org/prepacademy
23	When will students get notified of their acceptance or denial into the program?	Mailed March 21, 2025 both acceptance and denial letters will be mailed via mail.
24	Who should I contact for more information?	Your child's Counselor can answer any questions, or feel free to reach out to: Leslie Risby Innovative Programs Supervisor LRisby@dps61.org (217) 362-3064 or 217-855-8156
25	Are there any dual credit opportunities for my child besides the Prep Academy Program?	Yes. DPS offers several dual credit opportunities to high school students. Please check with your student's Counselor.
26	What are the benefits of this program?	Real world applications, a substanial financial savings for families (What could you do with the extra $10,000- $15,000 that you will save?), personal coaching, college prepardness, early career exposure, and increased future employment opportunities.
27	What concentrations is RCC offering from which students can choose electives?	Business, Criminal Justice, Computer Science/IT, Education, Human Services, and Arts and Communication. Because RCC is a two-year college, students do not declase majors; however, RCC will offer electives in these areas. In most cases, the courses transfer to universities as introductory courses in the major, but it is recommended that student/parents research the senior institituion and verify how the courses transfer.
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