High School Planning Guide

Students will begin in the eighth grade to determine which high school courses will assist them in their future careers and will complete an Individual Career and Academic Plan, or ICAP. High school courses should be chosen with a purpose, focused on goals for future education and, ultimately, future careers. Students should discuss and plan their four-year schedule with the help of their guardians, counselors, and teachers.

These plans of study should serve as a guide, along with other career planning materials, as you continue your high school career. Courses listed within this guide are recommended coursework and should be individualized to meet each learner’s educational and career goals.

All ICAP plans should meet high school graduation requirements as well as a consideration of your chosen career path, so it is important to know your goals and how your course selections will help you achieve them.

Career paths lead to occupations and careers that are grouped around interests, and include a variety of occupations which require different levels of education and training. A career path focuses the student’s studies while still allowing for flexibility and variety. All paths have equal dignity and all prepare students for the future regardless of interests, abilities, or level of education required.

The courses suggested under each career path are designed to provide an education that will enable each student to develop skills, understandings, and attitudes necessary to enter a career and to become an effective citizen in the community.

Springfield R-XII Board of Education Policy IKF - Graduation Requirements provides for a minimum of 25 units of credit completed during grades nine and above.

English Language Arts - 4.0 Credits

English I - 1.0 Credit

English II - 1.0 Credit

English III - 1.0 Credit

4th ELA Course - 1.0 Credit

Social Studies - 3.0 Credits

U.S. History - 1.0 Credit

World History - 1.0 Credit

American Government & Civics - 1.0 Credit OR AP U.S. Government & Politics - 1.0 Credit

Mathematics - 3.0 Credits

View Math course sequences here

Science - 3.0 Credits

Integrated Science or Physics First - 1.0 Credit

General Biology - 1.0 Credit

3rd Science Course - 1.0 Credit

Physical Education & Health - 2.0 Credits

Health - 0.5 Credit

Physical Education Class (3) - 0.5 Credit each, 1.5 Credits total

Practical Arts - 1.5 Credits

Practical Art Class (2) - 0.5 Credit each, 1.0 Credit total

Personal Finance - 0.5 Credit

Fine Arts - 1.0 Credit

Music, Visual or Performance Art Class - 1.0 Credit

Additional Credits - 7.5 Credits

May select any courses offered

dividerTo graduate from Springfield Public Schools, each student must obtain a minimum of 25 credits during grades 9 and above. Summer Explore classes can help you arrive at 25!

English Language Arts - 4 Credits

English I (1.0 Credit) - 9th Grade

English II (1.0 Credit) - 10th Grade

English III (1.0 Credit) - 11th Grade

Student Choice (1.0 Credit)

Social Studies - 3 Credits

U.S. History (1.0 Credit) - 9th Grade

World History (1.0 Credit) - 10th-12th Grade

American Government & Civics (1.0 Credit) or AP U.S. Government & Politics (1.0 Credit) - 11th-12th Grade

Mathematics - 3 Credits

See math sequence options here

Practical Arts - 1.5 Credits

Personal Finance (0.5 Credit) - 11th-12th Grade

Student Choice (1.0 Credit)

Science - 3 Credits

Integrated Science or Physics First (1.0 Credit) - 9th Grade

General Biology (1.0 Credit) - 10th Grade

Student Choice (1.0 Credit)

Physical Education - 1.5 Credits

Student Choice (1.5 Credits)

Health - 0.5 Credit

Health (0.5 Credit) - 9th Grade

Fine Arts - 1.0 Credit

Student Choice (1.0 Credit)

Additional Credits - 7.5 Credits

Student Choice (7.5 Credits)

Graduating Class of 2027 and Beyond

Springfield Public Schools awards two diplomas:

• Regular Diploma – Awarded to students who meet all Missouri DESE and SPS Board of Education graduation requirements (minimum of 25 credits). Eligible students may also graduate Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, or Summa Cum Laude.
• Honors Diploma – Awarded to students who earn an academic distinction (Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, or Summa Cum Laude) and complete at least 30 credits in grades 9–12.

The IB Diploma Programme and IB Career-Related Programme are also available upon completion of program requirements.

Weighted Credit

The grade point values for general classes will be based on a four-point system. For Advanced/Weighted Classes, an additional grade-point value will be given. Under this weighted system, grades for the weighted courses will receive extra “weight” if the student earns a D or above. Please see a full list of weighted courses here.

Grade scales by general classes and advanced/weighted classes

General Classes Grade Scale	Advanced/Weighted Classes Grade Scale
A (90-100) = 4	A (90-100) = 5
B (80-89) = 3	B (80-89) = 4
C (70-79) = 2	C (70-79) = 3
D (60-69) = 1	D (60-69) = 2
F (59 and below) = 0	F (59 and below) = 0

Students who take a full schedule all four years and weighted courses earn more grade points than students who take fewer weighted courses or who take a partial schedule.

Academic distinction status will not be computed until 11th and 12th grades. Students should be aware of the following information related to academic distinction. Academic distinction is not computed during 9th and 10th grades.

Minimum GPA for Distinction

Summa Cum Laude: 4.20

Magna Cum Laude: 3.80

Cum Laude: 3.50

See the table below on how a student can achieve Summa Cum Laude status. The table below is based on a student who earned all A's from freshman year to senior year. They would need to take a minimum of 7 weighted classes to attain Summa Cum Laude.

Class of 2027 GPA calculations by weighted credits and GPA

Weighted Credits	GPA
1	4.03
2	4.06
3	4.09
4	4.13
5	4.16
6	4.19
7	4.22
8	4.25
9	4.28
10	4.31

ROSE Ceremony Recognition

For more than 40 years, Springfield Public Schools has honored outstanding graduating seniors through the annual Recognition of Scholastic Excellence (ROSE) ceremony. Beginning with the graduating class of 2027, students who earn both the Summa Cum Laude distinction and an Honors Diploma will be recognized at the ROSE ceremony.

Approved Graduation Honors Regalia

Students participating in graduation ceremonies are permitted to wear only those academic honors and regalia approved by the school. View approved graduation regalia here. Any regalia not included is prohibited.

Placement, Credit and Variances for Students Who Transfer into the District

When a student enters from an unaccredited public or nonpublic high school in Missouri, another state, or from a home school, school officials will review reported courses, available achievement tests, and/ or other performance data. School officials will Interview student and guardians; administer formal and informal assessments if records are inadequate. A tentative placement decision will be based on the preceding information. If placement is ninth grade, students should be required to meet all state and local graduation requirements. If placement is tenth grade or higher, school staff will develop with student and guardians a
graduation program of studies that, if completed, will earn a high-school diploma. School staff will review placement and academic progress with student and guardians periodically. NOTE: Guardians of homeschooled children must provide documentation as required in RSMo 167.031.

Dropping a Course

If a student drops a course after 20 school days from the start of the term at an 8-block school (Central, Glendale, Hillcrest, Parkview, or MOCAP/Launch), or after 10 school days from the start of the term at a 4-block school (Kickapoo or Launch), the student will receive an “F” on their transcript. Students should always consult with their school counselor or administrator before dropping a course to understand how it may affect eligibility (see the High School Athletic/Activity Eligibility section of this guide). Each school’s specific procedures may vary, so contact your counselor for details.

Earning Summer Credit

Springfield Public Schools' summer program is called Explore. Grades earned in the summer program will be included in the calculation of the following year’s GPA. Credits earned in the summer program will count toward graduation requirements. Information regarding Explore is available to students and guardians in the spring term each year.

Duplicate Credit

Some, but not all, courses may be taken for duplicate credit. Refer to individual course descriptions and consult your counselor for more information.

Repeated Credit

High school students who repeat courses for which grades of “F” or “D” were originally earned will have the highest grade earned included in their GPA. The transcript will continue to show the student took the course twice and will show the grade earned on both occasions; however, only the grade for the best attempt will be included in the GPA and credit is only awarded once. Students who have earned a grade of “C” or better will not, under this practice, be allowed to repeat these courses for credit. If a student who earned a grade of “C” or above should choose to repeat a course, the first grade will remain and the second grade will be reflected as no credit on the transcript. In prerequisite courses, because mastery is essential to future success, there is an
exception. If a student earns a C, D or F in a prerequisite course, then they may repeat the course and the student may request credit. Following completion of the course and within two weeks of the end of the term, if requested, this repeated course will count as an elective non-weighted credit and both grades will be included in the GPA.

Articulated Credit

Articulated credit courses are high school courses approved by Ozarks Technical Community College as sustainably equal to introductory level college courses. Articulated credit courses provide a way for students to start a college-level technical program in high school and continue their educational pathway at OTC. Articulated credit courses are free “after” credits, meaning students who complete the process successfully, are eligible to earn the equivalent college course after the high school course. Earned credits are posted to the student’s OTC transcript after successful completion of high school course (80% or higher), successful completion of one college course at OTC, and submission of the Student Application for Articulated Credit.

Attendance Requirements for Graduation

Students will be required to attend eight semesters in grades nine and above. In order to establish a flexible process for students to meet graduation requirements based on individual needs, the Individual Program of Study (IPS) was approved by the Board of Education on November 17, 1998. Permission may be granted to graduate early with the completion of an IPS. The student shall have completed a total of twenty-five units of credit. Approval must be given in advance by the principal. Modifications to these graduation requirements may be identified in a student’s Individual Program of Study or Individual Education Program. Students who graduate early may participate in a graduation ceremony with their original graduating class.

It is important that a student choosing to be an early graduate understand that their final grade point average may be affected. Students who graduate early may participate in a graduation ceremony with their original graduating class.

When students enter high school, they will be assigned to a four-year graduation cohort. They will remain in that cohort until graduation. The student will continue to advance to the next grade with the expectation that credit deficiencies will be eliminated prior to the end of the 12th grade. Credits will be evaluated at the end of each school year.

Guardians will be notified by the beginning of summer school if their student falls behind and must repeat courses or pursue an alternative path to graduation. A student’s assigned grade or graduation cohort will not change once he or she enters high school. This guide can be used to determine if a student is on track to graduate with his or her assigned graduation cohort without remediation or recovery.

Minimum Credits by Grade Level

At the end of grade 9: Must have completed a minimum of 5 credits

At the end of grade 10: Must have completed a minimum of 11 credits

At the end of grade 11: Must have completed a minimum of 17 credits

At the end of grade 12: Must have completed a minimum of 25 credits and have met all subject area requirements

Dual Credit & Dual Enrollment

Dual Credit Earned on the High School Campus:

Some colleges recognize credit for courses offered at a high school during the regular school day in which the teachers have been appointed as adjunct college instructors. Dual credit courses are generally available to juniors and seniors who meet the requirements established by the individual colleges offering the dual credit courses. Please check with your counselor for details and requirements of approved dual credit courses available at your high school. NOTE: Courses taken for college credit will require fees for tuition, books, and/or other expenses. All expenses are the responsibility of the student enrolling in these courses. Please be aware that not all colleges accept Dual Credit. Students will need to verify transfer of credit eligibility.

Dual enrollment allows the high school student to be enrolled both as a high school student for a portion of the day and to leave the high school campus to enroll in and attend classes on a college campus, or take virtual college courses. Students interested in pursuing this option are advised to work closely with their counselor prior to their senior year to reduce possible scheduling conflicts.

• Dual enrollment will generally be limited (except with special permission) to seniors only.
• Students must be enrolled in at least two (2) units of credit per semester in their local high school.
• Courses taken at the college level will count as credit toward the graduation requirements as determined by the district.
• Students are responsible for providing college transcripts or other official notification to the high school counselor for courses taken on a college campus. When the college grade is verified, the student may request that the grade be added to the high school transcript. The college credit earned will be converted to high school credit and added to the transcript. The student earns both high school and college credit for dual enrollment courses.
• The calculation of the high school GPA will include all dual enrollment credit on the high school transcript. Credit is Three (3) semester hours = ½ unit; Two (2) semester hours = ¼ unit.
• A student who is taking a college course and drops that course may become ineligible for high school athletics and other activities if he/she is no longer enrolled for 80% of total possible credits i.e. 3.5 units in 8 unit schools (See High School Athletic/Activities Eligibility section below).
• Course cost and fees are the responsibility of the student.

Missouri Connections & ACT Prep

Middle and high school students will explore careers, learn about salaries, skill qualifications and career options utilizing Missouri Connections, a college and career readiness platform.

Missouri Connections is a comprehensive, online, career development and planning program that is provided free of charge to all Missouri citizens. Funded by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, this program supports the career development efforts of schools, community organizations, and adult job seeker programs.

Missouri Connections provides a software system that helps students make informed career and education choices. Students have access to learning tools that include annually updated wage and employment data, age-appropriate self-surveys with visual and interactive results, career and college planning at the local and national level, and robust financial aid resources.

Springfield Public Schools also provides access to free ACT test resources. See your high school counselor for more information.

All students completing the graduation requirements for the Springfield Public Schools will receive a diploma; however, those students who demonstrate achievement of the standards of excellence in identified subject areas will have a “Seal of Excellence” included with their diploma. This Seal will designate the subject area or areas in which excellence has been achieved. The appropriate department at each high school will approve a student receiving a “Seal of Excellence”.

A student will be eligible for a “Seal of Excellence” upon (1) Submission of application to the appropriate department; (2) Verification by the department that all subject area standards of excellence have been completed; and (3) Recommendation by the department that a “Seal of Excellence” be awarded.

While regular curriculum courses provide an excellent education, the honors program is designed to provide educational opportunities beyond the regular curriculum for academically talented and highly motivated high school students. In certain subject areas, one or more classes have been designated as honors classes. A higher quality of student performance, a greater depth of understanding and instruction, and a research and investigation emphasis will be evident in honors classes. All honor students are expected to read extensively, think critically and write lucidly.

Criteria for Honors Classes

• Honors classes, when feasible, will cross subject area lines in order to give the student a broad view of the concept under investigation.
• Students in honors classes will have assignments to complete outside of class time on a regular basis.
• Two-thirds of the student tasks in honors classes will be at the analysis, synthesis, and evaluation levels. Instructional materials selected for honors courses will support this criteria.
• Generally, two thirds of the items on honors class examinations will require analysis, synthesis, and/or have open-ended responses. In some cases, externally prepared final examinations may be utilized.
• Students in honors classes will complete appropriate projects that will determine a minimum of 10% of the class grade in the semester in which it is completed. Projects must include research, exploration, and evaluation.
• When feasible, honors classes will provide an opportunity for students to become involved in school and community service/service learning.
• Students enrolled in an honors course who do not demonstrate satisfactory honors level performance may be placed in the regular curriculum course. It is understood that this would occur only after the instructor, student, counselor, and guardians have been involved in an effort to assist the student to attain an acceptable achievement level.
• Enrolling in honors courses may affects a student’s GPA.

Advanced Placement

Advanced Placement is a nationally recognized program developed by Educational Testing Service which allows academically accelerated high school students to pursue college-level studies and to receive credit or appropriate placement from participating colleges or universities. Students working for Advanced Placement college credit are
REQUIRED to take an examination.

The cost of the testing is to be paid by the student; however, where financial need exists, assistance can be provided. The examination is graded and evaluated on a scale of 1 to 5 and ranked by Educational Testing Service. These ranks are then sent to participating colleges or universities specified by the student.

Not all colleges or universities participate in the AP Program. Students considering AP should discuss the details and requirements of the program with their counselor and their guardians.

All students are required to take course-specific tests in Algebra I, Biology, English II, and Government when they complete the respective courses. The results will be used to meet state and federal accountability requirements. Three scheduled testing periods are planned each year – winter, spring and summer.

Classes with End of Course Exams

• English II & English II Honors
• American Government & Civics, American Government & Civics Honors, AP US and Government
• Intro to Biology, General Biology & General Biology Honors
• Algebra I & Accelerated Algebra I
  • (Note: Some students may be required to take an EOC in Algebra II, Algebra II Honors, Geometry & Geometry Honors depending on previous EOC history.)
• Principles of Biomedical Science
• Human Body Systems
• Medical Interventions
• Computer Science Essentials
• Computer Science Principles
• Computer Science A
• Cybersecurity
• Introduction to Engineering Design
• Principles of Engineering
• Aerospace Engineering
• Civil Engineering and Architecture
• Computer Integrated Manufacturing
• Digital Electronics
• Environmental Sustainability

An Industry Recognized Credential, or IRC, is defined as a portable, recognized credential that validates an individual has successfully demonstrated skill competencies in a core set of content and performance standards in a specific set of work-related tasks, single occupational area, or a cluster of related occupational areas.

Students who complete career & technical course pathways or courses are eligible to participate in IRC opportunities.

Current IRC opportunities by program of study, course and industry recognized credential

Program of Study	Course	Industry Recognized Credential
Environmental and Natural Resource Management	any	MO Agriculture Skill and Knowledge Assessment (AGSK)
Ag Science	any	MO Agriculture Skill and Knowledge Assessment (AGSK)
Business Management and Administration	Business Communications	A*S*K Fundamental Business Concepts
Global Distributions	Global Distribution and Logistics I	A*S*K Fundamental Business Concepts
Finance	Business Finance II	A*S*K Concepts of Finance
Information Technology	Computer Applications II	MOS Certification - Word, Excel, PPT
Marketing	Marketing II	MO DECA Marketing Exam
Human Development	Human Development II	AAFCS Family and Community Services
Culinary Arts	Culinary II; Culinary III	AAFCS - Culinary Arts; ServSafe Food Handler Certification
Fashion Design	Fashion and Interior Design III	AAFCS - Fashion
Interior Design	Fashion and Interior Design III	AAFCS - Interior Design
Teaching	Teaching II	Missouri Paraprofessional Certification
Construction	Fundamentals of Construction I	OSHA 10 Certification
Environmental Sciences	Watershed Science	OSHA 10 Certification
Health Sciences	Health Science Education II	OSHA 10 Certification
Health Sciences	Health Science Education I	CPR/First Aid Certification

 

The Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) establishes eligibility criteria for students:

• A student in grades 9-12 must have earned, the preceding semester of attendance, a minimum of 3.5 units of credit or have earned credit in 80% of the maximum allowable classes in which a student can be enrolled in the semester, whichever is greater.
• Shall currently be enrolled in and regularly attending courses that offer 3 units of credit or 80% of the maximum allowable credits which may be earned, whichever is greater, i.e., 3.5 units of credit, or a student must be enrolled in a full course at his or her level.
• A student who is dually enrolled in college and high school classes but who does not receive high school credit on his or her high school transcript for the college work, may have college hours earned during a regular semester count up to a maximum of one unit of credit toward determining high school eligibility as follows: ½ unit of high school credit for a 3-hour college class and 1 unit of high school credit for a 5-hour college class.

The NCAA Eligibility Center will certify the academic and amateur credentials of all college-bound student athletes who wish to compete in NCAA Division I or II athletics. The NCAA Eligibility Center website provides important information about initial-eligibility at NCAA Division I and II member colleges and universities. If you intend to participate in Division I or II athletics as a college freshman, you must register and be certified. Online registration must take place after completion of the student’s junior year. A fee is required. Students can obtain more information and register online here.

The NCAA requires prospects who intend to enroll at NCAA Division I and Division II institutions to supply ACT or SAT scores directly from the testing agencies using code "9999" so that a certification decision will not be delayed. Test scores that appear on a high school transcript will not be accepted by the NCAA.

All college-bound student-athletes who wish to compete in NCAA Division I or II athletics should search for their high school's list of approved NCAA courses under the Resources tab at the top of the NCAA Eligibility Center web-page here. After selecting U.S. Students, the link for the list of NCAA courses can be found on page 2 of the Table of Contents. For NAIA, please reference here.

The A+ Schools Program is a school-improvement initiative established by the Outstanding Schools Act of 1993. The primary goal of the A+ Schools Program is to ensure that all students who graduate from Missouri high schools are well prepared to pursue advanced education and employment. Participating schools are encouraged to:

• Reduce the dropout rate
• Raise academic expectations by eliminating general-track courses
• Provide career guidance for all students
• Work closely with business and higher-education leaders to better prepare students for their lives after graduation

Students who graduate from a designated A+ high school may qualify for a state-paid financial incentive to attend any public community college or career/technical school in Missouri if the student successfully meets state and local requirements.

The education of all students is important, regardless of their plans following high school. Options available for high school graduates include:

• Pursuing a one- or two-year career education program or general education credit transfer block at a community college or vocational/technical institute
• Entering the work force
• Enlisting in the military
• Pursuing a degree at a four-year college or university.

The A+ Schools Program is designed to ensure that no matter which option is chosen, all high school students will be provided selections of courses, career counseling, and technology and/or workplace skill development appropriate to chosen career goals.

Financial Incentives

Students graduating from a designated Missouri A+ School may qualify to receive financial assistance for tuition and general fees to attend any public community college or vocational/technical school in the state of Missouri. Under the program, the financial incentives may be available for eligible students for a period up to 48 months after high school graduation, six terms of attendance, or the completion of an associate’s degree, whichever comes first. Springfield Public School graduates who meet all state-mandated A+ participation requirements may be eligible for these financial incentives, 1) provided state funds are appropriated by the legislature or 2) subject to state funding approval. If a student is a non- citizen, it is up to the post-secondary institution to determine whether they are eligible for A+ Program incentives.

A+ Program Eligibility

• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Sign an A+ Schools Agreement and A+ Schools Citizenship Guideline prior to HS graduation
• Attend an A+ designated school for a minimum of two years prior to graduation
• Graduate from an A+ designated high school with a cumulative, 4-year 2.5/4.0 non-weighted GPA
• Maintain a cumulative, 4-year attendance record of at least 95%
• Perform 50 hours of unpaid, school-based academic tutoring. Tutoring is usually completed during a student’s junior and/or senior year. Tutoring must be academic in nature and completed in the Tutoring class or by prior arrangement with the A+ Coordinator. A maximum of 12.5 job shadowing hours can be counted toward tutoring hours. Only A+ Office approved tutoring will be included in the student’s A+ eligibility file
• Maintain a record of good citizenship and avoid the unlawful use of alcohol and/or drugs
• File a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). A+ funding becomes available only after all federal aid has been determined and applied to tuition and fees
• All individuals required to register under the United States Military Selective Service Act must show proof of registration to be eligible for state-supported financial assistance.
• Achieve a score of proficient or advanced on the Algebra I end of course exam or a higher level DESE approved end-of-course exam in the field of mathematics.

High school policy may allow this criterion to be met up to 6 months beyond high school graduation in exceptional circumstances. Check with your high school’s A+ coordinator to see if this is an option.

A+ Program Post Graduate Responsibilities

To maintain A+ eligibility for post-secondary A+ financial incentives, the student must:

• Enroll and complete a full time college schedule each semester (12 hours in the fall/spring, 6 hours in the summer)
• Attend on a full-time basis a Missouri public community college or vocational/technical school
• Maintain a college grade point average of 2.5
• Apply for federal postsecondary student financial assistance during subsequent college semesters
• Follow the post graduate institution’s requirements

Eligible A+ Postsecondary Schools

• Arcadia Valley Career Technical Center
• Boonslick Technical Education Center
• Brookfield Area Career Center
• Cape Girardeau Career & Tech Center
• Career & Technical Center at Ft. Osage
• Carrollton Area Career Center
• Carthage Technical Center
• Cass Career Center
• Clinton Technical School
• Columbia Area Career Center
• Crowder College
• Current River Career Center
• Dallas County Career Center
• Davis H. Hart Career Center
• East Central College
• Eldon Career Center
• Excelsior Springs Career Center
• Four Rivers Career Center
• Franklin Technology Center
• Gibson Technical Center
• Grand River Technical School
• Hannibal Career & Technical Center
• Herndon Career Center
• Hillyard Technical Center
• Kennett Career & Technical Center
• Kirksville Area Technical Center
• Jefferson College
• Lake Career & Technical Center
• Lamar Area Vo-Tech School
• Lebanon Technical & Career Center
• Lewis & Clark Career Center
• Lex La-Ray Technical Center
• Linn State Technical College
• Macon Area Vocational School
• Metropolitan Community College
• Mineral Area College
• Missouri State University - West Plains
• Moberly Area Community College
• Moberly Area Technical Center
• Nevada Regional Technical Center
• New Madrid R-I Tech Skills Center
• Nichols Career Center
• North Central Career Center
• North Central Missouri College
• Ozarks Technical Community College

Four-Year College and Universities Offering Awards to A+ Graduates

Students may be able to use A+ eligibility at certain 4-year colleges or universities for privately funded financial aid. State funds appropriated to the A+ Schools Program are not used to fund these awards. A+ eligibility and other scholarship criteria (GPA, ACT scores, etc.) are determined by each college and may vary. Most scholarships are competitively awarded and are not automatic with A+ eligibility. The list below may be incomplete and/or change occasionally. Please contact individual colleges or universities for current and/or additional information.

• Avila College
• Central Methodist
• Columbia College
• Drury University
• Kansas City Art Institute
• Missouri State University
• Northwest Missouri State University
• Park University
• Rockhurst University
• Stephens College
• Truman State University
• Webster University
• William Woods College

SPS Choice Programs have focused themes and aligned curriculum that provides students access to unique learning opportunities driven by their passion, inquiry, and community connections. SPS Choice is choice within the public school setting.

The Alliance for Healthcare Education

Through enrollment in the Alliance for Healthcare Education, students are equipped Springfield Public Schools students with the knowledge and credentials needed to gain employment in the healthcare industry and/or apply to top healthcare programs for continued education. Students may receive up to 60 hours of career exploration in healthcare professions, including hands-on activities in labs, special presentations by healthcare professionals and job shadowing at Cox South.

Upon successful completion of the program, students will have earned their high school diploma and college credits. Credits and certifications earned vary based on the student selected track: Certified Nurse Assistant certification, Emergency Medical Technician certification, or Associate of Arts in Bioclinical Sciences (credits earned toward degree or full degree). This is a full day program held at the Springfield Ozarks Tech campus.

Fly SPS

Fly SPS provides 11th and 12th grade students instruction in aviation and the opportunity to earn their private pilot's license while earning high school and college credit. This program requires an application and interview process. The application window opens November 1 and closes December 1. Students spend half the school day at Springfield-Branson National Airport engaged in aviation classroom work, simulator use, and flight hours. Upon successful completion of the two-year program, students can continue their associate degree in aviation, earn a commercial pilot's license or pursue other careers in aviation. Potential aviation careers include commercial and airline pilots, co-pilots and flight engineers.

Kickapoo University

Kickapoo University is a college and career preparatory program. It is a research based program that takes components from various academic ideals across the nation and creates a comprehensive experience for the student. This program prepares high school students for unique college and career opportunities. Kickapoo U actively engages students in all four years of their high school experience. Kickapoo U offers over 139 hours of college credit, each student has the potential to graduate with at least one year of college credit at a significant cost savings. Benefits of this program include: job shadowing, volunteerism, rigorous course work, dual credit classes, internships, professional networking, a senior capstone project, and cost savings.

Middle College

Middle College is a contemporary high school program focused on college and career preparation designed to inspire student learning through a stimulating college environment, innovative teaching and local internship experiences. Middle College is a dual enrollment program for juniors and seniors located on Ozarks Technical Community College (OTC) Springfield campus. Our multi-layered approach provides avenues for students to maximize their potential for a successful transition to the workforce and college while creating a long-term positive impact on the economy and community. While Middle College is open to all students, we specialize in helping underrepresented populations, first generation college students, mature students who wish to start
college early and students who have lacked success or been disengaged in traditional high school. Our goals for students admitted are to provide a college environment to stimulate and re-engage learning while completing a high school diploma, attending college classes in technical education, and gaining experience in the workforce to develop much-needed employability skills through local business internships. In addition, curriculum in all classes focuses on leadership, employability skills, and helping students see the relevance in learning as application toward helping them become more successful in their internship and beyond. A seamless transition to post- secondary education, the workforce and beyond is waiting for students who are selected for Middle College. All students apply to enroll in a specific program of study or Career Academy, which includes six different options.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme

Central High School has been authorized to offer the International Baccalaureate curriculum since 1998. Any SPS student may be eligible for the IB Diploma Program pathway as long as they meet the prerequisite honors courses for full program status in preparation for the Diploma Program (DP). Students may also take individual IB courses based on interest and demonstrated academic ability.

Students who successfully complete the program are eligible to earn the prestigious International Baccalaureate Diploma in addition to the high school diploma. The IB Diploma Program is designed as a challenging and comprehensive 11th and 12th grade preparation for college and life beyond that requires students to complete coursework and assessments in six subject groups. The following options are available at Central High School:

Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature in English
Group 2: Language Acquisition: French or Spanish
Group 3: Individuals and Societies: History, Psychology, Environmental Systems and Societies, Business Management, Global Politics
Group 4: Experimental Sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Systems and Societies
Group 5: Mathematics: 3 levels (prerequisites include Algebra II and higher)
Group 6: Arts and electives: Visual Art, Theatre, Music, Film or another course from groups 1-5

International Baccalaureate Career Programme

The Career-related Program (CP) is a framework of international education that incorporates the values of the IB into a unique programme addressing the needs of students engaged in career-related education. As part of a continuum, the CP builds on prior learning in the IB Middle Years Program (MYP) and incorporates elements of the IB Diploma Program (IBDP), which provides the theoretical underpinning and academic rigor of the CP. The programme leads to further/higher education, apprenticeships or employment.

The pathways offered at Central High School include biomedical sciences, engineering, computer science, media production, culinary arts, business, marketing, accounting, information technology, education, the arts, and can work with Fly SPS, and 20 pathways at Ozarks Technical Community College Career Center.

The core of the CP requires students to take a minimum of two IB Diploma courses (listed in the IBDP) and a minimum of two career-related study courses (within the pathway) and provides students with a combination of academic and practical skills.

There are four additional interrelated components forming the core:

• personal and professional skills course (PPS) that focuses on ethics and communication within the individual’s pathway,
• 50 community engagement hours,
• a reflective project, which is an in-depth body of work focusing on ethical dilemmas in the individual’s pathway and produced over an extended period of time,
• and a language development portfolio which allows students to make an extensive exploration of a language other than their best language.

Upon graduation, students who finish the IBCP program are awarded an International Baccalaureate Career-related Certificate as well as certifications from several postsecondary institutions and industries to promote the student in their chosen career path.

Students who earn the IB Diploma and Career-related Certificate have been accepted by colleges and universities in more than 100 countries. American universities recognize these efforts in a variety of ways, but many grant admission based on being in the program, and/or grant general or specific university credit based on IB examination scores. Some universities recognize the IB Diploma and Career-related Programs as a “whole” and grant a specific number of college credits or scholarships for students finishing the IB Diploma or Career-related Programs.

International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme

The International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (IBMYP) aims to develop active learners and internationally minded young people who can empathize with others and pursue lives of purpose and meaning. The programme empowers students to inquire into a wide range of issues and ideas of significance locally, nationally and globally. The result is young people who are creative, critical and reflective thinkers. Springfield Public Schools offers this choice program at Pipkin Middle School (grades 6-8) and Central High School (grades 9-10). All students will learn through the IB MYP framework and complete the culminating Personal Project at 10th grade. Students are poised to be successful in future IB pathways.

The IB Middle Years Programme at Central is available to current feeder pattern students and those students from other feeder patterns who complete a transitional transfer.

Qualified juniors and seniors can earn high school credits and college credits before graduating from high school in specialized career and technical programs. As a student at the OTC Career Center, students will:

• Learn in a hands-on environment, from instructors with real-world experience.
• Interact with like-minded students who share career interests.
• Earn credits toward a two- or four-year degree (and, in many programs, a Certificate of Achievement and industry-recognized credentials)

Students spend half of their school day at their high school and the other half at OTC’s Springfield campus. Classes meet Monday through Friday and follow OTC’s academic calendar schedule. Morning sessions begin at 8 a.m. and end at 10:30 a.m. Afternoon sessions begin at 12:20 p.m. and end at 2:50 p.m.

Tuition, as well as afternoon transportation from school sites to and from the OTC campus is taken care of by the school district. Students are loaned their textbooks free of charge.

OTC’s Career Center Counseling and Assessment offers FREE career testing and counseling that helps prospective high school students explore their program options. To schedule a career assessment, see your high school counselor or call OTC Career Center Counseling and Assessment at 417-447-6983.

Students will find the college level curriculum and learning environment challenging and rewarding. Adult and high school aged students are taught by college instructors and work, learn, and study side-by-side. Students are typically enrolled in two or three college classes each semester and most enjoy the pace. Learning occurs in a variety of settings and the varied teaching styles match a variety of learning styles.

Students benefit from support services offered through OTC Career Center Counseling and Assessment, the Vocational Resource Educator, Breaking Traditions, Career Employment Services, Tutoring and Learning Center, and the Speech and Writing Centers OTC Career Center’s Vocational Resource Educator provides support to students with disabilities to ensure equal access to college programs and services.

Students who attend classes daily outperform students who do not attend class. OTC Career Center students follow the OTC college-wide attendance policy. All students are expected to be present for their scheduled classes and labs. Regular attendance and participation are required.

Students are encouraged to read each course syllabi which will provide the number of absences that can result in administrative withdrawal from a course. OTC Career Center students are encouraged to develop leadership and work skills. Students can join the SkillsUSA national organization. SkillsUSA is an applied method of instruction for preparing skilled, high-performance workers who excel in the workforce. SkillsUSA provides quality educational experiences for students in leadership, teamwork, citizenship and character development. Selection to the OTC Career Center Leadership Team is another opportunity for students to develop leadership skills and to represent the OTC Career Center. Additionally, each year the Director of the OTC Career Center awards OTC scholarships to outstanding qualified seniors representing each of the career and technical education programs and who are not included in the A+ Scholarship Program.

Available Courses

• Agriculture (Turf and Landscape AGR [1525] or Animal Science Option AGR [1530])
• Auto Collision Repair Technology ABR [1240]
• Automotive Technology AUM [1250]
• Computer Information Technology CIS [1270]
• Construction Technology CST [1400]
• Culinary Arts CUL [1430]
• Diesel Technology DSL [1535]
• Drafting and Design Technology DDT [1370]
• Early Childhood Development ECD [1445]cx
• Electrical Trades ELC [1260]
• Electronic Media Production EMP [1295]
• Emergency Med Tech [1335]
• Fire Science Technology FST [1280]
• Graphic Design Technology GDT [1360]
• Health Sciences HLT [1330]
• Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning HRA [1310]
• Industrial Engineering Technology (may include SRC apprenticeship) [1305]
• Industrial Systems Technology [1315]
• Machine Tool Technology MTT [1375]
• Networking Technology NET [1275]
• Paramedic [1336]
• Plumbing PLM [1308]
• Welding Technology WLD [1390]

OTC Career Center Non-Discrimination Statement

Ozarks Technical Community College prohibits discrimination and harassment and provides equal opportunities in its admissions, educational programs, activities, and employment regardless of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, political affiliation, veteran status, and disabilities that include HIV and AIDS, and medical conditions. Bona fide occupational qualifications will be allowed in those instances where age, gender, or physical requirements apply to the appropriate and efficient administration of the position. Any person having inquiries concerning Ozarks Technical Community College compliance with the regulations implementing Title VI and Title IX is directed to contact For Student Inquiries: Julie Edwards, Title IX and Section 504 Coordinator, 1001 E. Chestnut Expressway, Springfield, Missouri 65802, 417-447-8188. Students enrolled with the OTC Career Center are protected by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA). OTC Career Center classes consist of high school students and college students.

Students who have failed to earn enough credits to graduate with their class may qualify for the Missouri Option Program.

This program, authorized by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, provides an alternative means of earning a high school diploma.

Students must be enrolled full time and must meet eligibility criteria for participation in this program. Students must complete all required activities of the program and earn a passing score on the High School Equivalency Test to receive a diploma.

Once enrolled in the Missouri Option Program, students no longer earn credits toward graduation and are not eligible for MSHSAA activities. A conference must be held with school personnel, students and guardians to discuss program requirements and limitations and to determine if the student meets the program guidelines. The school counselor should be contacted for more information.

Students in Springfield Public Schools may choose to take some courses online or may elect a full-time virtual schedule. Virtual courses can be a great option if you need to create flexibility in your schedule, take electives not available at your high school, or need an option for required classes so you can focus on your passions and interests. All Launch Virtual Learning courses will count towards your GPA. Summer Explore courses are exclusively taught online, giving you ultimate summer flexibility while still working to meet your learning goals. Virtual courses are noted in the course catalog.

View all course offerings available through Launch here.