Academic Planning

Students are encouraged to take challenging courses that prepare them for college and/or expose them to potential career interests. 

We recognize that the grades earned do matter when students apply to colleges and scholarships. Therefore, courses awarding college credit are weighed at a value of 1.25. Types of weighted courses include:

1. Advanced Placement (AP) courses.
2. Concurrent enrollment courses (earn college credit while taking them in the high school environment), including CIS (University of MN), College Now (Southwest State University), and Pine Technical & Community College.
3. Post-Secondary Education Options (PSEO).

Courses offered with weighted grades can be found at the Ranger U page of our website.

 Weighted Grade Values

Grade	Non -Weighted Grade Value	Weighted Grade Value
A	4.0	5.0
A-	3.7	4.625
B+	3.3	4.125
B	3.0	3.75
B-	2.7	3.375
C+	2.3	2.875
C	2.0	2.5
C-	1.7	2.125
D+	1.3	1.625
D	1.0	1.25
D-	.7	.875

 

ACADEMIC SCHOLARS & GRADUATING WITH HONORS

End of Semester 1 of senior year is the last grading window applied to calculations for cords and stoles.

Graduating with Honors

(Cumulative GPA at the completion of Semester 1 senior year)

    Cum Laude: 3.5-3.799 earns a white stole

    Magna Cum Laude: 3.8-3.999 earns a silver stole

    Summa Cum Laude: 4.0+ earns a gold stole

Becoming an Academic Scholar (Maroon & Gold Cord)

Any student successfully completing 3 or more college credit bearing classes with a B- or greater in 3 or more select areas. This includes all PSEO classes. Courses that have an A or B section will be counted as one course.

Area One: Language Arts

AP English Language & Composition, CIS Advanced Public Speaking, CIS University Writing & Critical Reading, CIS Introduction to Literature

Area Two: Sciences

AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Physics, AP Physics - Mechanics, CIS Human Physiology, AP Environmental Science

Area Three: Mathematics

AP Precalculus, AP Calculus I, AP Calculus II, AP Computer Science, AP Computer Science Principles, AP Statistics, CIS Basics & Applied Statistics (ALC only), CIS College Algebra Through Modeling 

Area Four: Social Studies

AP US History, AP World History, CIS Microeconomics, CIS Macroeconomics, AP Psychology, AP Human Geography

Area Five: World Languages

Chinese III, Chinese IV, French V, Spanish V

Area Six: Arts

AP Music Theory

Area Seven: Career and Technical Education

Nursing Assistant Comprehensive, Medical Terminology, Pharmacology, Emergency Medical Responder, Emergency Medical Technician, Principles of Marketing, Principles of Management, College Introduction to Business, Business Computer Applications, Human Relations in Business, Business Information Systems, Plant Science Concepts, CIS Animal Science, Landscape Design and Construction, Greenhouse Technology, Engineering and Drafting 1, Exploring Education, Exploring the Teaching Profession 

Academic Lettering 

In order to earn a Forest Lake Area High School Academic Letter, students must earn a cumulative grade point average based on the following:

Year in School   Freshman Sophomore Junior Senior

Cumulative GPA   3.9 3.8 3.7 3.5

 

Honor for Literacy (Rangers Read) 

We know that reading is tied directly to life-long learning and success. To encourage our students to make reading a regular part of their lives, we have a literacy program called Rangers Read. Students who read a minimum of 10 books a year and complete a "book talk" with their advisory teacher will earn the privilege of wearing a white literacy honor cord for graduation. More information about the Rangers Read program can be found at this link.

 

High School students need to meet certain academic requirements in order to be able to play collegiate sports at the NCAA Division 1 or Division 2 level. If you are interested in being a college athlete, please check in with Brittni Miller to ensure that you will meet the requirements. 

• Team Approach - The best approach to a proper schedule is for students, with assistance from their parents and dean, to carefully select correct choices when they register.
• Aim High - Select challenging courses in high school to prepare for future educational and career goals. Students who plan to attend college are encouraged to take Ranger U identified courses to earn college credit.
• Be Selective - Choose elective courses that challenge learning, support interests, allow for exploration, and pursue vocational goals.

Registering for high school courses is the next step to prepare for college and career readiness:

Registration can require a great deal of planning and preparation.

Set aside time to "do your homework."

Connect with your teachers, family, Ranger Connect teacher and your dean about your plan.

The course catalog and the Career Pathway Guide should be used within the five step process to ensure you are checking the items below: 

• graduation requirements
• career planning
• registration supplemental information
• Ranger U/ CIS/ Articulation 

Spend time reviewing the numerous topics below BEFORE you complete the planning worksheets and prepare for registration. The more time you spend reading and planning, the better experience you will create for high school and beyond.