College Credit Options

Advanced Placement (AP): Developed by the College Board, Advanced Placement courses are taught in high schools and are nationally recognized. AP courses give high school students an introduction to college level curriculum. These courses promote the development of higher level thinking and are more difficult than a typical high school course. At the end of the year, students will sit through an examination that assesses their knowledge of the content covered throughout the year. 

AP exams are scored on a scale from 1-5 with anything above a 3 considered passing. Some colleges will only accept 4's and 5's for credit - make sure to look at the admissions requirements for any colleges you are interested in to determine if your AP scores will count for credit at that institution. 

Advanced Placement courses offered in the Duluth Public Schools include:

• AP Computer Science Principles
• AP Language & Composition
• AP/CITS Literature & Composition*
• AP/CITS Calculus*
• AP United States History
• AP World History

*Students in AP/CITS Language & Composition and AP/CITS Calculus can earn credit for both AP and CITS programs provided they earn a passing score on the AP exam and/or meet the minimum GPA qualifications for CITS courses. Colleges and universities will offer different amounts of credits for comparable classes depending on if a student is transferring CITS credits or AP credits or both. Reach out to your building's guidance counselor for more information. 

Articulated College Credit: Articulated college credit courses provide a way for students to start a college-level technical program while still in high school, paving the way for students to extend their educational pathway into a technical career. To earn Articulated College Credit, students take high school CTE courses and upon successful completion, have the opportunity to bring their high school transcript to pre-approved schools to earn credit towards the student's college transcript for those courses at those schools. Current partnering schools include Lake Superior College and Northwood Technical College. 

Please Note: Current articulation agreements are under review at the college level and changes may occur. For the most accurate information, consult your classroom teacher.

Career and Technical Education Program (CTE): Designed to help focus students into career/post-secondary pathways that fit their personality and academic interests. Programs of study are offered in six broad Minnesota career fields with exposure to over 13 career clusters and pathways. Find classes that will lead you into the career you want! For more information, reach out to your building's guidance counselor.

• Today's CTE is for all students: integrated with academics in a rigorous and relevant curriculum
• CTE courses are taught by some of the most highly qualified professionals in the region: over 80% come from industry first and then education. They bring real-world knowledge and connections to help students explore and succeed in the competitive job market
• Students work hands-on with the material and learn life skills: Our mission is to prepare students for the workforce of tomorrow by providing them with work skills beyond individual content specialties
• High school students can earn college credit in their area of interest, a great head start to a successful career
• Courses may help students qualify for and earn accreditation/certification in their area of interest
• Career Clubs provide experiences beyond the classroom and help students connect to their schools
• The goal is to help students GET to work: that means high-paying careers, both regionally and globally 

Career and Technical Education Courses 24-25

College in the Schools (CITS): College in the Schools (CITS) is a concurrent enrollment ("dual credit" or "dual enrollment") program that allows 11th and 12th grade students to earn both high school and college credit in certain courses at no cost to the student. These courses have admissions requirements and are challenging, faster-paced, more in-depth than traditional courses. They are taught by high school teachers at the rigor of a college level. CITS partner schools include the University of Minnesota - Duluth, Lake Superior College,  Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College and College of St. Scholastica. 

Post Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO): PSEO is a program that allows students in grades 10, 11, and 12 to earn college credit tuition free while still in high school, through the enrollment in and successful completion of college courses. With traditional PSEO, these courses are generally offered on the campus of the postsecondary institution, though some courses are offered online.

Most PSEO courses are only open to 11th and 12th grade students, with each participating college and university setting their own requirements for enrollment into the PSEO courses and programs. Students may take PSEO courses on a full- or part-time basis. Students must meet the PSEO eligibility requirements and abide by participation limits outlined in the Postsecondary Enrollment Options Act and described in the PSEO Reference Guide (below).

To assist the district in planning, a student shall inform the district by May 30 of each year of the student’s intent to enroll in postsecondary courses during the following school year. A student is bound by notifying or not notifying the district by May 30. It is recommended to talk to your high school counselor by May 15 to ensure all enrollment paperwork is completed on time.

Participation in High School Activities: Enrolling in a PSEO course does not prohibit a student from participating in activities sponsored by the high school.

Transportation Reimbursement Available for Qualified Students: Funds are available to help pay transportation expenses for PSEO students whose families are at or below the poverty level, as determined by the federal government, to participate in PSEO courses on college campuses. Access the PSEO Mileage Reimbursement Program Instructions