In many schools, the opportunity for students to take the SAT is by invitation only. Here at Elkhart Central we have an open SAT policy... if you want to take the test, just sign up. The end result is a student participation rate of 50% or higher... even a "D" student can take the SAT. But how accurately can you compare apples with apples? Please take a look a table 1 that represents our top 20 versus the current Indiana and U.S. standard.
$50,000.00? Interested? ~ Advanced Placement
Elkhart Central students can earn enough Advanced Placement credits to start college as a sophomore or even a junior! That translates to savings of over $50,000.00, depending on the university he or she is attending. Elkhart Central offers 18 Advanced Placement classes and our students are very successful in taking the AP tests at the end year. As an example, in the Calc BC AP test, over 90% of the students received the highest score of a "5". Table 2 shows a sample of students that earned academic scholarships and Advanced Placement credit.
Choose AP
Are you ready for a unique learning experience that will help you succeed in college? Through AP's college-level courses and exams, you can earn college credit and advanced placement, stand out in the admission process, and learn from some of the most skilled, dedicated, and inspiring teachers in the world.*
A Different Kind of Class
From the moment you enter an AP classroom, you'll notice the difference—in the teacher's approach to the subject, in the attitude of your classmates, in the way you start to think. In AP classrooms, the focus is not on memorizing facts and figures. Instead you'll engage in intense discussions, solve problems collaboratively, and learn to write clearly and persuasively.*
Prepare to Succeed in College
AP courses can help you acquire the skills and habits you'll need to be successful in college. You'll improve your writing skills, sharpen your problem-solving abilities, and develop time management skills, discipline, and study habits.*
Earn College Credit and Placement
Most four-year colleges in the United States and colleges in more than 60 other countries give students credit, advanced placement or both on the basis of AP Exam scores. By entering college with AP credits, many students have the opportunity to start their college career as a sophomore. You'll have the time to move into upper level courses, pursue a double-major or study abroad.*
Find Your Passion
With 18 Advanced Placement courses offered at ECHS you'll be able to explore your interests and discover new passions. In AP classes, you'll study fascinating topics and ideas that just might become the foundation of your future college major or career.
Recent Students
A quick survey of recent ECHS graduates find them attending college and universities like: St. Olaf College, Wheaton College, Indiana University, University of Notre Dame, Purdue University, Syracuse University, Ball State University, Oberlin College, University of Alabama and Butler University. Also, Indiana University at South Bend, Southwestern Michigan College, University of Evansville, Indiana State University, Ivy Tech Community College and many, many more. They were admitted to many, many more as well.
Many students who took advantage of our AP program earned from 7 to 28 college credits before their fall classes started.
How Do I Enroll?
Once you've decided to take the AP challenge it's easy to enroll. Talk to your Guidance Counselor at Central about the course you want to take. Many students take 4 to 7 of the 18 AP courses we offer. Discuss the course's workload and any preparation you might need… some teachers will require you to do work over the summer. AP credit= college $$$.... start your college career as a sophomore! The Class of 2011 earned over 2.5 million dollars in academic scholarships.
Click here for the Elkhart Central Advanced Placement brochure in PDF.
Click here for more information on Elkhart Central High School.
*http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/ap/about.html
Is your child Gifted?
Recently the National Merit Scholarship Corporation has recognized seven ECHS students: Mitchell Hannon, Anna Jacobson, Aric Hopper, Halle Hill, Mario Hoyos, Mitchell Dykstra and Megan Ellis.
Elkhart Community Schools is expanding its Providing for Exceptional Potential (PEP) Program* for gifted students to Bristol and Cleveland Elementary Schools in grades 2nd and 3rd for the 2011-12 school year. One grade will be added each year until the program is serving grades 2nd through 6th. Pinewood Elementary will continue to serve grades 2nd through 6th. This unique program allows students and parents to bond throughout the educational process, from second grade through graduation and beyond. Click here for more information...
*PEP is one of Indiana's few gifted and talented self-contained programs... this is not a pull-out program..
Click on the slide to download the PEP PowerPoint presentation.
Transfer to Elkhart Community Schools: Our Doors Are Open
Elkhart Community Schools, Elkhart County's largest public school district, has opened its doors to students living outside district boundaries. This past school year, more than 50 students from surrounding communities took advantage of the opportunity to transfer to ECS with no tuition fees.
Additional transfer students are registering for the 2011-2012 school year, attracted to Elkhart Schools' renowned high ability, fine arts, full-day kindergarten, and Advanced Placement programs; a diverse student population that reflects the multi-cultural world in which we live; and a teaching staff that strives daily to inspire excellence in every student. There's still room for you! Come join us for what might very well become the most rewarding year of your life! Click here for more information...
