Swift Creek Middle School

Bridge to AP

85% of AP students continue their education beyond high school.76% of students who take two or more AP courses attain a bachelor’s degree (regardless of whether they earn qualifying scores on AP courses and exams).61% of students who take two or more AP courses and exams complete a bachelor’s degree in four years or less.Research from College Board

Benefits of an AP Program

Work/School Activity

Essay

Overall Grades

Class Rank

SAT Scores

Courses Selected

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90

What Counts in College AdmissionsNational Association of College Admissions

% citing importance

The ProgramPre-AP strategies are used to

strengthen and align the curriculum across grade levels, and to increase the academic challenge for all students

A rigorous Pre-AP will equip a student with the tools and habits to transition into a high school AP program and realize success within those courses.

The main advantage of taking a Pre-AP/AP course is better preparation for college.

Why AP?Research shows AP offers an answer to the aspects contained in our core beliefs

◦Students are capable and will meet high expectations

◦Students are unique thus there must be flexibility in the curriculum to meet the needs

◦Quality teaching is #1 99% of our students feed into Lincoln High School as 9th graders

Program Intent:

The Swift Creek Bridge to AP Program is the only one of its kind in Leon County.

rigor in courses for studentsopportunities for higher level coursesa seamless transition to a Advanced Placement

Program at the high school levelclose monitoring of students’ gradesSpecial Bridge to AP Field Trip

Pre IB or BridgeInternational Baccalaureate

• Curriculum designed and implemented based upon an international standard.

• Academic courses are assigned in all four academic areas.

• Three high school credit foreign languages (Spanish/French/Chinese)are offered at level I & II.

• Students have an opportunity to earn up to 8 high school credits.

• Other high school credits that are offered are: Algebra I, Geometry, Biology, Physical Science, Journalism I & II.

Advanced Placement• Aligned with AP course

descriptions generated by College Board. Developed with a concentration on building student capacity to understand rigorous content

• Students individual needs and strengths are considered. Students can be assigned all four core AP classes and exceptions for individual strengths will be considered.

• Students have the opportunity to earn up to 9 high school credits in the following areas: Algebra I, Geometry,Earth Space Science, Biology I, Spanish I and II, Latin I and II, HOPE.

The Bridge to AP Program is open to rising 6th graders zoned for Swift Creek who meet the admission criteria.

Test ScoresFCAT level 4 and above in Reading* and/or

Math**5th Grade FSA will be considered Work Habits

All E’s or S’s in work habits during 5th grade Grades

A 3.0 average in the four core areas during 5th grade

Teacher Recommendation* A Level 4 or 5 FCAT Reading score allows a student

to be considered for Bridge Language Arts, Science and Social Studies.

** A Level 4 or 5 FCAT Math allows a student to be considered for Bridge Math.

Admissions

The Admission Process?We are currently in the process of preparing for the 2015-2016 school year.

The following has already taken place:• 4th grade test scores have been analyzed• Invitations to the January 29th Parent Night have

been sent• Shadowing applications are being received

In the next few months:• After the 3rd nine weeks -Report cards will be

analyzed• April -Initial acceptance selections will be made• 5th grade test scores will be reviewed• June- Final acceptance letters will be sent

Once Admitted a Student Must:

maintain an acceptable disciplinary record for all classes

maintain a 3.0 “B” Average in core classes.

o If a student’s average falls below a cumulative 3.0 he/she will be on

probation for the following semester.o If the GPA is not raised above a

cumulative 3.0 in the semester of the probation, he/she will

be removed from the program.

A Successful Bridge StudentHas a genuine interest in the subject

being consideredDemonstrates excellent study skills

and habitsCarefully considers time commitmentsAsks questions and participates in

classPerseveres when faced with

challenging materialAsks for assistance when neededPlans and works ahead on long term

projects

Is your child a self-motivated, organized, independent worker?

Does your child need and/or have support with organizational and study skills on a daily basis?How well does your child handle the rigors of a

demanding academic workload?Are they realistic about performance expectations

for themselves? Is your child involved in many activities? Is his/her interest in this field consistent and

significant? Will your child be able to complete any outside-of-

class work assignments without having to give up other activities he/she truly enjoys?

Making Wise ChoicesParents

The key is to find the right balance for your child when requesting Pre-AP classes…keeping him/her “challenged” but not “overwhelmed”.

Parents are key to helping us better understand where that balance might be for an individual student. We can provide you with information regarding the program, but it is up to you and your child to decide whether or not you wish to participate in the rigorous Bridge to AP Curriculum.

Your child’s input is essential.

Making Wise ChoicesParents

Language Arts 1 Bridge

Math I Advanced Bridge

Life Science Bridge

World HistoryBridge

RequiredCreative Writing/ComputersChoice ofBand, Chorus,Math Competitions,PE, Art

Language Arts 2 Bridge

Math 2 Advanced orAlgebra 1 Honors-H.S. credit

Physical Science Bridge orPhysical Science Honors H.S. Credit

CivicsBridge

Spanish/Latin I Guitar,Band, Chorus, Art, Drama I, Dance I, Computer Applications, YearbookPE, Musical Theater

Language Arts 3 Bridge

Algebra 1 Honors-H.S creditorGeometry Honors-H.S Credit

Earth/Space Honors H.S. Credit or Biology 1 Honors H.S. Credit

American HistoryAnd Careers Bridge

Spanish/Latin I & II, Band, Chorus, Drama I/II, Art, Yearbook, PE, Computer Applications, Dance, Guitar, Musical Theater, Culinary Careers, Yearbook, HOPE

6th

7th

8th

English Math Science Social Studies Electives