James M. Steele Accelerated High School

Northwest ISD

Parent/Student Information

Do you fit in at SAHS?

• You live in Northwest ISD.• You’re at least 15 years old and have completed

at least one year of high school.• You have your career goals lined up already.• You are motivated, independent, and

responsible.• You have at least six credits, or you need credits

to catch up .• You have personal roadblocks that are slowing

down your graduation plans.•  You aren’t scared of hard work when the

rewards are great!

Do you fit in at SAHS?

• You are willing to work towards a rewarding future.

• You aren’t into the social aspects that a traditional high school offers.

• You are ready for new challenges!• You want to earn college credit while still

in high school.• You want to earn high school credit at a

faster pace.• You want to graduate on time or even a

year early.

What does SAHS look like?• College environment• No extracurricular activities (although

clubs may be offered in the future)• Regular school times• Six or seven period day• Twelve week semester length

(trimesters)• One and ½ semesters in a standard

school year• Possible acceleration of credits at a “two

for one” pace

What does SAHS look like?

• Courses delivered in classroom setting and virtual setting

• Limited number of electives• Possible CATE/Co-Op availability• High levels of independent and

interdependent learning• Possible loss of credit for transfer from

SAHS to another campus• Students are responsible for all required

state testing (TAKS, End of Course)

Dual Credit College Requirements

• 3.0 GPA• College Placement Exam (TAKS, THEA,

COMPASS, AccuPlacer)• College level coursework• Writing-intensive• Taught face-to-face or online by

approved college faculty• Certain requirements to be accepted by

other colleges or universities in Texas

Possible Course Sequence – Accelerated High School

Required High School Academic Program College Core Potential Additional College Coursework

Subject 8 9 Year 1-1 Year 1-2 Year 1-3 Year 2-1 Year 2-2 Year 2-3

English (4)English 1 English IIA English IIB English IIIA English IIIB English IV-

1031*English IV-1302*

Math (4)Alg 1 Geometry Algebra IIA Algebra IIB College Algebra

1314*Elem. Statistics *1342

Intro Calculus 2413

Economics 2305*

Science (4)Biology Chemistry A Chemistry B Physics A Physics B Phys 1401* or

Chem 1411*Phys 1402* or Chem 1412*

Social Studies (4)

World Geography

World History A

World History B

US History A-1301*

US History B-1302*

American Govt. A-2305*

American / State Govt. B-2306

Languages (2)Spanish 1 Spanish II-

2312 (Humanities)

Electives (6)

PHEd 1338 (2) Art Appreciation 1301

Speech 1321 Intro to Business-BUSG1301

Personal FinanceBUSG1301

BCIS I- BCIS1305

Fine Arts (1)Art1

PE (1)PE

Possible Electives

*NCTC Online

Acct 2301 Acct 1303 Acct1304 ECON2302

SAHS EnrollmentThings to consider…

• No extracurricular activities (although clubs may be offered in the future)

• Limited number of electives• High levels of independent and

interdependent learning (be motivated!)• Possible loss of credit for transfer from

SAHS to another campus

Early CollegeThings to consider…

• Check the Texas Common Course Numbering System to make sure the credit transfers to the college of your choice

• Fees associated with college courses• High level of student maturity and

responsibility-these are college classes• Significant outside assignments likely

Frequently Asked Questions:• Can I turn work in anytime I want to?

No, this is not a “self-paced” campus. In fact, because our semesters are only 12 weeks

long, you HAVE to get your work done on time!

• Do I have to take a college class here?No, but we’ll work with you to get accepted if that’s what you want to do.

• What if I need to work during the school day?School hours for 2010-11 are the same as other district high schools.

• Can I get into a college class if I am behind on credits?

We will work with you through tutoring and test practice sessions before you apply.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• What if I want to go back to my old school?You will need to withdraw from Steele and re-enroll at another campus. Be aware that because of our accelerated schedule, there can be issues with credits on other campuses.

• What kind of school rules are there?Steele AHS follows the NISD Student

Code of Conduct. Because of our accelerated learning environment, students shall act

as college/career ready adults.• How do I apply to earn college classes?

We will help each student (and parent!) through the application process.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• What if my attendance is not all that great?

Consistent attendance is imperative at Steele because of our shorter semesters. We will move quickly, so you can get behind very fast!

• Will we have netbooks?Absolutely; they’ll be a necessity at

Steele.• Will I work on a computer all day long?

No, only some of our classes are web-based. We also offer traditional classrooms and dual credit opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions:• Do I have to wait for June to graduate?

At this time, we will have the graduation ceremony in June.

• I don’t have a car. Will there be transportation provided?

Yes!• Will I have homework?

Yes! And you’ll have to do it! That’s how we’ll be able to move quickly.

• If I withdraw, can I come back?Students may reapply, but priority will be given to students who are first-time

enrollees.

Timeline

January-– Applications accepted

February-

– Administrative review of applications

March-

– Student/parent interviews begin

May-

- All students notified

Summer-- Student registration conferences, orientations