777 Glades Road Boca Raton, Florida 33431 561.297.3970/ 561.297.3939 fax www.fauhigh.fau.

edu

CEEB# 100113

School Profile 2011-2012 Florida Atlantic University High School

Background Florida Atlantic University High School is an exemplary public school governed by Florida Atlantic University (FAU). Featured in U.S. News & World Report among the best high schools in the nation, this highly selective program serves as a dual enrollment prototype in which students beginning in grade 9 earn high school credits and university course hours as provided in Florida statutes. There is no charge for university tuition, lab fees, or books. In addition to a rigorous academic opportunity, FAU High School provides a broad athletic program, supports a variety of clubs, encourages service learning, and competes in state and national academic contests. Admission Based on a targeted selection model, students in Palm Beach and surrounding counties are invited to attend FAU High School after a successful interview with members of Steering Committee, composed of University administrators and lead faculty. The committee is charged to evaluate applicants based on the following criteria: academic achievement, standardized test results, writing samples, social maturity, and letters of recommendation. Once accepted, students must demonstrate continuing intellectual curiosity, intrinsic motivation, and persistent interest in mathematics, sciences, engineering, liberal and performing arts, and the medical field. FAU High School provides students with challenging formal and community-based learning experiences to ensure graduates are college and/or graduate school ready. Upon completion of the 9th grade, students must pass the College Placement Test. Students in grades 9 and 10 are required to take the PSAT. Students in grades 11 and 12 are encouraged to take the ACT and/or SAT once or twice each academic year. FAU High School requires and provides for one administration of the ACT and SAT per year for each student in grades 11 and 12 and for a maximum of two Advanced Placement exams per year for each student in grades 10 12. Mission As a research initiative, FAU High School endeavors to: (1) provide students a very challenging curriculum, balanced with innovative academic support; (2) demonstrate best practice for university teacher education; (3) innovate, develop and disseminate curricula; and (4) conduct and support emerging educational research, currently focused on developing best practices for improving the transition from high school to the university, through high school reforms.

Accreditation and Memberships FAU High School is an A-rated school by the Florida State Department of Education and is fully accredited through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Faculty for students in grade 9 are shared with the Alexander D. Henderson University School (ADHUS) which was recognized in 2005 as a No Child Left Behind Blue Ribbon School. According to the then Secretary of Education Dr. Rod Paige, This award demonstrates the achievements of one half of one percent of all schools across the nation. FAU High School is also a member of NALS: The International Association of Laboratory and University-Affiliated Schools, the National Association of College Admissions and Counseling (NACAC), and the Florida High School Athletics Association (FSHAA). School Calendar The 9th grade academic year runs from mid-August to early June, an instructional period of 180 days. Grades 10 - 12 follow the universitys calendar. FAU High School students may also participate in summer coursework at the university after the successful completion of grade 9. Curriculum Over the past 9 years, FAU High School has developed an innovative curriculum and instructional delivery to strengthen student transition from grade 9 to the university with very promising results. Ninth graders or pre-collegiate students complete two university-level Spanish courses as well as a challenging Honors curriculum in core subject areas. Students in grades 10-12 may complete up to 18 university credits per semester. Graduates meet all curricular and service requirements for the State of Florida Bright Futures Scholarship in addition to many other scholarship and financial aid opportunities. They also complete core course requirements for Floridas state university system admissions and potentially qualify for guaranteed admission to other Florida public universities. FAU High School students complete 30 high school (Carnage) equivalent credits, a minimum of 100 service learning hours and an average of 36 credits per calendar year, including summer sessions. Class Rank Class rank is computed at the end of the students seventh semester, using a 4.0 weighted scale inclusive of all grades earned in all subjects, such as advanced, honors, International Baccalaureate, Advanced Placement and university dual enrolled courses. FAU High School awards a State of Florida high school diploma and issues a standard electronic transcript listing high school courses, equivalents, grades, credits awarded and typical student information. Grading/Quality Points System A (outstanding) = 90-100%=4.0 B (above average) = 80-89%=3.0 C (average) = 70-79%=2.0 D (below average) = 60-69%=1.0 F (failing) = 0-59%=0.0

College Acceptance 100% of FAU High Schools graduates matriculate to a college/university undergraduate or graduate/professional program. To date, graduates have been accepted to New York University, Abilene Christian University, Boston College, Clemson University, Florida Atlantic University, Florida State University, Florida State University (Honors), Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College (FAU), Iowa State University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Notre Dame, Purdue University, Rochester Institute of Technology, Stetson University, Tulane University, United States Air Force Academy, United States Military Academy at West Point, University of Chicago, University of Florida, University of Miami, University of Pittsburgh, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (The Corps of Cadets), Wake Forest University, and West Virginia University.