Starting strong in middle school and high school can make all the difference.
Contact the Kelly MacLean Achievement Center today to create a course plan that positions your student for success.
At the Kelly MacLean Achievement Center, we help students and families plan a high school schedule that balances challenge and confidence, starting even before high school. Taking advanced courses early, when stress is generally lower than in college, allows students to build strong academic skills, gain confidence, and prepare for future coursework with an advantage.
It’s never too early to start! Many families begin planning in 8th grade to make sure their student enters high school with a clear academic path.
There isn’t one answer that fits every student. The right choice depends on several key factors, including your child’s academic goals, intended college major, and the schools they plan to apply to. Both College Credit Plus (CCP) and Advanced Placement (AP) courses offer tremendous benefits—but for very different reasons.
CCP, or dual enrollment, allows students to earn college credit directly through dual enrollment, often giving them a head start on their degree at an in-state college. AP courses, on the other hand, are nationally standardized and widely recognized by colleges across the country, which can strengthen a student’s transcript and demonstrate academic rigor beyond CCP classes. Acceptance of CCP and AP classes varies school to school; do not assume every CCP course or AP class will provide college credit at the school to which your child ultimately attends.
Because each student’s path is unique, a personalized conversation about your child’s goals is the best way to determine which option will deliver the greatest value and long-term advantage.
We start with a personalized review of your student’s academic strengths, goals, and long-term plans. From there, we help select honors, AP, and elective classes that align with college admissions requirements and your student’s individual interests.
Course selection directly affects your GPA. Choosing subjects that match your strengths and interests can help you achieve better grades, while picking overly difficult courses without planning may lower your GPA. A balanced selection is key to maintaining good academic performance.