Academy of GLOBAL AND INTERNATIONAL STUDIES (GIS)

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The Academy of Global and International Studies is offered at Leonardtown High School. The program is designed to provide a rigorous, engaging educational pathway focused on an advanced study of world cultures, contemporary issues, history, and world languages. Additional credits for high school graduation, Advanced Placement courses, and the AP Capstone coursework are part of the program requirements. Admission to the program is through an application process based on students’ past academic performance and dedication to advanced learning.

Since there are much greater demands placed on students with the Academy of Global and International Studies, it is appropriate to establish a grading system that is commensurate with the nature of effort required. Therefore, GIS courses with an asterisk (*) will be weighted using a half-weight system (A=4.5, B=3.5, C=2.5, D=1, F=0).

Courses highlighted in blue indicate Academy requirements.

EXAMPLE OF GLOBAL AND INTERNATIONAL STUDIES FOUR YEAR EDUCATIONAL PLAN

ACADEMY REQUIREMENTS: 

Students must complete the required shaded courses for GIS. See additional world language requirements below. Students will be required to complete a capstone project. 

CUMULATIVE GRADE POINT AVERAGE REQUIREMENT:

Students must maintain at least a 3.0 cumulative grade point average on a 4.0 scale to graduate with GIS Academy distinction.

ADVANCED COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

Students must complete at least 12 credits of their high school program in advanced courses at the Pre-AP, Advanced Placement, or Honors level.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT REQUIREMENTS:

Students must complete the Advanced Placement courses identified in the table above.

GENERAL HIGH SCHOOL REQUIREMENTS:

Students must complete the state assessments, as applicable, fulfill the Student Service-Learning requirement, and meet the requirements for University Completer sequence.

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING THE WORLD LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT:

Students must successfully complete through Level 3 of a world language and obtain four World Language credits in total in order to meet program requirements. Level 1 credit may be earned in the eighth grade with a passing grade in a world language. However, the middle school grade does not factor into the high school grade point average (GPA), quality points, or class rank.

ENGLISH 10 GIS PRE AP – 012263* 

This course focuses on Pre-AP strategies and curriculum. A challenging course designed for 10th grade students who show interest and ability in above-grade level English. Literary study focuses on American Literature. This course provides advanced instruction in English grammar, writing, and literature with in-depth study of research, composition, and vocabulary development. This course will prepare students for the High School Assessment in English. 

• • CREDIT: 1 (half-weighted)*

  • TYPE: Honors 

  • GRADE: 10 

  • PREREQUISITE: Enrollment in the Academy of Global and International Studies and the successful completion of English 9 GIS Pre-AP.