Frequently asked Questions

  • Can 9th graders and above transfer to Plano ISD Academy High school?

    Posted by:

    No, the AHS course sequence is unique and the campus was designed to welcome new learners in only 9th grade. AHS is not able to enroll students past 9th grade.

    Academy is designed to welcome current 8th grade students who enjoy STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, math), making connections across content areas, and are project-oriented.  Interested learners should also embody the attributes outlined in the Learner Profile.
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  • Can I join clubs or participate in sports or music?

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    We have some competitive clubs, but we are able to support learner interests by providing choice on Maker, Mastery Mondays. You have 5 Flex Mods you can use to research areas of interest, work on personal projects, learn more about the fabrication lab, learn on location, and many more opportunities.

    We want learners to have as many experiences as we are able to provide. 

    NO UIL Sports

    NO UIL Band

    NO UIL Competition
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  • Can you elaborate on the Flex Mod concept?

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    Flex mods were created at learner request, and they are intentional opportunities every Monday to research areas of interest, work on personal projects, learn more about the fabrication lab, learn on location, and to get extra help from facilitators as needed. Maker, Mastery Mondays are learning days and they are an important part of each week of learning.
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  • Do we have to pay in order to be a student in the academy?

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    Plano ISD Academy is a PISD public school. There is no tuition or fee to attend.
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  • Does Academy HS offer AP classes?

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    The learning is challenging at AHS. You have to be independent as a learner, you have to think, and you have to constantly take feedback from peers, facilitators, and professional experts to make your learning evidence better. 

    Due to the rigorous nature of our projects and the demands of our corporate partnerships, formal AP courses are not offered at Academy. 
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  • How is GPA calculated and reported for college admissions?

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    Cumulative GPA

    Academy High School uses a proficiency-based grading system providing learners with specific feedback focused on
    academic growth. Learners receive narrative feedback on formative and summative assessments, enabling them to
    improve their submitted work, extend their inquiry and reflect. Scoring is based on demonstration of learning evidence. Grades are given at the end of each semester.

    Course scores are documented as A+, A, B+, B, C or F on the transcript. All high school courses are counted equally on a 4.5 weighted grade point scale.

    All students receive a Cumulative GPA.
    To calculate a Cumulative GPA, include final semester grades from all credit earning courses.

    Ranking GPA

    Class rank is based on cumulative averages from grades 9-12. Correspondence and online courses are not computed into class rank. Final rank in class and grade point average are determined at the end of the third nine-week grading period of the Senior year. Plano ISD Academy High School does not rank learners beyond the Top 10%. Learners in the Top 10% will have a certificate of rank provided with their transcript. Core courses such as English, math, Social Studies and Science.

    The Ranking GPA is internally calculated solely for the purpose of determining the top 10% of a graduating class.
    The Ranking GPA will only be calculated and available for those students who are in the top 10% of their graduating class.
    The Ranking GPA will be calculated for the first time during the fall of a student’s 11th grade year.  
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  • How to view and download your learner's report card

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    Instructions on how to view and download your learner's report card from Empower.

    How to View Progress Report in Empower.pdf
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  • My child is taking Algebra I at his current school, will this subject be credited in HS?

    Posted by:

    Yes, incoming 8th grade students will Algebra 1 credit will take Math of Engineering.
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  • What is the process for applying from a private school?

    Posted by:

    Only current 8th grade students residing within PISD boundaries are eligible. Students within the PISD boundaries but do NOT attend a PISD campus are also eligible and can complete the interest form on our website same as current PISD students. 

    Click Here for information about Interrest & Timeline.
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  • What is the selection process?

    Posted by:

    Current 8th grade students who enjoy STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, math), making connections across content areas, and are project-oriented.  Interested learners should also embody the attributes outlined in the Learner Profile.Placement at AHS is offered to current 8th grade students residing within PISD boundaries only. Student placement is based on a lottery.

    Click here for more information about interest & Timeline.
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