Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions and Our Best Answers

How big is the school?

The new U-High, which opened fall 2002, is 240,000 square feet and sits on a 44-acre site. The school has 75 teaching stations divided among general classrooms, business, science, art, music, professional-technical and health/fitness areas. Our commons/cafeteria area accommodates 800 students for lunch and is a multipupose area where we hold dances and large gatherings. The theater seats 575 and is a great facility for our music concerts, drama productions and guest speakers. The gym seats 2,030 for athletic contests.

How do the trimesters work?

Our school year is divided into three 60-day grading periods called trimesters. Students will earn .5 credits for each class they pass during a trimester. During each trimester, students will receive progress reports at four-week intervals. Report cards are issued at the end of each trimester.

When do I get progress reports? How will I know how well I'm doing in my classes?

Progress reports are given to the student every four weeks during the trimester. Students have the responsibility to take the progress check form home, and all TAP teachers require parental signatures on each progress report. To help students take responsibility for their own progress, teachers routinely post grades identifying any missing assignments. The progress report dates are published in the parent newsletter, Titan Times, so parents know when to expect their students to bring these reports home. The dates are also printed in the student planner.

What is TAP?

TAP, which stands for Tutorial/Advisory Period, is a 25-minute advisory period that meets Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. (Tuesday and Thursday are set aside for students to receive tutorial support from other teachers and/or academic support from other students during the morning access time from 7:35 to 8:30 a.m.) TAP supports the individual learner in the following ways:
Provides resources to focus on improved student learning
Provides effective, regular academic guidance
Provides each student with an adult advocate
Encourages an open and supportive environment
Empowers students by developing self-esteem, self-disciline and responsibility
Allows for regular monitoring of student attendance, behavior and academic progress
Fosters high expectations
Provides a structure for couseling/career/support information and services
Provides an on-going exchange of formal and informal communication among staff, students, parent and support personnel

What is the senior culminating project? 

Culminating projects challenge students to demonstrate and display mastery of skills acquired during their academic careers. Most students will choose to complete their culminating project during their senior year, but they will work on some components each year they are a student here. Students choose their own career- or interest-related topic to explore and learn about. There are three phases to the U-High project: field experience, a written project description, and an oral presentation. Students will also compile a portfolio that includes plans for after high school. Most students will complete the culminating project and portfolio in their senior year TAP class. Beginning with the Class of 2006, the project will receive .5 credit.