Honors & College-Level Advanced Courses
Honors Courses
These classes cover similar foundational material as their standard counterparts but move at a faster pace and explore concepts more deeply through advanced readings, writing assignments, and projects.
Some courses are designated as Honors based on their rigor, even if a standard-level equivalent isn’t offered.
All Honors courses are weighted in GPA calculations.
Honors courses currently offered at Heritage include:
- Honors English 9, 10, and 11
- Honors Geometry
- Honors French IV
- Honors Spanish IV
- Honors Biology I
- Honors Biology II: Physiology
- Honors Chemistry
- Honors Physics
- Honors Principles of Engineering
- Honors Biblical Worldview
College-Level Advanced Courses
Heritage Christian School offers a wide spectrum of college-level opportunities through Dual Credit (DC) and Advanced Placement (AP) courses, all taught by fully trained, credentialed, and experienced faculty. In addition, students may independently pursue College Level Examination Program (CLEP) exams for select subjects not offered at HCS.
Dual Credit
Dual Credit (DC) courses give students the opportunity to earn both high school and college credit through fully accredited Christian post-secondary partner institutions. These courses are offered at minimal additional cost and are available both onsite and online.
Students typically earn college credit with a minimum grade of C. While DC credits are generally transferable from the issuing institution to the student’s chosen college or university, each institution determines how these credits are applied. Families are encouraged to contact the institution of enrollment to confirm transferability.
Heritage currently offers over 20 DC courses. Most are one semester long, designed for juniors and seniors, and count as one high school credit while awarding 1-4 college credit hours upon successful completion. To learn more, including college course names and numbers, please contact the Guidance Department.
Advanced Placement (AP)
Advanced Placement (AP) courses are available for a minimal additional cost (aside from the standardized exam fee of approximately $100 when not covered by the state.) All students enrolled in AP courses are required to take the AP exams each May.
Successfully passing these exams can earn students college credit, depending on their scores and the credit policies of their chosen colleges or universities.
Heritage currently offers around 20 AP courses, primarily designed for juniors and seniors. Our students consistently perform well above both state and national averages, and about 65% of Heritage graduates complete at least one AP course during their high school career.
College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
Students may choose to take the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) for standard high school courses or subjects not offered at Heritage Christian School. These exams must be arranged independently by the student.
While CLEP exam results do not replace Heritage Christian School course requirements, a passing score of 50 may be applied as credit toward eCAP program requirements.