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Advanced Coursework

The purpose of this page is to inform you of the benefits and opportunities for your child to participate in advanced coursework. 

While advanced coursework provides an opportunity for your child to gain skills and demonstrate competencies at a higher level, advanced coursework provides other benefits as well. Other benefits of participation in advanced coursework may include:

  • improving a student’s self-confidence and image of self.
  • demonstrating a student’s preparedness for college-level coursework.
  • earning college credit(s) before graduation.
  • reducing future costs for higher education.
  • reducing the time the student must spend in secondary and/or post-secondary school.

The advanced courses offered in middle school and high school at the North Colonie Central School District in grades 6-12 include:

English:

  • English 9 Honors
  • English 10 Honors
  • English 11 Honors
  • AP Language and Composition
  • AP Literature and Composition
  • UHS Reading Literature
  • UHS Philosophy
  • UHS Composition – HVCC

Math:

  • Math 6 Accelerated
  • Math 7 Accelerated
  • Algebra 1 – Accelerated
  • Geometry Honors
  • Algebra 2 Honors
  • UHS Precalculus
  • Precalculus Honors
  • UHS College Calculus
  • AP AB Calculus
  • AP BC Calculus
  • AP UHS Statistics
  • UHS College Algebra with Trigonometry
  • UHS Topics in Advanced Mathematics
  • AP Computer Science
  • UHS Computer Science with Multimedia and Python

Science:

  • UHS SUPA Forensics
  • AP Biology
  • AP Chemistry
  • AP Environmental Science
  • AP Physics C – Mechanics
  • UHS College Physics
  • UHS Science Research 10
  • UHS Science Research 11
  • UHS Science Research 12
  • Accelerated Earth and Space Science Honors

Social Studies:

  • World History Honors
  • Advanced World History
  • AP World History
  • US History Honors
  • AP US History
  • AP Government and Politics
  • AP Macroeconomics
  • UHS Introduction to Sociology
  • UHS Psychology

World Language:

  • UHS French 4
  • UHS German 4
  • UHS Russian 4
  • UHS Spanish 4
  • UHS French 5
  • UHS German 5
  • UHS Russian 5
  • UHS Spanish 5
  • AP UHS French Language
  • AP UHS Spanish Language
  • UHS Latin 3

Art:

  • Accelerated Studio and Art Design
  • Advanced Art and Design 1
  • UHS Advanced Art and Design 2
  • UHS Advanced Art and Design 3
  • UHS Advanced Graphic Design
  • UHS Advanced Metals/Jewelry
  • UHS Advanced Ceramics
  • UHS Advanced Digital Photography
  • UHS Advanced Spatial and Interior Design
  • UHS Advanced Painting
  • UHS Art History
  • Advanced 3D Design
  • Advanced Animation and Character Design
  • Advanced Film and Video
  • Advanced Fashion Illustration

Music:

  • AP Music Theory
  • Advanced Music Technology
  • Accelerated Credit in Music

Business:

  • UHS Math and Finance – HVCC
  • UHS Business Statistics – HVCC
  • UHS Principles of Marketing – HVCC
  • UHS Business Management – HVCC
  • Microsoft Office Certification
  • UHS College Accounting – UAlbany

Family and Consumer Sciences:

  • UHS Child Development – HVCC

Technology:

  • UHS Design and Drawing for Engineering – SCCC
  • UHS Architectural Drawing 2 – HVCC
  • UHS Computer-Aided Drafting – HVCC
  • UHS Architectural Drawing 3 – HVCC
  • UHS Manufacturing Processes for Engineers – HVCC
  • UHS Advanced Wood Construction – HVCC

It is anticipated that these courses will be available to your child in the 2025-2026 school year. Detailed course descriptions, prerequisite information, and eligibility information for the above courses can be found in the Shaker High School Course Catalog and the Shaker Middle School Course Catalog. Please be aware that the availability of course offerings is contingent upon budget approval and availability of qualified staffing.

Your child’s school provides the following support to help students succeed in advanced courses:

  • Accelerated Courses: Courses in accelerated pathways expose students to concepts at a faster pace and content above grade level. This prepares students for the rigor of future honors courses by exposing them to advanced content and higher-order thinking skills. 
  • Extra Help: Teachers in all content areas in grades 6-12 are available to meet with students after school for extra help to assist students with concept or skill development in their current courses.
  • Academic Advising and Counseling: Counselors can meet with families to help students set goals, create action plans, and receive guidance on course selection to ensure they are on track for honors classes.
  • Parent and Family Engagement: Workshops and informational sessions are offered for families throughout the school year to involve parents and families in the academic process and help create a supportive home environment that is conducive to academic success. 
  • Online Resources and Courses: Our website provides a list of educational resources, such as Khan Academy, First in Math, and other educational platforms, that can give students additional opportunities to learn and practice.
  • Peer Study Groups: Students are encouraged to form peer study groups. This can foster collaborative learning and help students understand challenging material through discussion and explanation.
  • Extracurricular Academic Clubs: North Colonie offers a wide range of extracurricular clubs and activities. Participation in academic clubs, such as math, science, or newspaper clubs, can stimulate student interest in academic subjects and help students build the skills needed for honors classes. A complete list of clubs at SMS and SHS is available on our website. 
  • Test Preparation Courses: Courses are offered throughout the school year that specifically prepare students for standardized tests (e.g., Regents Review classes, AP review classes, etc.). Participating in these can improve students’ test-taking skills and boost their confidence.

Implementing a combination of these supports can help create a robust academic environment that encourages and prepares students to excel in honors classes. Additionally, these supports can play a significant role in helping students build the resilience, confidence, and well-rounded skills necessary to succeed in honors classes.

Financial aid options are available for students enrolled in AP and dual enrollment classes, making these opportunities more affordable. The College Board offers fee reductions for AP exams for students with financial need, and schools often provide additional support through funding and resources. For College in the High School programs, some colleges offer reduced fees or free classes, helping students earn college credit while still in high school.

Financial Aid for AP Classes

  1. AP Exam Fee Reductions: The College Board offers fee reductions for AP exams for students with financial need. Schools can also provide additional support to cover remaining costs.
    • College Board AP Exam Fee Reduction: The College Board significantly reduces the exam fee for eligible students. For the 2023-2024 school year, the fee reduction lowered the cost to $53 per exam for students with financial need.
  2. School and District Funding: We allocate funds to support students taking AP classes, including providing textbooks and offering preparatory workshops and exam review classes.

Financial Aid for College in the High School Classes: 

  1. Reduced Program Fees: Some colleges and universities offer waived or reduced program fees for eligible high school students taking college classes through their dual enrollment programs.
  2. Free Summer Classes: Some colleges and universities offer free summer classes to students. 

Questions related to your child’s participation in advanced coursework may be referred to Dr. Tresansky, Director of Secondary Curriculum and Instruction, at lindsay.tresansky@nccsk12.org.