Global Honors Academy

International Baccalaureate (IB) courses are two-year long college-level courses taught concurrently in the student’s Junior and Senior years of high school.  IB courses are taught by IB credentialed instructors on the OHS campus and recognized world-wide.  During the two-year courses, students complete assessments that combine with their IB Exams to determine their course score and college credit. It is the student’s responsibility to explore what IB course score points their intended college or university uses to determine course credit.  Students are responsible for IB Course/Exam fees; however, some funds are available based on economic need.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP)
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP) allows students the opportunity to earn an International Baccalaureate Diploma in addition to their OHS Honors Endorsement Diploma. To earn this distinguished diploma that is recognized world-wide, students participate in IB courses their junior and senior years and successfully complete their courses with an IB score of 4 or higher in three High Level (HL) IB courses, three Standard Level (SL) IB courses, and the Theory of Knowledge course, as well as completing the requirements for the Extended Essay (EE) and the Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) components of the IB DP. 

IBO.ORG

Advanced Placement (AP) students take college level courses while still enrolled in high school to earn college credit. Courses are taught by College Board credentialed instructors on the OHS campus with the option for some online courses. At the end of each year-long course, students take an AP Exam to earn college credit. It is the student’s responsibility to explore what AP Exam score points their intended college or university uses to determine course credit or advanced placement. Students are responsible for AP Exam fees; however, some funds are available based on economic need.

AP Capstone Diploma

The AP Capstone Diploma program is a two-year, multidisciplinary College Board program (AP Seminar and AP Research) focused on developing independent research, critical thinking, and communication skills . To earn the diploma, students must score 3 or higher in both courses and on four additional AP exams. The program is designed for 11th and 12th graders to prepare for college-level work.

Key Components and Requirements

• AP Seminar (Year 1): Focuses on analyzing topics from multiple perspectives, team projects, and presentations.
• AP Research (Year 2): Involves crafting a 4,000-5,000 word academic paper, conducting a study, and defending it, similar to an undergraduate thesis.
• Diploma Requirements: Students must earn scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar, AP Research, and at least four other AP exams.
• Certificate Option: Students who score 3 or higher in Seminar and Research but not the four additional exams earn the AP Seminar and Research Certificate.

In order to satisfy high school graduation requirements, enrollment in IB, AP, or DE coursework is a decision that must be made in coordination with the OHS Counselors, College and Career Coach, and IB Coordinator.

Checklist for OHS Honors Endorsement

• I have successfully completed and scored a 3 or higher on The College Board AP Seminar Exam.
• I have successfully completed and scored a 3 or higher on The College Board AP Research Exam.
• I have successfully scored a 3 or higher on any other FOUR AP Exams given by The College Board.
  • AP Course 1) __________________
  • AP Course 2) __________________
  • AP Course 3) __________________
  • AP Course 4) __________________

Students should be on track to complete these requirements and monitor their progress before senior graduation.

AP Capstone Diploma Checklist

Dual-Enrollment (DE) students complete college courses while enrolled in high school to earn both high school and college credits simultaneously. These semester-long courses may be taught on the OHs campus by a college instructor, or students may attend classes online or onsite at the college campus. Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from onsite college campus classes and are required to monitor their progress with their college instructor. Upon completion of courses, students must also contact the college or university to request their college transcripts and ensure college credits transfer between schools. It is the student’s responsibility to explore what DE courses their intended college or university uses to determine course credit. Students are ultimately responsible for paying tuition; however, some programs offer discounted tuition and scholarship opportunities.

While not a full component of the OHS Global Honors Academy, students may enroll in Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses through Gadsden State Community College (GSCC). These courses are typically offered on the GSCC Ayers Campus, and students are responsible for transportation. Depending on the program, these courses may be fully funded, offering students the opportunity to earn career technical credentials and/or certifications while still in high school.

OHS Dual-Enrollment Partnerships
Jacksonville State University
Gadsden State Community College
University of Alabama - UA Early College
Auburn University – Auburn First

For more information, contact us at GlobalHonors@oxboe.com
 

What is Global Honors Academy?

Global Honors Academy includes the three OHS Honors Endorsement Pathways: Advanced Placement (AP), Dual Enrollment (DE), and International Baccalaureate (IB). All students pursuing OHS Honors Endorsement are automatically enrolled in the OHS Global Honors Academy.

What is the difference between AP, DE, and IB?

● Advanced Placement (AP) offers year long courses with the opportunity to earn college credit on the course AP Exams in May.
● Dual-Enrollment (DE) are semester-long courses taught in partnership with area colleges and universities. Potential college credit for DE classes comes from the student’s college or university grades.
● International Baccalaureate (IB) classes are two-year long courses with multiple assessments used to determine college level credit.

Each Pathway is challenging, and the OHS advisement teams are prepared to help each student determine which path best meets his/her academic objectives. 

How do I enroll in Global Honors Academy pathway classes?

Each OHS teacher discusses Honors course opportunities and makes recommendations, then, during Academic Advisement, the advisement team of the student, parent/guardian, teacher, and guidance counselor discuss recommendations and create each student’s individualized class schedule.

If I am an Oxford City resident, do I have to complete a Global Honors Academy Application?

If you are an Oxford City resident, you do not need to complete a Global Honors Academy Application for AP or DE courses, but Sophomores (rising Juniors) interested in IB courses DO need to complete an application.

If I am NOT an Oxford City resident, do I have to complete a Global Honors Academy Application? 

Oxford City Schools is accepting Non-Resident Tuition Based Enrollment ONLY for the full IB Diploma Programme. Rising Juniors interested in this opportunity must complete an application for IB Diploma Programme consideration. The application outlines details and tuition requirements. To receive more information, email jhill.oh@oxboe.com.

Can I attend Oxford High School Tuition-Based Non-Resident for AP or DE classes without taking IB?

No. Not at this time. OHS currently offers ONLY the full IB Diploma Programme option for Non-Residents who wish to attend Oxford High School.

I still have questions. Whom do I contact?

We are happy to answer any questions you may have. Please email jhill.oh@oxboe.com.