SHH Course Registration Guide
SMOKY HILL HIGH SCHOOL
2026-2027
COURSE REGISTRATION GUIDE
A Course Guide
for
Students and Parents
Smoky Hill High School
16100 East Smoky Hill Road
Aurora, Colorado 80015
720-886-5300
QUESTIONS REGARDING THE ACADEMIC PLANNING PROCESS SHOULD BE DIRECTED
TO THE FOLLOWING OFFICES:
Graduation Requirements: Counseling
NCAA Initial Eligibility: Counseling
Student’s Educational Plan & Course Registration: Counseling
Student Data (class rank, test scores, etc.): Counseling
Request for Transcript: Post Grad
NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION
Cherry Creek School District No. 5 (“District”) does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, or disability in admission to its programs, services, or activities, in access to them, in treatment of individuals, or in any aspect of their operations. Smoky Hill High School does not discriminate in enrollment or access to any of its available programs. The lack of English skills shall not be a barrier to admission or participation in District activities and programs. The District also does not discriminate in its hiring or employment practices.
Course Registration Guide
- Introduction
- Graduation Requirements
- Career and College Preparedness
- Academic Planning Guide
- College Admissions Information
- Naviance
- Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID)
- Concurrent Enrollment Courses
- Advanced Placement Classes (AP)
- International Baccalaureate (IB)
- CCIC Cherry Creek Innovation Campus
- Cherry Creek Pathways at Overland
- Cherry Creek Future Educator Apprenticeship
- CCSD Work-Based Learning
- TREP
- CTE
- Cherry Creek Elevation
Introduction
The Smoky Hill High School Program of Study contains important information about the student course request process and the courses to be offered during the 2026-2027 school year. This information will be helpful as you select courses.
Each year, Smoky Hill High School creates a new master schedule based on data derived from the student course request process. The expectation is that these course requests represent decisions made collaboratively with the student, the student’s teachers and counselor, and the student’s parents. Based on these requests, courses are scheduled, faculty members are employed, textbooks are purchased, and classrooms are allocated.
Careful planning is essential to a successful and rewarding experience at Smoky Hill High School. A helpful resource will be your Academic Planning Guide to help you to complete the Cherry Creek School District and Smoky Hill High School graduation requirements. Parents, teachers, counselors, and administrators should all be involved in assisting you to develop a comprehensive plan allowing for variety, specific interests, and special preparation for the future. It is important to emphasize that your counselor is available to assist you in your course selections, but the final responsibility for course selections rests with you and your parents. We urge you to play an active role in this important task. We are here to help you.
POLICIES PERTAINING TO COURSE SELECTION:
1. Class Availability: While every effort will be made to provide the classes a student has selected during course selection, some classes may not be available due to student enrollment numbers, staffing, and budget.
2. Course Load: Ninth grade students are required to take seven classes per semester. Tenth, eleventh, and twelfth grade students are required to take six classes per semester. Regardless of your grade, district policy requires four of the classes to be in the core curriculum areas of English, social studies, mathematics, science, or world language. Students needing to take more than six classes because of specific program requirements must have permission from their counselor.
3. Course Selection & PowerSchool (9th-12th Grade): Students use the Course Selection Form to help map course selections prior to entering the selections into PowerSchool. If a student does not enter course selections into PowerSchool by the published deadline, a counselor will select classes for the student.
4. Schedule Repairs: Schedule repairs will be made by counselors prior to schedule distribution at fall student check-in. Schedule repairs are only granted by the counseling department for specific academic circumstances, so please select your courses wisely.
Graduation Requirements
1. Smoky Hill High School has a four-year course of study. Therefore, graduation requirements will be based upon credits earned in grades 9, 10, 11, and 12.
2. Twenty-two (22) credits must be earned in order to meet district graduation requirements. Specific requirements are listed below. The remaining necessary credits will be considered as electives and may be selected from any course in the curriculum.
English: 4 credits
Specific English courses are required in grades 9, 10, 11.
Social Studies: 3 credits
1 credit of US History is required.
½ credit of Government is required.
Mathematics: 3 credits
Science: 3 credits
Physical Education/Health: 2 credits
½ credit of Health is required.
1 ½ credits of elective PE is required.
Computer/Applied Technology, Performing Arts, Visual Arts, Family and Consumer Sciences, Business and Marketing, Yearbook, Newspaper Career Tech Education - 1 1/2 credits (after completing 3 credits of AVID, a student may request that 1 credit maximum be applied towards graduation
3. Sixteen and a half (16 ½) credits of the total of twenty-two (22) credits required for graduation are identified as specific requirements. Because these are deemed basic to each student’s education, they can be completed only through attendance and completion of all expectations in a regular, accredited high school.
ALL GRADUATES OF THE CHERRY CREEK SCHOOL DISTRICT, IN ADDITION TO THE REQUIRED 22 CREDIT REQUIREMENTS, MUST ALSO MEET COMPETENCY BENCHMARKS IN ENGLISH AND MATHEMATICS, THAT INDICATE PREPAREDNESS FOR SUCCESS IN COLLEGE AND CAREER, AS DETERMINED BY BOARD POLICY IKF.
Career and College Preparedness
Options to Demonstrate Career and College Preparedness
To earn a high school diploma from any high school in the Cherry Creek School District, a student must successfully obtain a minimum of 22 credits and demonstrate career and college preparedness in Reading/Writing/Communication and Mathematics. Many options are available to CCSD students to demonstrate career and college preparedness.
Students are encouraged to plan with their families, teachers, and school counselors to determine the best options for meeting graduation requirements and being well-prepared for career and college opportunities. Students should monitor the completion of each component of the graduation requirements throughout their four years of high school.
1. Minimum Credits
Course Requirements for Graduation in Cherry Creek School District - Board Policy IFK. A minimum of 22 credit units shall be necessary for high school graduation.
- English - 4.0 credits
- Mathematics - 3.0 credits
- Science - 3.0 credits
- Social Studies - 3.0 credits
- PE - 1.5 credits
- Health - 0.5 credit
- Fine Art / CTE - 1.5 credits
- Additional Credit - 5.5 credits
2. Competency Menu Options
| Option | R/W/C | Mathematics |
| Accuplacer Next Generation | 241 on Reading OR 236 on Sentence Writing | 255 on Arithmetic (AR) or 230 on Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics (QAS) |
| ACT | 18 on ACT English | 19 on ACT Math |
| ACT WorkKeys | Bronze or Higher | Bronze or Higher |
| Advanced Placement Exam (AP) | 2 or Higher | 2 or Higher |
| ASVAB | AFQT 31st percentile | AFQT 31st percentile |
| Concurrent Enrollment | Passing Grade | Passing Grade |
| District Capstone | Secondary Literacy Assessment | Common Assessment Portfolio |
| International Baccalaureate Exams (IB) | 4 or Higher | 4 or Higher |
| SAT *Score Updated for 2024-2026 ONLY | 470 | 480* |
| Industry Certificate | Individualized | Individualized |
| Collaboratively Developed Performance Based Assessment | State-wide Scoring Criteria | State-wide Scoring Criteria |
3. Essential Skills
The following skills are critical to success in College and Career
- Innovation
- Critical Thinking Skills
- Real-world experiences
- Problem-Solving
- Curiosity / Inquiry
- Relevancy
- Working in teams
- Communication skills
- Project-based learning
- Flexibility / Adaptability
Academic Planning Guide
| SUBJECT |
High School Graduation (Minimum Requirements |
Colorado Council for Higher Education Requirements |
| ENGLISH |
4 Units of Credit (Specific English courses are required. Please refer to the English section) |
4 Units of Credit (Specific English Courses are required.) |
| SOCIAL STUDIES |
3 Units of Credit (1 unit of US History and 1/2 unit of Government are required.) |
3 Units of Credit |
| MATHEMATICS | 3 Units of Credit |
4 Units of Credit (Algebra 1 level or higher) |
| SCIENCE | 3 Units of Credit |
3 Units of Credit (2 units must be lab based) |
| WORLD LANGUAGES | 0 Units of Credit | 1 Unit of Credit |
| PE/HEALTH |
2 Units of Credit (1/2 unit of Health and 1 1/2 units of elective PE) |
Please refer tp the individual colleges for specific requirements. |
| FINE ARTS* | 1 1/2 Units of Credit | Please refer to the individual colleges for specific requirements. |
*Includes courses from the Computer /Applied Technology, Performing Arts, Visual Arts, Family and Consumer Sciences, Business and Marketing, Yearbook, Advanced Yearbook, Newspaper 1, Newspaper 2 and/or Career Technical Education.
Total of Specific Units of Credit: 16.5 (Minimum)
Total of Elective Units of Credit: 5.5 (Minimum)
Total Units of Credit: 22.0 (Minimum)
College Admissions Information
COLLEGE ADMISSIONS INFORMATION
It is very important that students and parents begin early in the student’s high school career to consider general and specific requirements for college admissions. Admission requirements vary for each college, university, technical, art, or other post high school institution. These range from a high school diploma to four years of English, math, science, social studies, world language, and other specific courses. Although no single program of high school preparation will guarantee college admission, there are high school courses that will give students better preparation for the specific school they want to at- tend and will also give them better preparation for the college admissions tests. Generally speaking, the better the preparation in high school, the wider the choice of college upon graduation.
As a general guideline, the following areas and courses are considered important in preparing for college:
English:
Since colleges continue to place emphasis on the ability to write and express oneself clearly and accurately, writing and grammar courses should be included in your planning. Most colleges require four years of English.
Mathematics:
Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2 are considered basic preparation by many colleges. Anyone contemplating a career related to math and science, such as engineering, should have eight semesters of high school math, including calculus.
Science:
At least six semesters of lab science is required; some colleges require as much as eight semesters, including one in biology and one in chemistry or physics. Anyone contemplating a career related to science should complete eight semesters of high school science.
Social Studies:
In addition to the Smoky Hill US History and Government requirements, many colleges recommend that students should have courses in history, geography, or other social studies. Some colleges require a total of six or more semesters of high school social studies.
World Language:
Colleges vary in this admission requirement. Many colleges require successful completion of two to four levels of the same world language. Students who successfully complete World Language requirements broaden their opportunities for admissions.
Other Courses:
Colleges are not only interested in the areas of English, math, science, social studies, and world language, but also in computer science, applied technology, fine arts, family and consumer sciences, and business/marketing which are offered at Smoky Hill High School. Although colleges place emphasis on academic subjects, the most selective colleges recognize achievement in all courses as well as in
co-curricular activities. Please refer to individual college admission standards for specific requirements.
Information regarding careers, college admissions, and post high school planning is available in the Post Graduate Center. Counselors are available to assist students with college and career planning or other post high school planning. Students are encouraged to meet with their counselor each year to discuss both their short- and long-range plans.
Naviance
Family Connection from Naviance is a web-based service designed especially for students and parents. Family Connection is a comprehensive website to help students and parents make decisions about colleges and careers. Family Connection is linked with Counselor’s Office, a service that the counseling office uses to track and analyze data about college and career plans. It provides up-to-date information that is specific to Smoky Hill.
Family Connection will allow students and parents to:
Get involved in the planning and advising process – Build a resume, complete online surveys, and manage timelines and deadlines for making decisions about colleges and careers.
Research colleges – Compare GPA, standardized test scores, and other statistics to actual historical data from our school for students who have applied for and been admitted in the past.
College visits – Find out which colleges are visiting our school and attend the sessions.
Receive important information – Receive information on upcoming meetings and events, local scholarship opportunities, and other online resources for college and career information.
To visit our school Family Connection site, use your web browser to connect to: http://connection.naviance.com/smokyhill
When you visit for the first time, please enter your personal registration code, which is the student’s identification number, in the New User box and follow the on-screen instructions to create your own account.
Once you have your own account, you will sign in using the username and password you chose during the registration process.
We hope that you will find this resource helpful. If you have further questions about Family Connection, please contact the counseling office.
Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID)
The AVID Classroom
The Advancement via Individual Determination program, better known as AVID, is designed to push students to a higher rigor at an appropriate pace, while providing in-class support through an AVID class. It is directed towards college bound students who would thrive by building strong relationships with their teachers and peers, while also adding successful college skills to their toolbox
The AVID class supports students through a variety of strategies. In the class, students work on skills such as time management, Cornell note taking, critical reading, research, collaboration, communication, inquiry, and organization. Teachers stress the importance of “writing as a tool for learning” and help support students through daily tutorials sessions led by trained tutors. The goal of the AVID tutorial session is to help students with the process of learning through inquiry, rather than giving students the answers to their questions. Students also learn the value of collaboration and develop skills in writing “higher order thinking questions,” according to Costa’s three levels of questioning.
The foundation of the AVID program is to prepare and motivate students for college. The AVID class activities emphasize test-taking skills and focus extensively on the math and English language concepts seen on standardized tests. Students have the opportunity to practice “mock” SAT and ACT exams, so they are fully prepared on test day. AVID classes also participate in motivational activities, including college and career research, community service-learning experiences, college fairs, leadership conferences, and college field trips to UNC, Metro, CSU, Mesa, Western State, Wyoming, DU, and CCS.
AVID and Elective Classes
AVID is a structured support program and not a separate curriculum. AVID students are open to a variety of electives based on their interest and current state requirements.
AVID and Advanced Placement (AP) Courses, Honors, and Concurrent Enrollment
AVID students are expected to increase their rigor of classes each year. One-on-one conferences with the student’s AVID teacher will help determine when students are ready to increase their rigor. All AVID students are expected to complete a minimum of one AP or concurrent enrollment class during high school. AP courses are offered grades 9-12.
*Students enrolled in MYP may take AVID.
AVID with Distinction
Students who are involved in AVID are eligible to receive a series of additional awards and scholarships specifically designed for AVID students. Some of these awards are listed below.
AVID with Distinction: Granted to AVID students who complete 40+ hours of community service, maintain a 2.5 GPA or better, and complete a minimum of one AP class and test.
SHHS AVID Scholarship: Students who complete 3 years of SHHS AVID are eligible to receive up to
$2000 from the SHHS AVID Scholarship Fund.
CCSD AVID Scholarship: Students who complete 3 years of AVID in CCSD are eligible to receive money from the CCSD AVID Scholarship Fund.
The Dell Scholars Program: Offered to those high school students participating in an approved AVID program. The funding for each Dell Scholar is $20,000.
Scholarship Application Assistance: The senior teacher and counselor work together to find other scholarships and assist students in their applications.
If you have any further questions regarding the SHHS AVID program and course offerings, please contact Brian Lee: blee41@cherrycreekschools.org
Concurrent Enrollment Courses
Smoky Hill High School offers numerous Concurrent Enrollment credit courses. The Concurrent Enrollment program creates options for students still in high school to receive both high school credit and college credit for Concurrent Enrollment classes. In partnership with our greater community, we are an extended campus of the Community College of Aurora (CCA) and Arapahoe Community College (ACC), Metropolitan State University (MSU).
Concurrent Enrollment college credit is subject to the student application to CCA/ACC, as well as course and teacher approval, prerequisites, and completion of all required registration steps by the majority of the class within the designated semester deadline. Courses may be subject to cancellation for Concurrent Enrollment college credit due to unforeseen changes.
Concurrent Enrollment courses prepare students for the rigor and culture of college. Students begin building a college transcript while they complete their high school graduation requirements. Students must receive a “C” or better to receive transferable college credit. College credits may transfer to a two or four year college or university. Students should check with the accepting institution for credit acceptance. Tuition is paid by Cherry Creek Schools and the College Opportunity Fund. All students must apply for the College Opportunity Fund (COF). The COF stipend pays a portion of a student’s tuition. All students must complete an application for the COF at https://cof.college-assist.org.
CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT COURSES OFFERED
ENGLISH
CE English Composition 1
CE Introduction to Literature I
CE Competitive Speech & Debate (Elective Credit)
MATH
CE College Algebra
CE College Trigonometry
CE Math for Liberal Arts
CE Intro to Statistics
SOCIAL STUDIES
CE American Government
CE General Psychology 1
CE General Psychology 2
CE US History to Reconstruction
CE US History Since Civil War
CE Women in World History
BUSINESS
CE Intro to Business
CE Personal Finance
ELECTIVES
CE Automotive Technology II
CE Automotive Technology III
CE Spanish 4
*Pro Start 1 (Dual Enrollment)
*Pro Start 2 (Dual Enrollment)
SCIENCE
CE Science of Biology w/Bio Lab
Advanced Placement Classes (AP)
The major purpose of Advanced Placement (AP) courses is to give Smoky Hill students the opportunity to take college level classes which are challenging and thought provoking. At the same time, AP courses provide the chance for students to gain advanced placement and/or credit in the college of their choice.
Advantages of taking AP classes:
- AP courses and exams begin the journey through college level academics.
- Collegiate institutions recognize that applicants with AP experience are better prepared for the demands of college.
- Tuition savings are realized for students whose AP exam grades are considered acceptable because of the credit and/or advanced placement granted by most US colleges.
- AP students are eligible for honors and other special programs in college.
Expectations for students enrolled in AP courses:
- Commitment to the time necessary to complete the rigorous coursework. Students should expect:
- All students must create a College Board account, as well as enroll in their course’s AP Classroom. Additionally, it is the responsibility of the student to select if they will take the exam in AP classroom.
- 1 ½ hours per class session and/or teacher led out-of-class AP study sessions. Some classes may also require summer homework.
- Enrollment in the course for the entire school year. The time commitment and depth of the content can sometimes be overwhelming; however, those are not reasons for dropping or transferring.
- Register and sit for the spring AP exam. The cost for most AP exams is approximately $100.00.
Smoky Hill AP Courses:
- English: AP English Language, AP English Literature
- Social Studies: AP US History, AP European History, AP Psychology, AP Human Geography, AP African American Studies, AP US Government & Politics
- Math: AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Statistics
- Science: AP Physics
- World Languages: AP Spanish Language & Culture, AP Spanish Literature & Culture, AP Japanese Language & Culture
- Other: AP Music Theory, AP Art History, AP Computer Science Principles, AP Business with Personal Finance
AP Scholar Awards Program:
- AP Scholar: Granted to students who receive 3.0 or higher on three or more AP exams on full year courses (or the equivalent).
- AP Scholar with Honor: Granted to students who receive an average grade of at least 3.25 on all AP exams taken and grades of three or higher on four or more of these exams on full year courses (or the equivalent).
- AP Scholar with Distinction: Granted to students who receive an average of at least 3.5 on all AP exams taken and grades of three or higher on five or more of these exams on full year courses (or the equivalent).
- National AP Scholar: Granted to students in the US who receive an average grade of at least 4.0 on all AP exams taken, grades of four or higher on eight or more of these exams on full year courses (or the equivalent).
For further information, please contact the AP office at 720-886-5420.
International Baccalaureate (IB)
INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE (IB)
MIDDLE YEARS PROGRAM (MYP)
The IB Middle Years Program, for students aged eleven to sixteen, provides a framework of academic challenge that encourages students to embrace and understand the connections between traditional subjects and the real world, and become critical and reflective thinkers. The program consists of eight subject groups integrated through six global context that provide lenses for learning within and across the subjects. The emphasis is on the fluidity of the curricular framework and the interrelatedness of the subjects. Aspects of the areas of interaction are addressed naturally through the distinct disciplines. The overall philosophy of the program is expressed through three fundamental concepts that support and strengthen all areas of the curriculum. These concepts are based on intercultural awareness, holistic learning, and communication.
The IB Middle Years Program curriculum at Smoky Hill High school consists of eight groups:
Arts Individuals and Societies Language and Literature Physical Education & Health
Design Language Acquisition Mathematics Sciences
In the final year of the program (10th grade), each student is required to complete a Personal Project. This project is a significant piece of work that is the product of the student’s own initiative and creativity. Each IB student is responsible for their own choice of topic, development of criteria, planning implementation, and reflection on processes and progress. All of which is explored through their chosen global context. The entire project is completed under the supervision of a teacher and community mentor. Students present their projects on Super Saturday with an authentic audience and attend a completion ceremony.
INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE (IB)
DIPLOMA PROGRAM (DP)
The IB Diploma Program is a comprehensive and rigorous two-year curriculum, leading to examinations, for students aged between sixteen and nineteen. Based on the pattern of no single country, it is a deliberate compromise between the specialization required in some national systems and the breadth preferred in others. The general objectives of the IB program are to provide students with a balanced education; to facilitate geographic and cultural mobility; and to promote international understanding through a shared academic experience.
The IB Diploma program curriculum at Smoky Hill High school consists of six groups with studies in:
Language and Literature Language Acquisition Individuals and Societies
Mathematics Experimental Sciences The Arts (Sixth Subject)
- Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) requires students to take part in a range of experiences that are documented over an 18-month period in ManageBac.
- Extended Essay (EE) is an independent, self-directed piece of research finishing with a 4,000 word paper. This is started their Junior year and a final draft is submitted in August of their Senior year. Students choose their with supervision of a selected teacher.
- Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course taken second semester Junior year and first semester Senior year explores the relationships among the various disciplines and ensures that students engage in critical reflection and analysis of the knowledge acquired within and beyond the classroom
All IB Diploma Candidates are required to test in one subject from each of the groups. At least three and not more than four of the six subjects are taken at the Higher level, the others at Standard level. Each examined subject is graded on a scale of 1 (minimum & failing grade) to 7 (maximum). The award of the Diploma requires a minimum total of 24 points and the satisfactory completion of the Extended Essay, TOK, and CAS. Bonus points may be awarded for the exceptional Extended Essay and performance in Theory of Knowledge.
Program Guidelines:
- As a program, all IB students are not allowed to take more than 7 courses per semester. Students must take a world language, as it is considered a core course for IB.
- CCIC courses cannot be taken during the MYP program and can be considered on a case-by-case basis for DP students.
- DP Exams will have a fee associated with them. Average $150.00 Per Exam.
For further information, contact the IB Office at 720-886-5420
CCIC Cherry Creek Innovation Campus
The Cherry Creek Innovation Campus provides an opportunity for students to enroll in career and
technical education courses across the following pathways:
Why Choose CCIC?
Authentic Hands-on Industry Projects
Concurrent and Dual Enrollment College Credits
Extracurricular Opportunities
Industry Recognized Credentials
Apply January 6, 2026 - February 13, 2026
2026-2027 Course Catalog
- Aerospace Manufacturing
- Aerospace Technician - NEW
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Automation, Robotics &
- Mechatronics (ARM) - NEW
- Automotive Service
- Technician
- Aviation Flight
- Aviation Maintenance
- Baking & Pastry - NEW
- Behavioral Health Tech
- Certified Nurse Aide
- Construction
- Culinary
- Cybersecurity
- Emergency Medical
- Technician (EMT) - NEW
- Entrepreneurship
- Film - NEW
- Hospitality Management
- HVAC - NEW
- Motion Design - NEW
- OT/PT
- Pharmacy Technician
- Project Management
- Resort & Event Management
- Veterinary Assistant - NEW
- Welding - NEW
For more information:
Phone: 720-554-2600
Website: www.ccic.cherrycreekschools.org
Address: 8000 S. Chambers Rd Centennial CO 80112
Cherry Creek Pathways at Overland
Pathways at Overland provides an opportunity for students to enroll in career and technical education courses across the following pathways.
Why Pathways at Overland?
Authentic Industry Projects
Concurrent and Dual Enrollment College Credits
Extracurricular Opportunities
Industry Recognized Credentials
Apply January 6, 2026 - February 13, 2026
2026 - 2027 Course Catalog
- Healthcare Foundations
- Medical Assisting
- Patient Care Tech
- Pre-Law & Judicial Process
- Public Safety & Constitutional Law
For more information:
Phone: 720-747-3400
Website: pathwaysatoverland@cherrycreekschools.org
Cherry Creek Future Educator Apprenticeship
Do you enjoy working with kids? Did you know that you can get paid to work in a CCSD elementary school while also attending high school? Additionally, you can earn up to 21 hours of FREE college credit through Community College of Aurora AND build your teamwork, communication and leadership skills!
Courses Offered as part of the Future Educator Pathway (FEP) Program in 2026-2027:
EDU 2211 Intro to Education
EDU 2088 Practicum II
COM 1150 Public Speaking
EDU 2611 Teach Learn & Tech w/AI
SCI 1055 Integrated Science 1 w/Lab
EDU 1551 Apprenticeship: Fostering Well Being, Belonging & Inclusion through Inquiry Based Practice
SCI 1056 Integrated Science 2 w/Lab
These courses align directly with the adult Aspiring Educator Pathway program in CCSD. Learn more at
https://www.cherrycreekschools.org/programs-and-services/aspiring-educator-pathway/aspiring-educator-pathway
To learn more about the Future Educator Apprenticeship, scan the QR code above, or fill out the interest survey on
https://www.cherrycreekschools.org/academics/career-and-innovation/work-based-learning/future-educator-program.
CCSD Work-Based Learning
How does it work? Internships and Apprenticeships provide students 1.0 Elective/Practical Fine
Arts credits per semester to experience work-based learning during the school day. Students must
apply for opportunities on the Job Board and be selected by a company in order to be placed in a
CCSD Internship or Apprenticeship.
CTE Internships: Internships are for exploration. If you are interested in an industry, this is a
great way to shadow and experience a career in real life. Internships are a short-term
commitment that can help you decide if a path after high school is really for YOU.
- Juniors and Seniors who are enrolled or
have completed at least 1 related CTE
course can apply - Can be paid or unpaid
- Short-term commitment (about 100
hours per semester at the internship
site) - Get real-world exposure to an industry
- Shadow industry professionals
- Can be in the summer, fall, or spring
Internship information in multiple languages: https://www.cherrycreekschools.org/academics/career-and-innovation/work-based-learning/internships
Apprenticeships: Apprenticeships are for students who are committed to a specific career path.
This is an opportunity to gain relevant experience and grow in your field while still in high school. This is a real, long-term, job commitment. Get ahead of your peers by starting work early.
- Must be 16 years old by the start of
apprenticeship to apply - Always a paid employee of company fulfilling
a real job position - Long-term commitment (between 2-to-3
years) - Always begin working in high school and stay
with company 1-to-2 years after graduation - Mentorship from industry professionals
- Begin in entry-level position and gain skills
necessary to advance in career - Company will support obtainment of
certifications and/or some relevant college
credit
Apprenticeship information in multiple languages:
https://www.cherrycreekschools.org/academics/career-and-innovation/work-based-learning/apprenticeships
Work-based Learning Job Board:
On Students' my.cherrycreek
https://cherrycreekschools.my.site.com/student/s/wbl-jobboard
Updated: 11/25/25
TREP
Let the State of Colorado pay for the first 2 years of your teaching degree.
The Teacher Recruitment Education and Preparation (TREP) program exists to create opportunities for qualified students, in an educator career pathway, to enroll in postsecondary courses for up to two years after the 12th grade year. Students might be interested in teaching, counseling, special education or other education related fields.
Students accepted into the TREP program will have tuition, fees and books paid for two years at participating community colleges/universities as identified by CCSD through the State of Colorado for courses in the educator career pathway. Students take all of their coursework at the college. Be Aware: The State of Colorado is reviewing the program. TREP decisions are usually made by the Colorado Legislature in very late May/early June.
Students accepted into the TREP program remain a CCSD student, as a senior, for two additional academic years. Students will receive their high school diploma upon completion of the TREP program with the graduation date of the year they exit TREP. They graduate "socially" (walk in graduation ceremony with their original graduating class). The State of Colorado caps the number of TREP students each year; those decisions are made in late May/early June each
year.
Part time (3-11 credit hours) and full time (12-16 credit hour) options are available.
A STUDENT IS ELIGIBLE TO BE CONSIDERED FOR TREP IF THE STUDENT:
- Has taken one applicable concurrent enrollment course during senior year and earned college credit. Plans to pursue postsecondary studies in the field of education. (See QR code below for a list of courses.)
- Is college ready, and not in need of developmental education coursework in accordance with the education career pathway in which they enroll.
- Completes an Individual Career and Academic Plan (ICAP) prior to declaring intent to participate in TREP.
- Applies to, and is accepted into, a postsecondary program to continue on an approved educator pathway at a Colorado institution of higher education approved by CCSD. (Metro, UNC, ACC, CCA, CCD, RRCC)
- Applies for FAFSA/CASFA
- Is entering the TREP program in the year immediately following the student’s 4th year of high school.
- Upon entry to the TREP program, has not been designated a TREP program participant in any prior year (can only participate in TREP for 2 academic years).
- Is in good academic standing (minimum Grade Point Average of 2.0 in postsecondary coursework) and remains enrolled in an applicable educator pathway in order to participate in year 2 of the TREP program.
Visit to Apply February 1 - March 31, 2026. Also to see list of required coursework in senior year for eligibility.
www.cherrycreekschools.org/academics/career-and-innovation/concurrent-enrollment/ascent-trep-free-college-tuition-books-and-fees
Updated 11/20/2025
CTE
The below CTE Districtwide courses are available to all Cherry Creek School District students and take place at various
locations. The registration process for CTE Districtwide courses vary. Please see the course descriptions for more
information.
Cosmetology:
Work Based Learning:
Future Educator Pathway:
