•  Academic - course requirements needed for graduation in the state of Maryland

• Student Service Learning- details and links to completing student service learning hours needed for a Maryland diploma  

• HSA (High School Assessment) Maryland requires all students to pass assessment tests needed for a Maryland diploma

• Bridge Plan for Academic Validation - The Bridge Plan is for students who have passed the HSA-related course but have not passed an HSA after two or more attempts.

• Advisories - Every Middle School and High School in our county provides regular, small group  advisory periods where students meet with an advisor/teacher to discuss relevant topics, build relationships and learn about important information needed to be prepared for college and careers after high school.

• Advanced Placement - College preparatory classes offered during Junior and Senior year in High School
• AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) - AVID is an in-school college readiness system designed to increase student learning and performance

• International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme - An academically challenging and balanced course of study, that prepares students for success in college and life beyond

• Career and Technical Education - Enables students to acquire the academic, technical, and life skills to make a successful transition from high school to postsecondary education and/or career opportunities

• Ceative, Visual and Performance Arts - A rigorous four-year arts program that offers artistically talented high school students from all over Prince George’s County educational opportunities designed to prepare them for college, professional study, or career options in the arts

• Academy of Health Sciences (Middle College) - A four-year program that blends high school and college work through the use of dual enrollment credits. At the completion of the four-year program, students will meet all requirements for a high school diploma and two years of college credit

• Junior Reserve Officers' Training Program (JROTC) - A Federal program sponsored by the United States Armed Forces in High Schools across the United States

Information on the kinds of tests required for graduation from high school, college admissions and military placement. 

• ACT-The American College Testing Assessment is designed to test your skill levels in English, math, reading, and science reasoning. On the test, you will have 2 hours and 55 minutes to complete a variety of multiple choice questions divided into four sections- one for each tested subject area. The English, reading, and science sections each include several reading passages with anywhere from 5 to 15 questions per passage. The math section includes 60 questions -each with 5 possible answer choices.

• PSAT- The Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) is a program cosponsored by the College Board and National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). It's a standardized test that provides firsthand practice for the SAT®. It also gives you a chance to enter NMSC scholarship programs and gain access to college and career planning tools. The PSAT/NMSQT measures critical reading, math problem solving and writing skills.

• SAT-The SAT is a globally recognized college admission test that lets you show colleges what you know and how well you can apply that knowledge. It tests your knowledge of reading, writing and math — subjects that are taught every day in high school classrooms. Most students take the SAT during their junior or senior year of high school, and almost all colleges and universities use the SAT to make admission decisions.

• HSA - The subject tests required by Maryland State Department of Education in order for a student to graduate from high school.

• Accuplacer- This is a placement test designed by the College Board that most colleges require students to take to determine their level of placement in college courses. If students do not score high enough in some cases they may be placed in remedial, non credit bearing courses.

• ASVAB-The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery is the most widely used multiple-aptitude test battery in the world. As an aptitude test, the ASVAB measures your strengths, weaknesses, and potential for future success. The ASVAB also provides you with career information for various civilian and military occupations and is an indicator for success in future endeavors whether you choose to go to college, vocational school, or a military career.

• Career Interest Survey- A Career Interest Survey is designed to help you discover what jobs you would find most interesting, and suggests a number of options that will enable you to do what you love. An interest survey can ensure that you are on the right path before you invest time and money getting a degree or pursuing an unsatisfying job.

• Personal Education Plan - A “Personal Education Plan” (PEP) is an online planning tool for students that begins in elementary school and continues through high school. The Personal Education Plan helps students plan for high school graduation and college and/or their desired career.

• Occupational Handbook - The Occupational Outlook Handbook tells you the training and education needed, earnings, expected, job prospects, what workers do on the job, and working conditions for thousands of jobs.

CLICK HERE to Find a College, Pay for College and Plan for College: The Big Future College Board Search

PGCPS Programs and Resources to Prepare for College

• GEAR-UP: This initiative is a six-year federal grant that focuses on college readiness. Students are involved in academic support and enrichment activities that will prepare them for the rigors of college. In addition to classroom based activities, students participate in field trips and college tours, and have opportunities to interact with business, community and post-secondary partners to further enhance their learning and preparedness.

• Scholarships: Going to college is very expensive. Students and parents can find information on various types of scholarships that will help defray the cost of college.

• College Applications: Students can find information on college admisison guidelines and timelines; how to complete college applications, including writing eye-catching college essays or personal statements.

• Smaller Learning Communities: This initiative is offered at Crossland, DuVal, Oxon Hill, Potomac and Suitland as part of a federal grant. The goal of the initiative is to increase student achievement through the implementation of several research-based components with the goal of graduating all students college- and career-ready.

• NCAA Academic Eligibility Standards: Student athletes must not only have the talent to go to college but must also meet the academic requirements as well.

This tab identifies resources where a student or parent may go to get academic support. It is always a good idea to ask your school counselor for information where you can get extra support if you feel you need it.

• Homework Help Sites- There are a number of sites that will provide on line subject support.

• Test Prep - SAT | PSAT| ACT | AP
  • Students have access to a free SAT prep course.  Students should ask their counselor for the access code and site location.