Magnet & Advanced Programs

Advanced Placement (AP®) courses offer highly motivated students the opportunity to take college-level classes in high school. AP^® programs are available at every high school and are designed to challenge students in various content areas and prepare them to take the Advanced Placement (AP®) Exams, which are administered by the College Board each May.

AP^® courses on a student’s transcript enhance college applications, and a qualifying score on an AP^® exam can mean that a student is eligible to receive college credit at a college or university.

AP^® offerings vary by school and are dependent upon course enrollment. Students should consult with their school counselors to understand which AP^® options and courses are available at their school, ensuring they can meet their educational objectives while fulfilling program requirements.

Click here for info on fees and other frequently asked questions! 

AP® Capstone Diploma Program at Clear Spring High School 
This is an academic magnet program that focuses on building critical thinking, research, and communication skills. The program includes two core interdisciplinary courses – AP^® Seminar and AP^® Research – which promote critical and creative thinking, argumentation, and research skills. Both courses involve performance tasks, assessments, and the application of research methodology, complementing the other AP^® courses that students take.

In addition to AP^® Seminar and AP^® Research, students must complete at least four more AP^® courses, for a total of six. To earn the College Board’s AP^® Capstone Diploma, students must score a 3 or higher on all six exams. By completing the program, participants distinguish themselves to colleges and universities by actively practicing the real-world skills necessary for college and career.

REQUIRED COURSES:

• AP^® Seminar
• AP^® Research
• 4 additional AP^® courses

For more information about AP® Capstone,
please contact Amy Kelly, Lead Teacher,
at Clear Spring High School: 301-766-8082

Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs are a key component of the high school education system, designed to prepare students for a diverse and modern economy. To learn more, please visit our CTE (Career & Technical Education) page to see what programs & pathways are available by high school. 

If you are interested in a program not offered in your school, you can apply for special permission to attend a school that does. Students who request special permission are required to provide their own transportation.

WCPS and Hagerstown Community College (HCC) work in a partnership to provide high-achieving high school students opportunities to earn college credit while in high school.  Interested students should contact their school counselors for more information. 

Programs include the following:

• Concurrent Enrollment: college classes that don't count as high school graduation requirements

• Dual Enrollment: college classes that also count as high school graduation requirements

• HCC Early College: students attend classes at HCC and can earn a High School Diploma and an Associate Degree at the same time

Click here to access the Early College Website.

Honors courses are available and are designed to challenge students in several content areas and prepare them for enrollment in Advanced Placement (AP) coursework.  Placement is determined by ability, performance, and prior coursework.