College & Career Readiness

It’s important that students focus on their studies, recognizing that the freshman year can present a challenging academic transition.  Cumulative GPA starts this year and can set the tone for the entire high school career. Students should also explore new activities, leadership experiences, and begin conversations with parents about college options, studies and finances. Students are highly encouraged to begin putting together a resume: an account of noteworthy activities, awards, community service, and interests.

Students are expected to take ownership of their academic performance, seek help when needed, attend college or career workshops or presentations, and research colleges, majors and careers of interest. As students get further along in high school, they will want to prepare for and take standardized tests on time, complete applications and essays by set deadlines, and engage in extracurricular activities, community service, or internships in order to build a strong profile. Ultimately, the student is at the center of this process and they will be expected to take responsibility.

Absolutely! Attending CLASSICAL for grades 9-12 provides students with a comprehensive education that prepares students exceptionally well for college. At the same time, our students will receive a content-rich education in the liberal arts and sciences that will prepare them for a life of human flourishing. CLASSICAL’s curriculum and academic standards meet and often exceed those of traditional high schools. By the time our first graduating class approaches, we are confident that CLASSICAL will be recognized by colleges not only as a legitimate educational institution but also as one of the top schools in the greater Cincinnati area.

Of course they can. Many colleges will assess GPA and test scores within the wider context of the student’s application and vigor of the high school curriculum. Merit scholarships are often based on the strength of the application, not just the numbers. This means that the vigor of schedule and difficulty of the content is becoming more important than ever when compared to easy classes and grade inflation of other schools. We believe CLASSICAL’s curriculum is among the most academically challenging in Cincinnati. Our school’s Profile Sheet (coming soon) will highlight our unique curriculum and give a broader picture of our students and their academic preparation and achievements. 

9th Grade! We look forward to spending the year getting to know the high school students, introducing them to high school expectations and goal setting, and encouraging them to explore career interests and college pathways. We will introduce them to SCOIR and a few other resources to help them as they navigate the next four years. 

We know that parents considering CLASSICAL for the high school years often have questions about Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Many high schools treat AP courses as the gold standard of academic rigor, and it is entirely reasonable for a family to ask: Why doesn’t CLASSICAL offer more of them? Please refer to our Guide for Parents: AP, the College Board, and our Curriculum for our honest, considered answer. We hope it helps you understand not only what AP is, but why we have made the deliberate choice to chart a course offering a limited number of carefully-selected AP courses.

Will my student be able to get into a good college if he/she attends CLASSICAL for grades 9-12? I am concerned that colleges may not recognize a classical charter school as a “real school.”

Absolutely! Attending CLASSICAL for grades 9-12 provides students with a comprehensive education that prepares students exceptionally well for college. At the same time, our students will receive a content-rich education in the liberal arts and sciences that will prepare them for a life of human flourishing. CLASSICAL’s curriculum and academic standards meet and often exceed those of traditional high schools. By the time our first graduating class approaches, we are confident that CLASSICAL will be recognized by colleges not only as a legitimate educational institution but also as one of the top schools in the greater Cincinnati area.

Furthermore, we understand the importance of the college application process, which is why we will have a dedicated college counselor and counseling office to support students every step of the way. From selecting the right colleges to preparing application materials and securing scholarships, our college counseling team will guide and assist students in achieving their academic and career goals.

Will you be offering Advanced Placement and College Credit Plus classes?

At CLASSICAL, our priority is to provide students with an exceptional classical high school education that aligns with our mission and values. We take pride in our Hillsdale K-12 curriculum and our dedicated, mission-driven faculty members who deliver high-quality instruction to our students. That being said, we do plan to offer a selection of 12 Advanced Placement (AP) courses that are carefully integrated into our curriculum and taught by our qualified faculty members. It’s essential to note that while we will offer AP courses, we will never compromise our mission or values to meet the requirements set forth by external entities such as the College Board or AP curriculum. Our focus remains on providing a rigorous and enriching educational experience that is rooted in classical principles and values.

College Credit Plus (CCP): The State of Ohio mandates that students have the option to enroll in college classes while still in high school.  Cincinnati Classical Academy is currently partnered with Sinclair Community College on CCP course availability for students.  Students who meet Sinclair’s eligibility requirements are now able to take CCP courses through Sinclair.  For more information on the application and approval process, please contact Mr. Michael Rose, Headmaster of Cincinnati Classical Academt, at mrose@cincyclassical.org.

Sinclair Academic Pathways