Accelerated Pathways

A Dual, College-Credit Program Opportunity

The Pearson Accelerated Pathways (APath) Program is one opportunity for ORCA high school students to earn college credit while simultaneously completing their high school diploma requirements. Students eligible to participate in APath will select from 18 fully online courses, will work with a dedicated college advisor, and will receive individualized support from a success coach throughout their course. Completion of the APath Program courses will apply toward a student's high school graduation requirements and provide college credit that is transferrable to over 2000 colleges and universities.

Program Information

Frequently Asked Questions

APath Course Offerings

PROGRAM BASICS

The APath Program offers 18 different courses.
Students who meet the eligibility requirements can take their first APath course completely FREE!
- After the free course, each APath course costs $540 paid for by the student's family.
Students will work with a college advisor prior to enrollment in an APath course in order to select the course(s) best aligned with their future goals.
Students earn 1.0 ORCA credit and 3.0 college credits for each APath course passed.
Courses are 16 weeks in length and align with ORCA's semester schedule.
- APath courses begin exactly two weeks after the start dates of ORCA's Fall and Spring semesters.
Student progress in APath courses will be monitored and supported by an APath Student Success Coach.
Courses are fully online and taught in a separate learning portal called Global Digital Classroom, outside of Pearson Online Classroom.
Courses are NCAA-eligible.

SIGN UP & ENROLLMENT PROCESS

STEP 1: The student and family complete the interest form through Pearson Accelerated Pathways. This should be completed prior to a semester's start date.

STEP 2: An APath Advisor will reach out to schedule an advising appointment with the student and caretaker typically in 1-2 business days. Courses and goals will be discussed.

STEP 3: The APath Advisor notifies the ORCA School Counselor of the developed plan after the advising appointment.

STEP 4: The ORCA School Counselor reviews the student's eligibility and then notifies the student and caretaker about whether or not enrollment is approved.

STEP 5: If approved, the student and family will complete the participation agreement form provided by the ORCA School Counselor.

STEP 6: The student is enrolled in the course(s) after completing the agreement form and begins receiving APath Program communications.

STUDENT ELIGIBILITY

Students interested in participating in APath Program courses must meet the following eligibility requirements:

Be an 11th or 12th grade student
Have a minimum 3.0 GPA
Have a 75% minimum daily attendance rate
Receive approval from the high school counseling department

Exceptions to these eligibility requirements are at the discretion of the ORCA Counseling Department and are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Accelerated Pathways Program Course Offerings

English Language Arts Courses

English Composition I

This course focuses on developing written communication skills with an emphasis on understanding the writing process, analyzing readings, and practicing writing for personal and professional applications.

English Composition II

This course builds on lessons learned in English Composition I. In addition to reviewing the writing process, students learn research techniques, citation techniques, documentation formats, and critical analysis of written topics.

Essentials of Speech

This course is designed as an introductory study of the principles of oral communication as transactional and adaptive interaction. Foundational elements of communication theory and practice will be emphasized. Particular attention will be placed on the development of preparatory, organizational, and presentational skills necessary for effective informative and persuasive presentations.

Social Studies Courses

American Government

This course introduces students to the fundamentals of American government and politics focusing on the historical evolution of government and policies, the major institutions, and the major processes. Course goals include developing an interest in and understanding of today's government, policy development, and politics as well as developing critical thinking and information-literacy skills in the areas of government and politics. Topics include the Constitution, federalism, civil rights and civil liberties, the structure and processes of the three branches of government, political socialization, interest groups and public opinion, political parties and the election process, as well as basic U.S social, economic, and foreign policy. Course fulfills Civics credit requirement.

American History I

This course covers American history from 30,000 B.C. through Reconstruction in the 17th Century. At the end of this course, students will be able to: - describe major civilizations in America between 30,000 B.C. and the seventeenth century - examine the diversity present in the seventeenth- and eighteenth-century English Colonies - examine the challenges faced by colonial society in a growing and diverse America - analyze the causes and events of the American Revolution - evaluate the effectiveness of the Articles of Confederation government in establishing the new nation - analyze the challenges faced by the government under the U.S. Constitution - label significant American historical events on a timeline - analyze the steps America took in creating a democracy during the nineteenth century - examine inequalities in race, gender, and class and their impact on antebellum American society - evaluate the effect of national expansion and reform on antebellum America - explain the pre-war division between the North and the South - analyze the reasons for and events of the Civil War - investigate issues related to post-war reconstruction

American History II

This course covers American history following Reconstruction through the presidency of George H.W. Bush in the early 1990s. At the end of this course, students will be able to: - analyze the conquest and exploitation of the West - label significant American historical events on a timeline - analyze the role of industrialization on late nineteenth and early twentieth century U.S. society - examine the social, political, and economic changes in late nineteenth century United States - examine the foreign policy of the T. Roosevelt presidency - analyze the Age of Progressivism - examine America’s role in World War I - evaluate the cultural challenges of the 1920s and 1930s - investigate the United States' role in World War II and the beginnings of the Cold War - examine post-World War II culture - analyze the political, social, and economic issues of the 1970s - examine the Reagan and G.H.W. Bush Administration's' role in American society - analyze the domestic changes and international challenges faced by the United States after the fall of communism in Europe

Science Courses

Anatomy & Physiology

This course covers an overview of the anatomical structures and physiology of the human body. The course discusses each body system in terms of the major anatomical structures and functions and explains how each system participates in homeostasis of the body. In addition, the course discusses selected major pathologies, including disease definitions and causes, signs and symptoms, diagnostic procedures, and possible treatments. Finally, the course discusses common issues and changes that occur in each body system throughout the lifespan. Course does not count as a lab science.

Environmental Science

This course explores the relationship between humans and the environment. Students examine the balance between natural resources and the needs of humankind. Students explore the scientific, political, economic, and social implications of environmental science. Course does not count as a lab science.

Introduction to Biology

This course presents the key areas of biology at an introductory postsecondary/collegiate level. Students are introduced to the core disciplines of cellular biology, biotechnology, genetics, evolution, and ecology. Course counts as a lab science.

Introduction to Literature

This introductory level course presents the elements and examples of three genres of literature: fiction, poetry, and drama. Students will learn the origins of literature and the purposes of the study of literature. Students will associate the study of literature and thinking skills, such as critical reading. Students will utilize thinking skills to research and apply literary criticism to analyze and critique various literary works in the context of discussing and writing about literature.

Introduction to Psychology

This course introduces human behavior. It includes the study of the theories and concepts of psychology including the scope of psychology, biological foundations and the brain, sensation, perception, motivation, personality, learning and memory, emotion, states of consciousness, personality theories, cognition, life-span development, and applied psychology.

Other/Elective Courses

Mathematics Courses

College Algebra

This course covers a broad survey of key concepts of college algebra. Students will be introduced to solving equations and inequalities, functions (including linear, quadratic, polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic), systems of equations and inequalities, and series and sequences. Course Prerequisites: Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, and Precalculus or Trigonometry

Statistics

This course is designed to offer students the skills necessary to interpret and critically evaluate statistics commonly used to describe, predict, and evaluate data in an information driven environment. The focus is on the conceptual understanding of how statistics can be used and how to evaluate statistical data. Course Prerequisites: Algebra 1 and Algebra 2

Introduction to Sociology

This course explores sociological processes that underlie everyday life. The course focuses on globalization, cultural diversity, critical thinking, new technology and the growing influence of mass media.

Macroeconomics

This course introduces foundational concepts of economic principles, such as opportunity costs, supply, and demand. However, the course focus is to explore primary macroeconomic principles, including measurement, real economy in the long run, money economy in the long run, macroeconomic fluctuations, and policy issues. You will be presented with real world contemporary examples that apply theory to practice, demonstrating the relevance of macroeconomic thought.

Microeconomics

The purpose of the course is for students to develop a logical, conceptual, and analytical understanding of microeconomic principles. This course introduces foundational concepts of economic principles, such as opportunity costs and supply and demand, and explores primary microeconomic principles, including efficiency and fairness in markets, government actions and their impacts, the decisions that consumers and producers make, different market structures from perfect competition to monopoly, and factor markets and income distribution. Students are presented with real-world contemporary examples that apply theory to practice, demonstrating the relevance of microeconomic thought.

Introduction to Business

Introduction to Criminal Justice

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the benefits to completing Accelerated Pathways courses?

Accelerated Pathways courses allow students to access and complete college-level coursework while still in high school. Doing this translates into many unique advantages:

Dual credit opportunity - ability to earn high school and college credits in the same course
Potential to finish high school credit requirements early or have additional room in the high school schedule for electives
Savings on future college costs because of transferrable credits earned during the program
Greater flexibility in college credit completion due to the fully self-paced nature of APath courses
Preview and practice of college-level coursework and skills before full-time college enrollment
Potential to finish college degree early because of credits transferred from courses completed in the program
Access to college counseling and individual advising from Accelerated Pathways coaches

Do Accelerated Pathways courses cost money?

Eligible students in 11th or 12th grade are able to complete one FREE APath course during their time at ORCA. All courses after the free course cost $540 each, which is paid for by the student and family.

How many credits do students earn in an APath course?

Students who successfully complete and pass an APath course will earn 1.0 credit in the appropriate category for their high school diploma and 3.0 credits from the sponsoring college. Each course offered awards these same number of credits.

How long do students have to complete each APath course?

APath courses begin exactly two weeks after the start of each semester on the ORCA school calendar and must be completed within the 16 remaining weeks of that semester. Starting or ending an APath course late is not permitted.

What is the difference between an Accelerated Pathways course and an Advanced Placement (AP) course?

Both APath and AP courses are great opportunities to earn college credits while in high school; however, it is very important that students and families fully research the colleges or universities of future interest to determine how courses in/credits from either these programs will be handled. Not every institution will accept credits transferred from the APath courses nor will every institution grant credit or placement as a result of AP exam scores.

Accelerated Pathways courses are online college-level courses that meet college standards and are awarded college credits on an official, accredited college transcript upon course completion. These credits are then potentially transferrable to another college or university in the future to be applied toward the student's college degree. To determine if APath credits will be accepted by a student's future institution, students and families should consult with both an APath advisor and admissions advisor at their future college(s).

Advanced Placement courses are also college-level coursework that require completion of the National AP Exams in the Spring to qualify for college credit or enhanced course placement. A student's score on their AP Exam(s) is/are used by the future college to determine if the student is eligible for college credit or placement advantaged upon enrolling at the college. Students and families can utilize the AP Credit Policy Search tool to view a college's requirements for accepting AP Exams for credit or placement.

How do students access their APath courses?

Students will utilize a custom student portal called the Global Digital Classroom to access their APath courses. This portal is separate from the Pearson Online Classroom where students typically access their ORCA courses and will require a separate login. Students, however, will have link access directly to the Global Digital Classroom from inside their Pearson Online Classroom account.

All course information and assignments are housed in the Global Digital Classroom and communication with teachers and support will take place there as well.

What technology is necessary to complete APath courses?

Students must have access to a computer/laptop in order to complete their courses. While accessing the course lessons is possible on a mobile device, students must utilize a computer/laptop to complete all required quizzes, tests, and proctored assessments. Students who are able to access their ORCA classes on their computer/laptop will have all the technology tools they need to successfully access their APath courses.

If technical support is needed for an APath course, the student or Caretaker should contact the tech department by email at courses-ap@pearson.com as well as the APath Student Services team by calling 866-989-5432.

What resources and materials are available to students in their APath courses?

For each APath course, students will be able provided with the course syllabus, required e-texts, content presentations and lessons, and other learning resources as appropriate to the course. Students will also have a suggested or required course timeline listed on their Course Timing page depending on if the course is self-paced or facilitated respectively. Additionally, supplemental course-specific study guides are provided within the platform.

Students in need of accommodation for IEPs or 504s need to reach out and work directly with their APath Student Service team to determine what is available. It is important to understand that many laws that require accommodation in high school courses do not apply to colleges and universities. This means that because APath courses are college-level courses, accommodations received in ORCA courses are not guaranteed or sometimes even possible for APath courses.

Can students who enroll at ORCA after a semester has already started enroll in APath courses?

Students who join ORCA after the semester has already began are not eligible to enroll in APath courses during that semester. These students may apply to enroll in APath courses at the start of the next semester. Late course enrollment, defined as any date after the course's official start date according to the ORCA school calendar, is not permitted.

Can students take APath Courses during the summer?

Eligible students may complete APath courses during the summer with approval from the ORCA School Counseling Department. These courses cost the standard $540 each and must be completed within the 8-week summer term.

What does it mean if an APath course is "self-paced"?

Self-paced courses are able to be completed entirely based on the student's schedule and timing. There are no strict due dates or deadlines, and the student can complete their lessons and assessments like quizzes and tests whenever is best for them. The only timing requirement for these courses is that they are completed by the semester's official end date according to ORCA's school calendar.

What does it mean if an APath course is "facilitated"?

Facilitated courses require interaction with and feedback from teachers for certain assignments. Students are required to complete proctored assessments (tests and quizzes) at specific times on specific dates. Additionally, facilitated courses tend to follow prescribed timelines with strict assignment due dates and deadlines.

The following APath courses are facilitated courses: English Composition I & II, Essentials of Speech, Introduction to Sociology, Introduction to Psychology, Introduction to Biology, and Anatomy & Physiology.

How do students and their APath Success Coach communicate?

Students communicate with their Success Coach via phone calls, text messages, and emails within the Global Digital Classroom portal. Additionally, students have access to online scheduling options through their classroom dashboard.

Can students "drop" or withdraw from APath courses after they have started?

Any request to drop or withdraw from an APath course must be approved by the ORCA School Counselor and is dependent upon numerous factors. If the drop request is approved, the student may not attempt to retake that same course in the next semester.

In the case that the student chooses to drop their free APath course, they forfeit their free opportunity and must pay for any future APath courses that they wish to attempt.

If the student and family are paying for the course out-of-pocket, the cost may be refunded or credited toward a future APath course purchase if the course is dropped within the first 5 days of the course start date. This, however, is not guaranteed and should be discussed with the student's APath Student Service team for complete details and rules.

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