Under FIRST CHOICE, all students entering high school beginning with the 9th-grade class of 2009-2010, will be automaticallyenrolled to pursue the Advanced Academic Endorsement. Having the Advanced Academic Endorsement puts all students in position to strive for a higher standard. For students who choose to opt out of the Advanced Academic Diploma Endorsement (FIRST CHOICE), there are no consequences. The choice to opt out can be made at the end of any semester in any grade as long as the student and his or her (parent(s) agree. Students who opt out of FIRST CHOICE can pursue an Alabama High School Diploma with a Career and Technical Endorsement or the Alabama High School Diploma (no endorsement). For any of these options, the student must complete all coursework and pass all five sections of the Alabama High School Gradation Exam (AHSGE).There are two high school diploma options in the Mobile County Public School System. These options include the Alabama High School Diploma and the Alabama Occupational Diploma. The Alabama High School Diploma is available with various endorsements:

• Advanced Honors Endorsement

• Advanced Academic Endorsement (FIRST CHOICE)

• Advanced Career Technical Endorsement

• No Endorsement

• Career Technical Endorsement

• Credit-Based Endorsement

1. Increase the level of expectation and learning for high school students, tapping their potential and better preparing them for more education, the work force, and life in the 21st Century.

2. Help those students who have successfully completed all of their curriculum requirements, but have been unable to pass all five sections of the AHSGE, complete high school with a recognized Diploma.

3. Improve high school graduation rate and decrease the amount of high school drop outs by providing effective intervention and academic flexibility that removes barriers between students and high school graduation.

The high school pre-registration meeting will be held on March 26, 2009 @ 6:00 to discuss "First Choice" as well the choice of opting out.  If you cannot possible make that meeting please call Mrs. Weaver @ 221-2240 to set up an appointment to discuss "First Choice".