Applications are due by May 1. No applications will be accepted after this date.

Overall Purpose

Course Advancement is a process that helps enable students to participate in higher level advanced courses in high school. Students may enroll in and satisfy specific prerequisite requirements for certain subsequent courses through online coursework completed through the Montgomery Virtual Program facilitated through the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit.

The ultimate responsibility for Course Advancementcompletion lies with the student and his or her parents/guardians who must determine work schedule, complete course requirements, and assume the financial responsibility associated with Course Advancement.

In order to satisfy the requirements for Course Advancement there are a number of requirements which must be fulfilled. The first step in the Course Advancement process entails a discussion with the student’s guidance counselor and review of all requirements for this process. These requirements are listed below.

Course Advancement Guidelines

  1. All coursework is completed in eight (8) weeks through the Montgomery Virtual Program (MVP).
  2. As a general guideline, students should expect to dedicate approximately 5-8hours daily five (5) days a week throughout the eight (8) week timeframe that the course is offered.
  3. The following courses are eligible for Course Advancement:
  • Geometry
  • Earth and Space Science
  • Introduction to Physical Science
  • World Languages: Spanish 1&II, French 1&II, German 1&II, Latin 1&II

Note: For World Language courses only, students need a laptop with Java and flash; Chromebooks don't support the delivery of this content.

  1. In order for Course Advancement to be approved, students are required to complete an application, which requires multiple signatures, and receive approval prior to beginning this process.
  2. During the Course Selection process, student selects courses for the following year as if the course was successfully completed. If the student is not successful, then an updated schedule is created for the student in mid-August.
  3. The course window for each course is June 13 – August 5.
  4. Upon the completion of the course, MVP will send a Grade Report to the Director of Secondary Education that indicates mastery level of course topics in selected subjects. Student must complete the course at a minimum grade of 85% to receive Course Advancement for the course.
  5. The Course Advancement completion will not be listed on the student’s transcript. Courses taken outside of the standard school environment do not contribute to the student’s Grade Point Average (GPA) calculation nor is course credit earned.

Directions for Course Advancement

A successful Course Advancement student typically demonstrates the following characteristics:

  • strong grades (A) in the highest levels of classes offered
  • independent work habits, self-motivation, strong work ethic
  • an ability to quickly acquire new material and to easily retain and apply new concepts

Students interested in completing the Course Advancement process should do the following:

  1. Review Course Advancement literature in order to understand what is required.
  2. Meet with guidance counselor in order to better understand the process, as well as future scheduling needs and concerns. Additional meetings with teachers can also support the student’s knowledge of the Course Advancement process and whether this process is an appropriate action for the student’s best interest.
  3. Complete required application through guidance counselor by May 1. Be sure to do so in a timely manner to ensure meeting all necessary deadlines.
  4. The counselor will contact the student to inform her/him of the application status by May 15.
  5. If approval is granted, student must enroll in the course by June 1 through the Montgomery Virtual Program (MVP) website (mvp.mciu.org). A credit card is the only form of payment accepted for these courses. Student will be provided with a flyer from their Guidance Counselor to take home to their parent.
  6. Student completes a mandatory orientation on site beginning on June 13 or online to become familiar with MVP. Two sessions are offered on June 13 at NPHS IMC: 8-9 a.m. and 9:30-10:30 p.m.
  7. Student enrolls in and completes the course. A Grade Report demonstrating a final grade of 85% or better is required to receive Course Advancement. The Grade Report will be stored in student’s cumulative file.
  8. North Penn graduation credit will not be awarded for this course. The course will not be a part of the student’s transcript.
  9. Students who qualify for free/reduced lunch and have questions should see their Guidance Counselor. Also, guidance counselors should follow-up with applicable students.