State Required Tests

• End-Of-Course Tests  (EOCs)- There are currently seven End-of-Course tests required by the state (Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Biology I, English I, English II, and U.S. History) which must be administered to students who take the related courses.  Per school board policy, these tests currently count for 15% of the students' final course grades and may vary from year to year depending on state requirements.

Note:  For detail on how EOC tests are calculated into grades for year-long courses, see ACS website for explanation of Board Policy 4.709.

Enhancement Tests 

• ASVAB – The ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) is offered to interested juniors and seniors during both fall and spring semesters.

• PSAT –The PSAT, available to college-bound sophomores & juniors in mid-October, serves as a practice test for the SAT. (For juniors, the PSAT is also the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Exam.) The PSAT measures verbal, math, & writing abilities. Interested students must pre-register and pay a fee (see counselor.) 

College Entrance and College Credit Exams

• ACT – This college entrance examination is designed to assess critical reasoning and higher-order thinking skills in English, mathematics, reading, and science, along with an optional Writing Test. ACT scores indicate the student’s level of preparation for academic coursework beyond high school. Colleges and universities across the nation use it for admissions, academic advising, course placement, and academic scholarships for college (including TN Lottery scholarships). Students may register online at www.actstudent.org. The ACT is administered at various test sites throughout the year, including CHS, in the months of Sept., Oct., Dec., Feb., April, & June.

• SAT – This college entrance exam measures higher-level verbal reasoning, critical reading, math problem solving skills, & writing skills.  Students receive three scores: critical reading, mathematics, & writing. Although most colleges accept either the ACT or the SAT for college admissions, a few schools require SAT subject area exams, called the SAT-II, in addition to the SAT. Students may register online at www.collegeboard.com. SATs are administered at various test sites throughout the year. Clinton High School is not a test site for the SAT. It is typically given in the months of Oct., Nov., Dec., Jan., April, May, and June.

• Advanced Placement Exams – Students may earn college credit/advanced standing at most colleges and universities through AP exams administered each spring.  Students usually enroll in AP courses to best prepare for the exams. The following AP courses are typically offered at CHS: English, Biology II, Physics, Chemistry, Calculus, and Computer Science. Students must pre-register for exams, paying fees through the counseling office. 

Dual Enrollment Classes on CHS Campus

Are you a junior or senior and would you like to get a jump start on college credits while still in high school?  If you are willing to do the necessary paperwork and study at a college level, then dual enrollment classes may be right for you!  There will be a mandatory meeting in the spring for parents and interested students.

Step 1:  Apply to Roane State as a dual studies student (www.roanestate.edu/dualstudies)

Step 2:   Ask your counselor to get a copy of your transcript showing your Pre-ACT or ACT scores.

Step 3: Submit a Hepatitis B form signed by a parent

Step 4: Submit a Roane State First Class Registration form signed by you and a parent indicating the class(es) you want to take. Submit the form to your counselor for signature and test score/GPA information. This form must be completed each semester you take a class.

Step 5: Apply for the Dual Enrollment Grant online (www.roanestate.edu/dualstudies) Go to the link for the dual enrollment grant.  Be sure that you list Roane State, not the college you intend to go to after high school. WRITE DOWN YOUR USERNAME/PASSWORD AND CHALLENGE QUESTIONS! You will need that information if you take more classes or apply for the TN Promise Scholarship.

TEXTBOOKS:  Students are responsible for purchasing their own college textbooks, which may cost an average of $100 per book.

COSTS for one class a semester:

• Your first and second dual enrollment class you take will be free of charge if you qualify.

COSTS for more than one class a semester:

• Students can choose to take more than one class a semester.  The first and second class will be covered by the dual enrollment grant if taken in the same semester ($500 each) only if the student has a 3.0 GPA or a 21 ACT.  If the second class is taken the following semester, the student must have received an A or B in the first class to still receive the $500 grant.   The dual enrollment grant pays $200 towards the third class.  Your out of pocket expense will be approximately $300.  The Roane State Foundation will pay the balance of the 3rd class if you are a senior.  Your 4th class must be paid completely out of pocket.   Students must maintain a college 2.75 GPA or higher to qualify for the 2nd and 3rd dual enrollment grant.

• Students wanting to take a 5th or 6th class can choose to reduce their HOPE scholarship if they have a 3.0 high school GPA or a 21+ ACT (i.e. “HOPE eligible”) 

Who Qualifies to Take Dual Enrollment?

• For general education courses that transfer to other colleges, students must have a 3.0 GPA and a 19 ACT/Pre-ACT sub-score in Reading (Anthropology, Music, Statistics, and English); Statistics also requires a 19 in ACT Math or successful completion of SAILS modules in the fall.  College English also requires an 18 ACT sub-score in English.

• A 3.0 GPA (no specific ACT/Pre-ACT score) is required for CTE dual enrollment courses through UT Martin.

• Our Agriculture, Business, Math, and Social Studies departments offer dual credit classes (Current DC classes are listed in the course descriptions for each department).  Sophomores through seniors can take these classes.  Dual credit classes are free and college credit is granted after successful completion of a State Department final exam.  

Fall Semester Dual Enrollment Offerings:

(Courses, days, and times are subject to change based on instructor availability)

• Anthropology (7:10 a.m.) T

• College Orientation (taught during school)

• Criminal Justice (taught during school)

• Early Childhood Education - ECEC II & ECEC III 

• Emergency Medical Services (taught during school)

• English 1010 (7:10 a.m.) WF

• Intro to Speech (7:10 a.m.) MW

• Mechatronics (taught during school at Clinton RSCC campus)

Spring Semester Dual Enrollment Offerings:

(Courses, days, and times are subject to change based on instructor availability)

• Accounting 1010 (taught online during school)

• College Orientation (taught during school)

• Criminal Justice (taught during school)

• English 1020 MW (7:10 a.m.)

• Intro to Speech taught at Roane State (times vary)

• Medical Terminology MW

• Mechatronics (taught during school at Clinton RSCC campus)

• Music Appreciation (7:10 a.m.) TR

• Sociology 1010 (online)

• Statistics (7:10 a.m.) TR

• US History 2010 (online)

Dual Enrollment Classes on Roane State or Pellissippi State Campuses

Students who qualify for dual enrollment may also choose to leave school for no more than two blocks per semester and take classes on the Roane or Pellissippi State campuses.  Counselors can assist with the enrollment paperwork required.  The dual enrollment grant also applies.  Students must provide their counselor with a copy of their college schedule and must submit a copy of their report card to the counseling office as soon as it is available. Students are responsible to find out all senior information that is announced or distributed during the school day.

Dual Enrollment Classes at TN College of Applied Technology (TCAT)

The following TCAT dual enrollment classes are available for ACCTC students at the Anderson, Harriman, Jacksboro, and Knoxville campuses*:

• Collision – Knoxville

• Construction – Jacksboro 

• Cosmetology – ACCTC and Knoxville 

• Diesel - Harriman

• Industrial Maintenance - ACCTC

• Machining - ACCTC

• Welding – ACCTC

*These courses may change each year based on instructor availability.  The Career and Technical Education instructors for each program will have updated information about these opportunities.

Advanced Placement

Each college or university sets its own standard for awarding college credit based on AP exam scores. 

AP Access for All

AP Access for All is sponsored by the Niswonger Foundation.  It allows students to take AP classes online free of charge.  Students who complete the course work and score well on the AP exam will have the opportunity to earn free college credit.  Courses offered at the time of this publication include: Art History, Biology, Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Computer Science A, Environmental Science, Human Geography, Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, Psychology, Statistics, US Government and Politics, US History, Literature and Composition, and Language and Composition.  

Students who are successful in this program have a history of being independent workers who are highly motivated.  Grades from AP Access courses will be reflected on students’ transcripts just like classes taken in-person on campus. Several of the courses require prerequisites.  For more information, students can visit tnapaccessforall.org, or see their counselor.

Anderson County Schools’ Middle College Programs

Students interested and eligible for acceptance into Anderson County’s Middle College program have the opportunity to graduate from high school with a CHS or ACHS diploma and a Roane State associate’s degree, a college degree that signifies the completion of the first 2 years of college. This program would allow any ACS student who goes on to a four-year university after high school to enter as a junior, and potentially complete a bachelor’s degree in only two years. 

While Middle College students are earning a college degree, they can continue to enjoy their high school experience. Middle College classes at Roane State will primarily be scheduled in the morning, allowing students to return to their high school in the afternoon for activities such as sports, yearbook and band. 

In order to be eligible for the ACS Middle College program students must meet the following criteria:

• Be a rising 11th grader in good academic and behavioral standing 

• Have ACT or Pre-ACT scores of 18 English, 21 Math, 19 Reading 

• A GPA of 3.0 or higher in all core classes 

• Have completed Algebra II by the end of their 10th grade year 

Middle College Admission Requirements for Mechatronics

High school juniors or seniors are eligible for admission to the Mechatronics programs.  Seniors may complete the Certificate Program, earn Industry Certifications, and have all credits earned apply towards the AAS degree which could be completed with one additional year at Roane State after high school.

Juniors admitted to the AAS Degree Path program may complete and earn the Mechatronics Certificate, the AAS degree, and Industry Certifications during their final two high school years.  See page  for more information.

For questions regarding Middle College, please contact Mrs. Andrea Russell at andrearussell@acs.ac. 

Anderson County Schools Early Graduation Policy (ACBE 4.708)

A student who meets all graduation requirements as established by the State of Tennessee and the Anderson County Board of Education may graduate early [fewer than eight (8) terms in attendance] as follows:

Early Graduation (Option 1) To Post-Secondary Education (after 7 semesters)

1. Student must complete a Declaration of Early Graduation form during the second term of his or her junior year, which must be signed by the student, parent/guardian, counselor, and principal and returned to the school’s counseling office by April 1st of said year.

2. Student must have a minimum GPA of 3.5 AND a minimum ACT Composite score of 27. 

3. Student must complete four units of math by the end of the 7th term, including Algebra I, Algebra II, geometry, and at least one higher math.

4. Student must meet one (1) of the following conditions:

• Be enrolled in a college or university with no deficiencies. OR

• Be enrolled full time in a certificate program at a community college/technical school. OR

• Be accepted into a full time Department of Labor approved apprenticeship program.

5. Student must complete all class work and exams on the regular high school schedule. NOTE:  Student and parent must make arrangements with the college or university if terms overlap.

Early Graduation (Option 2) Through Hardship

A student applying for early exit due to hardship must submit a request in writing and provide documentation to a review team for approval. The review team will consist of a high school counselor, a principal or assistant principal, a teacher, the Secondary Supervisor, and the Director of Student Services. Recommendation will be forwarded to the Director of Schools.

Early Graduation Details (Options 1 and 2 above)

• The student’s official date of graduation will be the last day of the term in which he or she meets all graduation requirements.

• As a graduate, he or she will forfeit the right to participate in student activities (e.g., sports, prom [except as a guest of a full-time student], etc.)

• Student will be permitted to participate in graduation ceremonies at the end of the year.

TENNESSEE PROMISE and EDUCATION LOTTERY SCHOLARSHIPS

Tennessee Promise Scholarship

Interested in attending college tuition free?  Students in Tennessee may apply for the Tennessee Promise scholarship, which will provide two years tuition-free education at a community college or technical school in Tennessee.  Students may use the scholarship at any of the state’s 13 community colleges, 27 colleges of applied technology, or other eligible institutions offering an associate’s degree program. Each participant will receive a mentor who will assist the student as he or she navigates the college admissions process. In addition, participants must complete eight hours of community service per term enrolled, as well as maintain satisfactory academic progress (2.0 GPA) at their institution.  For more information visit http://www.tnpromise.gov.

Tennessee Education Lottery Scholarship Program Overview

• HOPE Scholarship:  up to $2,250 per full-time enrollment semester for freshmen and sophomores at
  a 4-year institution, $1,600 at a 2-year institution. Must have minimum 21 ACT or 3.0 GPA.

• Aspire Award: up to $750 per semester supplement to HOPE at a 4 yr. institution. $250 per semester at a 2 year institution.  Must meet HOPE requirements and have adjusted gross income of $36,000 or less.  May receive Aspire OR GAMS, but not both.

• General Assembly Merit Scholarship: up to $500 per semester supplement to HOPE.  Must have final GPA of 3.75 and 29 ACT.  May receive GAMS or Aspire, but not both.

• Wilder-Naifeh Technical Skills Grant: $2,000 (no more than cost of attendance) per academic year to anyone attending Tennessee College of Applied Technology after high school.

• HOPE Access Grant: up to $1,250 per full-time enrollment semester at a 4 year institution, $875 at a 2 year institution.  Must have weighted GPA of 2.75-2.99 AND 18- 20 ACT AND adjusted gross income of $36,000 or less.

These scholarship amounts are current at the time of this publication.  Please refer to https://www.tn.gov/collegepays  for more information.

Local Scholarships

Please visit the counseling page on CHS website to see current scholarships. Click Here to See More Scholarships