Academic Standards

John Paul II High School is a college preparatory high school. All curricula and classes will prepare students to matriculate to four-year universities, whether public or private.  Downloadable JPIIHS School Profile 

Our academic standards are determined by four different groups: (1) the required courses, essential knowledge and skills needed for graduation as set forth by Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board; (2) the National Catholic Education Association; (3) the national standards set forth by organizations such as the National Council of Social Studies, National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, etc. and (4) the College Board, creator of standardized tests such as the SAT and PSAT as well as the Advanced Placement program.

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Dallas and Texas Catholic Conference Educational Department have directed that our school adopt the standards of non-theological classes as set forth by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board as delineated in the Essential Knowledge and Skills of the Texas Educational Agency. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has designated what theology courses all Catholic schools must offer.

The majority of classes are called College Preparatory. They will meet the specific National Standards for each subject but they will also teach to the more demanding knowledge and skills levels required for success on the SAT General, SAT II subject specific, the PSAT, SAT, and ACT college entrance exams.

For the more advanced student, who is gifted or who is willing to perform at a more demanding level and pace, or who is able to handle college level work in high school, we offer the Advanced Placement classes. During ninth and tenth grades students enroll in pre-Advanced Placement classes which teach skills critical to success in later AP classes. In the spring each year students enrolled in any AP class takes the national exam for potential college credit. Both levels of classes will earn accelerated grade points higher than the standard college preparatory classes.

REQUIRED COURSE LOAD

Each student is required to take eight classes each year with one exception: Seniors taking three or more Advanced Placement courses may take Independent Studies Class. Theology is considered a major subject and required all four years.

COURSE PLACEMENT

Students are placed into specific course levels at the recommendation of each department. These decisions are based on previous grades, motivation and department prerequisites.