Acceleration

Individual Subject Acceleration

Students at Shaker Heights Schools may be assigned to a subject/course in a higher grade level for the purpose of providing accelerated learning opportunities.

The path to individual subject acceleration is a multi-step process that includes input from parents/guardians and educators. View the acceleration process flowchart here.

Referrals for students to be evaluated for acceleration should be made directly to the building principal or through the Academic Acceleration Referral form within the PowerSchool Portal. Parental permission for additional assessment will be obtained by building principal or designee. Our team will reach out to families who are interested in or have questions about acceleration opportunities in Shaker Heights Schools.

If subject acceleration is approved, the team will develop a Written Acceleration Plan (WAP). If subject acceleration is not approved, parents/guardians have an opportunity to appeal the decision. Appeals must be made in writing to the building principal within 30 days of notification of the decision.

Whole-Grade Acceleration

Students at Shaker Heights Schools may be assigned to a higher grade level for the purpose of providing accelerated learning opportunities.

The path to acceleration is a multi-step process that includes input from parents/guardians and educators. View the acceleration process flowchart here.

Parents/guardian who wish to pursue this option should contact their building principal or submit the Academic Acceleration Referral form within the PowerSchool Portal. Following the completion of the referral form, the building principal or designee will explain the early high school graduation referral process. 

If whole-grade acceleration is approved, the team will develop a Written Acceleration Plan (WAP). If whole-grade acceleration is not approved, parents/guardians have an opportunity to appeal the decision. Appeals must be made in writing to the building principal within 30 days of notification of the decision.

Early High School Graduation

High School students have the opportunity to complete high school in fewer than four years.

The path to early graduation is a multi-step process that includes input from parents/guardians and educators.

Parents/guardian who wish to pursue this option should contact their building principal or submit the Academic Acceleration Referral form within the PowerSchool Portal. Following the completion of the referral form, the building principal or designee will explain the acceleration referral process. 

Students planning to graduate after six semesters of high school must:

• Have a plan confirmed two semesters prior to the completion date.
• Schedule a conference with both their parent/guardian and school counselor.
• Have written parent approval submitted to the school counselor.

Students planning to graduate after seven semesters of high school must:

• Have written parent approval by the spring of Grade 11.
• Have a plan started and tentatively approved by the second Monday in May of the 11th grade year.