Global Studies Distinctive

Global Studies Distinctive Requirements

Must take at least 3 of these 4 yearlong humanities-based AP courses (others may be offered in the future):
- AP US History
- AP Government/Macroeconomics
- AP English Literature
- AP Psychology
A third year of a foreign language
Participation in at least 1 approved Leadership Seminar (RYLA, Boys and Girls State, Pepperdine, Chick-fil-A, etc.)
Leadership in one of the following activities - ASB, Global Vision Leadership, NHS, other clubs, or other community-focused activities
Participation in at least one missions trip

Requirements for All Distinctives

Requirements for All Distinctives

At least 40 hours of related work and/or volunteer experience in the field (typically in the summer after sophomore and/or junior year), completed before the end of first semester of senior year
- Journalism Distinctive requires only 20 hours of related work and/or volunteer experience in the field
20 hours of job shadowing, with the following requirements:
- A maximum of 10 hours from any one shadowee
- A career appropriate to the chosen Distinctive (must be pre-approved)
- A final reflection essay submitted as part of the Portfolio
Portfolio of work to document both the work experience and the job shadow experience (submitted by the end of January of senior year)
Complete the school-day ACT or SAT exams at ACA
Maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher (measured each semester)
Courses taken off-campus to fulfill ACA Distinctive requirements will be included on ACA transcripts
Demonstrate integrity and good character throughout high school

Purpose

The ACA Distinctives program is designed to equip, challenge, and encourage students to maximize their God-given talents and time in high school to prepare for advanced education and future employment. To accomplish these goals, students will be required to complete several advanced-level courses that are beyond the standard graduation requirements, while also completing supporting work and practical experience that encourages life skill development.

Recognition

FAQ

Can I complete more than one Distinctive program?

When do I need to declare my intent to participate in this program?

Do I need to apply to the program?

How will this program benefit me?

A Distinctive program can help in two primary ways. First, it challenges students to explore a specific area of interest in greater depth, pushing them to grow academically and to gain real-world experience in that field. Second, this level of interest and increased participation in a specific field will be appealing to future university programs. Many students already follow coursework progressions similar to what is outlined in these Distinctives – we want to make sure we recognize these students for their hard work!

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