Students in Grades 9-12 who attend Henry E. Lackey, La Plata, Maurice J. McDonough, Thomas Stone and Westlake high schools can earn high school graduation requirements outside of the regular school day by completing an extended-day course for original credit. Courses are taught using the online APEX learning platform with deadlines set for unit completion.

As North Point and St. Charles high schools operate on a block schedule versus a period schedule used by the five other high schools, students at North Point and St. Charles are currently eligible to complete eight credits per school year.

Semester 1 courses are wrapping up in early February with Semester 2 courses beginning Monday, Feb. 27. The courses end on June 9 or May 19 for seniors. Students can enroll in and earn one credit per semester through this program. Students can only take one extended-day original credit course per year. If a student took a course during the first semester, they cannot register for a course during the second semester.

Each course requires a $50 deposit that will be reimbursed upon a student’s successful completion of the course (grade of 60% or higher). Parents should contact their child’s school-based pupil personnel worker (PPW) or school counselor if they need financial support. The deposit is non-refundable unless the student is withdrawn prior to the closing of the withdrawal window. Parents can complete the registration process through MySchoolBucks starting Feb. 17 when registration opens.

Students are not considered as registered for a course until the deposit is completed in full. Credit/debit card payments can be made through a MySchoolBucks account at any time during the registration window.

Semester 2 course dates: Feb. 27 – June 9 (May 19 for seniors)

The registration window is open from 8 a.m., Feb. 17, through 6 p.m., Feb. 23.
Withdrawal must be done by 6 p.m., March 13.

Available courses

• Personal Financial Literacy (available to students in Grades 11-12): 1 credit.
• Exploring Computer Science (technology education credit): 1 credit.
• Art I (fine arts credit): 1 credit.
• Fitness for Life: half of a credit and Health I: half of a credit.

Course details

• Courses are taught using the APEX online platform with concrete deadlines set for unit completion.
• Students will receive report card grades for Extended Day Original Credit courses and grades will be factored into the student’s GPA which may affect eligibility.
• Grades are comprised of written assignments in a digital platform, unit quizzes and tests that must be submitted through APEX.
• Students will be required to synchronously meet with their teacher via Zoom one evening per week, Monday through Thursday, between the hours of 3 and 6 p.m.
• Students must use their school-issued computer and have a reliable internet connection to participate in the program.
• The Zoom app should be up to date, and students will look at their calendar in StudentVue for class invites. It is the responsibility of the student to join class and complete assignments according to deadlines set by the teacher.

Parents and students with questions should contact their child’s school counselor or the Robert D. Stethem Educational Center at 301-932-1003 for more information.

About CCPS

Charles County Public Schools provides 27,598 students in grades prekindergarten through 12 with an academically challenging education. Located in Southern Maryland, Charles County Public Schools has 37 schools that offer a technologically advanced, progressive and high quality education that builds character, equips for leadership and prepares students for life, careers and higher education.

The Charles County public school system does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or disability in its programs, activities or employment practices. For inquiries, please contact Kathy Kiessling, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (students) or Nikial M. Majors, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (employees/ adults), at Charles County Public Schools, Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building, P.O. Box 2770, La Plata, MD 20646; 301-932-6610/301-870-3814. For special accommodations call 301-934-7230 or TDD 1-800-735-2258 two weeks prior to the event.

CCPS provides nondiscriminatory equal access to school facilities in accordance with its Use of Facilities rules to designated youth groups (including, but not limited to, the Boy Scouts).