Summer School

Students entering Kindergarten

Countdown to Kindergarten: This course helps children prepare for the kindergarten experience. Morning activities help students develop an understanding of kindergarten routines and expectations that pave the road to a successful school experience in the fall. Each day begins with students listening to a storybook read aloud. Other literacy events include sharing songs and poems, and writing activities to promote letter, sounds, and word knowledge. ABC centers provide students with practice in reading and writing experiences. Mathematics centers focus on sorting, counting, and number recognition.

The afternoon session begins with quiet time during which students listen to relaxing nature sounds. Students then investigate concepts using games and manipulatives while working in small groups that foster and encourage cooperation and respect. There is also time for active outdoor play. Students are sure to enjoy their experiences in Countdown to Kindergarten.

Students entering First Grade

Ready, Set, Read, Grade 1, Ready, Set, Read offers students many exciting opportunities to participate in literacy activities. Phonemic awareness, phonics, handwriting, spelling, and reading opportunities will be provided daily through direct instruction and active engagement.

MathCounts!, Grade 1, MathCounts provides students with hands-on activities and learning opportunities that develop their understanding of mathematical concepts. Students enjoy learning about numbers, counting, shapes, patterns, sorting, time and measurement. They link new understandings to real-life situations. Students learn to think like mathematicians as they learn to ask questions, make predictions, use prior knowledge, collect facts, and choose strategies for solving mathematical problems.

The second hour, students complete a variety of lessons, activities, and games designed to strengthen core math skills.

Games and Puzzles, Grade 1, What do Outfoxed, Sorry, and Rush Hour have in common? They are all games, and they all have strategies for winning. Students learn how memorization and the process of elimination can make the game more fun while also stretching their own thinking skills and building teamwork skills. Learn to play Sorry with other students, Outfoxed with a partner, or Rush Hour by yourself. Join the excitement and challenge of learning new games and new ways to play known ones.

Summer Surprise, Grade 1, Each day, students listen to a read-aloud story and then complete a project or activity related to the story. Various craft supplies are fashioned into butterflies, fish, or frogs. Some activities celebrate the USA’s birthday. Other projects are made from edible ingredients. Yum.

Fitness Rocks, Grade 1, Fitness Rocks provides students opportunities to explore movement through activities and games. Students practice various types of movement, including running, skipping, and galloping, while learning about general space and personal space. Eye-hand coordination and fine-motor skills are developed using manipulatives such as bean bags, hoops, and balls. Cooperation and sportsmanship are fostered in organized games.

Animal Communications, Grade 1, How do animals communicate? Students study animal communication and experiment with making sound tools for communicating with classmates over a distance.

Students entering Second Grade

Click, Clack, Read! and Write!, Grade 2, Second-grade students continue English Language Arts lessons that help them continue learning necessary skills during the summer and prepare them for the next school year. This course offers students many exciting opportunities to participate in literacy activities. Students strengthen their reading skills in small groups designed to meet individual needs. Students practice writing skills by participating in daily writing activities.

Move It Math!, Grade 2, Students use their growing understanding of numbers as they travel through math stations. Students explore surveys, data collection, shapes and patterns, addition and subtraction facts, and games, as well as telling time. Students are engaged in fun projects centered on children’s literature that incorporate math concepts.

The second hour, students complete a variety of lessons, activities and games designed to strengthen core math skills.

New! Social Studies Course, Grade 2, Course description coming soon.

Gameology, Grade 2: What do Connect Four, Blokus, Mancala, and Rush Hour have in common? They are all games, and they all have strategies for winning. Students learn how memorization and the process of elimination can make the game more fun while also stretching their own thinking skills. Learn to play Blokus with other students, Connect Four or Mancala with a partner, or Rush Hour by yourself. Join the excitement and challenge of learning new games and new ways to play known ones.

Celebrations, Grade 2, Students listen to well-known tales, create simple props, and engage in creative movement as they dramatize stories while learning about celebrations around the world. They use their creativity and voices to become characters in familiar tales. Everyone is a star.

Fitness Rocks, Grade 2, See course description for Grade 1.

Students entering Third Grade

Readers and Writers, Grade 3. This course offers direct instruction on phonemic awareness, phonics, spelling, and creative writing. Students will participate in a variety of games and activities to practice and solidify many basic reading and writing skills.

Math Around Us, Grade 3. This course provides hands-on activities and active learning opportunities for students to develop their understanding of geometry and how it makes up the shapes around them. Students also continue their study of addition and subtraction, plus estimation of sums and differences of whole numbers.

Scientific Inquiry, Grade 3, Scientific Inquiry allows students to discover and explore science in three themes: Candy Chemistry, Slime Science, and Solar Science. This is an active hands and active mind class that has students asking questions, finding solutions, and thinking critically on a variety of topics related to the themes.

Junior Achievement Our City, Grade 3, JA Our City introduces students to financial literacy and learning objectives for third-grade social studies, including the characteristics of cities, the importance of economic exchange, and how people and businesses in cities manage their money. Students apply money-management strategies to personal and business accounts.

Puzzles and Games, Grade 3, What do Yahtzee, Guess Who, Izzi, and Parchesi have in common? They are games, and they all have strategies for winning. Students learn how memorization and the process of elimination can make the game more fun while also stretching their own thinking skills. Improve your problem-solving and reasoning skills with jigsaw puzzles. Students develop visual and spatial awareness as they manipulate jigsaw puzzle pieces in search of a perfect fit. Participants explore strategies for solving number puzzles such as Sudoku. Vocabulary is strengthened as students solve crossword puzzles and learn new words. Students practice social skills as they discuss possible solutions and learn how to handle frustration when a possible solution does not work. Tease your brain with Puzzles and Games.

Agriculture Education on the Move, Grade 3, Agriculture Education on the Move is a hands-on education program identifying key classroom objectives and meeting standards in the areas of science, math, reading, and writing. Students gain an understanding of today’s agriculture and farm families through diverse learning experiences. Students have the opportunity to learn about crops, livestock, soil and water conservation, nutrition, and agricultural careers. Students engage in agriculture in a fun and exciting way by planting seeds, experimenting with yeast, creating corn plastic, and more.

Fitness Rocks, Grade 3, See course description for Grade 1.

Who may enroll in the Secondary Summer School program?

The 2026 Secondary Summer School program is available at no cost to high school students residing within the Columbia School District. The program offers courses for credit advancement and credit recovery for students entering ninth, tenth, eleventh and twelfth grades, as well as non-graduating seniors.

Where are Secondary Summer School courses offered?

Courses are offered at Battle, Hickman, and Rock Bridge. Courses are also available through CPS High School Online. Courses are initially offered at all locations unless otherwise indicated in the course registration guide. In the event course enrollment numbers are low, the course may be offered at only one location. Some courses have grade level requirements or previous course prerequisites.

At which high school should a student enroll?

All students attending Battle, Hickman, Rock Bridge High Schools for the school year 2026-2027 should enroll in their respective schools for summer courses. Douglass High School students and non-Columbia Public School students interested in attending should enroll in the high school as determined by the address of their home residence. If you wish to attend a high school outside your attendance area, you must provide your own transportation.

What are the dates of the program?

Classes run from June 1, 2026, to June 26, 2026.

School will not be in session on June 19, 2026.

What is the daily schedule?

Students may enroll in one or two classes, and the in-person classes meet daily. The morning class session is from 8:55 a.m.-12:10 p.m. The afternoon session includes a lunch shift and is from 12:15 p.m.-4:05 p.m.

How does a student enroll in Secondary Summer School?

• Students earning one or more grades of F in core subjects are enrolled in credit recovery summer school by the counselor.
• Counselors meet with all students to help determine what courses are appropriate for their educational program. This will help determine how summer school offerings fit into their graduation plan.
• Parents and students may also enroll students after reviewing this course registration guide. Paper copies are available at middle and high school counseling offices or at www.cpsk12.org.
• There is also an online enrollment option for credit advancement. Parents of 9^th-12^th grade students may enroll their students through the Families Portal/Campus Parent online at www.cpsk12.org beginning Feb. 9, 2026, at 9 a.m. Students entering grades 10-12 also have access to the online enrollment site through their student portal beginning Feb. 9, 2026.
• The enrollment window will close on April 24, 2026. After April 24, 2026, students will continue to be enrolled in credit recovery classes by the counselors as needed. Some credit advancement classes may still be available after April 24, 2026, and enrollment can still take place through the school counselor or the summer school office.
• There will be an open house on Thursday, May 28, 2026, from 5-7:00 p.m. Students can pick up schedules and speak to a counselor if necessary.

Does a course ever close before the published deadline?

While some courses do have limits in number of students, we no longer close the classes before the enrollment window closes. This is because our enrollment system has changed from first come first serve to randomization. When we do process enrollment we will enroll seniors first, then juniors, sophomores, and freshmen. Secondary Summer School open house is scheduled for Thursday, May 28, 2026, from 5:00-6:30 p.m. at each high school and paper copies of schedules will be available for pick up there.

What if I want to drop a course or cancel enrollment?

You may cancel a student’s enrollment in a course by emailing summerschool@cpsk12.org or calling 573-214-3933. If a student wishes to drop a course or cancel enrollment after classes begin, the student or parent should contact the Secondary Summer School office in his/her respective high school.

How important is attendance at the Secondary Summer School program?

1. Credit Advancement, Consistent attendance over the entire program is extremely important for success in the Secondary Summer School program. Absences should be reserved for emergency use only. Vacations, and medical or dental appointments should not be scheduled during summer class time. If a student misses more than 30 minutes of a class period, it is considered an absence. Students who are absent are expected to make up any course work within the time frame of the program. No incomplete grades are given. Since summer school is 19 days, students absent more than THREE days in an in-person credit advancement course are not eligible to earn credit and courses will be dropped with ‘no marks’.

All absences, including those due to school-related activities, camps, etc. count toward the three-day maximum. For example, students missing more than three days for the Teton trip may not earn credit for in-person classes but could take online classes.

2. Credit Recovery, Students not attending regularly or not making adequate progress in a credit recovery class are subject to being withdrawn from the course. If a credit recovery student is going to miss more than three days of class, permission from the office is required. Otherwise, the student will be dropped.

Is school bus transportation available?

• Guaranteed before and after school transportation is provided for full-day students who enroll by the April 24, 2026, deadline and who live more than two miles from their assigned high school. Student Transportation of America (STA) establishes bus routes based on enrollments through April 24, 2026.
• A midday bus will not be provided between schools or between school and home. Students who cannot provide their own midday transportation need to take two summer school courses. A shuttle bus is provided for EL students attending EL classes offered only at Hickman.

Where may students park their vehicles?

Hickman High School student parking is permitted only in student designated areas on the west side of the building. Rock Bridge High School student parking is permitted only in student designated areas on the south side of the building. Battle High School student parking is permitted in the north parking lot.

Lunch

Cafeterias are open for breakfast and lunch. All schools are closed campus for 9^th-10^th grades and open for 11^th-12^th. Students may bring lunch to school but are not allowed to have lunch delivered during the school day. While lunch is scheduled during the afternoon block, students taking one class in the morning are welcome to have lunch in the cafeteria before they leave the building.

When are grades reported?

A mid-term grade report is available at the end of the first two weeks. Final grade reports are posted on Campus Parent (student and parent) within a week after the end of summer school and reported to the student’s school for the 2026-2027 academic year.

Contacts

Contact District Summer School Office:

Phone number: 573-214-3933
Fax number: 573-214-3439
E-Mail: summerschool@cpsk12.org

For transportation questions, contact Student Transportation of America.

STA Bus: 573-214-3860

MSHSAA Eligibility

Current freshmen, sophomores, and juniors may take or make up a total of one credit during summer school to count toward their fall MSHSAA eligibility. Students promoted for the first time into 9^th grade are considered academically eligible for the first semester after promotion.

• Summer School classes must either be a core subject class or fulfill a specific graduation requirement. If the course taken by the student in summer school to maintain eligibility will be applied to meeting the elective credits requirement for graduation, then in that case, the elective course must be in one of the four core content areas, language arts, math, science, and social studies. A student cannot take a non-core course intended to help fulfill the electives graduation requirement in the summer and maintain eligibility. Personal finance will count toward eligibility because DESE identifies it as a specific graduation requirement.

Columbia Secondary Summer School

High School Course Offerings

(All classes are contingent upon enrollment numbers.)

Secondary Summer School courses are designed for credit advancement or credit completion. Please read program and course descriptions carefully. Approximately 20 students must enroll for a course to be offered.

Students should confer with their school counselor to complete the Secondary Summer School enrollment application process. A student with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or who is receiving EL services must obtain the signature of his/her case manager/teacher.

Credit Advancement Courses

Courses in this section may be taken to earn additional credit towards graduation. A student must consult his/her school counselor to ensure appropriate course selection. All courses are 19 days. Students may enroll in one or two courses. ONLINE courses do not require daily attendance at school. Availability of these courses depends on the number of certified teachers available to hire for summer school. A course will not be offered if we do not have a certified teacher for that course.

English Learner

Courses in this section are designed for English Language Learner (EL) students. A resource room will be provided for support in other subject areas. Enrollment form must be signed by EL Teacher.

Credit Recovery

Credit recovery provides students who have failed one or more semesters of a core course an opportunity to demonstrate proficiency in the summer school setting. While the “F” remains on the student transcript, a P (Pass) and credit can be earned during summer school.

Counselors enroll students in credit recovery if appropriate.

• Students first take a pre-test and/or complete a portfolio designed to show level of student proficiency. If the student shows passing level of proficiency, he/she earns a passing grade and credit and is not required to continue in the summer school course.
• If the student doesn’t demonstrate a passing level of proficiency on the pre-test and/or portfolio, the student can work on deficient areas during summer school. The instructor provides resources and teaching support individualized to students’ needs.
• Once the student achieves a passing level of proficiency, the student earns a passing grade. The student is then referred to the summer school counselor to determine if he/she is eligible to recover additional credit. See Page 13 for additional information.

Online Credit Recovery

Contact your counselor for more information regarding eligibility for this option. Students taking a credit recovery class online will be assigned to a classroom. We do not offer online credit recovery at home.

Course offerings for students with special services

Contact your case manager for more information regarding eligibility for these courses.

Credit Recovery Academic Block, A.M. and/or P.M.

Language Arts

Strategic Reading

Credit Advancement Course Descriptions

Courses in this section may be taken to earn additional credit towards graduation. Students should consult their school counselor to ensure appropriate course selection.

Language Arts

2703LA Public Speaking, Entering Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12, ½ credit

This course teaches students the practical skills of public speaking and all major aspects of speech preparation and presentation needed for success in college, the workplace, and interview settings. Working with both informative and persuasive speech topics, students learn by reading and viewing sample speeches as well as preparing and presenting their own. This course equips students with tools to overcome speaker discomfort, to create organizational structures to capture a specific audience, and to skillfully deliver various professional presentations. Peer and self-evaluation will be frequently utilized.

NOTE: See additional language arts options in the online section.

Social Studies

NOTE: See additional social studies options in the online section.

Science

NOTE: See science options in the online section.

Mathematics

5583MA Algebra Readiness (requires teacher recommendation), ½ credit

Launch your high school math journey with confidence!

Algebra Readiness is a dynamic summer program designed to give you a strong mathematical foundation and the confidence you need to excel in high school Algebra 1. Students may participate in this course with approval of the math teacher.

Through engaging problem-solving activities and personalized small-group instruction, you'll master key concepts while having fun and building critical-thinking skills.

This program offers the perfect opportunity to:

• Strengthen your understanding of essential math and pre-algebra concepts
• Develop powerful problem-solving strategies
• Build confidence in your math abilities in a supportive, positive environment
• Get a head start on high school success
• Connect with classmates in an interactive learning community

Whether you're looking to solidify your foundation or accelerate your math skills, Algebra Readiness provides the tools, support, and momentum you need to thrive. The program also emphasizes clear mathematical communication and academic language skills that benefit all students in their math courses and beyond.

Physical Education

1880PE Physical Education, Entering Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12, ½ credit

This updated course focuses on moderate-to-vigorous fitness activities, while working to show mastery in various human movement skills and knowledge. Fitness activities and Schoology lessons will occur daily, focusing on physical literacy and basic fitness knowledge and practice. Movement and motor skills such as offensive and defensive tactics, catching and throwing skills, kicking skills, striking skills, and dribbling skills will also be taught and assessed daily. All skills will be assessed daily using specific performance criteria checklists and through activities such as team sports, individual and dual sports, resistance training, and cardio activities. Fitness testing will occur at the beginning and end of the course to assess improved fitness levels. This course will require a laptop and access to Schoology for daily physical literacy knowledge to apply in the movement portion of the class. This course usually fills quickly, and upperclassmen have priority. Enrollment is limited to 30 students per teacher due to space concerns, assessment procedures, and safety concerns.

NOTE: See additional physical education options in the online section.

Fine Arts

8110FAA1 Art Basics, Entering Grade Level: 9, 10, 11 or 12, ½ credit

Designed for students wanting to explore beginning artmaking and combined with other courses for completion of a full fine arts credit. This course explores a variety of different 2D and 3D art forms, styles, and materials. This class focuses primarily on artmaking, but limited research, reading and writing will be components. This course does not fulfill any prerequisites for any advanced art courses. Art Basics may only be taken once.

8050FACO Music Basics, Entering Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12, ½ credit

Music Appreciation introduces students to the history, theory, and genres of music. This section presents the rich modern traditions, including gospel, folk, soul, blues, Latin rhythms, rock and roll, and hip-hop. The course explores the interface of music and social movements and examines how emergent global society and the Internet are bringing musical forms together in new ways from all around the world.

8040FAC Film Studies, Entering Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12, ½ credit

This semester course is designed for students who want to know more about film and performance critique, both from the aspect of being behind the camera and as a consumer. Students are introduced to various genres and film history. Students will respond to films viewed in a variety of written, visual, and spoken activities. In conjunction with studying film language, film advertising, the impact of music on film and the movie industry, students develop an overall appreciation for film acting, directing, and producing. Students will be watching some R rated movies in this course. Permission slips will be required.

NOTE: See additional fine arts options in the online section.

World Language

Note: Courses offered below are for enrichment and do not fulfill the foreign language requirement for postsecondary education.

3690WL Spanish Summer Enrichment and Review, Entering Grade Level 9, 10, 11, 12, ½ credit

Prerequisite: Completion of Spanish 1 or 2 course with a passing grade

This enrichment and review course exposes students to the Spanish language from the first day they enter the class. During the first class, students will take a pre-test that will allow the instructor to create an individualized online review of vocabulary and grammar structures and/or online enrichment for students who wish to broaden their knowledge in the language. Each day will consist of the online review and an immersion experience where the students use their skills in the language to talk about various topics all in Spanish. Some of the topics to be discussed: Sports, Art, Music, Film, Travel, Celebrations, etc. Immersion, listening and speaking to your classmates in Spanish, is the best way to increase your skills in a language quickly. If you need a review of the skills learned in Spanish 1 or to strengthen and continue to build on your current knowledge, this is the course for you.

3190WL French Summer Enrichment and Review, Entering Grade Level 9, 10, 11, 12, ½ credit

Prerequisite: Completion of either French 1 or French 2 with a passing grade

This enrichment and review course exposes students to the French language from the first day they enter the class. During the first class, students will take a pre-test that will allow the instructor to create an individualized online review of vocabulary and grammar structures and/or online enrichment for students who wish to broaden their knowledge in the language. Each day will consist of the online review and an immersion experience where the students use their skills in the language to talk about various topics all in French. Some of the topics to be discussed: Sports, Art, Music, Film, Travel, Celebrations, etc. Immersion, listening and speaking to your classmates in French, is the best way to increase your skills in a language quickly. If you need a review of the skills learned in French 1 or 2 or to strengthen and continue to build on your current knowledge, this is the course for you!

3355WL Introduction to Japanese, Entering Grade Level 9, 10, 11, 12, ½ credit

Prerequisite: Japanese is a front-end heavy language with a completely different writing system. This is the biggest stumbling block to success in Japanese 1. Therefore, this is a less intense way to focus on learning the hiragana while also studying the first 1.5 units of Japanese one. Hiragana is the most basic of the 3 writing systems in Japanese that is composed of 46 different phonetic characters. Each day will consist of a variety of activities designed to practice and reinforce the hiragana characters, along with learning some simple grammar patterns. Topics to be discussed are self, family and friends along with daily activities. In addition to learning the written language we will be listening and speaking to your classmates in Japanese using basic grammar structures.

Practical Arts

7210PA Computer Applications, Entering Grade Levels: 9,10,11,12, ½ credit

Prerequisite: Proficient touch keyboarding skill: 25 words per minute minimum.

Many colleges require this course for incoming freshmen. The top three ‘21st century skills’ employers look for today are Information, Media, and Technology Skills. Hands-on experiences with work processing, spreadsheet, and presentation applications provide students with a practical exposure to computer usage. Recommendation: This course is designed for rigorous computer use, students must be self-motivated and independent workers.

7240PF Personal Finance, Entering Grade Level: 11, 12, ½ credit

This course will help you manage your money. You will learn how to make sound financial decisions, prepare a budget, understand tax liabilities, evaluate insurance, explore investment options, and promote intelligent spending, saving, and use of credit. In addition, you will analyze career choices, education, skills, and how economic conditions affect income and your financial decisions. Personal Finance is required for graduation.

7400PA FACS 101, Entering Grade Levels: 10,11,12, ½ credit

This course provides students with a basic introduction to a variety of issues, trends, and careers in family and consumer sciences. Topics include nutrition and wellness, interpersonal relationships, such as friendships and getting along with others at home and at school, hand sewing and clothing choices, and consumer education. Students take part in activities that involve problem solving and critical thinking skills. These skills are beneficial in any career the student becomes involved with in the future. This course does not include food preparation or cooking.

Electives

1559EL ACT/College Prep Seminar, Entering Grade Level: 11, 12, ½ credit

ACT/College Prep seminar is designed for students who have not yet taken the ACT or who wish to improve their scores on the ACT. Subject area teachers provide instructional learning experiences using the Cambridge ACT Prep materials. Students participate in activities to assist in searching for post-secondary schools that match individual needs and goals. Grading for this class is pass/fail.

1615EL Driver Training, Entering Grade level: 10, 11, ½ credit

Completion of a Missouri Driver Education course is suggested before receiving a driver's license. This course is a foundation of theory for responsible driving. Emphasis is placed upon Traffic Laws and Regulations, The Driving Task, Environmental Conditions, Alcohol and Other Drug Awareness, Traffic Interaction, and Consumer Awareness. Students will spend a minimum of six hours behind the wheel and twelve hours of observation with a driver training instructor. We highly recommend additional driving time with a parent/guardian. This course is equivalent to a one-semester course. Students enrolling must have a valid Learner’s Permit by April 24, 2026. Students turning 15 after the April 24, 2026, deadline should contact the Summer School Office to get on a waiting list if they plan to get a permit prior to the start of summer school. To accommodate the driving component of the course, Driver Training is limited to 60 students per building.

English Language Learners

An ELL resource teacher is available to provide support for all ELL students attending summer school.

1228EL EL Immersion English - Beginner, Entering Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12, ½ credit

This class is designed for beginning English Language Learners not yet prepared for success in an English credit course. Students with little or no English learn the necessary skills to be successful in general classes. Course placement is based on either ACCESS or W-APT test scores. Important survival skills in areas such as English vocabulary and language of math, science, social studies, and English are stressed. In addition, students learn to keep their work organized, study for quizzes and tests, and learn about the culture and customs of the United States. The class is taught by a certified EL teacher.

1232LA EL English 1 - Intermediate, Entering Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12, ½ credit

This class is designed for beginning English Language Learners who have some proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking in English but are not yet prepared for success in an English credit course. The class integrates the teaching of phonics and vocabulary to improve students’ literary skills. Students build on their English vocabulary with an emphasis on academic terms, learn basic grammar, acquire sentence writing skills, and improve reading, listening, and speaking skills. Enrollment in this course is based on either ACCESS or W-APT scores. The class is taught by a certified EL Teacher.

5611MA EL Math, Entering Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12, ½ credit

This course is designed for English Language Learners with little or no basic math skills. Students receive instruction to prepare them to enter a grade-level math class. The course includes instruction on the four basic operations with integers. Students are admitted based on pre-assessment scores.

CPS Online Learning

Is Online Learning for You?

Online students must be organized and able to learn independently. Summer school online courses are semester-based courses that are completed in 19 school days. Students will need to devote an average of three hours per day to successfully complete a .5 credit course. All online courses are offered virtually, asynchronous. Students must have appropriate technology with the ability to run audio and video applications. CPS-issued laptops meet the criteria. Reliable Internet access must be available daily at home or another location to access the course content. Students are required to use their CPS student email account to communicate with the instructor. If you have specific questions about technology needs for summer online classes, call 573-214-3400, extension 25407, or e-mail bwinton@cpsk12.org.

Schedule

Online courses begin June 1, 2026, and end on June 26, 2026. While students can work at their own pace, courses can have daily or weekly assignment due dates that students are required to meet. Students can work on coursework any time of the day or night to meet the assignment due dates.

Orientation Sessions

CPS Online students will receive an email TO THEIR CPS EMAIL ADDRESS in mid-May 2026 informing them of the important summer school information. Students and parents are strongly encouraged to read the welcome information sent out by the teacher prior to starting their online course. In these communications students learn: (1) how to access and navigate their online courses, (2) how to complete and submit assignments and tests, (3) how to communicate with their instructor, and (4) general tips for success as an online student.

Grading/Finals

Online courses are graded on the regular CPS grading scale. Guidelines for dropping an online course are the same as for all other summer school courses. Pass/fail is not an option for online courses except under special circumstances, such as long-term illness or due to accommodation in a special education IEP or 504 Plan.

Online Course Descriptions and Eligibility

Online Language Arts

2450LAO Creative Writing, Entering Grade Level: 10, 11, 12, 1/2 credit

This challenging creative writing course is designed for students with a strong interest in the craft of writing who wish to further develop their skills in an online, professional workshop environment. Writers in this course learn the basic conventions of and develop their own original work within the following media: short stories, memoirs, poetry, and scripts/screenplays for short plays/films. Students complete their work online with peers and constructively critique others’ work through discussion boards and other interactive media sources. Instructor podcasts and professional “mentor text” reading provide students a greater understanding of the strategies, habits, and styles of contemporary professional writers.

2499LAO Classical Novels, Entering Grade Level: 9,10,11,12, ½ credit

The Classic Novels mini courses give students the opportunity to fully explore a large work of fiction or to be introduced to a celebrated author. Each mini-course guides students through the work with lectures, web activities, journals, and homework/practice. Summer school students will have a choice to study a minimum of two of the following novels: 1984, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Call of the Wild, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Heart of Darkness, Jane Eyre, Macbeth, Mrs. Dalloway, Portrait of the Artist, Robinson Crusoe, The House of Seven Gables, The Red Badge of Courage, and The Three Musketeers along with the following author studies: Jorge Luis Borges and Flannery O’Connor. Students will be expected to successfully complete 2 mini-courses, read two novels, to earn .5 credit.

Online Social Studies

4813SSO Sociology, Entering Grade Level: 11, 12, ½ credit

Sociology examines why people think and behave as they do in relationships, groups, institutions, and societies. In online discussions and polls, students reflect critically on their own experiences and ideas, as well as on the ideas of sociologists. Interactive multimedia activities include personal and historical accounts to which students can respond using methods of inquiry from sociology. Written assignments provide opportunities to practice and develop skills in thinking and communicating about human relationships, individual and group identity, and all other major course topics.

4811SSO Psychology, Entering Grade Level: 11, 12, ½ credit

Psychology provides a solid overview of the field’s major domains: methods, biopsychology, cognitive and developmental psychology, and variations in individual and group behavior. By focusing on significant scientific research and on questions that are most important to psychologists, students see psychology as an evolving science. Each topic clusters around challenge questions, such as “What is happiness?”. Students answer these questions before, during, and after they interact with direct instruction.

4301GVO Government, Entering Grade Level: 10, 11, 12, ½ credit

U.S. Government explores the history, organization, and functions of the U.S. government. Beginning with basic theories of government, moving to the Declaration of Independence, and continuing to the present day, the course explores the relationship between individual Americans and the governing bodies. It covers the political culture of the country and gains insight into the challenges faced by presidents, congressional representatives, and other political activists. It also covers the roles of political parties, interest groups, the media, and the Supreme Court.

Online Physical Education

1810PEO Physical Education 1, Entering Grade Level: 10, 11, 12, ½ credit

Online PE 1 is an alternative to face-to-face physical education. This course combines comprehensive online instruction with student participation in fitness activities using a required fitness log. Throughout this course, students assess individual fitness levels according to the five components of physical fitness: cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, and body composition. Through the application of personal fitness assessments, students will design a fitness program to meet their individual fitness goals. Upon completion of this course, students will have the knowledge to stay fit and active throughout their lifetime. Areas to be explored include safe exercising and injury prevention, cardiovascular health, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, nutrition, lifetime fitness, consumer product evaluation, biomechanical principles, team and individual sports, and stress management.

1898PEO Physical Education 2, Entering Grade Level: 10, 11, 12, 1/2 credit

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Online Physical Education 1

Online PE 2 is an extension of Online PE 1. To enroll in this class students must have completed and passed Online PE 1. There are two mandatory attendance days at the beginning and end of the class. This course will build on the assignments and activities completed in Online PE 1. Students will use a heart monitor to monitor activity and fitness. They will have freedom to choose activities they are interested in while increasing their own fitness. The heart monitors will be their check to maintain a fitness level during workouts. Students must be comfortable using this technology and the accompanying app on their laptop as this is how heart-rate activity is graded by the instructor. Additionally, reliable Internet access must be available daily at home or another location to access the fitness-tracking website. Students are required to use their CPS student email account to communicate with the instructor. Additionally, the assignments explore nutrition, strength training, aerobic, anaerobic, and fitness principles to enhance a healthy lifestyle. Students should have access to their final project in Online PE 1 and to their pre- and post-fitness scores from Online PE 1.

Online Math

5596MAO Financial Math, Entering Grade Level: 10,11,12, ½ credit

Connecting practical mathematical concepts to personal and business settings, this course offers informative and highly useful lessons that challenge students to gain a deeper understanding of financial math. Relevant, project-based learning activities cover stimulating topics such as personal financial planning, budgeting and wise spending, banking, paying taxes, the importance of insurance, long term investing, buying a house, consumer loans, economic principles, traveling abroad, starting a business, and analyzing business data. This course encourages mastery of math skill sets, including percentages, proportions, data analysis, linear systems, and exponential functions.

Online Science

6629PSO Environmental Science 1, Entering Grade Level: 11, 12, ½ Credit

Prerequisite: Biology

Environmental science is a captivating and rapidly expanding field, and this course offers compelling lessons that cover many aspects of the field: ecology, the biosphere, land, forests and soil, water, energy and resources, and societies and policy. Through unique activities and material, high school students connect scientific theory and concepts to current, real-world dilemmas, providing them with opportunities for mastery in each of the segments throughout the semester.

Online Practical Arts

7240PFO Personal Finance, Entering Grade Level: 11, 12, ½ credit

This course will help you manage your money. You will learn how to make sound financial decisions, prepare a budget, understand tax liabilities, evaluate insurance, explore investment options, and promote intelligent spending, saving, and use of credit. In addition, you will analyze career choices, education, skills, and how economic conditions affect income and your financial decisions.

9125PAO Digital Media Cloud Apps, Entering Grade Level: 10, 11, 12, ½ credit

In this online course, you will use cloud-based image, audio, video, and animation apps to produce digital media. Learn to increase your productivity with educational apps and become a better digital citizen. Create and share word processing, spreadsheet and presentation files. Finish each semester by creating an online portfolio. College dual credit is available. Related: Digital Media, Computer Applications

7210PAO Computer Applications, Entering Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12, ½ credit

Prerequisite: Proficient touch keyboarding skill, 15 words per minute minimum.

Many colleges require this course for incoming freshmen. The top three “21st century skills” employers look for today are Information, Media, and Technology Skills. Hands-on experiences with word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation applications provide students with practical exposure to computer usage.

Online Elective

1429ELO Career Exploration, Entering Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12, ½ credit

This course will help students start their career exploration process. Through the 4 course units: Self-Exploration, Self-Assessment, Career Exploration, and Future Planning, students will identify and research careers that fit their personality, interests, skills, and values, as well as learning how to prepare for those careers of interest. Students enrolling in this course should be self-motivated learners with excellent time management and organizational skills.

Online Fine Arts

8051FACO Introduction to Art, Entering Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12, ½ credit

Covering art appreciation and the beginning of art history, this course encourages students to gain an understanding and appreciation of art in their everyday lives. Presented in an engaging format, Intro to Art provides an overview of many introductory themes: the definition of art, the cultural purpose of art, visual elements of art, terminology and principles of design, and two- and three-dimensional media and techniques. Tracing the history of art, high school students enrolled in the course also explore the following time periods and places: prehistoric art, art in ancient civilizations, and world art before 1400.

8143FACO Art History, Entering Grade Level: 9,10,11,12, ½ credit

Introducing art within historical, social, geographical, political, and religious contexts for understanding art and architecture through the ages, this course offers high school students an in-depth overview of art throughout history, with lessons organized by chronological and historical order and world regions. Students enrolled in this course cover topics including early medieval and Romanesque art, art in the twelfth, thirteenth, and fourteenth centuries, fifteenth-century art in Europe, sixteenth-century art in Italy, the master artists, High Renaissance and baroque art, world art, which includes the art of Asia, Africa, the Americas, and the Pacific cultures, eighteenth-and nineteenth-century art in Europe and the Americas, and modern art in Europe and the Americas.

8051FACO Music Appreciation, Entering Grade Levels 9,10,11,12, ½ credit

Introduces students to the history, theory, and genres of music. This section presents the rich modern traditions, including gospel, folk, soul, blues, Latin rhythms, rock and roll, and hip-hop. The course explores the interface of music and social movements and examines how emergent global society and the Internet are bringing musical forms together in new ways from all around the world.

Credit Recovery

Entering Grades 10-12, including 12^th grade students needing summer credit recovery

Credit recovery is designed to provide entering 10-GR students who have failed one or more semesters of a course to have an opportunity to demonstrate proficiency in the summer school setting. While the “F” remains on the student transcript, a P (Pass) and credit can be earned during summer school.

• The courses in this section are available to students who have taken a semester of the course and failed to earn credit. Students who have not taken these courses prior to summer school are not eligible.
• If a student has already taken a course and passed, credit cannot be earned a second time.
• Students should work closely with their school counselor to ensure appropriate course selection.
• Students first take a pre-test and/or complete a portfolio designed to show level of student proficiency. If the student shows passing level of proficiency, he/she earns a passing grade and credit and is not required to continue in the summer school course.
• If the student doesn’t demonstrate a passing level of proficiency on the pre-test and/or portfolio, the student works on deficient areas during summer school. The instructor provides resources and teaching support individualized to students’ needs.
• Once the student achieves a passing level of proficiency, the student earns a passing grade. The student is then referred to the summer school counselor to determine if he/she is eligible to recover additional credit.

Online Credit Recovery

Entering Grade Level: 10, 11, 12, priority to grade 12, ½ credit per course

Students may recover credit online in the Online Credit Recovery classroom. Counselors assist students in determining eligibility for this option.

Special Services

With the recommendation of their case manager, students who were enrolled in Essential Skills classes during the school year and failed a semester may enroll in the course for summer school through Credit Completion Block. Students who have not taken these courses prior to summer school may not enroll. A student cannot enroll in a course, if the student has already taken the course and passed. Students earn a P (Pass) when they demonstrate knowledge and understanding of objectives. Additionally, with the recommendation of their case manager, students may enroll in Strategic Reading, which is a Language Arts elective credit.

1065AB Credit Recovery Block - A.M.
1066AB Credit Recovery Block - P.M.
2014LA Strategic Reading