Distinguished Scholars Program

Description

Members of the DSP may join the Aim High! newsletter club at no charge, as it is a program project.

Purpose: The primary objective of the DSP is to create a cohort of students who wish to meet and collaborate with other academically motivated students. The second objective is to support students pursuing the Distinguished Scholars Award (DSA). The third objective is to help students develop their leadership skills. The DSP is under the direction of the DSP advisor (Natania Cook). Club meetings are student-led by the DSP planning committee. Second-year DSP members are invited to join this group.

This program is open to the following AAO students:

1. The student is a rising 8th–12th grader.
2. The student will complete 2 high school credits through AAO each year. (Seniors who have been active in the program may request a reduction in required credits. 8th graders may participate if enrolled in 2 middle school credits or more.)
3. The student maintains a cumulative average of 92% in AAO high school classes to remain in the program. (Averages are confirmed at the end of each semester.)
4. The student is academically motivated, intellectually curious, and interested in meeting other like-minded students at AAO.

Program Description

• Students will meet via Zoom on the second and fourth Fridays of each month as a cohort (Sept–April). The regularly scheduled time will be Fridays at 11 AM EST. The time may vary depending on the guest speaker’s availability. 
• Participation in a DSP meeting is required at least once per semester. It can be an icebreaker or a presentation, but all clubbers must commit to engaging at least once per semester.
• The student planning committee will facilitate club meetings and incorporate input from club members and advisors. In addition to getting to know one another, we will listen to featured speakers (such as homeschool graduates now working in various careers) and discuss timely topics (such as entrepreneurship, AI, and alternatives to college). Meetings will be recorded for those who cannot attend.
• Students will continue their interactions throughout the year via monitored discussion threads on Canvas.
• Students will receive coaching regarding college planning, merit scholarship opportunities, and college applications.

Benefits

• Students will have opportunities for leadership positions in the Distinguished Scholars Program.
• Students’ participation and achievement will be listed on their AAO transcript.
• Students may list their participation in the program and any awards (when earned) on college applications.
• AAO will be able to provide more comprehensive letters of recommendation for DSP students.
• Students with a minimum GPA of 92% may continue in the program and may list the DSP as an activity on their transcript.
• DSP members are invited to join the Aim High! newsletter staff free of charge.

Distinguished Scholars Award (DSA)

1. Students who earn 9 or more credits through AAO during high school (8th–12th)* and achieve a minimum 92% overall average will qualify for a Distinguished Scholars Award. (8th graders enrolled in high school level credit-bearing classes, such as Algebra 1, French 1, Literature & Composition 8/9, etc., can count these toward the award. Middle school classes do not count.)
2. Award recipients will be selected from the pool of qualified applicants who are also recommended by the AAO faculty as distinguished in leadership, academic integrity, collegiality, and academic motivation. 
3. This achievement will be noted on their Aim Academy Online transcript.
4. A Certificate of Achievement, suitable for framing, will be mailed to the student’s home address.
5. The student must be enrolled in the DSP program while accruing credits.

*Students who have been active in the DSP may request a review of outside credits earned elsewhere for consideration.

Credits

• Non-graded classes, such as most mini-courses, do not count toward credit.
• Semester courses equal ½ credit. Full-year courses equal 1 credit.
• Honors courses equal 1.25 credits. AP courses equal 1.5 credits.

*Program and award requirements remain fixed for students in the year of their enrollment.   Pricing may vary.

*Requirements and benefits for future cohorts may vary.