Counseling Office

AHS Graduation Requirements based on the Michigan Merit Curriculum 

AHS Course Descriptions

Students have access to a variety of online courses through Michigan Virtual that can help them explore interests, meet graduation requirements, and expand their learning opportunities.

Work-Based Learning provides seniors with the opportunity to gain valuable real-world experience while earning high school credit. Through partnerships with local businesses and organizations, students can explore career interests, develop workplace skills, and make meaningful connections that support their future educational and career goals.

Personal Curriculum is available to all high school students. Visit the Michigan Department of Education for information. Notice: Parents have a right to request a Personal Curriculum for their student at any time. If you would like to do so, please contact the counseling office.

Testing Out allows students to earn high school credit for courses in which they can demonstrate a reasonable level of mastery. Students interested in pursuing this option should contact Mrs. Daly for additional information about the testing-out process at Allendale High School.

The Marching Band Waiver allows high school students to fulfill the Physical Education (PE) requirement by participating in Marching Band, as permitted by Michigan law (MCL 380.1502). To qualify, students must be enrolled in Marching Band during the current school year and commit to participating in Marching Band for at least two years during high school. This waiver is available as an option for students who have not yet completed their PE requirement. Participation in the waiver is voluntary and is not required for students enrolled in Marching Band.

Advisory provides students with time, structure and consistency in learning life skills in a guided environment, for students to endeavor in future planning activities, and to have time to incorporate our positive community lessons and activities.  Advisory meets on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, each week.

Careerline Tech Center 

Careerline Tech Center (CTC) provides a variety of programs for student exploration, as well as the potential for earning college credit. CTC programs range from 1-2 years and can be taken during a student’s junior and/or senior year. 

• CTC programs are aligned with both high school and college courses, offering a seamless transition from high school to a career, technical education program and or college.
• Qualifications: All students are eligible to apply during the winter of their sophomore and/or junior year for the following school year.
• Credit: All courses count as high school credit. Most offer the option of earning college credit as well, either through articulation, direct credit or both.
• Course costs: There is a fee required for those wishing to earn direct credit for college. Additional coursework may be require. College articulation credit is free, but usually non-transferable between colleges.
• Transportation: Provided by the district or the student.

Advanced Placement (AP) Courses

Advanced Placement (AP) courses allow students the opportunity to take college level courses at their high school. These courses are taught by high school teachers at AHS or can be taken online through Michigan Virtual. Current AHS AP courses include: Biology, Chemistry, Calculus A/B, English Language, English Literature, European History, Macro Economics, Micro Economics, US History & World History.

• Credit: AP courses count toward high school graduation requirements. Students may also earn college credit by achieving a qualifying score on the AP exam, typically a 3 or higher, though credit policies vary by college and university. Students should consult prospective colleges for specific AP credit requirements.
• Course Costs: There is no cost to enroll in an AP course. However, students who choose to take the AP exam are responsible for the exam fee. Fee reductions may be available for students who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, and additional financial assistance is available when needed.
• AP Letter and Info 
• Registration Forms

College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)

CLEP exams provide students with the opportunity to earn college credit by demonstrating mastery of introductory college-level material through standardized testing. Students who successfully pass a CLEP exam may receive credit at participating colleges and universities, depending on individual institution policies.

AHS offers CLEP testing opportunities in College Algebra and Spanish 5.

CLEP offers a flexible way for students to potentially reduce college costs and time to degree completion. Students should check with their prospective colleges to determine which exams are accepted and the minimum required scores.

Dual Enrollment

Students in grades 9–12 may participate in Dual Enrollment and take up to ten postsecondary courses while earning both high school and college credit. Students must be enrolled in at least one high school course each semester to remain eligible.

Eligible college courses must meet state requirements and cannot be classified as hobby, craft, recreation, physical education, or religious studies courses.

Students may take courses at Muskegon Community College that fulfill general education requirements at participating four-year colleges and universities through the Michigan Transfer Agreement (MTA). Completing approved MTA courses can help students transfer credits more easily and make progress toward a college degree while still in high school.

Early College

Early College provides students with the opportunity to earn both a high school diploma and an Associate’s Degree through Muskegon Community College. Students can earn up to 60 college credits while participating in the program.

The Early College program includes a fifth year of study (often referred to as the “13th year”), during which students continue their college coursework while remaining enrolled in at least one high school course. This allows students to complete degree requirements and gain a significant head start on their postsecondary education.

Articulated Credit 

Articulated Credit allows students to earn college credit for select high school courses by demonstrating mastery of course content through an agreement between AHS and partnering colleges or universities. These courses are designed to align with postsecondary expectations and provide students with a seamless transition to college-level coursework.

Students who successfully complete eligible courses at AHS may qualify for college credit at participating institutions, helping them save time and money toward a college degree. Credit eligibility and transfer policies vary by college, and students are encouraged to consult the receiving institution for specific requirements.

SAT

All AHS students take the PSAT in the spring of their 9th and 10th grade year. They also have the option to take it in the fall of their 11th grade year. 

All students take the SAT in the spring of their 11th grade year as part of statewide testing requirements.

Students have the option to take the ACT on their own and can also retake the SAT on their own as well.

• Register for the ACT
• Register for the SAT

Resources to prepare for the SAT:

• Khan Academy
• March2Success
• ACT Student
• College Board
• ASVAB Sample Tests 

College Search Links

• Appily   
• CollegeBoard  
• Peterson's   

Help with Admissions

Kahn Academy has created resources to help students and parents navigate the challenging process of college admissions. These resources include video interviews and conversations with successful students from all walks of life and admissions officers and counselors at some of the nation's top schools. 

Financial Aid 

Financial aid to pay for college is available from a variety of sources. Student aid includes grants, scholarships, work-study jobs and loans. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to learn exactly what aid you are eligible for.