Academics

UConn Early College Experience (ECE) provides academically motivated students the opportunity to take university courses while still in high school. These challenging courses allow students to preview college work, build confidence in their readiness for college, and earn college credits that provide both an academic and a financial head-start on a college degree.

ECE instructors, who are certified as adjunct professors by UConn faculty, create a classroom environment fostering independent learning, creativity and critical thinking – all pivotal for success in college. Tourtellotte Memorial High School offers an ECE course in English. To support rigorous learning, University of Connecticut library resources are also available to students.

ECE students must successfully complete the course with a grade of C, achieving a grade of 73 or better on UConn’s requirements, in order to receive university credit. University credits are highly transferable to other universities. Students are currently charged a $50 per credit fee ($200 total for four credits). 

 

For additional information visit: www.ece.uconn.edu

The Accelerator Program gives local high school students an opportunity to demonstrate their ability to do college level work, and to acquire skills that will help them succeed not only in college but also in their remaining high school courses. The courses offered through the Accelerator Program at Nichols College offer content that is compelling and challenging. One class will be taught each semester on the Nichols College campus allowing students to experience a college campus atmosphere and earn college credits at the same time. The courses are taught by experienced Nichols College faculty members with the help of a teaching assistant. The course is offered at a discounted rate. 

 

For additional information visit:https://www.nichols.edu/

Eligible students may choose to earn college credit for no cost while they are in high school. Tourtellotte Memorial and CT State Community College: Quinebaug Valley offer a partnership program to juniors and seniors who meet the criteria listed below. We encourage TMHS students to take advantage of this opportunity for college credits either in the late afternoon or evening sessions at QVCC.

CT State Community College: Quinebaug Valley (QVCC) will agree to waive the tuition and fees for any high school student from TMHS providing the student meets the following criteria:

1. The student must be in the junior or senior year of high school and have an 80 average. Students with special educational needs will be considered where it can be demonstrated that they have sufficient skills to anticipate success in the selected college course.

2. The student must be recommended by the guidance department and principal of the high school.

3. To be considered, a Partnership Application must be completed by the interested student and mailed with an official transcript to QVCC. See your school counselor.

4. Prior to registration, an agreement form must be signed by the student and parent/guardian with TMHS policies regarding dual enrollment. 

College Connections is a partnership between Tourtellotte Memorial High School and Quinebaug Valley Community College in Danielson. College Connections is absolutely FREE. The purpose of the partnership is to enable secondary students to receive credit for coursework that is equivalent to college level coursework in Computer Applications, Accounting II, Manufacturing Math, Computer Aided Design I, Interpreting Engineering Drawings, and Advanced Excel. College credit is granted with an official transcript from QVCC. Any or all of these credits may be transferable to other colleges depending on transfer guidelines. In some cases, these courses may satisfy college prerequisites.

 

What are the advantages of College Connections for students?

• College credit is granted for courses taken in high school
• Students receive a college transcript for their work
• Parents and students can potentially save money on college tuition
• The student is guaranteed acceptance into the community college

Independent Study is an opportunity for educationally mature and responsible students to take higher level courses in any academic area. Coursework is completed under the timely supervision of a teacher but is done independently of classroom instruction. Independent study courses must be arranged through guidance and approved by the principal, are arranged at the request of a student and the availability of the teacher and are typically approved when there is not a comparable class available in the Program of Studies. A written contract between the student and the teacher is required. This contract must stipulate a course title, level, credit, and description. It must also specify meeting times and places, course assignments and criteria for student evaluation. A copy of the signed contract must be given to guidance and administration with final approval by the principal. In agreeing to supervise an independent study course for a student, the teacher is ensuring the work assigned and the performance expected by the student is reflective of all school-wide expectations.  Another option for an independent study course may be through the Virtual High School or other online learning opportunity. These courses must be through an approved, accredited online provider and will only be for courses which TMHS is unable to offer. 

Credit for Work

The Credit for Work program awards high school credit for actual job experience for the students who are employed in the community developing marketable job skills. This program has set guidelines on age, hours and jobs. More information and contracts are available from the school counseling office. 

 

Internships

Internships allow high school credit to be earned by students gaining job exposure in professional job settings. The student work may be paid or non/paid. The opportunity allows students to observe and assist professionals in actual workplaces. Ideally, internships will be in a career setting the student has chosen to pursue after high school or college. Although internships may be in a school setting during the school day, other arrangements may be after school hours or during weekends. Students or professionals interested in arranging an internship should contact the school counselor. Written guidelines and credit requirements are available in the school counselors' department. All internships must receive administrative approval. 

Advanced Placement is a program offered by the Educational Testing Service of the College Board. An exam provided by the College Board is given in May. AP/ECE courses may also be courses offered through the University of Connecticut Early College Experience Program. Successful students, achieving a grade of 73 or better on UConn’s requirements, may receive college credit for these courses. The programs require very high motivation and outstanding academic ability. Additionally, classes are offered in partnership with Anna Maria College, Nichols College, and Quinebaug Valley Community College. The academic standard for these courses will be most demanding. Students should see their school counselor before the scheduling process is established. 

Courses are designed to meet the needs of students who are planning to attend four-year colleges and universities. The work will be very demanding, as students will be developing skills of analytical and critical thinking and acquiring the work habits necessary for success in college. This will require research, laboratory experience, and extensive requirements for verbal and written expression. 

Courses are designed to meet the needs of students who would like to go on to college as well as those students who are seeking a general high school education prior to employment, vocational schooling, or entering the armed services. Standards and work requirements will be high, and thinking, research, laboratory and communication skills will be developed. 

In addition to the credits students must acquire to be awarded a high school diploma, students will be required maintain a digital gallery demonstrating growth and/or mastery in the skills associated with the Portrait of a Graduate. In addition to assembling the gallery, students will also be required to present these skills to a panel who will grade them using the senior capstone rubric. The presentation will take place during their senior year and multiple opportunities will be given (until ability is demonstrated) if a student is unable to demonstrate the Portrait of Graduate skills.

Accompanying the senior capstone, students will be required to participate in ten hours of community service a year (totally 40 hours for students who enter Tourtellotte as a freshman). Reflection forms will be filled out for each community service activity. Students may use these experiences in their senior capstone presentations.