Multiple Paths to Graduation :: One Size Does Not Fit All
GFPS students have many different opportunities to blaze their own trails to graduation, customizing their paths to meet their specific interests and needs.
There are many options from differentiated diplomas to dual credit (earning half-price college credits while still in high school) to career-specific programs allowing students to graduate from high school with career-ready skills and certifications. Additionally, there are online learning options during the school year and throughout the summer.
There are many options from differentiated diplomas to dual credit (earning half-price college credits while still in high school) to career-specific programs allowing students to graduate from high school with career-ready skills and certifications. Additionally, there are online learning options during the school year and throughout the summer.
Differentiated Diplomas
Students may choose to pursue one (1) of three (3) diploma options. All of which meet the Montana Board of Public Education minimum requirements for graduation from an accredited High School program (10.55.905, ARM) and all of the minimum requirements for graduation from Great Falls Public Schools. Students shall work with their high school guidance counselors, teachers and parents to determine which option best meets their individual needs.
Application for Differentiated Diplomas
Concentrator Diploma Application
Honors Diploma Application
Concentrator Diploma Application
Honors Diploma Application
Dual Credit
Great Falls Public Schools sets the bar high for students. We want to encourage a strong finish to their senior year and require that all students have a solid plan for college and career before they leave our high schools. Many of our students need and want to take relevant and rigorous courses, especially their last two years of high school. If they articulate a dream or plan of going to college, they should have an opportunity to experience the rigor and relevance of college course work while still in high school if they so choose. There are financial advantages of taking dual credit courses to the student and the parent. In most cases the tuition costs for high-school students are about half the normal fees (allowing a student to get a head start on college while living at home - the cost-savings are remarkable!) Currently we offer 40 college-level courses through cooperative agreements with six different Montana colleges and universities.
To access the Dual Credit Matrix click here
To access the Dual Credit Matrix click here
College Cohort Programs
Cohort groups finish their high school courses from 8 to noon and then go to Great Falls College MSU where they work on their college certificate or degree in the afternoon.
Welding Cohort- Students earn a Certificate of Applied Science Degree in Welding and the American Welding Society Certification (AWS). This is a year long college program available to high school seniors. This 30 college credit program earns 4.5 high school credits simultaneously. Click Here
Carpentry Cohort- Students earn a Certificate of Applied Science Degree in Carpentry. This is a year long college program available to high school seniors. This 31 college credit program earns 4.5 high school credits simultaneously. Click Here
Computer Science Cohort- Students earn an Associates of Applied Science (AAS) Computer Programming Degree. This is a two year college program available to high school juniors and seniors. The goal for high school students is to complete the first year of their Computer Programming degree during their junior and senior years of high school. Click Here
Welding Cohort- Students earn a Certificate of Applied Science Degree in Welding and the American Welding Society Certification (AWS). This is a year long college program available to high school seniors. This 30 college credit program earns 4.5 high school credits simultaneously. Click Here
Carpentry Cohort- Students earn a Certificate of Applied Science Degree in Carpentry. This is a year long college program available to high school seniors. This 31 college credit program earns 4.5 high school credits simultaneously. Click Here
Computer Science Cohort- Students earn an Associates of Applied Science (AAS) Computer Programming Degree. This is a two year college program available to high school juniors and seniors. The goal for high school students is to complete the first year of their Computer Programming degree during their junior and senior years of high school. Click Here
CNA Certification
GFPS and Benefis partner to offer students CNA certification by taking a 9 week course during the school year or over the summer. Students must sign up with their med prep teacher to roster for this course. For $110, students receive over 90 hours of instruction, CNA certification, First Aid/CPR certification, and a direct pathway to employment.
Online Learning
There are a multitude of online learning options for students both during the school year and in the summer. Montana Digital Academy (MTDA) has a catalog of hundreds of courses students can take in addition to or in place of their regular daily classes. MTDA also maintains a list of online college classes taught around the state which welcome high school students. These courses can be taken at a drastically reduced price per credit, allowing students to get a jump start on college while living at home. Please visit the GFPS Online Learning page for more information and talk to a counselor for information on what is right of the individual learner.
High School Scheduling Process
Each high school has a slightly different scheduling calendar, but it is important to know that scheduling for the following year is done starting in Early February. Counselors and Connections Advisors generally work with students to build their schedules, but parents are encouraged to be part of the process! Please contact your son or daughter's counselor and ask questions about what is available for your son or daughter!
Academic Variance Process
Students who wish to deviate from the stated requirements for graduation through a special request concerning coursework, scheduling, credit recovery or another credit issue need to address the request through the Academic Variance process. Variances may include altering a traditional class, the traditional school day, taking credit recovery, taking online courses, taking college classes, or any combination of variances. Please see a Counselor for more information.