Graduation Pathways
Planning Your PAthway to
HIgh School Graduation
Students of Ponchatoula High School should work with their families, teachers, and school counselors to choose a graduation pathway which suites them best. By the end of 10th grade, students will decide between two pathways: TOPS University or Jump Start Career.
FOCUS ON CORE ACADEMICS: 9TH AND 10TH GRADES
During the first two years of high school, students should work to build on the knowledge and skills they gained in previous grades. Because of this, the majority of classes are identical the 9th and 10th grade years.
Every 9th and 10th grade student will take core academic classes to pursue a diploma. At the completion of the 10th grade year, a student may choose a Jump Start TOPS Tech Pathway or the TOPS University Pathway. Students, families, and educators collaborate to make these decisions based on a student’s interests, capabilities, ambitions, and whether they meet the eligibility criteria.
Common Coursework
Louisiana’s 9th and 10th grade students take common coursework, irrespective of the diploma pathway they ultimately select.
| Subject | Common Coursework for 9th & 10th Grade Students |
| English | 2 |
| Math | 2 |
| Physical Education | 1.5 |
| Health | .5 |
| Science | 2 |
| Social Studies | 2 |
| TOTAL | 10 |
Typical First-Time Freshman Course List
1. English I, or English II - if received credit for ENG I in 8th grade
2. Algebra I, or Geometry - if received credit for ALG I in 8th grade
3. U.S. History
4. Environmental Science
5. Physical Education or JROTC
6. Elective
7. Elective
8. Elective
Incoming Freshman Electives
Agriscience I, Art I, Band, Choir, CIW Internet Business Associate/CIW Network Tech Associate, Comparative Anatomy & Physiology, Creative Writing, Digital Media I, General Tech Ed, Intro to Biomedical Sciences, Intro to Engineering, Intro to Computational Thinking, Intro to Health Occupations, NCCER Core, Quest for Success, Theatre I
Choosing the Right Path
By the end of tenth grade, each student will choose a graduation pathway. Pathway selection should be based on the student’s postsecondary goals, academic record, talents, and interests.
Student pathways should connect with real outcomes after high school – for both collegebound students and career-bound students. The TOPS University Pathway ensures students going to four-year colleges have taken a true college preparatory curriculum while in high school and have every chance possible to receive TOPS. Students who complete a Jump Start TOPS Tech Pathway will have attained an industry credential and also be prepared to continue postsecondary opportunities.
A Note about Financial Literacy
In accordance with Bulletin 741 §2318 and §2319 every student entering grade 9 in 2024-2025 and beyond must successfully complete a one-unit Financial Literacy course as a requirement for high school graduation. This course is designed to prepare students to make well-informed decisions regarding finances including debt management, building and improving credit, and practical financial decision-making. Students will apply fundamental math skills to compute income taxes, interest rates, and balance a checkbook. Students pursuing a TOPS University diploma will take Financial Literacy as a separate course. Financial Literacy will not count as a math credit. Students pursuing a TOPS Tech Career diploma will take Financial Literacy as a math credit.
PATHWAY COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Identifying an appropriate individualized student graduation pathway is a critical step at the end of the 10th grade year. Both pathways - TOPS University or Jump Start TOPS Tech - help students prepare for postsecondary success and gain access to scholarships.
GRADUATION PATHWAYS
PROPOSED CORE COURSE SELECTION GUIDE FOR
TOPS University Diploma
(Pathway to 4 Year College or University)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
This is a college-prep curriculum designed to prepare students to go directly to a 4-year college/university by completing challenging upper-level core courses and foreign language courses. Students will be academically prepared to enter a four-year college, and will also have the option to begin at a 2-year college or technical program or pursue other post-secondary options if desired. Students wishing to begin at a 4-year college/university must also meet the GPA, ACT, and other college requirements to be admitted.
*It is recommended that students who are pursuing a TOPS University Diploma participate in Honors and Dual Enrollment courses, to prepare academically for the rigor of college classes. Honors courses are available in all core subjects.
Requirements for Honors: minimum 2.8 GPA, Score Mastery or Advanced on LEAP assessments.
TOPS Opportunity Scholarship
The TOPS Opportunity scholarship is aligned with this curriculum and pays a portion of tuition at Louisiana 4-year public colleges and universities for students with at least a 2.5 core GPA and ACT composite score of 20.
PROPOSED CORE COURSE SELECTION GUIDE FOR
Jump Start Diploma
(Pathway to Community College, Trade School, or Workforce)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
This is a career-focused curriculum for students not intending to go directly to a four year program, but who may wish to start at a community college, technical/trade school, or go directly into the workforce. Jump Start students may also start at a 2-year college then transfer to a 4-year college. This diploma requires fewer core courses and no foreign language. Students will instead focus on getting career-ready by completing 9 career electives and earning industry-based certifications, which are required to graduate. Students will work with their counselor to determine the appropriate Jump Start career pathway and required industry based credentials
*JumpStart students will take career pathway courses their junior and senior year rather than science and social studies classes.
LA Tops Tech Jump Start Career Diploma Pathway Participation Form
TOPS Tech Scholarship
The TOPS Tech scholarship pays up to 2 years of tuition for many Louisiana career and technical programs for students with at least a 2.5 core GPA and an ACT score of 17 or WorkKeys score of Silver.