Advanced Academics

Advanced Academics 

Charter Oak Unified School District provides a multitude of programs, classes, and extra-curricular activities designed to help challenge high-achieving students. With the Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) program, Honors courses, Advanced Placement classes, International Baccalaureate, and Project Lead the Way, students are given a wide range of opportunities to excel academically and prepare for college. 

Elementary and Middle School Advanced Academics

Gifted and Talented Education is provided for all identified students beginning in third grade. We are committed to identifying and nurturing the unique strengths of advanced learners. As part of this effort, all second-grade students are administered a cognitive reasoning assessment to help determine potential eligibility for the GATE program. Beyond this universal screening, students at any grade level may also be referred for GATE consideration by parents or teachers.

The GATE program is offered at the elementary school level as an after-school enrichment and promotes complex levels of thinking by working collaboratively, seeking innovative solutions, and challenging their unique, creative abilities. At the middle school level, GATE students can participate in Honors classes, including History, Social Studies, English, and Advanced Math. 

High School Advanced Academics

At Charter Oak Unified School District, we empower motivated learners with two of the most rigorous, globally recognized college-level curricula: Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB). Both programs challenge students to think critically, conduct in-depth research, and communicate their understanding—skills essential for success in higher education and professional life.

Program Highlights:

Advanced Placement (AP)

• College Credit & Placement
  Students may earn college credit or advanced standing at thousands of universities nationwide by scoring well on AP exams.
• Flexible Enrollment
  Open to any motivated student; no prerequisite “AP track” needed. Teachers support newcomers and experienced scholars alike.

International Baccalaureate (IB)

• Holistic Diploma Program (Grades 11–12)
  A two-year curriculum that emphasizes intercultural understanding, inquiry-based learning, and community engagement.
• Global Recognition
  The IB Diploma is widely respected by universities around the world for its rigor and emphasis on well-rounded development.

Why Choose AP or IB?

• Academic Rigor
  Both programs push students beyond standard high-school coursework, fostering maturity and resilience.
• College Readiness
  AP and IB graduates routinely outperform their peers on college assessments and persist to graduation at higher rates.
• Competitive Edge
  Admissions officers value the challenge of AP/IB on transcripts—signal your readiness for the demands of higher education.

How to Enroll in AP/IB

• Meet with Your Counselor:
  Discuss your interests, strengths, and academic goals to build a personalized plan.
• Register for Classes:
  Complete enrollment forms by the end of each spring semester to secure your place.
• Prepare Early:
  Access summer bridge materials and recommended readings to get a head start.