How do I join the Honors Program?
Students interested in becoming a member of the Honors Program must go through an application process. Minimum requirements must be met to apply, and only a limited number of students will be admitted each year. Minimum requirements for application include the following:

• A or 90% grade point average

• 80 composite local percentile (LP) on the Elder Entrance Test

• Excellent attendance record

Admission decisions will be made by the Honors Program committee.

What courses constitute the Honors Program?
The Honors Program Courses will be classes at the 5 (Advanced) & 6 (Advanced Placement) Level. These courses will be challenging. Within these courses students will be with fellow Honors Program members as well as other Advanced Level students. Classes such as Religion and the art elective will be non-leveled; therefore, the student will interact with classmates from all levels. Elder High School feels strongly that an Honors Program member should not only be a student of the program but also a student of Elder High School. All Honors Program students will participate in the Honors Leadership Seminar.

What is the Honors Leadership Seminar?
The Honors Leadership Seminar is a course designed specifically for the Honors Program. Students will take this course for one semester during their freshman and sophomore years. This course will develop skills in team unity, leadership, and communication. Leaders throughout the community will speak to the class about their own experiences. Along with an instructor, students enrolled in the class will work together to create a plan for a summer outreach project.

Is there going to be summer work?
YES. During the summer before the freshman and sophomore year, Honors Program students will have to complete Physical Education and Health classes. By completing these classes in the summer, students will be able to take advanced level classes and the Honors Leadership Seminar. These summer classes are relatively short and can be worked around athletic schedules. A scholarship to pay for these courses will be provided. During the summer before the junior and senior years, students will have the option to take a science elective. This is an option, but it may be beneficial to those students who are interested in pursuing higher levels of science in high school to help in future college endeavors.

Will there be any additional workshops outside of the classroom?
YES. During July and August of each summer, students will participate in one-day to one-week workshops. During the school year students will attend guest lectures and participate in leadership seminars. These activities are designed to achieve the program’s overall goal of creating the complete Elder man. They will be scheduled to cause as little conflict as possible with athletics, organizations, and clubs.

Will I have to complete any special projects?
YES. Students in the Honors Program will complete a Group Project, beginning the summer before their junior year, and an Individual Project beginning the summer before their senior year. These projects are designed to give students the opportunity to use their creativity, diligence, and initiative in order to complete a project that will serve our community and its members. These projects will be coordinated, monitored, and evaluated by an advisor. This advisor may be a current or past Elder faculty member, Elder alumnus, or approved community member.

I want to be in Art for 4 years, is this possible?
YES. Students interested in pursuing a fine or performing art are highly encouraged to do so. Elder believes in creating well-rounded young men; thus, membership in such groups simply enhances this goal. Students can take their fine or performing arts classes all four years by choosing to take these classes during their “elective” period.

I am an athlete, am I going to be able to do all of this?
YES. Student athletes will be able to participate in the program no matter which sport or level. It will be hard work and prioritizing is going to be a must, but if the student is dedicated, there will be time to complete and participate fully in the program. The Honors Program will work around athletic schedules as much as possible to help facilitate this.

Am I going to be “different” because I am in this program?
YES and NO. This program is selective; only a qualified number of applicants will be admitted. There will be a limited number of spaces each year, and every year students will be evaluated to determine if they can remain in the program. In that sense, Honors Program students are going to be different. On the other hand, it is extremely important at Elder High School that we develop students’ God-given talents. Therefore, they will be able to take not only the advanced classes but also classes that they may have a specific interest in such as Computer Programming, Computer Aided Design, Film Production, and Shakespeare.

Will the program cost anything?
Students accepted into the program will receive a merit scholarship to be applied toward their tuition. There will be times when students have to raise or contribute funds for class missions, retreats or projects. Fundraising will be coordinated during the Honors Leadership Seminar and with student advisors.