Students at Chaska High School and Chanhassen High School have a broad range of opportunities to challenge themselves academically as they explore and pursue their interests and passions.
Accelerated Courses
High school accelerated (X) classes compact standards into less time for students who have strong skills, motivation, and interest in the subject. By removing much of the practice and repetition, Physics X and Chemistry X allow students to master two years of standards in one year. English X compacts standards from three year-long courses into two years while adding depth, rigor, and independence to the learning process. Student in X classes earn credits based on the standards they master—not the amount of time spent in the class—which opens space in later years to take additional courses and pursue their interests.
Advanced Placement Courses
Students in Advanced Placement (AP) courses use college-level resources to learn college-level content, but do it in the setting of the high school with specially-trained high school teachers. AP courses challenge learners to sharpen their academic skills, think critically, and engage deeply in topics of interest. Each spring, students have the opportunity to take AP Exams to possibly earn college credit. Chaska and Chanhassen offer 24 AP courses—more than any neighboring school district.
Progression by Readiness, Not Age
In math, world language, art, music, and other areas with sequential courses, students take the class they’re ready for—even if it’s years ahead of their traditional grade level.
Independent Study
Sometimes students have unique interests and passions for which we don’t offer a course. Through our Independent Study program, learners can design their own elective course. Working with mentor teachers, students drive decisions about what they will learn, how they will learn it, and how they will demonstrate their learning. They gain valuable self-management and reflection skills as they grow in their independence as learners.
Co-curricular Activities
By participating in activities like debate, speech, drama, knowledge bowl, music , quiz bowl , and robotics, students pursue their passions and engage with peers who have similar interests.
