A.P.E.X
Program Overview
The EHS Alternative Program for Educational eXellence (A.P.E.X.) provides students with an alternative means of earning an EHS diploma. APEX has been existence for 13 years. In that period of time in excess of 70 students have successfully completed the program.
APEX and programs like it throughout the state are part of the Wisconsin DPI GEDO 2 program. The basic guidelines for GEDO 2 programs are set forth by the DPI, but each district has the ability to tailor the program for the specific needs of that district. The basic guidelines for participating students are as follows:
Student is credit deficient and at risk of not graduating with his/her class.
Student is at least 17 years of age.
Student has a reading level of not less than grade 9.
Students are no longer required to earn credits in order to graduate, but instead, must demonstrate proficiency in mathematics, science, social studies, and language arts. They do that by preparing for and passing GED examinations in those four areas.
Students must have earned .5 health credit. If not, they must complete an approved health course or prepare and pass a health examination.
Students must prepare for and pass the civics test required by the state to graduate.
Students must demonstrate proficiency in the area of employment skills.
Unless a student is 18 ½ years of age, or unless the student’s 9th-grade class has already graduated, the student must remain in school their entire senior year--early graduation is not an option for APEX students. (Students may petition the state to test early, but must have a compelling reason to do so).
In addition, at EHS we require the following:
A successful employment experience of not less than nine weeks.
A minimum of 50 hours of service to the community.
Zero tolerance for absence from school. APEX students are required to make up all absences.
If there are extenuating circumstances, (single parents for example) students who are not credit deficient are also accepted into the program.
Most APEX students are on some sort of a modified daily schedule. Some may be in school part of the day, and working part of the day. Some may take a mainstream class or classes part of the day. Each APEX student is on an individual plan.
Students must apply for admission into APEX. The procedure is as follows:
Complete the APEX application form. The application includes several narrative questions that must be completed in full by both the student and a parent or guardian.
Staff review of the application, transcript, credit status, etc.
Meet with student and a parent or guardian to discuss the program in depth and answer any questions they might have.
Make a decision.
APEX students are considered to be EHS high school students. As such, they are eligible to participate in all high school activities.
As a general rule, students are not formally accepted into APEX until the beginning of their senior year. Students who are focused and committed can complete program requirements in one school year. There are times when we begin to transition students during the second semester of their junior year. In addition, students who have expressed interest in participating in APEX are encouraged strongly to take Learn to Earn during the second semester of their junior year. This allows them to complete the employment skills program requirement.
The Counseling Department supports APEX in the following ways:
When appropriate suggesting the students consider the program.
Answer initial questions about the program that students or parents might have.
Provide information about available alternatives and discuss positives and negatives of those alternatives.
Distribute APEX application forms.
Compile necessary information from student records.
*The APEX program is well established so that school counselors get inquiries on a regular basis.