In 1999, Maine secondary schools received grants to support the implementation of new practices that meet the state's Learning Results program. These programs include the Comprehensive School Reform Demonstration (CSRD), a grant competition drew proposals from 30 Maine secondary schools, an unmatched expression of interest in school reform at the secondary level, and The North Atlantic Regional Schools (NARS) program. NARS is a 17-year old private school systemauthorized by the Maine Department of Education that became nationally accredited on November 2003.
The following are requirements must be met by each student as stated by the NARS Web site, www.narhs.org:
- Four credits of English
- Two credits of mathematics
- Two credits of science (One unit must come from a laboratory course)
- One credit of social studies
- One credit of U.S. History
- One credit of physical education
- One credit of fine arts
- 0.5 credit of computer skills
- 0.5 credit of health education
- 4.5 credits of electives
As with any high school requirement, this is only a minimum suggested list of units. Students are encouraged to strive for more by taking additional challenging and career-preparing courses in addition to these requirements. Students planning on attending college should seriously consider taking Advanced Placement courses. The College Board's Advanced Placement Program (AP), www.collegeboard.com, enables students to take college-level courses while attending high school. Based on their performance on challenging AP Examinations, students can earn credit, advanced placement, or both, for college.
