High School Scholars Academy Frequently Asked Questions
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How do students finish their high school graduation requirements?
The first priority of each HSSA student is to finish their high school graduation requirements. All HSSA juniors take Honors English 3 and all HSSA seniors take Honors English 4 in the fall semester. Both English courses are taught by a high school educator on LR’s campus. AP Language and AP Literature are offered as optional courses in the spring semester. Remaining requirements are fulfilled by taking college-level courses at Lenoir-Rhyne that have been approved by a student’s public school system to fulfill graduation requirements.
If a student’s public school system does not approve an LR course to fulfill a high school graduation requirement, students can take this course at their home high school or through an online learning platform such as NCVPS or Online Catawba. Once a HSSA student finishes their high school graduation requirements, they will take LR classes for academic and career exploration and college transfer credit.
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Is this program only open to public school students or can private or home school students apply?
Students must be enrolled in one of three partner public school systems to participate in HSSA: Hickory City Schools, Catawba County Schools, and Newton-Conover City Schools. If private or home school students are accepted into the program, they must enroll with one of the partner school systems to participate.
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What college classes do students typically take?
All 100- and 200-level Lenoir-Rhyne classes are open to HSSA students. Common classes include Algebra, Pre-Calculus, Calculus I/II, Statistics, Biology, Chemistry, Astronomy, Physics, Environmental Science, Earth Science, Psychology, Sociology, Philosophy, Humanities, Spanish, French, Chinese, German, U.S. History, World History, American Government, Micro/Macro Economics, Business, Religion, Music Appreciation, Art Appreciation, Theater Appreciation, Personal Wellness, Nutrition, Public Speaking and many more.
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What does a typical schedule look like?
Students model the 4-block schedule from local public school systems, typically taking 4 classes per semester.
Junior Fall
Honors English III
Math III or LR Class
LR Class
LR ClassJunior Spring
AP Language/LR Class
LR Class
LR Class
LR ClassSenior Fall
Honors English IV
Economics & Personal Finance
LR Class
LR ClassSenior Spring
AP Literature/LR Class
LR Class
LR Class
LR Class
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How many college transfer credits do students usually earn?
Students can earn 6-10 hours of college transfer credit per semester, totaling 12-20 hours of college transfer credit per academic year. Students can also earn college credit through the AP Language and AP Literature exams.
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Do students spend all day at Lenoir-Rhyne?
HSSA students report to Lenoir-Rhyne each day for classes. In between classes, students are encouraged to utilize campus spaces such the library and learning commons, various study spaces throughout campus, the dining hall, Joe’s Coffee, and Chick-fil-a.
HSSA students also have access to a space of their own, the “HSSA House,� to build community, foster learning, and study. Once a student finishes classes for the day, they do not have to stay on campus. As such, HSSA students enjoy greater flexibility in their schedules compared to the regular high school student.
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Can students still participate in fine arts, athletics, and activities at their home high school?
Absolutely. It is encouraged that students participate in opportunities at their home high school such as athletics, chorus, marching band and clubs. Students will also participate in activities such as homecoming, prom and graduation at their home high school.
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Do students have access to campus resources and activities at 91³Ô¹ÏÍø?
Students are invited to take part in campus life at Lenoir-Rhyne. For example, students can attend at all athletic, speaker, and performing arts events on campus for free, can participate in student clubs and organizations (with the exception of Greek Life and varsity athletics), and have access to career services, the fitness center, tutoring services, and the writing center.
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Do students follow the Lenoir-Rhyne calendar or the high school calendar?
Students follow the Lenoir-Rhyne academic calendar for HSSA English classes and Lenoir-Rhyne courses. This includes holiday breaks, campus closures, and inclement weather days.
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How much does this program cost?
HSSA tuition for the Fall 2027-Spring 2028 academic year is $210 per credit hour. Tuition does not include the cost of course fees, materials, or books.
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Is there an age requirement?
All HSSA students must be at least 16 years of age before the first day of class.