Outside Learning

As you work hard during the school year doing the best you can in NCHS classes, we hope you take it very seriously. Many students & families have asked about “other options” for GPA Adjustment and Credit Recovery due to various circumstances so we wanted to lay out the proper procedures for this process. However, it is important to note that NCHS Counselors & Staff do not, under any circumstance, recommend any of the Outside Learning providers nor do we believe this is the best way for students to learn subject content. 

If the below procedure is not followed properly, there is a possibility that your outside learning class will not be included on your NCHS transcript. 

Keep in mind classes can only be retaken outside if the Title, Level, and Content are the same as the original class taken.

“Credit Recovery” = when you fail a class & only when you fail a class, you may take a credit recovery class to gain the credit. It will only be a Pass/Fail on your transcript.

“Standard/Regular/Original Credit” = these are types of classes you need to take if you are trying to replace a grade or do a GPA Adjustment. 

Please read through and follow the below steps if you would like to take a class with an outside provider for reasons such as accelerating classes or for credit recovery/replacement.

BEFORE Signing up: 

  1. Go to OSPI’s website to find approved online courses and providers.

  2. Print and fill out the NCHS Outside Provider Form.

  3. Print a copy of your transcript from StudentVue (Under Documents)

  4. Return the completed form and copy of your transcript to your Counselor.

AFTER Completing the class:

  1. Once the class is completed, order an official outside course transcript to be sent to Ms. Manning, amanning@nsd.org 

  2. Fill out “Add to Transcript” Form in the Counseling Center and return to Ms. Manning after completing the class for counselor approval.

  3. If you are taking an online class for “GPA Adjustment” - then you need to fill out “GPA Adjustment Form” so the original credit gets adjusted. 

Frequently Asked Questions:

1) How do I know which class is eligible for retaking outside?

Make sure Title, Content, and Level of classes match what you originally took at NC (Ex. AP needs to be replaced by AP, CHS needs to be replaced by CHS, etc.).

2) Where can I take CHS classes for GPA Adjustment?

Only at NCHS or at the College.

Regarding PreCalc I & II and Spanish 350: These 2 classes can only be taken at NCHS due to the unique content in these classes. You cannot take these classes for GPA adjustment anywhere else. 

3) I used another provider before that isn’t on the list referenced on above, can I still use that provider? 

No. Only the classes that are listed on the approved OSPI catalog would count. It is your responsibility to ensure the class you sign up for is an OSPI approved class for what you need. 

4) Will my original grade stay on the transcript? 

Yes. All grades will stay on your transcript to keep the integrity of your transcript. However, if you want to get a GPA adjustment, please fill out the GPA adjustment form and we will take out the original credit so it does not get calculated into your GPA. 

5) How many classes can I take with Outside Learning?

To preserve the integrity of the NSD comprehensive HS diploma, 85% of the required credits for graduation shall be earned through NCHS. No more than 50% of the graduation requirements in any discipline may be obtained from approved accredited sources outside the Northshore School District. Students who earn more than 15% of the total required credits or more than 50% of the required credits in any discipline from outside sources, and who complete all district requirements for graduation, shall receive a generic NSD diploma.