High School Families

The ACT (American College Test) is the leading college entrance exam that measures what you have learned in high school to determine your readiness for college. The ACT is America’s most widely accepted college entrance exam. It assesses high school students’ general educational development and their ability to complete college-level work. The multiple-choice tests cover four skill areas: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science. Check with your school counselor for ACT testing dates.

Register for the act

Current ACT Fees and Services

Tests	Fees(cost)	Details Included
The ACT (no writing)	$55	Includes reports for you, your high school, and up to four colleges
The ACT with writing	$70	Includes reports for you, your high school, and up to four colleges

 

*All fees are nonrefundable unless otherwise noted.

 

Advanced Placement (AP) vs. Dual Enrollment Coursework: Which Should You Take?

	AP	Dual Enrollment
Definition	AP courses are college-level courses taken by high school students.	Dual enrollment courses are college courses taken by high school students.  Students are enrolled in high school and a college/university simultaneously.
Curriculum	AP curriculum is standardized and governed by the College Board.	Curriculum can vary among institutions.
Course Offerings	All AP course offerings are academic. View the complete list of courses. AP courses are taken during the school day during the school year.	Dual enrollment courses include academic and career technical offerings. Dual enrollment courses can be taken during the school day or during the evening.
Scheduling	Courses can be taken in person or online via ACCESS Virtual Learning.	Courses last one semester and can be taken during Fall, Spring, and/or Summer. Courses can be taken in person or online.
Instructors	AP courses are taught by high school teachers who have been trained by the College Board.	Dual enrollment courses are taught by college/university instructors.
Eligibility	AP courses can be taken as early as 9th grade.	Dual enrollment courses can be taken as early as the summer following completion of 9th grade.
Cost	Each AP exam costs $97. A reduced fee for eligible students is $62 per exam.	Tuition, fees, and course material/textbook costs vary depending on the institution. Scholarships are available.
Earning College Credit	College credit is contingent upon earning a qualifying score on the AP Exam. Some colleges/universities do not award college credit for AP exam scores at all.	College credit is contingent upon passing the course. Always ensure that the college credit earned is transferable to a different institution.
High School GPA	AP courses are given an additional 1.0 quality point consideration in terms of high school GPA calculation.	Some dual enrollment courses, called dual credit courses, are given additional quality point considerations in terms of high school GPA calculation. View additional information.

 

In life you can take a million different paths to get to your future. AP (Advanced Placement) courses can help you find and pursue your unique direction by giving you the opportunity to explore what interests you the most. AP courses can connect you directly to a wide variety of college majors and careers.

It can also help you transform the subjects you are enthusiastic about into a fulfilling future. Why not take courses in high school that you can benefit from in college? Learn how an AP course subject could benefit you!

**See the Course Selection Chart in the Academic Guide to learn about the AP Courses that are offered at your school.**

Manufacturing/Automotive/Logistics

• Mercedes Technician Training Program
• Mercedes Mechatronics Program
• Nucor Steel Technical Academy
• BF Goodrich Technical Scholar Program
• Phifer Incorporated Apprenticeships
• Flex-N-Gate
• Gestamp
• SMP
• Bolta 

Construction 

• Premier Service Company, Inc.
• Lavender, Inc. (Welding Apprenticeship)
• TJAC Local 372 Plumbers and Pipefitters Apprenticeship

Energy & Utilities

• Hunt Refining Company Operations Co-Op
• Warrior Met Coal
• Alabama Power

Healthcare

• DCH Health System

Hospitality & Tourism

• Bama Dining Apprenticeship
• Hotel Indigo

Central High School  Phone: (205) 759-3720
LaTonya Ike, 9th Grade Counselor
Talietha Wright, 10th/11th Grade Counselor
Whitney Clark, 12th Grade Counselor

Northridge High School Phone:  (205) 759-3590
Haley Tolbert, 9th Grade Counselor
Monica Cummings, 10th Grade Counselor  
Mallie Humber, 11th Grade Counselor
Tamar Wilson, 12th Grade Counselor  

Paul W. Bryant High School  Phone:  (205) 759-3538
Leslie Smith-Boyd, 9th Grade Counselor
Gisela DeLoach, 10th Grade Counselor
McKiva Wilson, 11th Grade Counselor  
Wanda Williams, 12th Grade Counselor  

Dual enrollment allows eligible high school students to enroll in college classes concurrently with high school classes. Tuscaloosa City Schools offers dual enrollment opportunities through Auburn First, Shelton State Community College, Stillman College, and The University of Alabama Early College. Some dual enrollment courses, known as dual credit courses, allow students to simultaneously earn college credit and high school credit. TCS’s recognized dual credit courses are found on the TCS Dual Credit Crosswalk.

Eligibility

To be eligible for Academic and/or Career Technical Education Dual Enrollment, students must meet entrance requirements of the college, including high school GPA. 

• Auburn First: 3.0 unweighted cumulative GPA

• Shelton State Community College: 2.5 unweighted cumulative GPA for academic courses and HIT, NAS, RPT, MLT Career Technical Education courses; 2.0 unweighted cumulative GPA for other Career Technical Education courses

• Stillman College: 2.0 unweighted cumulative GPA

• The University of Alabama Early College: 3.0 unweighted cumulative GPA

Students must also be in grade 10, 11, or 12. An exception may be granted upon the recommendation of the student’s principal and superintendent and in accordance with the Alabama Administrative Code 290-8-9.17 regarding gifted and talented students.

Application Process

Auburn First

1. Submit the Auburn First Admission Application and pay the $50 application fee.

2. Submit an official high school transcript and Letter of Support.

3. Pay the $250 non-refundable deposit (applied to tuition).

Shelton State Community College

1. Submit the Shelton State Community College Admissions Application.

   1. Choose “Dual Enrollment” as the student type.

   2. Upload a copy of your primary identification before submitting the application.

2. Submit the Dual Enrollment Approval Form.

   1. Upload a current high school transcript before submitting the approval form.

Stillman College

1. Submit the Stillman College Dual Enrollment Application.

   1. Upload a current high school transcript before submitting the application.

The University of Alabama Early College

1. Submit the UA Early College Online Application.

   1. Pay the $40 nonrefundable application fee (can be waived through Elevate).

2. Submit the UA Early College Student Information Form.

3. Ask your counselor to send your current high school transcript.

Funding Opportunities and Scholarships

Elevate Dual Enrollment Scholarship

The Elevate Dual Enrollment Scholarship, made possible through the partnership between Tuscaloosa City Schools, the City of Tuscaloosa, and Mayor Walt Maddox, provides financial support for tuition, textbooks, and course materials/fees up to a total of twelve (12) college credit hours at The University of Alabama, Shelton State Community College, or Stillman College.

To qualify, a student must:

●   Attend a TCS high school at least one year prior to taking courses as part of the ELEVATE Dual Enrollment Scholarship program; and

●   Live in the Tuscaloosa City Schools’ residential attendance zones (or be the dependent of a TCS employee); and

●   Be a member in good standing of grade 10, 11, or 12; and

●   Meet institutions’ minimum grade point average requirements.

The Elevate Dual Enrollment Scholarship can also be used to fund CTE coursework not covered by Shelton State Community College’s Career Technical Education Scholarships (like Cosmetology and Barbering), non-credit bearing coursework, accelerated coursework at Shelton State Community College, and transportation for students who participate in registered apprenticeship programs.  

Additionally, students who participate in the dual enrollment program at Shelton State Community College through the ELEVATE Dual Enrollment Scholarship can receive a matching scholarship (up to 12 credit hours) in the Summer and/or Fall semester following their high school graduation.

To opt-in to the Elevate Dual Enrollment Scholarship, students should make a submission via their Xello account.

Shelton State Community College

Shelton State Community College offers Career Technical Education Scholarships, STEM Scholarships, and Foundation Scholarships.  View more details.

TCS Dual Enrollment Policies

• Prior approval from the high school counselor or principal is required for dual enrollment participation.

• All dual enrollment/dual credit courses must be approved by homeschool grade level counselors.

• Students are allowed to take a maximum of two courses per semester during the high school academic year (Fall and Spring semesters).

• Students must complete dual enrollment registration by the first day of the TCS semester (Fall and Spring semesters).  The regular schedule change window does not apply to dual enrollment coursework.

• Three college credit hours must be used to substitute for one Carnegie unit in high school.

• A student cannot drop or withdraw from a course without the approval of their school counselor or post-secondary coordinator.

• Students must earn a final grade of 70 C or better in all attempted college courses to remain eligible for continued participation in a dual enrollment program.  

  • If a student drops, withdraws from, or fails to earn a final grade of 70 C or better in all attempted college courses, he/she will not be allowed to participate in dual enrollment the following semester.  The one-semester suspension from the dual enrollment program cannot be served during the Summer semester.

• Only courses completed for dual credit will be added to the students’ high school transcripts.  TCS dual credit courses are found on the TCS Dual Credit Crosswalk.  Duplicate credit cannot be received for any equivalent high school courses successfully completed.

Federal Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the most important document that you will complete when applying for Financial Aid for college. This application helps to determine what type of financial assistance you may qualify for such as: pell grants, student loans, and more. Certain documents are needed from parents/guardians and child when you are completing this application:

• Parents and child's social security numbers
• Date of Births
• W-2's and Tax Return from 2 years prior (For example, applying for 2025-2026 school year, you will use 2023 Tax Returns)
• Contact information such as home address and phone numbers

Throughout the school year, Tuscaloosa City Schools will host Financial Aid Workshops to assist parents/guardians and students with the application process. The FAFSA Application opens October 1st every year. To learn more about Financial Aid Workshops at your school, contact your School Counselor. To schedule a one-on-one appointment with the Career Coach, Ms. Andrea White, at your child's school email alwhite@tusc.k12.al.us. Learn more about FAFSA and complete the application.

• View instructions on creating a FSA ID (username/password)
• View instructions for completing the FAFSA application  

For students wanting to get a jump into the collegiate experience, TCS has multiple partnerships with our local post-secondary institutions. Students are able to participate in dual enrollment opportunities with Shelton State Community College, The University of Alabama and Stillman College. TCS also offers an early graduation for students. Candidates for early graduation are not eligible for valedictorian or salutatorian. However, there is an application process. Please contact your school counselor for more information.

Download the TCS Early Graduation Application (PDF)

In 2013, the Tuscaloosa City Schools opened Tuscaloosa Career & Technology Academy, a state-of-the-art facility offering 13 academies designed to launch students into a college/university experience or directly into the workforce.

We recognize that not all students are able to excel in a traditional learning environment, the Tuscaloosa Virtual School Program allows for a personalized learning experience for students who have other life obligations or commitments.

Talk to your child's counselor or teacher for more information to see if one of these programs will help your child meet their academic goals.

Central High School's International Baccalaureate Programme (IB Program) was established to challenge students to excel in their studies while also encouraging both personal and academic achievement. Although the IB Program is student centered, students strive on a daily basis to become more knowledgeable thinkers, communicators, open-minded, risk takers, and principled. Students who gain these attributes are prepared to go beyond intellectual and academic success.

To learn more about the IB Programme, contact IB Coordinator Jennifer Hines or IB Counselor Tammy Simmons at (205) 759-3720.

• Alabama Army National Guard 
• Alabama Air National Guard
• U.S. Air Force 
• U.S. Army
• U.S. Marines
• U.S. Navy
• Army Reserve
• Air Force Reserve
• Navy Reserve
• Marine Corps Reserve

Non-Traditional Diploma Options

Through a partnership between the Adult Education Department of the Alabama Community College System (ACCS) and the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE), the Alabama Non-Traditional High School Diploma Option (HSDO) Program has been designed.

The HSDO Program is designed for Alabama public school students who have previously dropped out of the traditional high school setting or for students who have completed all of the required credits needed for graduation but were unsuccessful in completing one or more sections of the Alabama High School Graduation Examination.

The program provides two options: 

Option 1

For a former student who attended an Alabama high school and completed all of the required credits needed for graduation; however, the student did not pass all sections of the Alabama High School Graduation Exam (AHSGE).

Eligibility for Option 1

1. Participant must have completed the required number of credits to graduate from a high school in the Tuscaloosa City Schools. The graduation requirements established for when the participant was enrolled in high school will be those used to determine eligibility.
2. Did not receive a passing score on one or more sections of the AHSGE

Option 2 

For a former student who earned a minimum of 10 or more credits from an Alabama high school and requires additional credits needed for graduation.

Eligibility for Option 2

1. Participant must have completed a minimum of 10 credits required to graduate from a high school in the Tuscaloosa City Schools. The graduation requirements established for when the participant was enrolled in high school will be those used to determine eligibility.
2. Student must be a minimum age of 19.
3. Participant must be assessed on the Test for Adult Basic Education (TABE).
4. Score must be in the High Intermediate Level (grade equivalency 6.0 or higher).

Former students who wish to pursue the Alabama High School Diploma through the Non-Traditional High School Diploma Option Program should do the following:

1. Submit a completed Transcript Audit Request and an official Transcript to Mrs. Andrea Markham at the Tuscaloosa City Board of Education. Request your high school transcript and AHSGE scores (if applicable). 
2. Complete a Transcript Audit Request and deliver it to Mrs. Andrea Markham at the Tuscaloosa City Board of Education. Using the online Transcript Request Form, send an official transcript and Transcript Audit Request to:
   ATTN: Mrs. Andrea Markham
   Tuscaloosa City Schools
   1210 21st Avenue Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 
   
   The Transcript Audit cannot be completed until Mrs. Markham has your completed Transcript Audit Request and your Transcript.
3. A transcript audit will be performed and all records will be submitted to Mr. Phillip Johnson and Mrs. Kristen Bobo at the Office of Adult Education at Shelton State Community College.
4. Contact Mr. Phillip Johnson and/or Mrs. Kristen Bobo with the Office of Adult Education at Shelton State Community College to schedule a time to meet.  Mr. Johnson may be reached at 205-391-2665.  Mrs. Bobo may be reached at 205-391-2638.
5. The Office of Adult Education at Shelton State Community College with develop a plan of instruction.

GED

Alabama Act 2009-564 stipulates that students between the ages of 7 and 17 are required to attend public school, private school, church school, or be taught at home by a private tutor.

Based on this law, there are specific requirements for students, 16 and 17 years of age, who wish to take the GED® Test.

For a 16-year-old student to take the GED Test, state approval must be granted based on the following:

1.) Student must present a notarized Certificate of Exemption from the student’s last school system attended and a notarized Parental Permission Form. 

OR

If the student attended and dropped out of a private school, church school, or private tutor program, the student must present a notarized letter from his/her parent or legal guardian naming the school, providing the drop-out date, and stating the student has dropped out of school, and has permission to be administered the GED® Test. (Parental Permission Form)

2.) Student must have TABE test scores (in all three sub-skill tests) at a minimum of ASE Low, with a grade equivalent of 9.0 or higher

OR

Student must have official GED Ready test scores in Math and RLA of "Likely to Pass." 

For a 17-year-old student to take the GED Test, state approval must be granted based on the following:

For individuals attending Public School: 
1.) Student must have participated in an exit interview with their high school administration and provide a signed Exit Interview Form.
2.) Student must provide a notarized and signed letter from his/her parent or legal guardian, naming the school, providing the drop-out date, and providing parental permission for the student to be administered the GED® Test. (Parental Permission Form)

For individuals attending Private School, Church School, or Private Tutoring Program: 
Student must present a notarized letter from his/her parent or legal guardian naming the school, providing the drop-out date, and stating the student has dropped out of school, and has permission to be administered the GED® Test. (Parental Permission Form)

*If a 17 year-old, Option 2 HSO student chooses the GED® Test option, the above does apply.
** Court mandated individuals, ages 16 or 17, must provide official documentation to test.

For more information, contact the Office of Adult Education at Shelton State Community College: (205) 391-2662.

• ACT
• PSAT 
• SAT
• Accuplacer

 

The SAT is a college entrance exam.  The test is three-hour-and-45-minutes long.  It measures critical reading, mathematical reasoning, and writing skills that students have developed over time and that they need to be successful in college. The test is aligned with current curriculum and institutional practices in high school and college. By including a third measure of skills, writing, the SAT reinforces the importance of writing throughout a student’s education and will help colleges make better admissions and placement decisions. 

Current SAT Fees  

Tests	Fees(cost)
The SAT (no Essay)	$52
The SAT with Essay	$68

 

*All fees are nonrefundable unless otherwise noted* 

 

Scholarships are financial aid awards designed to help students pay for a college degree. Sometimes a scholarship is a one-time check. Other school scholarships are renewable and provide money for students each semester or school year. These awards differ from student loans in that they do not have to be repaid.

Students may receive the money directly as a check-in their name. In other cases, the money is given to the student’s school. In these cases, the student would then pay the school for the difference on any money owed for tuition, fees, room, and board. If the scholarships and other forms of financial aid are enough to cover the direct college costs, the excess money is refunded to the student. Based on family income, students may also qualify for Pell Grants which also do not have to be repaid. 

Scholarship Information

• Alabama College and University Merit-Based Scholarships
• Chamber of Commerce Guide to college scholarships

For additional assistance, see your Senior Counselor or the Career Coach.

• University Headquarters
• Scholarship Portal
• Career One Stop
• Niche
• BrokeScholar
• Peterson's
• GoodCall
• Chegg Scholarships
• bigfuture
• SallieMae
• Scholly
• Scholarships.com
• StudentScholarshipSearch
• Unigo
• Cappex
• fastweb

If you have any questions or need any assistance, please see your Counselor or the Career Coach. 

• Tuscaloosa City Schools Summer Programs 
• Tuskegee University (Middle & High School Students)
• Academy Introduction Mission Program (US Coast Guard)
• Summer Seminar (US Naval Academy) 
• Summer STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (US Naval Academy) 
• The University of Alabama K-12 Summer Programs 
• The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Summer Camps
• Samford University Summer Programs 
• Shelton State Community K-12 Summer Camps
• Auburn Summer Camps
• University of Alabama at Huntsville (UAH) Engineering Summer Camps
• Huntingdon College Summer Camps (High School Students)
• Tuscaloosa County Park & Recreation Authority (PARA)    

• PowerSchool Parent Portal
• PowerSchool Parent Support
• Code of Conduct
• District Calendar
• Free & Reduced Lunch Application
• Grading Practices
• Let's Talk!
• Menus
• Paypams
• Special Education
• Specialty Program Admission

Students who participate in travel sports, Olympic Development Programs or extensive competitive training no longer have to be counted absent or considered truant. The Tuscaloosa City Schools offers a no-cost, online school available to high school students living within the TCS attendance zones. By enrolling as a part-time online student, you now have the benefit of extending your learning with virtual courses that can be accessed anywhere, anytime. Full time students must be approved by the Deputy Superintendent prior to enrollment.

Explore the Virtual Learning Program