Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AOC a private school?
No, Academy of the Canyons is a public middle college high school and is part of the William S. Hart Union School District, just like the other public high schools in Santa Clarita. Our teachers are Hart District high school teachers, and the college teachers are COC instructors.
No, Academy of the Canyons is a public middle college high school and is part of the William S. Hart Union School District, just like the other public high schools in Santa Clarita. Our teachers are Hart District high school teachers, and the college teachers are COC instructors.
What is a Middle College High School? Is AOC the only one out there?
Middle College High School is a term given to schools which are a hybrid between a high school and a community college. The first Middle College opened in 1974, and today, there are more than 30 of them across the nation. For more information about the Middle College concept, we invite you to visit the homepage for the Middle College National Consortium, of which AOC is a member, at http://www.mcnc.us/
Middle College High School is a term given to schools which are a hybrid between a high school and a community college. The first Middle College opened in 1974, and today, there are more than 30 of them across the nation. For more information about the Middle College concept, we invite you to visit the homepage for the Middle College National Consortium, of which AOC is a member, at http://www.mcnc.us/
Where do I have to live to attend AOC?
AOC students must live within the area served by the William S. Hart Union High School District.
How do I get into AOC?
We admit students once a year at the fall semester through an application and selection process. Go to our Admissions page for more information.
If I go to AOC, can I still take classes at my current high school?
No. Once you transfer to AOC, you are no longer a student at your old high school. As an AOC student, you cannot participate in the sports programs at your former school.
Is there a GPA requirement to apply?
We consider a variety of factors when evaluating our applicants, not just a GPA. We are looking for students who can handle the rigors of high school AND college while being successful in both environments. Motivated, mature, independent students who regularly attend school, turn in all their assignments, and earn good grades are a good fit. Most of our students have a GPA of 3.0 and higher.
If I go to AOC, can I still go to the Prom?
No. Once you transfer to AOC, you are no longer a student at your old high school. As an AOC student, you cannot participate in the sports programs at your former school.
Is there a GPA requirement to apply?
We consider a variety of factors when evaluating our applicants, not just a GPA. We are looking for students who can handle the rigors of high school AND college while being successful in both environments. Motivated, mature, independent students who regularly attend school, turn in all their assignments, and earn good grades are a good fit. Most of our students have a GPA of 3.0 and higher.
If I go to AOC, can I still go to the Prom?
Absolutely! In fact, AOC students can attend Prom at any of the high schools in the Hart District.
I am an English Language Learner, can I still apply?
Yes. We welcome EL students at our school. Students who have achieved a Level 3 or higher are most successful. Students with less than Level 3 may struggle with college classes. There are no "sheltered" classes at AOC.
Can I participate on the COC athletic teams?
No. Since AOC students are still enrolled in high school, state law prohibits them from taking more than 11 college units a semester. However, college athletics require that a student be enrolled in a minimum of 12 semester units to be on a college team.
What about theater, choir or other performance programs at COC? Can I participate in them as an AOC student?
Yes. All AOC students can participate in any fine arts or music performance programs at College of the Canyons.
Does AOC have any clubs on campus?
Yes. There are several very active clubs on our campus, including National Honor Society. In addition, we have several classes which operate as student organizations. They include Yearbook, ASB, and Non-Profit Ventures. AOC students can also partake in all of the clubs and organizations on the COC campus.
I am already a member of NHS at my current school, do I have to reapply when I go to AOC?
No. All you have to do is get a letter from your current NHS Advisor saying that you have left that Chapter in good standing, and bring that letter to Mrs. Rubay, the Advisor for the AOC Chapter of NHS.
What classes would I have to take at AOC?
The type and number of classes that a student takes on the high school campus depends on their grade level. Freshman are required to take English, Math, Biology, 9th Grade Seminar, Healthy and Human Geography. Sophomores usually take five classes at AOC, including English, Math, Modern Civilizations, Chemistry and Advisement. Juniors and Seniors take four classes each semester including English, Social Studies, Advisement and Elective classes. In addition to their high school classes, all our students are enrolled in college classes. More information about the AOC Educational Plan can be found on the AOC Counseling/High School Planning webpage and at our Course Offering section.
I am an English Language Learner, can I still apply?
Yes. We welcome EL students at our school. Students who have achieved a Level 3 or higher are most successful. Students with less than Level 3 may struggle with college classes. There are no "sheltered" classes at AOC.
Can I participate on the COC athletic teams?
No. Since AOC students are still enrolled in high school, state law prohibits them from taking more than 11 college units a semester. However, college athletics require that a student be enrolled in a minimum of 12 semester units to be on a college team.
What about theater, choir or other performance programs at COC? Can I participate in them as an AOC student?
Yes. All AOC students can participate in any fine arts or music performance programs at College of the Canyons.
Does AOC have any clubs on campus?
Yes. There are several very active clubs on our campus, including National Honor Society. In addition, we have several classes which operate as student organizations. They include Yearbook, ASB, and Non-Profit Ventures. AOC students can also partake in all of the clubs and organizations on the COC campus.
I am already a member of NHS at my current school, do I have to reapply when I go to AOC?
No. All you have to do is get a letter from your current NHS Advisor saying that you have left that Chapter in good standing, and bring that letter to Mrs. Rubay, the Advisor for the AOC Chapter of NHS.
What classes would I have to take at AOC?
The type and number of classes that a student takes on the high school campus depends on their grade level. Freshman are required to take English, Math, Biology, 9th Grade Seminar, Healthy and Human Geography. Sophomores usually take five classes at AOC, including English, Math, Modern Civilizations, Chemistry and Advisement. Juniors and Seniors take four classes each semester including English, Social Studies, Advisement and Elective classes. In addition to their high school classes, all our students are enrolled in college classes. More information about the AOC Educational Plan can be found on the AOC Counseling/High School Planning webpage and at our Course Offering section.
Do you have Advanced Placement classes?
No. AP classes are introductory college level classes taught by high school teachers on high school campuses. Instead of taking AP classes, AOC students take college classes at COC. AOC students earn weighted GPA credit on their high school transcripts for UC/CSU transferable college courses. College courses are also weighted on a freshman college application.
What is the Advisement Program?
Ninth Grade Seminar and Advisement are classes designed to support our students. Each grade level class teaches students how to navigate the college environment, develop college level study skills and habits, manage time and workload, as well as provide time to meet with classmates for group projects, study for their classes, get help from peer tutors, and meet with the counseling staff to manage their educational plans.
What kind of elective classes do you offer?