Planning for Success in High School

Advanced Placement (AP) classes are specially designated classes taken at the high school in which a student may test for college credit, through the Advanced Placement program, upon completion of the coursework.

The tests are given in May on National AP Test dates. It is to the student’s advantage to take as challenging a course load as can be successfully completed. Students should talk to their parents, school counselor, teachers and other students when selecting their classes.

Williamson County Schools (WCS) is committed to offering students a variety of educational options to complement the core curriculum. With nearly 40 different programs of study, our comprehensive College, Career and Technical (CCTE) program encourages students to take advantage of and explore their individual strengths and how those may align with a rewarding career.

CCTE courses combine a classroom experience with the relevancy of real world application. Classes consist of cutting edge equipment, internships, guest speakers, and business practicums, many of which are available to earn a college credit. The CCTE Programs of Study displays the 16 career clusters offered with specific programs, the sequence of courses, and which schools offer each program.

Work Based Learning

Required Documents: 

1. Application
2. PLP Application Pages
   These documents are required for all WBL students. (For Health Science students the documents may be completed after a student is accepted into a Nursing Education or Clinical Internship). 

Teacher WBL Recommendation Form

Supplemental Information: 

Work Based Learning information for Parents, Teachers & Employers
Work Based Learning information for Students

Students have an opportunity to gain credit for a previously failed course that was taught within a Williamson County School by completing a computer-based program called A+ Credit Recovery. Complete the Credit Recovery Application obtained from the guidance office and contact your child’s school counselor for eligibility information and to apply.

There is a cost of $50 per semester course ($100 for a whole year credit). If the Credit Recovery is not completed in the semester, then the student will have to re-register and pay another $50 per semester course. The fee applies to all students. There are no fee waivers for Credit Recovery. Students must register with their guidance counselor prior to beginning. Payment for credit recovery should be made in the form of cash or check, made payable to Nolensville High School, or paid via School Cash Online.  All payments are due at the time the forms are returned. Students may only take one class at a time.

Please see Williamson County School's Board Policy 4.6051 related to  Credit Requirements for Graduation.

Dual Enrollment provides the opportunity for 11th and 12th grade students to earn college credit while still attending high school. Please refer to Columbia State for details.

Other Important Information:

Dual enrollment students are eligible for a grant via the Dual Enrollment Grant Program. Please visit TN Student Assistance Corporation Dual Enrollment Grant for more information about applying for this grant.

*Note: Students must have been a Tennessee resident for one year prior to receipt of the grant. All participating students must maintain a 2.75 GPA in the Dual Enrollment class in order to retain eligibility for the grant. The grant is a “stand alone” program. Hours attempted and grades earned have no impact on the student’s TN HOPE eligibility.

Students taking any Dual Enrollment class should discuss, with a College/University Admissions Counselor, whether or not it will transfer to the College or University they plan to attend in the fall.

Please refer to Williamson County School's Board Policy: Report Cards and Grading Systems WCS Board Policy 4.600 for grading scales and how to calculate GPA for high school students.

Please see Williamson County School's Board Policy 4.605 related to Graduation Requirements.

The Tennessee Department of Education has recently announced the launch of the Industry 4.0 Diploma Distinction. The Industry 4.0 Diploma Distinction is available for students starting in the 2023-24 school year. This distinction was developed for high school students who are interested in pursuing a career in a high-need, high-skill industry after graduation. Students who earn the Industry 4.0 Diploma Distinction will be more prepared to seamlessly transition into the workforce. To Earn the Industry 4.0 Diploma Distinction, students must:

• Notify their counselor of their intent to pursue the distinction by the end of their sophomore year
• Register with a regional American Job Center or their school counselor
• Enroll in Work Based Learning or dual enrollment courses for their junior year
• Meet with their counselor and/or career coach who meets at least one per month beginning in their junior year
• Enroll in work-based learning or dual enrollment courses for their senior year

For more information, please contact your high school counselor before the end of your sophomore year.

PE Waiver Form is for students who have participated in one of the approved extracurricular activities that can be used as a substitute for taking a PE class.

According to State guidelines, students who voluntarily complete at least ten (10) hours of community service in each semester the student is enrolled at a public school will receive recognition at graduation (80 hours total for 4 years). WCS has chosen to recognize the Volunteerism Diploma with a designation in the graduation program.

• Students cannot be paid to do volunteer work
• Volunteer work cannot be done for a family member

If you have any questions regarding volunteer hours, please contact Barbara Driscoll in the NHS Counseling Office.