UMD SIGNATURE PROGRAMS
Special Fields of Study - Shaping the Future
In high school, CPA allows students to take themed coursework and independent study through CPA Signature Programs. CPA Signature Programs—modeled after UMD colleges (such as the College of Education)—are mini-majors that allow students to explore fields of study in anticipation of selecting a college major. Signature Programs give CPA high school students the chance to experience a taste of college courses so they better understand their future and can make more certain and educated decisions when selecting a major.
CPA Advanced Online Courses
are comprised of themed coursework and independent study, allowing students to discover what it’s like to learn in a college setting. All ninth-grade students choose a signature program and then take focused electives and advanced study courses in their particular field of study.
Signature Programs
CPA Signature Programs offer students more opportunities for college-level experiences and real-world connections such as:
- Learning from leaders and researchers in their chosen field of study by participating in university lectures and discussion groups
- Taking a variety of college course at UMD, Bowie State, and PGCC
- Collaborating with UMD students, attending field trips and hands-on experiences
- Completing collaborative projects with peers—
all under the direction of UMD and PGCC faculty
Program Options Include
Behavioral and Social Sciences
Public Health
Business
Education
Computer Science
Engineering
Our partnership with UMD provides students with an opportunity to build real-world connections.
For example, in the past CPA Architecture Signature Program had a Q & A with UMD architecture students. They also worked together with ROOTS Home & Abroad to research, design, and build a bench to place on College Park Academy campus. During this program with the UMD School of Architecture, our students learned architectural concepts and drafting designs. Working so closely with UMD allows them a glimpse into specialized college education.
The UMD College of Engineering is also very involved our Engineering Signature Program. One of the main courses is a face-to-face course called Engineer 4 Us All. This course was developed with assistance from professors at the Clarke School of Engineering at UMD. Students are eligible to earn college credit for the course at UMD and several other institutions. During the class, an engineering professor from UMD volunteers as an advisor and expert resource to help students as necessary. In addition to E4USA course, UMD undergrad students speak about their experience as engineering majors at. CPA students also have opportunities to visit some UMD engineering labs.
CPA high school students also participate in the College Board AP Capstone program and work toward and AP Capstone Diploma or an AP Seminar Research Certificate. AP Capstone works together with CPA Signature programs to equip students with skills in independent research, collaborative teamwork and communication.
There are five required credits to complete each Signature Program:
- three elective credits in the chosen program
- and two credits of the AP Capstone program—AP Seminar and AP Research
Following completion of the Signature Programs, students are eligible to receive up to three certificates on graduation: A CPA Signature Program Certificate, College Board AP Capstone Diploma, and College Board AP Capstone Diploma.
CPA Signature Programs offer students more opportunities for college-level experiences and real-world connections such as:
- Learning from leaders and researchers in their chosen field of study by participating in university lectures and discussion groups
- Taking a variety of college courses at UMD and other colleges
- Collaborating with UMD students, attending field trips and hands-on experiences
- Completing collaborative projects with peers—all under the direction of UMD and PGCC faculty
One of the main courses for the Engineering Signature Programs is a face-to-face course called
Engineer 4 Us All.
This course was developed with assistance from professors at the Clarke School of Engineering at UMD. Students are eligible to earn college credit for the course at UMD and several other institutions. During the class, an engineering professor from UMD volunteers as an advisor and expert resource to help students as necessary. In addition to the E4USA course, UMD undergraduate students speak about their experiences as engineering majors at. CPA students also have opportunities to visit some UMD engineering labs.
CPA high school students also participate in the College Board AP Capstone program and work toward and AP Capstone Diploma or an AP Seminar Research Certificate. AP Capstone works together with CPA Signature programs to equip students with skills in independent research, collaborative teamwork, and communication.
By the time College Park Academy students graduate, they can earn up to 60 college credits and have developed a mastery over core subjects as well as a well-rounded understanding of foreign language, art, music, and physical education. Students leave CPA with confidence in their abilities to succeed in college because they have completed a rigorous high school curriculum and are tapped into an extensive support network that will remain available throughout their college.
College Counseling
Our counselors work closely with students during their time at College Park Academy. We encourage students to take advantage of CPA counselors’ extensive knowledge about university programs and application processes by scheduling counseling sessions where they can discuss their interests, questions, and concerns regarding college in a one-on-one environment. Counselors keep students on track to graduate on time with good grades and prepare them for their next steps after graduation.
Students also receive support from UMD admissions officers. UMD admissions officers arrange question and answer sessions at CPA, field trips to UMD’s campus and specific programs, and meetings between CPA students and UMD students. For example, CPA students took a trip to the UMD broadcast studio, where students met UMD Journalism students visited classrooms and the studio and participated in a question-and-answer session about the program.
[Insert AP Capstone video here]
Foreign Languages
College Park Academy puts an emphasis on the study of foreign languages. We currently offer four languages: Spanish, German, French, and American Sign Language (ASL). In the past, we also offered Chinese and Japanese – and want to again in the future. In sixth grade, all students take face-to-face Spanish to develop a foundational understanding of foreign languages. Studies have shown that students who are exposed to foreign languages at a young age have an advantage when it comes to learning any subject. Language also comes quicker to young minds. Thus, at College Park Academy, we challenge our middle schoolers to begin their foreign language studies sooner in the hopes that they will develop a deeper understanding.
After their first year studying Spanish, middle school students can choose which language to learn in subsequent years. After sixth grade, foreign languages are taught virtually, which allows students to slow their lessons when grammar becomes more difficult, or rewatch instruction to ensure full digestion and understanding of units before moving to the next. Pacing instruction is important when learning foreign language because languages learned in layers and understanding each lesson is crucial to advancing to the next. Our virtual instructors also keep regular office hours so students can email them for assistance or schedule phone calls or online meetings to answer questions.
Encouraging our students to develop an interest in foreign language and culture provides them with a more robust and unique education, which will continue to benefit them in college and university and beyond.
Electives
College Park Academy provides students the opportunity to explore their interests and hobbies by choosing electives from an extensive list, including humanities, fine art, finance, business, test prep, medical studies, world languages, technology education and a variety of AP elective courses.
The range of courses offered at College Park Academy rivals even a typical university’s course selection. Because of CPA’s bricks-and-clicks structure, we can offer more classes than most high schools through our Pearson Connexus online platform. Students can also choose from an array of UMD or Prince George’s Community College for which they meet the prerequisites. We encourage our students to explore their passions outside of just the core subjects because we want them to discover their unique interests and skills. By delving into specialized topics at an early age, students begin to visualize themselves on a higher academic track to refined and focused studies.