High School AVID

AVID is a career and college readiness system designed to provide opportunities to increase the number of students who enroll and persist in four-year colleges and universities. High School AVID consists of the AVID elective class and school wide instructional initiatives for all students. The students in the AVID elective are students in the middle who have a desire to go to college and pursue post secondary opportunities through hard work and dedication. These students take rigorous courses that are preparing them for college and the AVID elective is an academic support to allow them to be successful. The school wide component creates a college and career going culture in the school for all students that encompasses high expectations and success for all.

The AVID Elective

The core component is the AVID Elective, which supports students as they tackle the most rigorous classes. For one period a day, AVID students learn: organizational and study skills, work on critical thinking and asking probing questions, get academic help from peers and college tutors, and participate in enrichment and motivational activities that make college or immediate entry into the workforce seem attainable. Furthermore, AVID students become academically successful leaders and role models for other students. In addition, most AVID students who participate for at least three years in the program are accepted to college, with roughly three quarters getting into four-year universities.

The AVID Student

• Demonstrate the potential, desire and determination to attend college
• Commit to enroll in academically rigorous courses (appropriate for the student)
• Fulfills the requirements set forth by the school’s AVID contract.

The AVID Parents, Guardians, and Caregivers

AVID parents, guardians, and other adult caregivers provide emotional, philosophical, and academic support to their children by showing interest in their schoolwork, providing them with a time and a place to study, and encouraging them to complete schoolwork regularly. AVID families also advise and assist their children in developing into responsible decision-makers. When possible, they attend AVID activities, meetings, and family workshops.

AVID is offered in several CMS schools. Please contact your school for more information about availability and how to enroll in the AVID program. *For more information about the AVID College Readiness System, please visit the AVID website at http://www.avid.org or contact the Advanced Studies Department at 980-343-2701.

High School Information

Students who graduate from Charlotte-Mecklenburg high schools should be prepared to be productive members of society and to pursue post-secondary educational or employment opportunities. A student must successfully complete all North Carolina and CMS graduation requirements to graduate from high school and receive a diploma.

Graduation requirements adopted by the North Carolina Board of Education are incorporated into the CMS graduation requirements set forth below.

The following information is based on Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education Policy (A-GRR) and Regulations (A-GRR/R). Parents and students are encouraged to read the 2023-2024 High School Planning Guide and contact their school counselor for more information on promotion and graduation requirements.

The High School Planning Guide is available online at High School Planning Guide 24-25.

High School Promotion Standards

Students must meet the following requirements to be promoted from one grade to another:

• 9th to 10th grade: Students must earn six (6) credits during the 9th grade. Credits may be earned in any course.
• 10th to 11th grade: Students must have earned a cumulative total of 12 credits (which must include English I, English II and Math I)
• 11th to 12th grade: Students must have earned a cumulative total of 18 credits

High school credits earned in middle school do not count toward credits that must be earned each year in order to be promoted to the next grade. However, credits earned in middle school do count toward the total number of credits necessary to satisfy graduation requirements.

Until students have satisfied graduation standards in English or Math, they must be scheduled to take at least one English and one Math course every year. Exceptions to this rule must be approved by the principal and Learning Community Superintendent.

Students should be promoted only at the end of first or second semester, upon completing the requisite courses and credits to be reclassified to the next grade level.

Detailed promotion rules are set forth in Regulation IKE-R, “Promotion, Retention and Acceleration of Students.”

Graduation Requirements

Awarding of Credits For Graduation

Grading Scale 

Effective 2015-2016, all CMS middle and high schools will use a 10-point grading scale. 

A: 100-90
B: 89-80
C: 79-70
D: 69-60
F: Below 60
Note: Pluses (+) and minuses (-) will not be used. 

Effective with Class of 2021 (beginning with students entering 9th grade in 2017) 

Adopted: 8/28/12 Last Revised: 10/26/21 

Health & Physical 1 Credit 1 Credit Education 

TOTALS 24 Credits (See Note 7) 24 Credits 

Notes 

1. To meet minimum admission requirements for the UNC University System, a student must: a) complete a specific math sequence of at least NC Math 1, NC Math 2, NC Math 3, and at least one 4th level math course (AP Pre-Calculus, Math 4, Discrete Math for Computer Science, AP Statistics, and/or AP Calculus); and b) meet the World Language requirements specific to each university.

2. A student participating in the Alternate Math Sequence is not eligible to graduate ahead of his/her class. Exceptions to this rule must be approved by the learning community superintendent.

3. Course titles of Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II have changed to NC Math 1, NC Math 2 and NC Math 3.

4. The course title of Civics and Economics has changed to "American History, The Founding Principles, Civics and Economics."

5. The additional social studies credit must be in a social studies course approved under the NC Essential Standards for Social Studies.

6. Students must earn four elective credits constituting a concentration in CTE, JROTC, Arts Education, World Languages or any other subject area in order to be named a North CarolinaAcademic Scholar. See Regulation IHCC-R for details.

7. Additional graduation requirements: CPR certification. CPR certification is required beginning with students entering the 9 grade in 2011.

8. Students following the Occupational Course of Study and entering 9th grade in the 2012-2013 or 2013-2014 school year must also complete 300 School-Based Training hours, 240 Community-Based Training hours, and 360 Paid Employment Hours. Students entering 9th grade in the 2014-2015 or later school years must complete 150 School Based-Training hours, 225 Community-Based Training hours, and 225 Paid Employment Hours.

CREDIT RECOVERY vs. GRADE SUPPRESSION/REPLACEMENT 

Descriptions 

Credit Recovery 

• A shortened version of a failed course (Grade 59 or below) to recover credit only.

• Recovered course is taken for a Pass/Fail (P/F) grade only and not factored into the student’s GPA.

• Recovered course grade does not replace the failed course grade.

• Recovered courses will not be accepted by the NCAA Division I or II core standards.

• Recovered courses may be re-evaluated for admissions by colleges/universities.

• Students cannot complete credit recovery for AP, Cambridge, or IB courses.

Grade Suppression/Replacement 

• Repeats an entire course that has been failed.

• The initial course must have been taken in Fall 2015 or after.

• The repeated course grade shall replace the previous course grade.

• Credit toward graduation is only earned once, regardless of the number of times the course is repeated.

• If the course has an associated EOC / NCFE / CTE post-assessment, the higher of the two exam grades will be used in the calculation of the final grade.

• If the repeated course is failed, both courses, each with the grade of F, remain on the transcript and are calculated in the grade point average (GPA).

Which Option is Best for You? 

Credit Recovery – If the following applies, Credit Recovery is recommended: 

• Student needs course credit to be promoted to the next grade level.

• If the failed course is the prerequisite for a course that fulfills a graduation requirement.

• Student needs a passing course grade (P) for CMS Athletic Eligibility and / or a Driver Education Eligibility Certificate in the preceding semester.

Grade Suppression/Replacement – If the following applies, Grade Suppression/Replacement is recommended: 

• Student would like to replace a failed course grade on their high school transcript.

• Student would like to improve their cumulative GPA.

• Student needs an improved GPA for CMS Athletic Eligibility.

• Student is considering participation in NCAA Division I or II sports .

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
Acknowledgement of Credit Recovery Implications

Upon failure of a course, a student in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools may elect to retake the course for new credit or to demonstrate mastery and earn credit through credit recovery. A student who elects to retake a class for new credit will have the original, failing grade removed (suppressed) from his/her transcript. The decision to participate in credit recovery or grade suppression is to be documented on the required “Acknowledgement of Grade Suppression/Replacement Options” form . A copy of this required form should be maintained at the school.

Excerpt from CMS Regulation IKF-R: 

Repeating Failed Courses; Grade Replacement for Previously Failed Courses

Other than the exceptions described above*, a student is permitted to repeat a course for credit only when he/she has failed the course. Upon successful completion of a repeated course that the student previously failed, the new course grade shall replace the previous grade of F awarded for the course.

A student repeating a course for credit must take an associated End of Course assessment for the course. An exception to this rule applies for a student who has already scored at a Level 3, 4, or 5 on the associated EOC assessment. The student may elect to either retake the EOC or use the previous passing EOC as at least 20% of their final grade for the required course. If the student retakes the EOC, the higher of the two scores will be used in the calculation of the final grade.

 
*Please see the full regulation for exceptions to this policy.

CONSIDERATIONS

For courses taken as credit recovery (either through summer school or during the school year): 

• Content is mastery-based and may take less time than retaking the entire course, allowing a student to take more than one class if necessary, or avoid rearranging other classes in his/her schedule.

• Student earns a P or an F in the course, and the credit recovery grade will not impact the GPA.

• The initial failing grade remains on the transcript, but the student earns credit needed for graduation.

• “Acknowledgement of Grade Suppression/Replacement Options” form must be signed by a parent, indicating that they are choosing credit recovery over the opportunity to suppress a failing grade.

• For Student-Athletes: In the NCAA Eligibility Center transcript review process, credit recovery is not an acceptable means of earning course credit.

For courses taken with the intention of utilizing grade suppression by retaking a course for credit:

• The initial course must have been taken in Fall 2015 or after.

• A Student may only retake a class for grade suppression if they earn a failing grade (below 60) in the course. Courses for which credit has been earned MAY NOT be repeated.

• The entire course must be repeated, and the repeated course grade will replace the previous course grade.

• If the repeated course is passed, only the passing grade will be factored into the GPA.

• If the repeated course is failed, both courses – each with a failing grade – remain on the transcript and are calculated into GPA.

• If the course has an associated EOC/NCFE/CTE post-assessment, the higher of the two exam grades will be used in the calculation of the final grade.

• Depending on the course, a student’s schedule may be changed and it may affect their ability to access electives or other core classes

Student name: ________________________________ Student ID ______________ Grade: _______ Course initially taken: ________________________________________ Course number: _________ Semester & year course was taken: ________________________ Final course grade: _________ Method of credit recovery to be used: _________ Semester/year recovery being completed: ____________ 

Statement of Understanding:

After reading the above CMS regulation and considerations for grade suppression and credit recovery, we have decided to DECLINE the option to retake the previously failed course for a new grade. 

We elect to earn credit through a credit recovery process and understand that both the initial failing grade and the newly earned Pass/Fail grade will remain on the transcript. 

Parent Signature: ______________________________________________________ Date: ________________________ 

Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) 9, 10, 11, 12  

AVID is a college readiness system designed to close the opportunity gap by preparing all students for college readiness and success in a global society. AVID is implemented in elementary, middle, and high schools across CMS.

At the secondary level, the AVID elective is part of the AVID College Readiness System. In the AVID elective, students learn organizational and study skills, and work on critical thinking skills to enable them to be successful in rigorous, higher level courses. Students enrolled in the AVID elective must also enroll in at least one of their school’s most rigorous academic classes, such as Honors, Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, Cambridge, Dual Enrollment, or CTE.

The AVID elective curriculum, based on rigorous standards, focuses on engaging students and scaffolding instruction using WICOR - Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization, and Reading. These skills prepare students for success in college and their future career.

AVID is offered in several CMS schools. Please contact your school for more information about availability and how to enroll in the AVID elective.

*For more information about the AVID elective curriculum and AVID College Readiness System, please visit http://www.avid.org or contact the Advanced Studies Department at 980-343-2701.

Educational Options for High School Dropouts 

Adult High School or GED at Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) 

Students who drop out below the age of 18 must be out of school for a minimum of three (3)months before entering the Adult High School Diploma or GED program at Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC). The form titled Parent/Guardian Petition for Release of a Minor Applicant from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools to an Alternative Education Program for High School Equivalency or Adult High School is required for enrollment in either program and may be obtained from the CMS high school from which the student is withdrawing. If you are 16 or 17 years of age, you can take the exam, but you must obtain special approval. Contact the Program Developer for CCR Advising and Assessment at jonathan.klish@cpcc.edu, or 704-330-2722 ext. 3262. The telephone number for information concerning the Adult High School Diploma program and CPCC GED program is 704- 330-6129.

If you are 16-18 years old and interested in a free residential program for a GED, high school diploma, and/or credit recovery pathway, call Tarheel Challenge at 844-880-5206 (Toll Free) (http://nc-tcachallenge.org).

• Program is run by the National Guard for 16-18 year olds

• Residential program is five months

• Located near Clinton and New London, NC

• GED, high school diploma, and/or credit recovery pathway studies offered 

• Cannot have a felony conviction 

If you are 18-21 years of age and desire a GED and employment training, contact the Urban League at (704) 373-2256. The program is free to Mecklenburg County residents. Non-violent ex-offenders will be considered for admission to the program. The program seeks to provide an educational and training bridge to help students to prepare for the workforce. 

If you are 16-24 years old and interested in a residential program for either the GED or adult diploma, call Job Corps at (704) 371-6997. 

• GED or high school diploma along with job training 

• Cannot be on probation or have a pending court date

• Must meet the Job Corps qualifications

• Located at 1811 Sardis Road North, Suite 201 

If you have dropped out of school and need further assistance, please call the high school counselor chairperson at the last school you attended. 

Student Vehicle Parking 

Policy S-CAR states that students in grades 10, 11 and 12 are allowed to drive motor vehicles to school under regulations approved by the superintendent. The use of motor vehicles by students on school property is a privilege, which may be limited or revoked by the principal of the school. Students must agree to the following conditions: 

• The student agrees to obey all state and local laws governing the operation of motor vehicles and all duly established rules and regulations concerning operation and parking of motor vehicles on school grounds.

• The student agrees that he or she will not bring onto the school grounds nor keep in his or her vehicle while it is on school grounds any guns, explosives, tasers, stun guns or other weapons. The student further agrees that he or she will not bring onto the school grounds any alcohol or other drug not prescribed by a physician nor any other contraband. It is a violation of Rule 29 of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Code of Student Conduct to possess any guns, rifles, knives, metal knuckles, razors/cutters, mace, pepper gas, explosives, martial arts weapons or any blunt or sharp-pointed instrument that may be capable of inflicting bodily injury (to include using or threatening to use to inflict injury).

• The student and parent/guardian understand that any violation of the conditions set forth in this authorization may result in the termination of this parking privilege and may also result in appropriate disciplinary action by school authorities or legal action in court.

• The student and parent/guardian hereby acknowledge their understanding that it may become necessary for school authorities to open, enter and search the vehicle and its contents and to remove any unauthorized articles described above or any other articles which may endanger the health, welfare or safety of students or school personnel. Any such article(s) may be retained and used as evidence in disciplinary proceedings by school authorities or delivered to appropriate law enforcement officials in sole discretion of the school authorities.

Students may request parking permits from their school. Student vehicles must be registered through the school’s parking process. Please contact the school for specific parking information. 

CMS provides Driver Education to all eligible students in Mecklenburg County. The program is offered after school, during school vacations and during the summer at several locations. All CMS high schools have a Driver Education site coordinator that assists in the coordination of the program. CMS currently contracts licensed commercial driving schools to administer the program. To be eligible, a student must: 

• Be at least 14-1/2 years old (by class starting date) 

• Be actively enrolled in public, private, charter or licensed home school in Mecklenburg County 

• Comply with the CMS Code of Student Conduct 

Proficiency tests are offered to students who are at least 16 years of age or have transferred from another state and possess a valid learner’s permit. Any eligible student may enroll in the classroom phase; however, the Division of Motor Vehicles will determine which students will be allowed to take behind-the-wheel training. Students removed from the program for disciplinary reasons or who drop out for any reason will have to make arrangements to finish their training privately through another source at their expense.

Additional information: 

For additional information on the Driver Education program, please contact your student’s school or visit https://bit.ly/2RDuXLv. 

Driver’s License Guidelines 

Once students have completed driver education and desires a learner’s permit, they must take the necessary documents to the NC DMV (listed on the Driver Education Completion Certificate) and complete the NC licensing requirements.

Driving Eligibility Certificate 

One of the documents required by the NC DMV is the Driving Eligibility Certificate (DEC). This is a printed document that is issued by the school principal or the principal’s designee. The DEC certifies that the student has demonstrated adequate academic progress toward graduation in school and is not in violation of NCGS 2011(n1) listed below.

Students affected by the Driving Eligibility Legislation 

Under NCGS 20-11(n1), this legislation is directed to all North Carolina students under the age of 18 who are eligible for a driving permit or license. This includes public school, federal school, home school, private school and community college students.

Students not affected by this legislation 

Students who have attained a high school diploma, a GED or an adult high school diploma as issued by a community college are not affected by this legislation. In addition, students who received a driving permit or license prior to the Graduated Driver’s License program (before 12/1/97) are not affected.

Requirements for a Driving Eligibility Certificate (Students Under the Age of 18) 

The DEC will be issued only if the student: 

1. Has demonstrated adequate academic progress in the previous semester; is currently enrolled in school and making progress toward obtaining a high school diploma or its equivalent or has passing grades in 70 percent or more of his/her classes. Adequate academic progress will be evaluated at the end of the first semester and at the end of the school year.

2. Has not dropped out of school.

3. Is enrolled and in good standing with his/her school and not in violation of NCGS 20-11(N1) legislation listed below.

4. The DEC is only good for thirty (30) days. Students must be 15 years of age to receive this certificate.

Student Ineligibility 

Students not making adequate progress or who have dropped out of school are not eligible to receive a DEC. 

Under N.C.G.S. §20-11(n1), some students are ineligible to receive a DEC. Students expelled, suspended or placed in an alternative educational setting for more than 10 consecutive days for possessing or selling alcohol, illegal or controlled substances on school property; bringing, possessing or using a weapon or firearm on school property, pursuant to NCGS §115C-391(d1); or assaulting any school personnel on school property are ineligible. 

Note: A student’s learner’s permit/license will be revoked if the student does not maintain adequate progress, drops out or violates N.C.G.S. §20-11(n1). 

Hardship Rules 

Principals and/or DEC representatives are able to issue DECs to students based on hardship. Students must have already been issued a driver’s permit/license in order to request a hardship. Cases of hardship must reflect specific circumstances that are beyond the control of the student, his or her parents or the school. In all cases of hardship, documented proof must be submitted. 

Student Eligibility for Hardship 

1. Students who have already received a permit/license. 

2. Students who cannot make progress toward obtaining a high school diploma or its equivalent. 

3. A substantial hardship would be placed on the person or his/her family if the student’s license was revoked for non- compliance with this legislation. Cases of hardship must reflect specific circumstances that are beyond the control of the student, his or her parents or the school. In all cases of hardship, document proof must be submitted. The specific hardship circumstances are divided into three categories and are listed below under “Hardship Guidelines.” 

Hardship Guidelines 

1. Medical Considerations 

   1. Student-documented proof must be submitted to the school from a doctor (on letterhead) citing reasons why the student missed school, dates of illness, etc. 

   2. Parent-documented proof must be submitted to the school as to the parent’s medical illness or impairment. Evidence must demonstrate the absolute necessity of the student to have a driver’s license. 

2. Work-related Considerations 

   1. Student must demonstrate that he/she requires transportation to/from a job that is necessary to the family’s financial welfare and is unable by any other means to do so. 

   2. There should be documented proof that the student is working and that the student’s earnings go directly to support the basic needs of the family. In addition, there must be proof that the student is unable by any other means to get to and from work. 

3. Exceptional Children Considerations 

   1. A DEC can be issued to a student when it has been determined that the student is unable to make progress toward obtaining a diploma/ certificate. This ruling is not intended to apply to exceptional students who have the ability to obtain a high school diploma. 

   2. Input from the IEP committee and other sources should help guide in the decision. 

Notice Under the Family Education Right to Privacy Act (FERPA) 

The current DEC requires parents, guardians or emancipated juveniles to provide their written irrevocable consent for a school to disclose to the Division of Motor Vehicles when a student no longer meets the conditions under N.C.G.S. §20-11. 

A Driving Eligibility Certificate cannot be issued without the parent’s written consent. 

Student Locker Assignment 

Students and parents are required to read the following information and sign the student locker assignment form in the Student Forms booklet. 

Schools will collect locker fees not to exceed $2. Students should understand that the locker is the property of the school and is assigned to the student only upon the student’s agreement to the following terms and conditions: 

• The student is responsible for all property placed in the locker. The locker shall be used only for storage of such property as is reasonably necessary for the student’s school activities such as school books, school projects, gym clothes, etc. 

• No guns, explosives, tasers, stun guns or any other weapons are permitted to be stored in the locker nor to be brought onto the school grounds. No alcoholic beverage or any other drug not prescribed by a physician nor any other contraband is permitted to be stored in the locker and is not permitted on the school grounds. It is a violation of Rule 29 of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Code of Student Conduct to possess any guns, rifles, knives, metal knuckles, razors/ cutters, mace, pepper gas, explosives, martial arts weapons or any blunt or sharp-pointed instrument that may be capable of inflicting bodily injury (to include using or threatening to use to inflict injury).

• In consideration for the school’s assignment of a school locker to the student, the student and parent/guardian grant permission to school authorities to open and search the assigned locker and its contents at any time and to remove unauthorized articles described above or any other items which may endanger the health, welfare or safety of students or school personnel.

• The student will leave with the principal of the school the combination of the assigned locker or a key which will open the locker before the assignment of the locker becomes effective. If the student changes the lock, it must be with the permission of the principal at which time the student will list the new combination of the locker with the principal or leave a new key with the principal. In the event the student fails to leave the correct combination or key with the principal, then this default shall constitute permission for the principal or his/her authorized agent to break the lock, open the locker and remove its contents for safekeeping. Any violation of the rules regarding locker assignment will result in the termination of this locker privilege.

Sports Offerings 

Fall

Football
JV Football
Men’s Cross Country
Women’s Cross Country
Men’s Soccer
Men’s JV Soccer
Women’s Golf
Women’s Tennis
Women’s Volleyball
Women’s JV Volleyball
Cheerleading
JV Cheerleading

Winter

Men’s Basketball
Men’s JV Basketball
Women’s Basketball
Women’s JV Basketball
Swimming/Diving
Wrestling
Indoor Track
Cheerleading
JV Cheerleading

Spring

Baseball
JV Baseball
Women’s Soccer
Women’s JV Soccer
Women’s Softball
Women’s JV Softball
Men’s Tennis
Men’s Golf
Men’s Track
Women’s Track

High School Athletics (Grades 9-12) 

The vision of CMS Athletics is to ensure all student-athletes become responsible citizens and demonstrate a spirit of generosity, sportsmanship and teamwork as effective participants in the arena of society. 

Responsibilities of Parents and Student-Athletes 

• Must adhere to all North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) and CMS athletic eligibility regulations 

• Must complete and sign all NCHSAA and CMS required athletic eligibility participation forms 

• Must provide proof of medical or accident insurance 

• Must pay the participation fee or meet waiver criteria prior to the first 

• contests in each sport season 

• Student-athlete must pass a health screening once every 395 days by a duly licensed physician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant 

• Student-athletes and parents must sign the Student-Parent Honor Code 

• Must attend a required preseason meeting at the school prior to the 

• sport season (fall, winter and /or spring) 

• Student-athletes and parents must sign the concussion form 

• Must not accept prizes, merchandise, money or any item that can be exchanged for money as a result of athletic participation 

• May not, as an individual or as a team, practice during the school day or on a Sunday 

• May only attend summer camps to which the athlete or his/her parents pay the fees 

Athletic Eligibility Requirements 

Only students in grades 7-12 may participate in interscholastic athletic competition (North Carolina Board of Education Regulation). In order to qualify for public school athletic or extra-curricular participation, a student must (at a minimum) meet the eligibility requirements outlined in this section. Please note that additional requirements may apply. 

Requirements for Participations (Grades 9-12) 

9th Grade 
A student who is promoted from the eighth grade to the ninth grade automatically meets the academic requirements for the first semester. To maintain eligibility, the student: 

• Must meet local promotion standards 

• Must have earned a 2.0 GPA from previous semester (beginning second semester) 

• Must have passed a **minimum load of work during the previous semester (beginning second semester) 

• Must be currently enrolled in at least one-half of the minimum academic course load 

• Must be in attendance at school for at least one-half of the instructional day 

• Shall not participate if he/she becomes 19 years of age on or before August 31 of said school year 

10th–12th Grades 

• Students in grade 10-12: 

• Must meet local promotion standards 

• Must have earned a *2.0 GPA from previous semester 

• Must have passed a minimum load of work during the previous semester* ƒ Must be currently enrolled in at least one-half of the minimum academic course load 

• Must be in attendance at school for at least one-half of the instructional day 

• Shall not participate if he/she becomes 19 years of age on or before August 31 of said school year 

*High School: For athletic eligibility purposes, a minimum load is defined as passing a minimum of three out of four courses on a 4 x 4 format (or six out of eight courses in the A/B format) of block scheduling during the traditional school day. 

Exceptional Children 

• The 2.0 eligibility rule will be waived if (1) IEP goals are being met; (2) satisfactory progress is being made in mainstream classes and (3) has the principal’s recommendation. 

Extended Year 

• A student interested in participating in athletics should speak with the school counselor AND school athletic director prior to enrolling in a credit recovery or summer school class.

• Student-athletes who take classes in the summer to make up credits should be aware that they will not earn letter grades in credit recovery courses. These courses are graded “pass/fail.” This means that credit recovery courses do not affect a student’s GPA positively or negatively: a “P” in a credit recovery course will not help to improve a 2nd semester GPA that is below a 2.0. Credits are awarded for passing these courses. So a credit earned in a credit recovery course will count towards the NC High School Athletic Association’s minimum course pass count requirement and towards local promotion credit requirements.

• Grades (letter/numeric) received in summer school that are repeated for failed year courses may be substituted for 2nd semester grades when computing the athletic grade point average (GPA) and the NCHSAA minimum load of work eligibility requirements for fall semester.

Athletic Participation 

• Students must be enrolled at the school to which they are properly assigned under CMS student assignment rules.

• Student-athletes establish a “sports school” at which they are eligible to participate in interscholastic athletics. The sports school for new students and 9th graders is the school in which the student is enrolled on the official first day of school.

• For other students, the sports school will usually be either the school attended the previous 365 days or the student’s home school. There are exceptions to this general rule. Contact the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Athletics Department for detailed information at (980) 343- 6980. 

• A student-athlete who changes schools after establishing a sports school, unless the new school is the student’s home school, is ineligible for 365 days. (A “home school” is the school that serves the area where the student lives.)

• A student-athlete is prohibited from playing the same sport at two schools during the same sports season, even if the second school is the student’s home school.

• No student may be eligible to participate at the high school level for a period lasting longer than eight (8) consecutive semesters, beginning with the student’s entry into the ninth grade or participation on a high school team, whichever occurs first. For students who skip the ninth grade and advance directly to the 10th from the eighth, the year prior to entering the 10th grade is considered the first year of entry into ninth grade for athletics. The principal shall have evidence of the date of each player’s entry into ninth grade. The North Carolina cumulative record is sufficient.

Note: Senior student-athletes not enrolled in a full load during a semester must meet minimum load requirements to be eligible to participate in athletics the following semester. (A student-athlete must be enrolled in and pass the minimum load requirement from fall semester to be eligible to compete in a winter and/or spring sport.) 

CMS has two (2) methods of anonymous communication for individuals to report suspected violations of athletic eligibility requirements: 

1. playfair@cms.k12.nc.us 

2. (980) 343-1098 

For more information about athletic-eligibility rules and the consequences for violations: wearecms.com 

Additional Information 

Athletic information included in this Parent-Student Handbook is provided as a resource. Specific questions or clarifications of athletic information and/or eligibility should be addressed to the school’s athletic director. For additional information, visit the CMS Department of Athletics website at www.cmsathleticzone.com  or call (980) 343-6980.