High School Global Studies and International Business Marketing Academy

Questions and Answers

About Academies

What is the purpose of an Academy?

o Fort Bend ISD High School Academies exist to provide specialized learning
communities with concentrated and robust course pathways comprised of
career and academic classes.
Why are Academies moving to different locations?
o Decisions were made based on building utilization pending the Board of
Trustees approval of boundary and feeder pattern recommendations at the
January 26, 2015 Board meeting.

Academy Application

How do you apply to an Academy?

o Current grade 8 students can apply for an Academy from January 28-February 5,
2015. The application information will be on the District website. If a student
applies to multiple academies, they must submit an application for each
Academy. Current grade 9 Academy students do not have to reapply to their
current Academy at the new campus location.
What are the criteria for acceptance into an Academy?
o Acceptance criteria includes an application process, review of student grades,
assessment data, and/or an entrance exam or interview/presentation.
Do you have to be identified as Gifted and Talented (GT) to enroll in an Academy?
o No, any student can apply for a high school Academy and will be considered if
they meet the criteria for acceptance.
How many students are accepted to an Academy?
o The number of students accepted to an Academy will depend on building
utilization (number of seats available).
Is there room availability/capacity at the new buildings for the new Academy
students?
o Yes, pending School Board approval of the recommended boundary and feeder
pattern plan, there will be room to accommodate the Academy students in the
new locations.
If a student is zoned to a campus with an Academy, will they automatically qualify if
they apply to the Academy?
o No, the student must apply to the Academy to determine acceptance.

Academy Student GPA/Class Rankings

Will FBISD have a separate grade point average (GPA) system for Academy and nonAcademy students?
o Currently, the District ranks academy and non-academy students who attend the
same campus together. However, FBISD continues to explore this issue with the
Texas Education Agency. Any change to the current ranking system will be
shared before students selected to attend academies are required to sign their
letters of commitment. We anticipate a decision before Spring Break.
In addition, the District has taken other measures during the last year to provide
better consistency in the GPA and class rank process. This includes changing the
manner in which the GPA is calculated. Beginning with next years ninth-graders,
GPA will be calculated on a 100 point system. For an explanation of the GPA
system, refer to Board Policy EIC-local.
In addition, the District has also implemented a GPA exempt course policy for
juniors and seniors to allow participation in special courses (athletics, fine arts,
JROTC), and standardized the weight of all courses, regardless of where they are
taken (academy vs. non-academy, campus to campus).
The Board of Trustees also approved a policy that limits the amount of credits
(two) earned through distance learning, and the time allowed to complete this
coursework.

Are Academy course grades weighted differently than non-Academy courses?

o No. All courses are weighted the same within each category, i.e. AP, pre-AP, and
dual credit. Board policy will be applied consistently District wide to ensure
integrity of every students GPA.

Academy Curriculum and Course Offerings

Do the Academy courses provide different curriculum?

o No, course curriculum is based on the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills
(TEKS) and the curriculum is the same for the course at any school. (Note: some
courses may not be offered at some schools). However, academies may offer
pathways that are unique to that particular program. With the implementation
of House Bill 5, pathway opportunities exist for all students on all campuses.

Do Academy courses award more credits for the course compared to the same course
in a non-Academy school?
o No, course credits will be the same.
Do Academy students have a separate group of more highly qualified teachers?
o No. Many teachers assignments include both academy and non-academy
courses. In addition, FBISDs expectation is that all teachers are certified and
meet the states criteria as Highly Qualified.
Can non-Academy students take the same courses offered for Academy students?
o Yes, in most cases. In response to HB5 regarding the endorsements and
pathways, most courses offered in an Academy will be offered at all schools.
However, there are some Junior and Senior level courses that may be exclusive
to an Academy student, such as the Capstone course or upper level math
courses including multi-variable calculus.
Can students transfer from their zoned campus to an Academy to take courses that
are not available at their campus?
o No, students will not be allowed to transfer. However, FBISD now has more
flexibility in offering more courses at every campus through a district approved
on-line provider.

Extra-Curricular Activities

Will current grade 9 students who will transfer to a new campus because the Academy
is moving be eligible to play a varsity level sport next year?
o Yes, if the student participates in the try-out and is selected he/she would be
eligible to participate on a varsity level. Note: incoming grade 9 students in an
Academy are not eligible to participate on a varsity level.
If a current grade 9 Academy student decides to return to their zoned campus, will
they be eligible to play varsity level sports next year?
o Yes, as long as the student is selected for the varsity level.
If a current grade 9 Academy student is currently on an athletic team, will they
automatically qualify for an athletic team at the new school next year?
o The student will have to try out and be selected for the team.
How will grade 9 Academy students transfer to new Fine Arts programs, ROTC, Cheer
Squads and Dance Squads?
o The staff at both schools will work together to ensure a smooth transition for the
student for all extracurricular activities. Specific details for cheer tryouts, athletic
tryouts, fine arts participation and club membership will be addressed at the
campus.