On November 14, Dexter High School will hold their annual Curriculum Night, where families can learn more about the different curriculum options available to all Dexter students. At this event, DHS administrators will drill down into the details of each program. As a preview, we present a brief description of each pathway.
Traditional High School
Beyond building a strong foundation in the basics, DHS students have the opportunity to explore a variety of interests through our wide range of elective classes.
Perform live music with our award-winning Band, Orchestra, and Choir programs.
Create jewelry and beautiful photographs in Art.
Delve deep into Humanities in this two-hour block class.
Travel the world and host a student from across the ocean through our French exchange program.
Design and furnish a virtual house in Interior Design.
Explore careers in science in Zoology or Forensics.
Advanced Placement
Both AP and IB (see IB DIploma below) classes are part of a designation some college applications call "Most Demanding Program." Typically, college applications ask guidance counselors to indicate whether a student's academic program is "Most Demanding," "Very Demanding, "Somewhat Demanding," etc. when compared with what else is offered at the school.
DHS counselors are often asked whether they recommend AP or IB courses, but it really comes down to what the individual student needs and/or wants. If earning the "Most Demanding" designation is important to you, please check with your high school counselor to make sure that your course selection meets the criteria. AP and IB presentation
Alt-Ed (Dexter Alternative School)
The Dexter Alternative School is an invitation-only program designed to help high school students who, for various reasons, would benefit from an alternative high school experience. By personalizing their curriculum using proven intervention strategies and employing innovative teaching techniques, this program enables students to stay on track to graduate and work toward their own personal goals. Students are highly supervised, but allowed to learn at their own pace. They are neither held back nor left behind: they are in the driver's seat, with caring and skilled instructors by their sides.
Career & Technical Education (SWWC)
The South & West Washtenaw Consortium (SWWC) provides Career and Technical Education (CTE) to Chelsea, Dexter, Lincoln, Manchester, Milan, and Saline school districts. Open primarily to 11th and 12th grade students, all CTE courses are designed to equip students with entry level skills needed to gain employment, as well as prepare them for post-secondary training and education. Many courses offer certifications that will enable the student to enter the job market at an elevated pay scale. Some CTE classes offer advanced placement college credit and matriculate with local community colleges.
Interested students must complete an application form that is available from the counselor or any career and technical education instructor. SWWC websiteCTE Course Descriptions
Dexter Early Middle College
Dexter Early Middle College (DEMC) is designed to allow a student to earn a DHS diploma and either an associate's degree, up to sixty transferable college credits, or a completed Washtenaw Community College Certificate. Teachers, counselors, and administrators identify students who are good candidates for this program and invite them to informational meetings their sophomore year.
DEMC provides support to ensure high school students thrive, including tutoring, counseling and guidance from a district coach and DEMC teachers. There is no cost to students or their families to become a DEMC student. Tuition, fees, and textbook costs are paid for by DEMC. DEMC & Dual Enrollment Presentation 2022-2023
Dual Enrollment
Dual enrollment is an opportunity for high school students to take classes at both DHS and a postsecondary institution at the same time with assistance for tuition and fees. Students in grades 9 through 12 who meet the qualifications with test scores can dual enroll in up to ten postsecondary courses over their high school career. Students who are interested in Dual Enrollment should meet with their counselor. DEMC & Dual Enrollment Presentation 2022-2023
Early College Alliance
The Early College Alliance (ECA) is a unique educational program designed to fully immerse high school-aged students into the post-secondary learning environment. ECA is a public, early/middle college program located on the campus of Eastern Michigan University.
The ECA program provides an opportunity to earn college credits while still in high school. It offers strong, academically focused students a chance to enroll in advanced, college-level coursework. It also provides an alternative for students who may not feel connected to their school. Interested students should meet with their counselor.
IB Diploma
The International Baccalaureate® (IB) Programme is an international, non-profit educational foundation founded in 1968. There are currently 834 schools in the United States with IB diploma programs (only 30 in Michigan), and the credential is recognized in 75 countries at more than 2000 universities and colleges. The IB Diploma Programme is an academically rigorous two-year course for students ages 16-19 years. The curriculum includes six rigorous two-year courses, a 4,000 word Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge course, and the CAS project: Creativity, Action, and Service, which gives students hands-on experience planning and executing service programs that integrate what they've learned in their IB studies.
Virtual Learning
Virtual Learning at DHS is not an academic path itself, but a means to supplement other programs when appropriate. Students may access virtual learning for the following reasons:
Scheduling conflict
DHS does not offer courses in-person (language/electives)
Student choice, according to section 21f if students qualify
