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College Credit

Students may earn college credit for select courses taken at Norwich Free Academy through our concurrent or dual enrollment partnerships with the University of Connecticut, Eastern Connecticut State University and Three Rivers Community College. Instructors are Academy teachers certified as adjunct professors by the colleges.

The Early College Experience program at UConn and the Dual Enrollment Program at ECSU provide academically motivated students opportunities to take university courses while still in high school. In these courses, students experience challenging college work, build their college readiness confidence and earn college credit, providing both an academic and financial head start on a college degree. These courses foster independent learning, creativity and critical thinking - all pivotal for success in college.

The UConn Office of Early College Programs (OECP) provides information on the likelihood of the transferability of UConn credit earned through UConn ECE while at NFA. To see the list of colleges and universities, click here.

The College Board’s Advanced Placement (AP) Program is an opportunity for students to pursue college-level study in high school. College admissions personnel view AP experiences as an indicator of college success. Participation in AP courses is, therefore, a great advantage to a student planning to attend a selective or highly selective college. Students enrolled in Advanced Placement courses register for the exam in the fall and prepare to take the respective AP exams in May. There is a fee for an Advanced Placement exam, and financial assistance is available.

ACP876 DRAWING 2 & COMPOSITION HONORS

Fine Arts students further develop observational drawing skills, enhance knowledge of basic drawing tools and techniques, and explore the conceptual ideas of image making by emphasizing concepts in composition and organization and creation of volumetric space. Students maintain required sketch-books for personal exploration and idea development. Studio fee, Prerequisite: ADR664 (full year – 1 credit) 10, 11 & 12.

UConn equivalent ART1030: Drawing 1 (3 Credits)

ADR865 DRAWING 3 (U)

Students further develop observational drawing skills, enhance knowledge of basic drawing tools and techniques, and explore the conceptual ideas of image making by emphasizing concepts in composition and organization and creation of volumetric space. Students maintain required sketch-books for personal exploration and idea development. Prerequisite: ADR661. Studio fee (full year – 1 credit) 11 & 12. UConn equivalent course: ART 1030: Drawing I (3 credits). 

ASA956 AP STUDIO ART (A)

Students seriously committed to studying visual art and developing a portfolio of individualized artwork for college preparation develop aesthetic understanding through studio projects that stimulate the imagination, encourage creative problem-solving, and refine skills. Students maintain a required sketchbook and submit a required portfolio to the College Board. Studio fee, Prerequisite: Successful completion of two or more advanced art electives, parental consent and teacher recommendation (full year – 1 credit) 12.

ASA966 AP STUDIO ART 3D

Students further develop observational drawing skills, enhance knowledge of basic drawing tools and techniques, and explore the conceptual ideas of image making by emphasizing concepts in composition and organization and creation of volumetric space. Students maintain required sketch-books for personal exploration and idea development. Prerequisite: ADR661. Studio fee (full year – 1 credit) 11 & 12. UConn equivalent course: ART 1030: Drawing I (3 credits)

EEN786 AP ENGLISH LANGUAGE & COMPOSITION (A)

Students study both British Literature and rhetoric at an advanced pace, breadth, and depth. Students demonstrate initiative, complete a great deal of individual work, and participate in demanding instruction. Students prepare to take the AP Language and Composition Examination. Prerequisite: Honors English 2 strongly recommended; exceptionally strong students may take the class with teacher recom-mendation (full year – 1 credit) 11.

EEN956 AP/UCONN ENGLISH LITERATURE (A,U)

UConn’s First-Year Writing courses introduce students to the work of college writing, which includes posing questions, developing sustained intellectual projects, and generating knowledge that invites engagement with wide and varied audiences. Students work on projects in which they select and define places where they might advance the class conversation across various media. Additionally, students study a variety of texts and are offered the opportunity to take the AP Literature and Composition Exam. Prerequisite: EEN785 or EEN786 (full year – 1 credit) 12.

UConn equivalent course:
ENGL 1007: Seminar in Writing Through Literature (4 credits)
ESP985 HONORS PUBLIC SPEAKING (E)

Students learn the fundamentals of speech communication. They listen to, deliver, discuss, write about and respond to informative, persuasive, interview and impromptu speeches. Speeches are videotaped and critiqued. Literature, grammar, vocabulary, reading, writing, and critical thinking are central to the course (full year – 1 credit) 12.

ECSU equivalent course COM230: Basic Speech (3 credits)

FIF705 INDIVIDUAL & FAMILY DEVELOPMENT (U)

Students study human development and family studies in depth in this college-level course. Students gain an understanding of individual and family development over the lifespan and explore the development of the individual that occurs in family systems over time. Forty hours of student field study is a UConn/ECE requirement. This class requires a summer assignment (full year – 1 credit) 11 & 12.

UConn equivalent course: Individual & Family Development (3 credits)

HEC905 HONORS ECONOMICS (E)

Students learn about microeconomics by studying the relationship among scarcity, opportunity, cost, and supply and demand, and individual consumer and firm behavior. Students learn about macroeconomics by studying the economy as a whole, and by examining unemployment, productivity, inflation, trade, and development (full year – 1 credit) 11 & 12.

ECSU equivalent course ECO100: Political Economy of Social Issues (3 credits)

HEC956 AP ECONOMICS (A,U)

Students learn about microeconomics by developing a thorough understanding of the economic principles that apply to consumers and producers within an economic system and of the nature of markets and the government’s role in the economy. Students learn about macroeconomics by studying the economic system as a whole including economic performance measures, the financial sector and international economics (full year – 1 credit) 12.

UConn equivalent course ECON1201: Principles of Microeconomics (3 credits) and ECON1202: Principles of Macroeconomics (3 credits)
HPS806 AP PSYCHOLOGY (A)

Students examine in depth the core concepts and theories of psychology to understand psychology as the study of the mind and human behavior. Students learn about important psychologists past and present, research methods, experiments and terminology, and students prepare for the AP Psychology examination (full year – 1 credit) 12.

HSO806 UCONN ECE SOCIOLOGY (U)

This course helps students understand the interconnection between society, groups and the individual. Students explore general themes, such as diversity, religion, culture, family, and various societal forces which intersect with one another to shape everyday lives. (full-year) 1 credit. Open to 11&12.

UConn course equivalent SOCI1001: Sociology (3 credits)

HUS806 UCONN UNITED STATES HISTORY (U)

Students develop the skills and factual knowledge to critically analyze events in U.S. history. Students prepare to meet the writing and research requirements of intermediate and advanced college courses. Students assess historical materials and weigh evidence and interpretations in historical scholarship. Students will complete major research projects, including participation in Connecticut History Day (full year –1 credit) 11 & 12.

UConn equivalent courses HIST1501: United States History to 1877 (3 credits) and HIST1502: United States History since 1877 (3 credits)
HWC806 AP EUROPEAN HISTORY (A,U)

*This course will be offered every other year. It will be next offered during the 2024-2025 school year.

Students examine European events and movements from the Renaissance to the present day to understand the forces and ideas that have shaped our culture. Because the study of history goes beyond content, students study topics in a variety of ways and approaches, including analysis of primary source documents, classroom discussions, simulations and historical writing tasks (full year - 1 credit) 11 & 12.

UConn equivalent course: HIST1400: Modern Western Traditions (3 credits).

HWT806 ANCIENT & MEDIEVAL WESTERN CIVILIZATION (U)

Students study the major developments of Western Civilization from ancient times through the early Renaissance (Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, Rome, Early Christianity, Crusades), and examine evidence surviving from the Ancient and Medieval Periods and the historian’s challenge to interpret these materials. Students develop research skills and participate in a project using Slater Museum’s collections (full year –1 credit) 11 & 12.

UConn course equivalent HIST 1300: Western Traditions before 1500 (3 credits)

LCH856 UCONN/CHINESE 4 (U)

Students focus upon intensive development and use of grammar and vocabulary, develop fluency in oral communication, reading and writing, and exploration and research of aspects of Chinese culture, history and literature. Prerequisite: Successful completion of LCH654 or permission of teacher (full year – 1 credit) 11 & 12.

UConn equivalent course CHIN 1114: Intermediate Chinese II (4 credits)

LCH956 AP CHINESE LANGUAGE & CULTURE (A)

Students further develop language proficiencies in listening, speaking, reading, and writing Chinese while learning about the culture. Students use and study materials and participate in activities adapted from authentic sources to support linguistic and cultural goals. Prerequisite: LCH856 and/or permission of teacher (full year – 1 credit) 11 & 12.

LLA956 UCONN/LATIN 4 (U)

Students expand their lexical and reading skills to understand, analyze, interpret, and enjoy the literature of late Roman Republic and early Empire. Students complete outside readings in English and Latin to develop analytical skills and a background in literary criticism. Prerequisite: LLA655 or equivalent (full year – 1 credit) 12.

UConn equivalent course CAMS3102: Topics in Advanced Latin (3 credits)

LSC956 AP/UCONN SPANISH LANGUAGE (A, U)

Students attain proficiency to understand, speak, read, and write Spanish at a college level and to develop and refine skills acquired over several years of study. Students focus upon mastery of language skills, rather than on the content of specific texts. Fee: Cost of textbook. Prerequisite: LSC855, LSL855 or equivalent (full year – 1 credit) 12.

UConn equivalent course SPAN3178: Intermediate Spanish Composition (3 credits)

MCA956 AP CALCULUS AB (A,E)

Students study topics of limits, derivatives, and integrals and their applications. Prerequisite: A- in MCA855 or B+ in MIC955 and current mathematics teacher’s approval (full year – 1 credit) 12.

MCC976 AP COMPUTER SCIENCE A (A)

In this class, comparable to a first-semester college-level class, students design, implement, and analyze programs and basic data structures, standard algorithms, and general computer systems knowledge with JAVA programming language. Prerequisite: Superior achievement in MCC551 and MCC875 and teacher recommendation. (Does not meet the mathematics graduation requirement.) (full year – 1 credit) 11 & 12.

MSA806 AP STATISTICS (A,E)

Students learn standard and nonparametric approaches to statistical analysis; exploratory data analysis, elementary probability, sampling distributions, estimation and hypothesis testing, one- and two-sample procedures, regression and correlation.  Fee: Cost of textbook. Prerequisite: B+ in MFS854 or B- in MCA855 and current mathematics teacher’s approval (full year – 1 credit) 11 & 12.

ECSU equivalent course: MAT 216: Statistical Data Analysis (3 credits)

SAY685 HONORS ASTRONOMY (E)

In this rigorous college-level course, students study the ever-changing universe while exploring galactic, stellar and planetary formation; investigate the relationships among math, physics, and astronomy; and study the history of astronomy.  Prerequisite: B or better in Honors Integrated Science and/or Recommendation from current science teacher (½ year –½ credit) 10, 11 & 12.

ECSU equivalent course AST214: Descriptive Astronomy w/Lab (4 credits)

SBY656 AP BIOLOGY (A)

In this rigorous and rewarding course, motivated, enthusiastic and interested students study all of the concepts and unifying themes in biology and meet the expectations of college freshmen in an introductory biology course. Students are expected to be self-motivated learners who complete assignments promptly, work independently, and think critically. Class attendance for lecture and laboratory is critical, and students work independently and think critically. Inquiry-based labs require cooperation with partners/groups. Prerequisite: Biology (full year – 1 credit) 11 & 12.

SCH876 UCONN CHEMISTRY (U)

Students study general chemistry in depth at the college level and perform required after-school lab work and tests. UConn supplies tests, labs, online homework, and book work. Students complete summer coursework. Prerequisite: B or higher in SCH485, SCH804, or SCH805 (full year – 1.25 credits) 11 & 12.

UConn equivalent course CHEM127Q: General Chemistry I (4 credits) and CHEM128Q General Chemistry  II (4 credits)
SES756 AP/UCONN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE (A,U)

Students investigate the Earth’s biotic and abiotic systems and how humans influence and depend upon them. With sustainability as a central theme, specific course topics include ecology, natural resources management, energy, pollution, human population dynamics, and climate change. Students have opportunities for field study (full year – 1 credit) 10, 11 & 12.

UConn equivalent course NRE1000: Environmental Science (3 credits)

SHB805 HONORS ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY (E)

In this rigorous college-level course, students engage in a more thorough study of the regions, structure, and function of the human body with an emphasis on tissue organization and organ systems. Students complete laboratory exercises involving microscopy of tissues, dissection of Felis domesticus, and investigations of contemporary scientific research. Students complete summer coursework (full year – 1 credit) 11 & 12.

ECSU equivalent course Bio 202/203: Human Biology, Lecture & Lab (4 credits)

SPY956 UCONN PHYSICS 1 (U)

Students study Newtonian mechanics, work, energy, heat, fluids, mechanical waves and sound in this algebra-based physics course. This course is UConn PHYS1201Q (first-semester course in college physics) presented over a full year. Prerequisite: B or higher in Algebra 2 strongly recommended (full year – 1 credit) 11 & 12.

UConn equivalent course PHYS1201Q: General Physics I (4 credits)

SPY976 AP UCONN PHYSICS 1 & 2 (U)

Students cover material equivalent to two semesters of algebra-based college physics. Students study Newtonian mechanics, energy, heat, fluids, waves, and sound in the fall semester. In the spring semester, students study electricity and magnetism, modern physics and optics. After-school lab work is required. Fee: Cost of the textbook. Prerequisite: B or higher in Algebra 2 strongly recommended (full year – 1.25 credits) 11 & 12.

UConn equivalent course PHYS1201Q: General Physics I (4 credits) and PHYS1202Q: General Physics II (4 credits)
VED601 ENGINEERING DESIGN 2 (T)

Students expand upon technical drawing concepts using AutoCAD for two-dimensional and 3D solid modeling applications. Students explore additional software tools used in the industry including Solidworks and Chief Architect. Students have the opportunity to earn college credit while engaging in real-life projects and develop teamwork, design and problem-solving skills. Strong foundations in algebra are highly recommended for success in this course Prerequisite VED201 (½ year – ½ credit) 9, 10, 11 & 12.

Three Rives Community College equivalent course:
CAD 1330 2D CAD-AutoCAD
VIM651 INTRO TO MANUFACTURING (T)

Students explore the changing high-tech, innovative nature of advanced manufacturing with emphasis upon manufacturing systems & processes, safety, materials, production and career paths. Students create everyday products and prototypes with CNC machines, 3D printers and a variety of materials (metals, woods, plastic). Students can earn college credit and entry into the  (YMPI) Youth Manufacturing Program Initiative (½ year – ½ credit) 11 & 12.

Three Rivers Community College equivalent course: MFG 1004 Manufacturing Processes
VMA854 ADVANCED MANUFACTURING (T)

Students accepted into the YMPI program will prepare for career opportunities in advanced manufacturing after high school.  Students learn the safe use of essential manufacturing tools and equipment.  Integrated throughout the class are opportunities for students to strengthen manufacturing mathematics, spatial reasoning, and workplace preparedness skills (resumes, interviewing, etc.) Students have the opportunity to gain OSHA 10 certification, 150 pre-apprenticeship hours, four college credits and interview with local employers. Prerequisite: VIM651 with C or higher, Additional  1/2 credit Tech Ed course, teacher/counselor approval (½ year - 1 credit).  Second semester, double channel, grade 12.

Three Rivers Community College equivalent courses: MFG1415 Safety in the Workplace (2 credits), EGR1120 Engineering Drawing Specs (3 credits), MFG1453 Benchwork (2 credits), MFG1405 Manufacturing Math (3 credits).