English Department

Placement Guidleines

Core English courses are divided into three divisions/tracks: CP1 (college prep), CP2 (compensatory college prep) and Honors. Most students are enrolled in CP1 English. Admittance into the Honors and CP2 tracks is determined by English placement teams (a committee of teachers and staff from the appropriate track), whose purpose is to help students register with the program most suitable to their aptitudes toward achieving

Program placement is determined initially during the enrollment process prior to freshman year, and contingent on a combination of enrolment tests, middle-school grades, middle-school teacher recommendations, writing samples, and the students’ preference. Historically, most students will remain in the same track all four years. However, each year, the Moeller English placement teams monitor course results and confirm that students are in the best track as reflective of their individual abilities and course results.

At the end of each year, individual teachers and/or the placement team will often recommend students change tracks. Students, also, are invited to propose to change tracks with the approval/recommendation of their current teacher.

Honors Students: There are limited spots in Honors classes, and all students who wish to enroll, are not guaranteed a spot in the program. Also, being in Honors the proceeding year, while significant, does not guarantee a spot the following year as several CP1 students move up each year. To determine which students are selected for the Honors program, Moeller looks at the following [in order]: academic credibility (eg: no violations), ranking within your current English class, teacher recommendations, previous Honors enrollment, and writing samples. All Honors students must, at minimum, retain an 80% semester average. [Note: 80% does not guarantee continued placement]

CP1 Students: CP1 students wishing to move up to Honors must first get a letter of recommendation from a current teacher (preferably English) to begin that evaluation process. CP1 students should have a 93% average at minimum to apply.

CP2 Students: There are limited spots in CP2 classes, and all students who wish to enroll, may not secure a spot. To determine which students are selected for the CP2 track, Moeller looks at the following: previous CP2 enrollment, quarterly English grades, writing samples, work study plans, teacher and staff recommendations. CP1 students wishing to move down to CP2 must first get a letter of recommendation from their current English teacher to begin that process. CP2 students who wish to move up to CP1 must first get a letter of recommendation from a current teacher (preferably English) to begin that process. CP2 students should have an 85% average at minimum to apply.

All Moeller students are encouraged to challenge themselves each year toward reaching the most suitable track. Moeller’s placement teams will work closely with students and parents to determine the best track each year, using a variety of academic criteria. Ultimately, the team's recommendation will be based on all available criteria and will supersede any specific measure listed below. Contact the English Department Chair with questions and/or to submit a teacher’s letter of recommendation.