Chagrin Falls Schools is dedicated to preparing students for success beyond high school by offering three pathways to earn college credit and explore advanced learning while in grades 7–12. Advanced Placement (AP), College Credit Plus (CCP), and Excel TECC each provide distinct, rigorous opportunities that reflect the wide range of strengths and interests of our students. Many students find that blending pathways allows them to fully tailor their learning experience.
To help families and students understand the available programs, the district hosts an Advanced Options Night each winter for students in grades 6-11, tentatively scheduled for January 22, 2026. Students then work with school counselors to design an academic pathway that fits the student’s interests, strengths, and future aspirations.
Advanced Placement (AP) at Chagrin Falls
Chagrin Falls High School offers a comprehensive Advanced Placement (AP) program with 28 courses across multiple disciplines, including mathematics, science, English, world languages, the arts, computer science, and music. Developed and audited by the College Board, AP courses mirror introductory college classes in both content and rigor, ensuring consistency across schools nationwide.
Each spring, students have the opportunity to take AP exams, which are scored on a 1-5 scale. A score of 3 or higher is recognized for college credit by all public two- and four-year colleges in Ohio and by many private and out-of-state institutions. Beyond the potential for credit, participation in AP coursework demonstrates to universities that students are motivated, academically capable, and prepared for advanced studies. The program not only supports college readiness but also develops essential skills such as critical thinking, analytical writing, and problem-solving.
2021-2025 AP Courses and Enrollment Longitudinal Data
2020-21 | 2021-22 | 2022-23 | 2023-24 | 2024-25 | |
Number of AP Courses Offered at CFHS | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 |
Number of Students Enrolled in AP Courses at CFHS | 320 | 286 | 254 | 266 | 266 |
Number of Students who earned AP Credit at CFHS | 231 | 227 | 197 | 231 | 251 |
Overall District Enrollment of Students Eligible to take AP (9-12) | 626 | 600 | 545 | 501 | 504 |
Percentage of Students Enrolled in AP | 51% | 48% | 47% | 53% | 53% |
2021-2025 AP Exam Longitudinal Score Data
2020-21 | 2021-22 | 2022-23 | 2023-24 | 2024-25 | |
% of scores 3 or higher* | 70.4% | 74.4% | 74.8% | 85.5% | 92.5% |
% of scores 4 or higher | 43.8% | 44.4% | 48% | 65.3% | 68% |
Mean AP Score | 3.19 | 3.28 | 3.38 | 3.73 | 3.9 |
*3 or higher is considered a passing AP score.
College Credit Plus (CCP) at Chagrin Falls
Chagrin Falls Schools participates in Ohio’s College Credit Plus (CCP) program, a state initiative that allows eligible students in grades 7-12 to take college courses through partnering institutions, such as Kent State University. Upon successful completion of approved courses, students earn dual high school and college credit.
Chagrin Falls Schools offers three courses on campus, students can also attend courses on a college campus, or online, depending on their academic interests and career goals. Under Ohio law, public school districts must cover the cost of tuition, books, and fees for CCP courses taken at public colleges and universities. For families, this provides access to college-level courses without additional out-of-pocket expenses. Beyond earning early college credit, CCP helps students take ownership of their learning and prepares them for the expectations of higher education.
2021-2025 CCP Courses and Enrollment Longitudinal Data
2020-21 | 2021-22 | 2022-23 | 2023-24 | 2024-25 | |
Number of CCP Courses Offered at CFHS | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Number of Students Enrolled in CCP Courses at CFHS | 102 | 92 | 78 | 90 | 85 |
Number of Students who earned CCP Credit at CFHS | 102 | 92 | 78 | 90 | 85 |
Overall District Enrollment of Students Eligible to take CCP (9-12) | 626 | 600 | 545 | 501 | 504 |
Percentage of Students Enrolled in CCP | 16% | 15% | 14% | 18% | 17% |
Total college credits earned by students | 1,001 | 727 | 754 | 743 | 626 |
Excel TECC at Chagrin Falls
High School juniors and seniors can earn college credit through Excel TECC (Technical Education Career Consortium), a career-technical education program shared by ten area districts. Excel TECC includes 25 programs hosted by member districts, providing our students access to a wide range of specialized opportunities. Chagrin Falls High School is host to the Performing Arts Academy.
Excel TECC programs are built around defined career pathways such as engineering, digital arts, health sciences, construction, and culinary arts, and often include real world experiences like internships, job shadowing, and experiential learning. Many programs also connect directly to college credit through partnerships with local colleges and Ohio’s Career-Technical Assurance Guides (CTAG), allowing students to graduate high school with recognized credits or credentials. The result is a pathway that combines academic rigor with practical skills, giving students a head start on whichever future they choose.
2021-2025 Excel TECC Courses and Enrollment Longitudinal Data
2020-21 | 2021-22 | 2022-23 | 2023-24 | 2024-25 | |
Number of Excel TECC Programs Offered | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 |
Number of Students Enrolled in Excel TECC Programs | 31 | 27 | 24 | 29 | 40 |
Overall District Enrollment of Students Eligible to Enroll in Excel TECC (11-12) | 328 | 335 | 297 | 259 | 236 |
Percentage of Students Enrolled in Excel TECC | 9% | 8% | 8% | 11% | 17% |
Behind each of these opportunities is an investment of community resources. Data on the cost of both AP and CCP programs provides a view on how the financial investment impacts opportunities for our students. While AP courses require district-funded training and materials, with families covering only exam costs, CCP course tuition, textbooks and fees are entirely funded by the district, in accordance with state law. The cost of Excel TECC tuition is covered by the district and varies from program to program.
Advanced Placement | CCP Course taught by Chagrin teacher in Chagrin classroom | CCP Course taught by college teacher online or on college campus | |
District personnel cost | Approximately $25,000 per section | Approximately $28,000 per section | $0 |
Additional cost to the District | $3,000-$5,000 per year for professional development for new teachers, changes to curriculum, etc. | $41.64 per credit hour | $80 - $166.50 per credit hour |
Cost to families | $99 test fee | $0 | Cost of transportation to and from college campus |
At Chagrin Falls Schools, we recognize that families and community members place great trust in the education we provide. Advanced Placement, College Credit Plus, and Excel TECC are three distinct yet complementary pathways that reflect our shared commitment to academic excellence, opportunity, and preparation for the future. These programs are not only valuable options for students but also a demonstration of how we, as a district, invest wisely in meaningful learning experiences. Every student’s path is unique, but each one leads toward the same goal: preparing young people to grow, thrive, and contribute to their communities.