Student Support - Park Hill High School

Our Team

We have a great team at PHHS to support each of our students.

New Students

Enrollment Information
New Student Newsletter

Enrollment

Check out the district's high school career and education planning guide as you prepare for enrollment.

Graduation Requirements/Recommendations

Graduation Requirements

English Language Arts: 4
Social Studies: 3
Science: 3 (Bio and Chem required)
Mathematics: 3 (Algebra II min)
Physical Education: 1
Fine Arts: 1
Practical Arts: 1
Health: .5
Personal Finance: .5
Electives: 11
Total: 28

College Bound Recommendations

2 credits of a single foreign language
At least one of each of the four core classes each year
- English
- Math
  - Some colleges require 4 years of math for admission (may not be exactly this but these would be common examples:
    - Regular track - at least Algebra I A/B, Geometry, Algebra II A/B, Intermediate College Algebra and/or College Algebra
    - Accelerated track - at least Accelerated Geometry, Accelerated Algebra II, Accelerated Trigonometry, Math Analysis and/or College Algebra
- Science
- Social Studies
At least one AP course before graduation

Family Enrollment and Course Offerings Night

9-11th parent presentation (2026-2027 presentation)
8th parent presentation (2026-2027 presentation)

Thursday, January 29, 2026, at 6:30 PM.

Session 1:
- Current 8th grade students - Auditorium - we will present to all current 8th grade parents about enrolling for the freshman year.
- Current 9-11th grade students - Library/Media Center Atrium - we will present to all rising 10-12 grade parents.

Session 2:
- Informational booths outside the PH Media Center - Northland Career Center, NCAPS, Park Hill Professional Studies, A+, Early College Academy

Enrollment Schedule

All enrollment presentations will be sent out to students/parents via email and posted in Schoology in their grade level groups. Presentations will be given in each individual homeroom.

***ALL DATES ARE TENTATIVE***

ALL FORMS ARE DUE NO LATER THAN FEBRUARY 12!!!

Class of 2027 - presentation January 12- individual enrollment meetings with counselors will take place starting on January 13 through the end of the month
Class of 2028 - presentation January 20
Class of 2029 - presentation January 27, 28, 29 (in individual homeroom classrooms)
Class of 2030 - forms due February 7 to counselor

Enrollment Presentations and Forms

***These documents are currently being revised and will be posted as they are updated.***

Special Program Applications

Summer School

College and Career Planning and Programs

Each year, we meet with students in each grade level individually to update their Individual Career and Academic Plan (ICAP). Through this process we discuss post-secondary goals and try to pick classes/programs that will help students explore different areas. See more about ICAPs below.

Fall 2026 Senior Presentation
Fall 2026 Financial Aid Presentation
Fall 2026 9th Grade ICAP presentation

Fall 2025 10th Grade ICAP Presentation
Fall 2025 College Planning Presentation (from 11/13/25)
Spring 2026 9/10 College Planning Presentation
Spring 2026 Junior Post-Secondary Planning Presentation

A+

Advanced Placement (AP)

*It is highly recommended that college bound students enroll in AP courses.

Each high school in the Park Hill School District offers numerous Advanced Placement (AP) courses.

AP courses provide students a rigorous college‐level curriculum as defined by the College Entrance Examination Board.

If students receive a qualifying grade on an AP exam given in May, they may be eligible for advanced placement or course credits at the vast majority of colleges and universities in the United States. The amount of college credit available is determined by the college/university. Click here to find out how those credits transfer to your college of interest.

Students enrolled in AP coursework are expected to sit for and make an effort on the corresponding AP Exam in May.
Students who complete an AP course will have the course grade weighted.
To assist students for preparation of the exams, AP teachers offer review sessions prior to testing.
For students opting to take the exam, the College Board has an associated testing fee for each exam, and fee waivers are available. For information on fee waiver eligibility or any information regarding Advanced Placement, students may access www.collegeboard.com, contact their student’s counselor, or the AP Coordinator.

AVID

Career Exploration

Xello
Students will take a variety of career exploration surveys in Xello throughout their four years in high school.

ASVAB Career Exploration Program
If you are interested in learning more about the ASVAB, contact Mr. Mesh in the counseling office.

Pre-ACT Test
All 9th and 10th grade students will take the Pre-ACT test during the spring. The results will provide students will valuable college and career information.

Career Resources
Department of Labor and Statistics
O*NET Online
Full Employment Council

College Planning

Counseling Senior Smore (this includes a link to the Senior Parent Night Presentation

This is a great resource provided by the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development. It is "a guide for Missouri students about planning and paying for college, including information about federal and state grants, scholarships, loans, and assistance completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The booklet also contains worksheets to help students compare college costs and select their best-fit for college."

The Missouri Source Fall 2024 edition

College Exploration

Xello:
Students should log in to their Xello account from the Park Hill Portal.

ACT PROFILE:
http://www.act.org/profile/
"ACT Profile is a first-of-its-kind college and career planning community, built on 30+ years of ACT research. Mobile, social, and free to the public, ACT Profile delivers powerful, personalized insights to inform individuals as they navigate through life’s key decision points."

COLLEGEBOARD:
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/get-started
One of the best websites around for college planning. Explore yourself, colleges, and careers on this website.

The Common Application

Students may be interested in applying to colleges that are member institutions of Common Application. Students fill out one common application instead of applications for each school. Students are still recommended to refer to the individual college website to see any additional steps that may be helpful for their to gain admission to these colleges beyond the actual application.

Common Black Application

Prospective Student Athletes

Dual Credit

Park Hill Dual Credit Coordinator
Ellen Reys
reyse@parkhill.k12.mo.us
816-359-6734

Dual Credit

In cooperation with The Metropolitan Community College, the Park Hill School District offers dual‐credit coursework. For certain courses taken for high school credit, students have an option to obtain college credit if eligible. The high school courses with possible dual‐credit availability are indicated in the department listings. Such dual credit offerings are contingent upon staff availability and student demand. To enroll for college credit, the Missouri Department of Higher Education has eligibility guidelines.

Fall 2026

Is your student planning on enrolling in a dual credit course at Maple Woods?

If your student has not enrolled in dual credit in the past, and they plan to enroll in a dual credit class this semester, their VERY first step will be to apply to MCC-Maple Woods. After completing this step, your student will receive a MCC Student ID number which is necessary to complete enrollment. (If your student was enrolled in dual credit first semester this school year, they do not need to reapply.)

Fall 2026 Dual Credit Enrollment Handout

Individual Career and Academic Plans (ICAP)

Counselors meet with their students each year to review their Individual Career and Academic Plan (also known as the ICAP). For the current year, the plan to review these plans is as follows:
- 12th grade - September
- 9th grade - October
- 10th grade - November
- 11th grade - January

For a sample ICAP, please click here. ICAPS are also stored in Infinite Campus under the Academic Planning tab.

Professional Studies

Project Lead the Way (PLTW)

Project Lead the Way (PLTW) is the leading provider of rigorous and innovative STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education curricular programs used in schools. As a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, PLTW exists to prepare students for the global economy through its world-class curriculum, high-quality professional development, and an engaged network of educators, students, universities, and professionals. PLTW's comprehensive curriculum has been collaboratively designed by PLTW teachers, university educators, engineering and biomedical professionals, and school administrators to promote critical thinking, creativity, innovation, and real-world problem solving skills in students. The hands-on, project-based program engages students on multiple levels, exposes them to areas of study that they typically do not pursue, and provides them with a foundation and proven path to college and career success. More than 4,700 schools in all 50 states and the District of Columbia are currently offering PLTW courses to their students.

Park Hill High School is proud to offer 4 courses under the PLTW Engineering curriculum. They include:

1. Introduction to Engineering

2. Principles of Engineering

3. Civil Engineering and Architecture

4. Digital Electronics

Park Hill High School is proud to offer 2 courses under the PLTW science curriculum. They include:
1. Principles of Biomedical Science
2. Human Body Systems

School Profile

Testing

Learn more about the tests you can take, and ways to prepare.

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About the ACT and SAT

What's the difference between the SAT and the ACT?

Both are college admissions exams. Check to see which assessment your college requires. Historically, most mid-west schools examine the ACT and schools on the east/west and ivy league schools look more at the SAT, however, both ACT/SAT are accepted for admissions at colleges/universities across the country. This article gives good insight on which test to take.

This photo gives a snapshot of the ACT and SAT, and this photo gives an overview of each test's format.

Should I take the writing section of the ACT?

Check to see if the University you plan to attend requires it. Most schools do not require it; however, there are a few that do. It is not figured into your composite score; it is an additional score.

Do I have to register for the district wide ACT test in March?

No. PHHS will register and pay for all current juniors for the district wide ACT test date in March.

Since I have to take the district wide ACT test as a junior, should I register for another test my junior year or have the district wide test be my first test?

It is our recommendation that all juniors take at least one national ACT test before they take the district wide test in March of their junior year. Many students will take the December test during their junior year before they take the district wide test in March.

ACT

College Entrance Exam Required by most Colleges
Sign up at www.actstudent.org
Park Hill Hosts ACT tests on each test date
Park Hill High School Code 262-545
Park Hill Test Center Code 191410
Cost: $68.00 (No Writing)
Cost: +$4 (with Science)
Cost: +$25 (With Writing-most of our students do NOT need this-check with your specific college of interest)

2025-2026 National Test Dates

Students that want to test on a national date need to sign up online through their ACT account.
Students may be eligible for a fee waiver for national test dates, so they should see their counselor with questions.

Local Test Information

All juniors enrolled at Park Hill High School will take the ACT test on March 10th.
The school takes care of signing up all juniors for this test and students will fill out any required paperwork for the test at school during homeroom time.
Students will not pay a fee for this test.

Documents

ACT Prep Opportunities

***Park Hill High School does not endorse any particular test preparation company or service over another. The school will post information about reputable, high quality programs at its discretion.***

ACT ONLINE PREP (free)
- ACT Prep materials through ACT: https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/test-preparation/free-act-test-prep.html
- ACT also has several options for prep that include an extra fee.
Mid-Continent Public Library (free - this may or may not be offered depending on the year)
- Free practice ACT tests - search for ACT Test to find events (search here for options)

PRIVATE COMPANIES (THERE ARE MORE, THIS IS JUST A SMALL SAMPLE)
- KAPLAN
  - Kaplan provides a variety of test preparation options along with free, practice tests. Kaplan also offers affordable, ACT cram sessions; find out more about those by clicking here.
- THE TUTORING CENTER
- GET SMARTER PREP
- PowerPrEP
- test Geek

Pre-ACT Test Information

All 9th and 10th graders take the Pre-ACT test on Super Test Day at Park Hill High School on March 11th.
Pre-ACT test measures academic progress in high school
Improves students' preparation for education, training, and work after high school
Pre-ACT has content similar to the ACT® test.
Pre-ACT is a great way to prepare for the ACT. In fact, students who take Pre-ACT tend to score higher on the ACT than students who do not take it.
Covers the same subjects as ACT—English, math, reading, and science (no writing section)
Provides estimated ACT score range
Points out academic strengths and areas where improvement is needed
Indicates college readiness for each sub-area
Pre-ACT helps them find careers that match their interests

Using your Pre-ACT results.

PSAT/NMSQT

WHAT IS THE PSAT TEST?

Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®)
A rigorous, national assessment that measures the critical reading, mathematics, and writing skills your students will need for higher education and careers after high school.
Gives valuable information for planning coursework, making recommendations for scholarships, and advising secondary plans.
Provides AP Potential, which is data showing a student is 70% likely to get a 3, 4, or 5 on specific AP courses.
Very important to take advantage of this opportunity if planning to attend a 4-year University.
Students take the PSAT test during their sophomore and junior years of high school.
The sophomore PSAT prepares students for taking the PSAT/NMSQT during their junior year.
During the junior year, the PSAT is the qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship Competition.

HOW TO SIGN UP FOR THE PSAT TEST?

Date: October 21
Deadline: Sign up deadline is October 16.
Time: Testing begins promptly at 8:10 and typically lasts approximately 3 hours. Students need to check in no later than 8:00 to their testing room.
Cost: The cost is $20.00
Sign Up: CLICK HERE
Payment: Pay with cash or check with the bookkeeper or pay online using the Parent Portal after registration closes.
- Please make checks payable to Park Hill High School (PHHS)
- Application fee waivers are available to those who qualify. Please talk to your counselor with questions.

PSAT TEST PREP

KAPLAN TEST PREP
- PSAT Prep Live is the only free, live PSAT prep program available to students online, and features 16 hours of interactive test prep led our Prep Squad. Students can ask questions and learn key strategies that can help improve their scores.
KHAN ACADEMY
- Khan Academy is a partner of College Board which does the PSAT test. They have FREE online test prep materials for the SAT which would also be appropriate to look at for the PSAT. If a student took the PSAT as a junior, they should log into their PSAT account through College Board and access Khan Academy.

PSAT Results

Students can access PSAT scores online.

SAT Information

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Scholarship List

Our scholarship list is housed in Xello (log in from the Park Hill Portal).

After logging into your Xello account:

Click on College Planning
Under Scholarships, select BOOST PROFILE or COMPLETE PROFILE.
This step allows you to expand the list of scholarships to ones that meet your criteria.
Once you complete this step, you will get a list of scholarships.

Scholarship Resources

FAFSA

FAFSA Assistance
Need help completing your FAFSA or have questions that you need answered? Listed below are some events in the area to get assistance with the FAFSA.

MOCAN FAFSA Assistance Zoom Call
Click here to make an appointment

Maple Woods FAFSA Frenzy
Dates TBD
Register - https://mcc.radiusbycampusmgmt.com/ssc/eform/zG070cfEC68Fx6700mB8.ssc

Federal Student Aid
Many resources regarding paying for college

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Determine your eligibility for federal student loans, pell grants and work study.

Financial Aid
Aid calculator and scholarship search

Grants and Loans
Information from NASFAA about applying for grants and loans

Letters of Recommendation

Park Hill Scholarship Initiative - VU Scholarships

High school students in the Park Hill School District have the opportunity to learn about scholarships through a partnership with VU Scholarships. Students can see what scholarships they may qualify for because they apply for college.

VU connects students with colleges and universities nationwide that offer early scholarship awards based on academic achievement. This gives students a clearer picture of their options and opens doors they may not have known existed, all at no cost to families.

By showing students what’s possible, this partnership helps them plan ahead with confidence and excitement about the future.

What is VU Scholarships?