“I can't thank you enough... We were a nervous wreck trying to figure out the whole college search and application process. Mr. Baker’s patience during our meetings and hard work to find the perfect school for our son was tremendous. I knew as soon as we set foot on campus at our son’s college that this was the perfect place for him, and we would have never have known about this school if it weren’t for the Ivy Plus Academy. It really is an amazing place and to have a place where my son fits so well is an amazing gift.”

— Ivy Plus Academy, parent

“At first we were afraid and skeptical of this program. We didn't know how we could've afforded any of these colleges, or if our son would meet the expectations of certain big name liberal arts schools. We learned a lot about the college process, and how financial aid worked in certain schools. Suddenly these liberal arts schools were just about the same cost as any state college/university and with far better academic opportunities. With the help of this program, and with the aid of Fern Creek's faculty and staff, there will always be someone to help lead your child through each step because they know just about everything about colleges, scholarships, and the admissions process. Most importantly, Mr. Baker gets to know your kid and your family. We met with him over six times for individual meeting to help guide us through the entire college search process. As a result, our son was admitted to nine highly-selective colleges and received over $1.5 million in scholarships. I’m so happy, satisfied, and thankful that my son was a part of Ivy Plus..”

— Ivy Plus Academy, parent

FAQs

How much homework can students expect?

The Ivy Plus Academy program is rigorous and meant to help students realize their full academic potential. With that said, academics is only one part of the program. We also want to be sure students are realizing their full potential in other endeavors (social skills, extra-curricular activities, community service, passion projects, etc.).

In short, we are looking to develop the whole student, not just their academic side.

Still, homework is integral to a student’s academic growth and time-management skills. Students will take 7 courses every semester and can expect the following workload for homework:

• 9th grade: no more than 7 hours per week (approx. 1 hour per class)

• 10th grade: no more than 7 hours per week (approx. 1 hour per class)

• 11th grade: no more than 10 hours per week (approx. 90 minutes per class)

• 12th grade: no more than 14 hours per week (approx. 2 hours per class)
  

Can I be removed from the Ivy Plus Academy?

Students who fail to meet any of the criteria set out in the student/parent contract are subject to removal from the program.

The academic committee will meet and review all student transcripts at the end of each semester. Students failing to meet these requirements will be subject to removal from the Ivy Plus Academy. Students may follow the formal appeal process and request a one-time probationary period.

Students and parents have the option of appealing removal from the program if there were unusual circumstances that adversely affected the student’s grades. These circumstances could be (but are not limited to) illness, mental health issues, family trauma, or other special circumstances. Each appeal will be reviewed by Dr. Nicolas and Mr. Baker.

Students and parents will be personally notified (via phone call/face-to-face conversation AND letter) if a student is placed on probation or dismissed from the program.

Are all the parent and/or student meetings mandatory?

Yes, all after-school parent and/or student meetings are mandatory. One of the most integral parts of the Ivy Plus Academy are the after-school student and parent meetings (see FAQ #4 for a list of some of the meeting topics).

Students can expect to attend 4-5 meetings after school over the course of an academic year. Parents can expect to attend 2-3 parent meetings over the course of an academic year. Student meetings will generally run from 2:30 pm until no later than 4:30 pm. Parent meetings will generally run from 6:30 pm until no later than 8:00 pm. The student and parent meeting dates/times are usually set at least 4-6 weeks in advance; this gives parents/students adequate notice to make plans to attend all mandatory meetings.

Students will be excused from these meetings only under certain special circumstances. Practices, rehearsals, other club/sports meetings, after-school jobs are NOT grounds for excusal. Also, since our meetings end no later than 4:30, there should not be any conflict with games or other competitions. If there is a scheduling conflict with games / competitions / theater productions / performances, etc., students must request an excusal from the Dean of the Ivy Plus Academy (Mr. Beau Baker) at least two weeks in advance. This request must come in the form of an email or written letter from the coach/sponsor of the event.

If parents cannot make a scheduled meeting, they must notify the Dean of the Ivy Plus Academy (Mr. Beau Baker) at least two days in advance. This can be done by phone call, text, or email.

What are some of the topics of the mandatory student and parent meetings?

Our student meetings will include, but will not be limited to, the following topics:

• What do Ivy Plus colleges/universities look for?

• How do I develop a resume for applications?

• Interview skills

• Q&A roundtable with Ivy Plus Academy alumni

• How do I do college searches and narrow my focus?

• How do I research colleges?

• How do I set up visits?

• What are good questions to ask of college admissions officers?

• Time management skills/best practices

• How do I get more involved in my school and community?

• The importance of thinking about “who” you want to be and not “what” you want to be

• How do I find support on college campuses? How do I network?

• What does it mean to find a “best fit” college?

• What courses should I take in high school?

• How do I prep for standardized tests?

• College application essays and how to write them

Our parent meetings will include, but will not be limited to, the following topics:

• How to best support my son/daughter throughout high school and the college search/application process

• How to apply for financial aid

• How to apply for student loans

• How to fill out FAFSA and the CSS Profile

• How to set up college visits

• Good questions/concerns for parents when interacting with colleges

• College application deadlines/timelines (What should I do and when?)

• The ins and outs of paying for college

• The services/support the Ivy Plus Academy provides

Can I apply to non-Ivy Plus colleges/universities?

The main goal of the Ivy Plus Academy is to help students find their “best-fit” future for when they graduate high school. All we ask is that parents and students keep an open mind throughout their four years in the program. If, during their senior year, they realize that a non-Ivy Plus college/university would be a good fit for them, then they are more than welcome to explore that option. In fact, nearly every senior will apply to at least one non-Ivy Plus college/university.

What standardized tests will I take and when will I take them?

PSAT:

This exam is used to determine if a student qualifies as a National Merit Semifinalist. The only PSAT score that counts toward this qualification is the one taken in 11th grade. With that said, we like to be prepared. So, all Ivy Plus Academy 10th graders will take the PSAT in school in October of their 10th grade year. This will give us a better idea of a student’s strengths and weaknesses so we can do targeted test preparation leading up to the PSAT in their 11th grade year.

All Ivy Plus Academy juniors will take the PSAT in October of their 11th grade year for the National Merit Scholarship competition.

ACT:

The ACT is one of the standardized tests colleges/universities use for admissions. Also, it is the standardized test the state of Kentucky uses for school accountability scores, so it is the one we prep for the most. Ivy Plus Academy students will take the ACT multiple times to help improve their composite score (the average score from the four sections of the ACT).

Also, some colleges/universities will “super-score” the ACT (combine the best scores from each section across multiple exams to get the best composite score—the “super-score”), so it behooves a student to take the ACT multiple times.

1st ACT: Students should take the ACT once during their 10th grade year. It doesn't matter on what date they take it, but we suggest either the April or June testing sessions.

2nd ACT: Juniors should take the 2nd ACT either on the October or December testing session (If students are applying for the Governor's Scholar Program, they need to take the October ACT. If not, they can take the December ACT).

3rd ACT: All juniors will take the March ACT given by the state at FCHS. There is no need to sign up for this exam.

4th ACT: Juniors should take the 4th ACT during the June session the summer before their senior year. Usually, by this point, students will have the scores they need/want.

SAT:

Colleges accept either the ACT or SAT, so I suggest all Ivy Plus Academy students give the SAT a try at least twice. Also, most colleges allow students to super-score the SAT (combining the best math score and best verbal score from different exams to form a "super-score"). Sadly, not as many colleges allow students to super-score the ACT. Also, some students just do better on the SAT than the ACT. In short, we want to make sure students have all the opportunities to show their best self.

1st SAT: We suggest students take the May exam during their junior year.

2nd SAT: We suggest student take the October SAT during their senior year.

Suggested Assessment Schedule:

Sophomore Year:

• October: PSAT

• April or June: ACT

Junior Year:

• October: PSAT

• October: ACT

• December: ACT (if you did not take the one in October)

• March: ACT

• May: SAT

• June: ACT

Senior Year:

• October: SAT

Will we take visits to Ivy Plus colleges/universities?

We believe it is important for students to be able to envision their future. Because of this, it is imperative that students have the opportunity to set foot on as many college campuses as possible. Additionally, we want students to be able to visit as many different colleges as possible, so we make every effort to visit colleges/universities that are in urban and rural settings; colleges/universities with small, medium, large student bodies; colleges/universities that follow a liberal arts curriculum and those that are geared toward STEM fields.

Each summer, usually within the first two weeks after school lets out, we will charter a bus and take students to visit Ivy Plus schools. The summer after 9th grade, students will take a one-day trip to visit two schools: one will be a liberal arts college and one will be a STEM focused and/or major research university. The summers after 10th and 11th grade, students will take an overnight trip (usually 5-days, 4-nights) to see at least 6 colleges. If a student takes part in all three summer trips, they can see at least 14 different colleges, some as far away as California and the northeast.

How will discipline referrals be dealt with?

The Ivy Plus Academy expects students to develop their entire character, not just the academic side. We also expect students in the Ivy Plus Academy to be leaders in their school and community. Because of this, they must carry themselves in such a way that they act as an example for their peers. All Ivy Plus Academy students will exhibit exemplary behavior.

Students cannot have more than two minor behavioral referrals per year. Major behavioral infractions resulting in an out-of-school suspension will result in immediate removal from the program. Also, students must adhere to our honor policy that states that no student will cheat, plagiarize, or attempt to pass off their work as anyone’s but their own.

All decisions regarding expulsion from the program due to behavioral infractions will be made by the Ivy Plus Academy Dean (Mr. Beau Baker) and FCHS’ Principal (Dr. Rebecca Nicolas).

What classes will I take each year in the Ivy Plus Academy?

Ivy Plus colleges/universities take myriad things into consideration when it comes to the admissions decision-making process. These include the rigor of courses taken in high school, grades (GPA), standardized test scores, recommendation letters, application essays, extra-curricular activities, and interviews. While all schools vary when it comes to which of the above criteria they value over the others, they all agree that a student’s course schedule and grades in those courses is the most important factor. Because of this, it is imperative that students take a rigorous, balanced course schedule.

Students will take a math, science, social studies/humanities, and English course all 4 years. Students will also have to take at least three years of a foreign language. More specifically, students will take between 9 and 12 AP (Advanced Placement) courses across all four core academic areas (math, science, social studies/humanities, and English) during their four years in the program.

How is the Ivy Plus Academy financially supported? Will I have any fees?

We cannot run our program without resources. Ivy Plus funds are used to pay for our retreats, the summer college trips, and individual assistance for families in financial need to help cover standardized test fees, college application fees, and supplies for when they go away to college (laptop, microwave, mini-fridge, luggage, etc.). We also use funds to help offset costs families accrue taking individual trips to colleges. Moreover, we also fund various students’ needs once they are in college. This can include internship/study abroad travel expenses, residential fees for summer co-ops/internships, emergency living costs, and other unexpected financial burdens.

Thankfully, our Fern Creek High School Alumni Association provides upwards of $20,000 per year to help us run our program. Still, this $20,000 cannot cover all our expenses. On average, the yearly cost to operate our program is between $125,000 and $140,000.  We make up this deficit through grants and donations from local, regional, and national organizations/individuals.

Here is the great news: we have received enough grants and donations to allow us to not charge ANY fees to our families for at least the next 2 years.  In short, our entire program is currently fully-funded!

These grants or donations help us guarantee that no parent/student will have to pay any dues to have access to everything the Ivy Plus Academy has to offer (retreats, college trips, one-on-one college counseling, etc.). This is a great deal, especially considering most private college counseling services cost, on average, $200/hour or $6,000 for one year.

How will I get to know my fellow Ivy Plus Academy classmates?

All Ivy Plus Academy 9th and 10th graders will be in cohorts. This means they will take their core classes (math, science, social studies/humanities, and English) with other Ivy Plus Academy students. This helps ensure students are receiving targeted, rigorous instruction. It also helps build an atmosphere of collegial cooperation and community as soon as students enter Fern Creek High School. During 11th and 12th grade, the cohort becomes more flexible as students have the opportunity to take more electives within the core subjects.

Additionally, all Ivy Plus Academy 9th graders will take part in a team-building retreat at the start of the second semester. We go to Cedar Ridge Camp in J’Town during a Saturday in April and take part in a low-ropes confidence course in the morning. After that, we do small team-building activities to get students better acquainted with the classmates they will grow close to over the course of four years.

What if I decide I don’t want to be part of the Ivy Plus Academy?

While we do not want to see any student leave the program, we know that situations arise where this program is just not a good fit. If this occurs, students can ask to be removed from the program. Students can ask to be removed from the program at any point during the first 6 weeks of a semester or at the end of a semester.

Before this can happen, the student and parent(s) must meet with the Ivy Plus Academy Dean (Mr. Beau Baker), the Ivy Plus Academy Assistant Principal (Mrs. Michelle Marrillia), and the student’s counselor. We require this so we can best counsel the student and parent(s) on their next steps and collectively decide on the best course of action.

What if I have a concern about one of my classes, homework, or grades?

Part of being a successful student is learning how to interact with your teachers, even when things aren’t going so well. Learning how to advocate for yourself and seek help/guidance is paramount.

If a student or parent has a concern about a particular class, teacher, or grade, they are encouraged to reach out directly to the teacher. This is the first step that must be taken. Often times, this initial interaction will answer all your questions/concerns. If, after those initial steps are taken, this interaction does not alleviate the concern, students/parents are to direct their concern to the Ivy Plus Academy Dean (Mr. Beau Baker).

We are here to help you and want nothing more than for you to succeed, but communication is the key. Be sure to reach out for help before you get too overwhelmed. We are always here to help you!

Do Ivy Plus colleges/universities come to Fern Creek High School?

Yes! In fact, we usually host over 40 of the nation’s top 100 colleges / universities every year (many of which come back every year). In the past 7 years, we have hosted nearly 80 of the nation’s top 100 schools.

The majority of the colleges visit us in the fall (August—October) during and after the school day. We will have a calendar of the schools scheduled to visit every year by the second week of the school year. This schedule will be sent to parents and students, along with a brief info sheet for each school, so students can sign up for the schools they want to visit.

We try to schedule college visits for after school, but sometimes the colleges are on a tight schedule and can only come during the school day. In that case, we allow 9th graders to be excused from class to visit no more than 4 colleges during the school day. 10th graders are allowed to see 5 colleges during the school day. 11th and 12th graders can visit as many as they like during the school day. All students are allowed to attend as many after school visits as they like.

Got a question? Ask Beau Baker, Dean of Ivy Plus Academy

Please don’t hesitate to see if you are a fit for Ivy Plus Academy.