FAQs

Q: What is ACCEL?

A: ACCEL is an opportunity for juniors and seniors attending Sun Prairie Area School District.  Students will spend part of their day at their high school and part of their day working with project partners. While there, students will work in teams on challenges provided by both their instructors and business and industry partners while earning high school and/or college credit. Students will fast forward into their future and become fully immersed in a professional culture, solving real-world problems, using industry standard tools and resources while being mentored by educators and actual employers.

Q: What is the schedule in the ACCEL program?
A: ACCEL course are 2 credits combing two courses, in a cluster format, where students will take both courses in back to back blocks in a team taught setting.  Courses run year long on either A day or B day.

Q: Is ACCEL a vocational program?
A: No. ACCEL will provide students the opportunity to deeply explore professional areas of interest through a profession-based, inquiry learning method that brings course content to life. Driven by the changing workforce needs of industry, instructors and business partners collaborate to develop coursework and student projects. The curriculum will be constantly evolving and dynamic to follow industry trends and market changes.

Q: Why are the districts promoting this innovation?
A: As we continue to work to help students find their life, career and college pathways, we desire to remain at the leading edge of innovation that affords our students with the most impactful experiences and opportunities for their futures.  The interdisciplinary approach to learning, the direct connections and exposure to business and industry partners, and the opportunity to deeply explore areas of interest before college or career will provide Sun Prairie students with unique and valuable experiences unlike any other in the area.

Q: How do colleges/universities view ACCEL students?
A: Very favorably.  We will continue working with higher education to create formal partnerships that will benefit students.

Q: What type of credit can be received from a ACCEL course?
A: ACCEL courses offer high school credit, elective and core credit. College credit is also available.

Q: What are the requirements to enroll?
A: Students must be juniors or seniors in the Sun Prairie Area School District.  While there is no minimum GPA requirement, we want students to enroll who are seeking a different learning experience, a demonstrated track record of responsibility, and who understand the expectations of professionalism and a team-based approach to project work. Some ACCEL Academies may require a pre-requisite course, most do not.

Q: May I receive college credit for ACCEL courses?
A: Yes, some ACCEL courses are eligible for some form of college credit