We believe that every student has a unique calling from God for his or her life. Therefore we seek to encourage each one to develop their gifts to the best of their ability so that they can fulfill that call. For some, this means pursuing a career immediately after graduating high school. For others, it means pursuing further education. As part of the counseling process here at Algoma Christian, we meet individually with each high school student to discuss their personal dreams and goals. Then we provide them assistance in planning the next steps to achieve those goals. The links below are recommended as good resources to assist students as they think through their plans. One thing to keep in mind for high school students is that the goal is not to finish college or start a career. The goal is to become equipped to be all that God intended for them to be. For more information on ACS Guidance items please contact our Guidance Counselor, Sherri Vander Meulen.

ACS Graduation Requirements

  • 4 Bible
  • 4 English
  • 4 Math (Required: Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II)
  • 3 Social Studies (World History American History, Government/Economics)
  • 3 Science (Physical Science, Biology, Chemistry)
  • 2 Foreign Language
  • 1 Fine Arts
  • 1 Physical Education
  • 0.5 Health
  • 0.5 Technology
  • 1 Additional Elective

​24 Total credits
15 hours Community Service per year at ACS.

Standardized Testing

Additional Learning Opportunities
Students complete the following assessments while at ACS:
  • 1st–2nd Grades: NWEA MAP Growth Assessments: Reading and Math in the fall, winter, and spring.
  • 3rd–9th Grades: NWEA MAP Growth Assessments: Reading, Math, and Language in the fall, winter, and spring.
  • College Board (PSAT, SAT, AP, Big Future)
  • Digital PSAT10 spring sophomore year.
  • PSAT/NMSQT fall junior year.
  • SAT spring junior year
  • Advanced Placement (AP) United States History junior year (if students take AP US History course and elect to complete the test. Students pay the College Board fee.)
  • Advanced Placement (AP) English Language and Composition senior year (if students take AP English course and elect to complete the test. Students pay the College Board fee.)
Dual Enrollment
Juniors and Seniors meeting criteria may dual enroll as a non-public student.
ACS Dual Enrollment Guidelines

Community Colleges for Dual Enrollment
Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC)
Montcalm Community College
Muskegon Community College

Kent Career Tech Center (KCTC)
ACS KCTC Information Letter: Click to view ACS Information and Frequently Asked Questions regarding KCTC
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KCTC website

Career and College Planning

Career Planning

Students planning on entering a career upon graduation should consider:
  • Completing elective courses at Algoma that match their career interests.
  • Participating in Career Tech Center vocational training at KCTC.
  • Researching certifications and work based learning programs.
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Here are some helpful links to guide students in exploring and identifying the careers that align best with their skills and interests:
Grand Rapids Community College Workforce Training Programs 

Occupational Outlook Handbook: Career information published by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics

Christian Career Center: Search Christian jobs and career tools (some require an individual subscription)


College Planning

College admission decisions vary based on the individual college, including:
  • Course selection
  • Grade point average (GPA)--Some use cumulative GPA, while others recalculate GPA using only core course grades: Math, Science, Social Studies, English, and World Language.
  • ​Test scores (SAT/ACT)--many colleges are now test-optional for admission. However, many still use test scores to determine merit scholarships.

College Applications
Once a student is a senior it is not too early to apply to college. Some offer additional scholarships or benefits for early enrollment. Some colleges require an application fee, while others do not charge to apply. See the individual college or university you are interested in attending for specific guidelines on applying and deadlines.

Common App is one application for many different colleges/universities. Pay one fee, if your college uses this application.
Community Colleges
​Community Colleges offer associate degrees, career exploration, job training, and certificate programs. In-district tuition is currently covered by the State of Michigan for qualifying students. See the Michigan Student Aid website for more details.

Grand Rapids Community College

Montcalm Community College 

Muskegon Community College

Christian Colleges
Christian College Connector: Christian College information and scholarships
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Council for Christian Colleges & Universities: Listed colleges are governing members of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities

Scholarship and Financial Aid Resources 
Note: You should NEVER have to pay a fee to locate, view, or apply for a scholarship.

Free Application for Federal Student Loans (FAFSA) - Federal student aid. Opens December 1 for the following school year.
Michigan Student Aid (MISSG) Create an account for Michigan Aid including
Scholarships.com

Community Foundations
Fremont Area Foundation Students in Newaygo County may qualify for some scholarships
Grand Rapids Community Foundation Students in Kent County may qualify for some scholarships


​College Athletics
NCAA Eligibility Center  National Collegiate Athletic Association
NAIA National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics