About Options for Excellence and the Office of Youth Preparation

Options for Excellence is a community out-reach program of the Office of Youth Preparation, committed to providing academic support to Arizona youth through Classroom, University, Community, and Research Programs.

Options for Excellence program partners with Arizona's secondary school community, offering research, student programs, and teacher training and assisting with curriculum development that meets state standards and prepares students for the university experience. Options assists high schools in offering course work that will lead to testing programs that provide college credit, such as the Advanced Placement program, the International Baccalaureate program, and the CLEP program.

Options for Excellence also works with middle schools through the College Is For You program, helping to develop a culture of scholarship and learning that supports students in their journey to high school. Part of this initiative involves working with parents and community members to develop support for advanced programs.

Options for Excellence also serves as the liaison between school district administrators, The College Board, The International Baccalaureate Program, ACT. Inc. and the Arizona Department of Education to insure that all schools are informed of latest changes in testing, credit awarding, and college admission.

About the Staff