Read More
Unlock Your Future: The CCR Standard
Imagine walking into your future with confidence—whether that means stepping onto a college campus, launching a career in a high-demand field, or diving into an exciting trade.
The College and Career Readiness (CCR) Standard is your roadmap to get there—early, prepared, and empowered.
By meeting the CCR Standard, you’re proving you’ve got the skills, mindset, and drive to thrive after high school. Whether you want to be a tech innovator, a dental specialist, an entrepreneur, or anything in between, CCR puts the power in your hands to choose your next chapter.
Think of it like this: CCR isn’t just a requirement. It’s a milestone—a checkpoint that says:
“I’m ready. Let’s go.”
So... what exactly is CCR?
The CCR Standard is part of Maryland’s plan to build a world-class education system—and it starts with you. Most students aim to meet it by the end of 10th grade (but there’s time after that too!). You’ve got options, support, and pathways waiting once you do.
And the best part? Real students just like you have already used CCR to launch their dreams. Check out our CCR Student Spotlights to see how they’re using CCR to push their potential.
This is your moment. Are you ready to take the lead?
Scroll down to learn how you can meet the standard, explore your options, and step confidently into your future.
What is the CCR Standard?
The CCR Standard ensures that students graduate with the knowledge and skills to succeed in college-level courses or high-wage, high-demand industries. It’s part of Maryland’s Blueprint for transforming public education into a world-class system.
When are students expected to meet the CCR Standard?
The goal is for students to meet the CCR Standard by the end of their 10th-grade year.
Meet the CCR Standard
By the end of 10th Grade
- Earn a High School GPA of 3.00 or higher AND Math Mastery (Earn Grade of A, B, or C in Algebra I or score Proficient or above on Algebra I MCAP)
- Score Proficient or above on the ELA 10 AND Algebra I MCAP assessments
11th & 12th Grade Only
-
One-year GPA ≥ 3.00 in 11th or 12th grade AND earn an A, B, or C in a high school level math course at any point in the student’s high school career
Anytime in High School
- Two dual enrollment or dual credit courses: grade of C or better; One course must be Math, one course must be ELA, Science, or Social Studies
- Two AP or IB assessments: Score ≥ 3 on AP, ≥ 4 on IB; One assessment must be Math and one must be ELA, Science, or Social Studies
- Meet the CCR Benchmark on SAT, PSAT, or ACT:
- SAT: 480+ in Reading & Writing and 530+ in Math
- PSAT/NMSQT or PSAT 10: 480+ in Reading & Writing and 530+ in Math
- ACT: 18+ in English and 22+ in Math
- Score At Target on Math and ELA DLM Alternate Assessments (For students with IEPs indicating alternative assessments)
- Earn Silver or better on the ACT WorkKeys Assessment
- Earn a State-Approved Industry-Recognized Credential
- Complete the high school level of a registered apprenticeship
- Earn a score of 50 or better on ASVAB
How the CCR Standard Is Calculated
How is a student’s GPA calculated to achieve Academic Success through a high school GPA?
A student’s unweighted GPA is used, calculated using all courses, not just core content courses.
Can an interim grade (e.g., for one quarter or one semester) be used to meet the Math Mastery requirement?
No, only the final cumulative grade for the full course will count toward meeting Math Mastery, not interim grades.
Supports for Students Not Meeting CCR by 10th Grade
What happens if a student doesn’t meet the CCR Standard by the end of 10th grade?
Students will receive additional support through pre CCR interventions, with individualized, coordinated support to help them meet the standard as soon as possible. Supports may include innovative classes, credit recovery, summer courses, individualized plans, tutoring, or initial access to pre CCR interventions.
What supports are available for students who struggle to meet the standard?
CCR-support pathways provide targeted instruction and resources based on student needs. For more information on available tutoring, visit the PGCPS Tutoring: Instructional Support Opportunities page.
Are there any changes to extracurricular or academic requirements for students working toward the CCR Standard?
No specific changes apply to extracurricular activities. However, academic support may take priority to ensure students can meet the standard.
What Students Are Saying
Uchenna Amadife
High Point High School
What pathway are you pursuing now that you've met the College and Career Readiness (CCR) standard, and how is it preparing you for your future?
The pathway I am pursuing is using my CCR by trying to achieve more accomplishments, from getting more opportunities out of school because of it to improving my transcript. For my future, I am trying to get into a top 4-year college to study finance and have my own business one day.
What advice would you give to other students working to meet the CCR standard?
I would say that you shouldn't procrastinate, but you shouldn't overwork yourself either, and take the classes you know you can handle. Do some research on the different AP or Dual enrollment classes before picking them, so you know what you are getting into and so that you know taking them will be a benefit for you in the end.
Derick Villeda
High Point High School
What pathway are you pursuing now that you've met the College and Career Readiness (CCR) standard, and how is it preparing you for your future?
The pathway that I am pursuing now that I've met the College and Career Readiness standard is to go to a 4-year college, then to dental school, and then residency to become an orthodontist. Thanks to being College and Career ready, I am now pushing myself as far as I can to reach my goals. It has taught me that I need to work hard for everything that I want to accomplish and it has also shown me that discipline is a necessity in life. I can confidently say that I am a hard-working student and that I will be a successful hard-working adult thanks to being College and Career ready.
What advice would you give to other students working to meet the CCR standard?
My advice that I would give to other students that want to meet the CCR standard is to put your phone and your video games away for just a moment and make time to complete all your assignments. Make sure to check your grades every 1-2 weeks to ensure that your grades are accurate. My biggest advice is to just do your work and pay attention in class. If students would just turn in their work on time, they would not have any problem getting mostly A’s or getting straight A’s.