Recommended Classes

A Great Schedule Leads to College Success

You should take at least five solid academic classes every year. The following subjects and classes are recommended for success in college and beyond, whether you attend a four-year, two-year, or technical school.

The Core Curriculum

English (Language Arts)

Students should take English every year. Traditional courses such as American and English literature will help improve your child's writing skills, reading comprehension, and vocabulary.

§  Literature

§  Writing / composition and/or speech

Math

Your child needs algebra and geometry to succeed on college entrance exams, in college math classes, and in most careers. Students should take them early on in order to enroll in advanced science and math in high school—and to show colleges that they're ready for higher-level work.

§  Algebra

§  Geometry

§  Algebra II

§  Trigonometry

§  Calculus, and/or Statistics

Science

Science teaches students to think analytically and apply theories to reality. Laboratory classes let students test what they have learned through hands-on work. Six semesters are recommended.

§  Biology

§  Chemistry and/or Physics

§  Earth & Space

Social Studies

Students can understand local and world events by studying the culture and history that has shaped them. Social sciences round out your child's core curriculum.

§  U.S. History

§  U.S. Government (LSN)

§  World History and/or Geography

Beyond the Basics

Foreign Languages

Solid foreign language study shows colleges your child is willing to stretch beyond the basics. Many colleges require two years of foreign language study, and some prefer more.

Graduation Requirements

STUDENTS MUST:

 Earn a minimum of 21 credits including

 4 English                                                                  

3 Mathematics (including Algebra and Geometry)      

3 Social Studies (U.S. History, Government, World History)       

3 Science (including Biology)                                     

1 Fine Arts 

Complete a state-approved pathway to graduation which includes either

                        2 Foreign Language Credits

                                            OR

                        2 Advanced Technology Credits

                                            OR

                        Completion of a State approved career and                                    technology program

Take High School Assessment Tests in English 10, Algebra 1, Biology, and Government.  Starting with the Class of 2009, students failing one or more HSAs may meet the testing requirement if the total of their scores on the four assessments equals 1602 points. The Combined Score Option no longer requires a student to achieve the minimum score on all four HSAs. The change is designed to simplify the use of the Combined Score Option.

Complete 36 hours of direct student service.