Learning Experience Selection Guidelines

Students should select courses based on their talents, interests, future plans, and admission requirements at postsecondary schools.  Here are some guidelines to follow when selecting courses:

Academic Load:  

Students must be scheduled for a minimum of four courses each quarter, and 8 credits for the year (including MMTC classes).  Students taking Mid-Maine Technical Center classes must attend two courses each day at the high school.  The principal may approve an academic plan that includes off-site or other independent learning experiences for students.  Those students who do not meet the minimum course requirements will be ineligible for participation in all extracurricular activities and academic awards at MHS.

Planning Your High School Program:  

All students at Messalonskee High School are encouraged to explore and pursue some type of post-secondary education. Students applying to college, or other professional training schools need to check specific admissions requirements of those schools and programs. Many college programs fill up quickly, and admission to them can be very competitive.  Students are encouraged to start the college planning process early, and consult with their counselor regarding planning and specific college admission criteria.  All students are encouraged to explore as many different educational opportunities as their schedule will allow (courses, seminars, internships, college courses, MMTC, etc.).

• • Messalonskee High School provides all students with coursework that is appropriately challenging and will assist each student in reaching their postsecondary educational goals.  Most colleges and universities require high school students to successfully complete a rigorous high school curriculum for admission, including the senior year.  

When selecting courses each student should outline the remainder of his/her high school program with his/her counselor.  Planning can ensure a meaningful program that reflects the student’s individual needs and increases his/her options upon graduation.

NCAA Division I and Division II Bound Athletes:

Students who have an interest or desire to participate in athletics at the Division I and Division II levels should register with the NCAA Eligibility Center, and should do so by the end of the student’s junior year in high school.      http://web1.ncaa.org/ECWR2/NCAA_EMS/NCAA_EMS.html#

Students wishing to participate in the above programs must meet a number of requirements. It is important that students register only for learning experiences approved by the Eligibility Center.  This list can be viewed online, or students can contact their guidance counselors for more information.

Considerations for Learning Experience Selection:

• • Learning experience selection should take into account one’s personal interests, talents, and future plans.

  • Students are encouraged to explore a wide range of offerings by choosing learning experiences in a variety of areas, or by “loading up” in an area of interest.

  • Recognize that some programs offered at community or technical colleges require specific courses like algebra, geometry, chemistry, and/or physics for admission.

  • Explore the variety of post-secondary schools / programs that are available, and should see their counselor to prepare for the admission process .

  • Online applications are available that can provide valuable information regarding the learning experiences needed to pursue a particular career.

  • Many colleges value a diverse course / seminar load; we encourage you to take a wide variety of learning experiences while at MHS.