On the pages that follow, you’ll find detailed information about the courses offered in our academic and elective departments. For each department we include the following:
Department Overview
ARHS Graduation Requirement
Admission Requirement for Massachusetts State University System
Information about course levels or grouping
Recommended 4-Year Course Sequence
Course Descriptions, including any necessary prerequisites
Prerequisites
The purpose of a prerequisite is to ensure that a student has the necessary skills, content knowledge, conceptual understanding, and experience to be successful in a given course. Some prerequisites simply require completion of a previous course (i.e. completing level 1 before starting level 2) while others may also include a minimum grade (i.e. earning a minimum of a C- in level 1 before starting level 2).
Students with extenuating circumstances may obtain permission to waive a prerequisite if they have comparable experience and can demonstrate adequate preparation for a given course. To obtain permission, students should consult with their school counselor and then meet with the appropriate department head. Contact information for all department heads is listed on the ARHS website.