Current 8th Grade Families: FAQ
Due to the sheer volume of requests for meetings or calls about rising 9th grade (current 8th grade students) questions, we are not able to provide one-on-one conferences in person or over the phone. Please reference this document. If you have a question that is not covered on this document or on the website, please email your question to one of the 9th grade counselors and your questions will be answered through email and added to this document.
When do students begin making course selections for 9th grade?
Families have received course request forms and should fill them out and return them to the high school directly. Teachers will submit their recommendations directly to the WAHS school counseling team.
How many classes do 9th graders typically take in a year?
All students at WAHS are enrolled in 8 year long classes per year.
What do you mean by alternate course?
An alternate course is another elective course. In case something is full or does not fit into the schedule, we recommend students selecting at least two (2) alternate course choices.
Can we request to change the level of a course a teacher recommended?
The deadline to submit the course override forms is March 15th. When schedules come out in August, you can request a change in level at that time, however there is no guarantee that we can accommodate course request changes.
My student is taking high school level courses this year (English 1, Algebra 1, Geometry, etc.), what will they take next year?
The typical math progression is Geometry, Algebra 1, Algebra 2, and a 4th math of their choice, your child will automatically be enrolled in the next level of math.
The typical English progression is English 1, 2, 3, 4 (or 1, 2, and the AP or DE).
My student has taken Spanish for two years. Will those carry over as credits for 9th grade?
Only students enrolled in a CP course on their schedule (ex: Spanish 1 CP) will earn high school credit upon successful completion. This will count as a credit toward graduation requirements.
Which languages are available?
French, German, Spanish.
Are the general PE courses geared for one sport?
No, they are not. General PE courses include multiple sports. Weightlifting can be geared towards one specific sport but may contain student athletes from multiple sports.
Do dual credit classes give students college credit?
Yes, students will receive college credit from the approved college that the student takes the course along with high school credit. Other colleges may accept credit for these courses as well. We recommend verifying with any college you are interested in attending to see which courses may transfer. These courses are only offered to Juniors and Seniors.
Can a student take dual enrollment courses even if they are not in "honors" classes?
Students are able to take dual enrollment courses in a variety of subjects starting their junior year if they meet the requirements of Trident Technical College (TTC). This can be discussed at your 9th & 10th grade IGP.
Where can my student sign-up for career classes such as auto tech or sports medicine?
Students who wish to take courses at the West Ashley Center for Advanced Studies will request those courses with their WAHS counselor during their IGP meeting. There are a limited number of courses available to freshmen at the WACAS.
What if my child has an IEP or 504?
If your child has an IEP, you will primarily meet with the IEP team lead. Your child will still have an IGP meeting and get to choose elective courses with your counselor. If your child has a 504 plan, your counselor will reach out when the plan is due for review to set up a meeting. The IGP may also be scheduled before or after the 504 meeting.
Can we set up a meeting with a counselor at the high school?
If you have questions that you cannot find an answer to on the website, especially under the school counseling tab, please email one of the counselors for further assistance. Individual conferences are not an option at this time due to the sheer volume of requests and in order to prioritize our current students.
Is there a course catalog online that lists the electives?
Yes. On the WAHS website, under the school counseling tab, you can find the program of studies that goes into great detail about the courses we offer and the prerequisites for each course.
Is Fundamentals of Computing the same as Discovering Computer Science in the 8th grade?
They are very similar, if you took Discovering Computer Science parts 1&2 in middle school, you should NOT request Fundamentals of Computing in high school. If you only took Discovering Computer Science part 1 then you can request Fundamentals of Computing.
Will information be sent out about courses that can be done virtually during the summer?
You will need to speak directly with your student’s current counselor at the middle school concerning which courses are available to middle school students over the summer.
When will I get my schedule?
All students will get their schedules during registration in August.
How do I read my schedule?
Freshman will review how to read their schedules on the first day of school with their global leadership (PACK) teachers, first thing in the morning.
How do I schedule a tour of WAHS for myself and my rising 9th grader?
Students and parents have the opportunity to attend "A Taste of West Ashley" event in February of each year which is an open house that showcases all that WAHS has to offer. There are also opportunities to meet with Dr. Brandt and tour the school throughout the month of February. This information is sent to all 8th grade families zoned for WAHS in early February with directions on how to sign up.
What is Flexmod?
This is the new schedule that WAHS will follow. More information will be shared by WAHS administration and rising 9th graders will learn more about it during 9th grade orientation.
How do I enroll my child in the Scholar’s Academy?
Scholar’s Academy is a school choice option through CCSD, if you did not apply for the program during the school choice window, your child will not be considered for the program. Only rising 9th grade students zoned for West Ashley and Burke are eligible to apply.
Our child applied to the Scholars academy Program through the school choice system, when will we find out if they were accepted?
The scholars academy program follows the school choice timeline. Please refer to the school choice website to learn more.