Additional Electives

List of Additional Electives

AP Computer Science Principles - 1 Unit - Grades 10-12

Advanced Placement

Prerequisite: 80% or higher in Honors Math

Note that this course satisfies the Computer Science course requirement needed for graduation.

AP Computer Science Principles is an introductory college-level computing course that introduces students to the breadth of the field of computer science. Students learn to design and evaluate solutions and to apply computer science to solve problems through the development of algorithms and programs. They incorporate abstraction into programs and use data to discover new knowledge. Students will also explain how computing innovations and computing systems—including the internet—work, explore their potential impacts, and contribute to a computing culture that is collaborative and ethical. Major areas of study include Creative Development, Data, Algorithms and Programming, Computing Systems and Networks, and Impact of Computing. Students take the Advanced Placement Computer Science Principles exam in May and may receive college credit at additional colleges and universities, depending on the AP Exam score and each college's policy.

Visit the Advanced Placement page for more information about AP courses.

[477500AW]

Career Exploration - 1 Unit - Grade 12        

College Preparatory
Prerequisite: 25-26 Application Required

Students will be required to shadow and complete an internship off campus. Students must have a valid driver’s license or parents must make transportation arrangements. Students acquire practical skills by being exposed to the reality of the world of work beyond the boundaries of the classroom, enhancing self-confidence and career direction. A variety of options are available, but each opportunity must be approved by the Career Exploratory instructor. Students must complete at least 120 hours at their job placement, including a final paper, and a daily time sheet. Also, the student’s immediate supervisor at the work placement and the course instructor will evaluate them. A grade will be assigned. 

[379900CW]

DE Intro to Computer Concepts (CSCE 101) - 1 Unit - Grades 11-12 - Virtual Only
Dual Enrollment

Prerequisite: Must meet college acceptance requirements

History, application, and social impact of computers; problem-solving, algorithm development, applications software, and programming in a procedural language. This course is a high school elective and DOES NOT satisfy the Computer Science course requirement needed for graduation. However, it is beneficial for many college degrees. 

Visit the USC Union page for more information about dual enrollment courses. 

[672000EW]

DE Teacher Cadet Program - 1 Unit - Grades 11-12

Dual Enrollment

Prerequisites: 3.0 GPA on the 4.0 scale, 25-26 Application Required

This course encourages students who possess a high level of academic achievement to consider teaching as a career. Students are exposed to many facets of education through a child development curriculum, classroom observations, and an internship at a district school (professional dress is required for the internship). Students will receive three semester credits from Winthrop University. Students must have three to five teacher recommendations judging them on leadership skills, dependability, attitude, responsibility, relationships, achievement, and aptitude. Students wishing consideration for the class must first complete the application process. Priority will be given to education majors. Note: There is a nominal fee associated with this course ($45).  

Visit the Winthrop page for more information about dual enrollment courses.

[373500EW]

For More Information: Course Video

DE Teacher Cadet II: Educational Psychology - 1 Unit - Grades 11-12

Dual Enrollment

Prerequisites: 70% or higher in DE Teacher Cadet Program and 3.0 GPA on the 4.0 scale 

This course focuses on the dynamics of human learning and the psychological principles that serve as the foundation for educational practice. The general goal is to introduce students to the field of educational psychology and apply the concepts, theoretical principles, and research findings from the discipline of psychology to the planning and implementation of effective instructional strategies in the classroom. Major emphasis is placed on assisting students in gaining a functional knowledge of the ideas explored. This is the follow up course to Teacher Cadet—Experiencing Education, a prerequisite for enrollment.

Visit the Winthrop page for more information about dual enrollment courses.

[881700EW]

Drivers Education - ½ Unit - Grades 10-12

College Preparatory
Prerequisites: 

• Must be 15 years old and have a valid SC Driving Permit

• Parent permission required

• Must meet the state's vision requirements (corrective lenses if necessary)

Corequisite: Students must enroll in a health class or American Government to pair with this course in the same semester

This 9-weeks course teaches safe driving practices and is open to students who have a SC driving permit and are classified as 10th graders. Enrollment is limited and subject to a lottery.

Requirements: 

• 30 hours of classroom instruction 

• 3 hours of behind the wheel training

• 12 hours of simulation driving

• Students must adhere to district policies (substance-free) and SC attendance laws

Certification: 

Completion of an approved driver education course is required for students under 17 to obtain a driver's license. Students must submit a completed certification form to the DMV to get a license. Attendance is one component of this certification so please remember that students must conform to SC attendance laws and regulations. Students may also qualify for an insurance discount upon course completion.

Additional Information:

• Parents are responsible for arranging permit/license testing and ensuring insurance coverage.

• School district provides insurance on the driver education vehicle; personal insurance is required once students drive at home.

• Summer school options may be available with a separate enrollment fee.

• Upon completion of t he course, students will receive a PDLA form indicating classroom credit, discount insurance form, and ½ unit course credit. 

[370100CH]

Intro to Chess - 1 Unit - Grades 10-12 

College Preparatory
The Introduction to Chess course is designed for beginners, providing students with a strong foundation in the rules, strategies, and tactics of the game. Throughout the course, students will learn how to play chess, understand the movement of pieces, and apply basic strategies to improve their gameplay. Key topics include opening principles, piece development, tactical patterns, and endgame techniques.

In addition to the fundamentals of chess, students will discover how the game can enhance their mathematical and logical reasoning skills. Chess encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and strategic planning—skills that are valuable both in and outside the classroom. By the end of the course, students will not only be able to play chess with confidence but will also have developed a deeper understanding of logical decision-making and pattern recognition.

[379901CW]

Jobs for America's Graduates - 1 Unit - Grades 10-12 - 📺

College Preparatory
The JAG program focuses on graduation, career exploration and planning, and the development of employability and life skills (competency-based curriculum). The course serves a variety of students with a wide range of academic abilities and socio-economic backgrounds. The program includes adult mentoring, advising, and support. The program also includes student-led leadership development through JAG Career Association. For seniors, the program utilizes 12 months of follow-up services, including, but not limited to a job and/or post-secondary education placement, guidance and counseling services and mentoring. 

[Level 1: 374100CW, Level 2: 374200CW]

For More Information: Course Video

Yearbook Journalism - 1 Unit - Grades 10-12

Honors - 2 Units - Grades 11-12

College Preparatory or Honors
Prerequisites: Teacher Recommendation; 25-26 Application Required

Students in Yearbook Journalism publish the school yearbook. This course develops skills learned in language art courses such as oral and written communication as well as layout and design. Production of the yearbook provides a practical teaching tool and benefits the school, the students, and the community. Students must apply and be accepted into Yearbook Journalism on or before Spring IGP/Registration conference.

[Grade 10: 339960CW; 339972CW; Grade 11: 339975HD; Grade 12: 339976HE]

For More Information: Course Poster and Course Video