Scheduling Guidelines

Selection of the appropriate classes is one of the most important decisions made by a high school student and their parents. Clover High School is committed to providing the best opportunity possible for each student while also considering class enrollments and adequate staffing. Below are guidelines to assist you as you review your course history and request courses for the next school year.

Two primary areas to consider in planning your coursework:

1. Core Academics: Core classes are required courses to develop a well-rounded, well-educated individual who is prepared for post-secondary education.  Teachers will recommend core academic courses in December and January.  Parents and students may discuss changes to teacher recommendations with the content teacher and/or with the counselor during the Individual Graduation Plan Conference.  

2. Electives and Majors: Elective classes are chosen by the student to study an area in depth or to try something new. These can be used to explore a special interest (hobby) or to prepare for the workforce. A high school major does NOT have to be the same as a college major.

Items to consider when considering coursework:

• Do I want to continue my education beyond high school?

• What type of college or university am I most interested in attending?

• What am I already involved in (sports, music, art, etc.) and would I like to continue?

• Is there any topic I want to explore before I graduate?

• In what areas have I excelled in previous years?

Experience shows that those who plan a high school program early and frequently review the plan will be able to graduate without difficulty.

Course Registration Period is open every January for students to select elective classes.  Students meet with their counselor during an IGP appointment in February and March to review, make updates, and discuss personalized pathways through high school. 

Course Level Requisites

In assigning course levels, the staff at CHS believes that prior performance is the strongest indicator for future success. Students are encouraged to take classes at a level that will challenge them academically while continuing to enable them to qualify for scholarships such as The Life Scholarship.  

The following chart gives the grade value needed for the given course level for students in grades 10 – 12.  Parents and students should consider the rigor and requirements before advancing a level.  

Placement in 9th grade: Students promoted to the ninth grade are placed in core content area courses based on MAP Scores, State Assessment(s), and 8th Grade Performance Data.  Students taking courses for high school credit will follow the requisites policy as stated below.

Recommendations/Academic Placement
College Preparatory, Honors, Dual Enrollment, and Advanced Placement

Content area teachers make recommendations for the next course in a sequence by evaluating current course performance as well as historical grades. A parent or student who wishes to discuss the recommendation for reconsideration should address this concern during the student’s Individual Graduation Plan Conference. 

Students earning 90% or higher in a previous course have demonstrated the ability to work at a more rigorous level of learning and may want to move to a more rigorous level.  However, parents and students should consider the rigor and additional expectations before making this decision.  It is recommended that students speak to their most recent teacher in that content area before deciding to move up a level.  If parents and students wish to move to a more advanced level and have not earned 90%, they must meet with their counselor to discuss the option and sign the Academic Placement Waiver Form. Once the override is signed, the student is committed to the course and cannot withdraw.

Students will have access to the online course guide in January 

Prior to IGP meetings, students and parents should review the course catalog. It is important that students consider electives and alternates that match their interest and career cluster. Read through the course descriptions carefully, review the course level requirements, and write down any questions you have.

Students can work on a rough draft of courses for their four year plan. This will help them plan their electives and pathways to completion. 

2. 1. Students will select a minimum of 4 electives and 2 alternates in January during homeroom. PowerSchool will remain open for one week for students to review requests with parents. 

   2. Core-class recommendations will be made by teachers in December and January.  Students will be provided the recommendation by their teacher based on historical performance in the content area, as well as the performance and observations in the current content area class.  Students and parents are encouraged to discuss any questions or concerns about core class selections with the content area teacher before the student’s Individual Graduation Plan Conference.  

One of the most critical functions performed by a school is the registration of students. Based upon registration information, courses are scheduled and teachers are employed for the next year; therefore, it is important that course selections be given serious consideration. After mid-May of each year, changes will be made only to correct scheduling errors or to equalize class enrollments.

Student conferences are scheduled by grade level during February through April

Students will sign up for an appointment time for his or her counselor. The student, the parents, and the counselor will have an in-depth conversation about career and college goals, course history, and academic strengths. Parents and students should consider desired changes to elective requests and teacher recommendations during this conference and discuss these with the counselor.  Students will finalize their course requests during this conference which must include eight full units (core academic, electives) in addition to three alternates that match their interests and graduation plans.  Seniors may request Early Release, Late Arrival or Winter Graduation as options. 

Students will receive a copy of their course requests during Verification week.  Students need to review the form carefully for accuracy.  This is your opportunity to change your mind! When requesting a different course, students must still meet the prerequisites required for the new course. Requests for changes will only be accepted during Verification Week. Clover High administration will begin to build the master schedule in May, set class enrollments, and assign staff based on student requests.

Students will receive their final schedule, including teacher names and room numbers, at summer registration. Students must first provide proof of residency. Counselors will be available during summer registration to review schedules. Schedule changes will be considered only in the following circumstances:

• My classes are out of sequence (ex: French 2 before French 1)

• I do not have the proper prerequisite to take the class

• I have already completed and received credit for the class

• I did not request this class

• I have no class scheduled/Open period

Please note that the following reasons to change a schedule are considered unacceptable:

• I did not complete my AP summer work

• I would like a different teacher

• I changed my mind

• I play a sport in the fall and need an easier schedule

• I would like lunch with my friends