Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some frequently asked questions that the counseling department receives. Some major topics include: Drivers Ed, GPA/Class Rank, Graduation Requirements, Community Service, Workers Permit,  and Tutoring.

Drivers Education

"When will I have Drivers Ed?"

• Drivers Ed Classroom is scheduled by the counseling department according to your birth date. Students approximately 15 years old will be enrolled in Drivers Ed.

"Is there a fee?"

• Yes, there is a $150 fee for the Behind the Wheel portion of Drivers Ed, beginning the summer of 2022. There is no charge for the classroom portion.

"Why isn't Behind the Wheel on my schedule?"

• BTW is scheduled by the Drivers Ed Instructor once the classroom portion is successfully completed. It is usually during study hall, physical education or before/after school.

"Can I get into Drivers Ed sooner?"

• DHS will schedule by chronological birthdate order only. There are private opportunities available in the Peoria-area for those willing to pay.

Please visit the Driver's Ed. Website for more information: https://dhsdriversed.weebly.com/

Grade Point Average & Class Rank

"What classes are not included in my GPA & class rank?"

• All PE courses, Band, Chorus, Jazz Band, Homeroom, Community Service, Study Hall, Behind the Wheel and Drivers Ed Class

"Can any of my classes from 8th grade count towards my GPA & class rank?"

• If a student takes a year-long high school level course in math and/or foreign language, the 8th grade semester grades will count towards GPA and graduation credit.

"Can I repeat a course to improve GPA & class rank?"

• Only classes failed may be retaken to earn credit. Both the failed grade and the passed grade will be calculated in the GPA.

 Graduation Requirements

"What is the minimum number of credits I need to graduate?"

• 21 

"If I'm a half a credit short, can I walk across the stage with my class on graduation day?"

• No. You must meet all graduation requirements to participate in the graduation ceremony.

 Community Service

"Is Community Service a graduation requirement?"

• No. Community service is an optional, non-academic means of earning 0.5 credit per academic year. Community service credit does not factor into student GPA.

"How many hours do I need to complete to earn community service credit?"

• 80

"How much credit is earned if I complete the requirements for community service?"

• 0.5 credit hours

"What do I need to do to earn community service credit?"

• Complete 80 hours of community service work from June-May

  1. May NOT include service benefitting family members or their business/place of employment

• Turn in your documented hours that have been signed off on by a supervisor, and a one page reflection of your experience with community service.

"How many times can I do community service for .5 credit?"

• You can do community service each year in high school earning 2 total credits for 4 years.

"What are some common opportunities to volunteer?"

• Local hospitals, food pantries, homeless shelters, local religious organizations, animal shelters, park districts, libraries, nursing homes, day cares, community events, service trips

"How will community service affect my GPA?"

• You will earn a grade of "Passing" if you complete the community service requirements. If you do not complete the requirements, community service will be taken off your schedule.

Work Permits

"How do I get a workers permit?"

• See the Work Permit tab on this website for the Peoria County Work Permit Application and necessary steps

Tutoring 

"What are options for private tutoring?"

• If you would like extended tutoring, please see the tutoring tab of this website for a list of private tutors.