Will seniors be scheduled first?
Yes. PowerSchool allows each grade-level to be given a different level of priority when loading students into class sections. Seniors will be scheduled first, then juniors, sophomores, and finally freshmen.
What do I need for in-school online course registration?
Students must have the course registration form completed with all signatures. In addition, all VCU forms must be completed and signed if you are registering for a VCU class and/or listing any VCU classes as alternates. Students will not be allowed to register for any classes the day of online registration if they are missing required VCU forms.
Do high school credits from middle school count?
Yes. Credits from high school classes taken in middle school can count towards diploma requirements in fine arts, social studies, math, world language, and science. See your counselor if you have specific questions.
What about the elective credit requirement?
Don't worry about this one. Any classes that you take beyond graduation requirements (such as math after precalc.) will satisfy this elective credit requirement.
If I take a study hall, won't colleges think I'm a slacker?
Absolutely not! Many high schools only have seven period schedules. With a study hall, you will still have seven credits listed on your transcript and we don't list study halls on transcripts. Students may take either one study hall or student ambassador class per year. Student ambassador classes are listed on transcripts but are not graded and do not result in course credit.
Some students find they do not need a study hall and enjoy taking an eighth class in an area such as fine arts allowing for creativity and demonstration of commitment to pursuits beyond academics.
What summer course options do I have?
Students are only permitted to take health/pe and econ/personal finance over the summer. Students interested in health/pe need to contact their school divisions regarding registration forms, costs, and deadlines. Online Economics and Personal Finance is offered through MLWGS for free during the summer (after freshman or sophomore years) and during the school year (sophomore or junior years). This course also satisfies the state online course graduation requirement. Students may opt to take Economics and Personal Finance through their school division if scheduling is more convenient but the grade will not count towards the student GPA. Again, students should contact their school division for more information on this.
Can I take Econ and Personal Finance during different times of the year?
Yes you may. You can take Econ in the summer and Personal Finance during the year or vice-versa. No particular order is required. If you sign up for Econ and Personal Finance during the school year, it does not count as one of the required seven scheduled classes (in other words if you take a study hall or student ambassador, you will need to have seven other classes scheduled in addition to econ and personal finance). Students should complete Econ and Personal Finance by the end of the junior school year.
How do I register for Econ and Personal Finance?
Check the appropriate boxes on the course registration forms above the course class table. During online registration, you have an opportunity to register for the courses in Powerschool.
What about advanced course options - don't I need to take as many AP classes as I can to get into college?
Every student needs to find their own balance between challenging themselves and not being overextended.
Here are some points to consider:
Colleges do want students to challenge themselves but performing well in each class they take is important. Taking too rigorous a schedule can be overwhelming and negatively affect grades.
First and foremost – listen to your current teachers' recommendations.
Reflect on time demands and grades in prior advanced classes.
Consider other classes and extracurricular commitments.
Do you already feel over-committed? If so, think twice before adding more rigor.
Make sure to leave room for taking classes based on your passions and interests.
Consider a Study Hall if you plan on taking multiple advanced courses.
If you have additional questions, please contact your school counselor.