Minimum Credits Needed for Graduation: 22

They must meet the criteria below.

Grade Level Progression

Core Content Progression

AP / Dual Credit Offerings

Dual Credit and AP courses offer high school students a chance to get college credit in high school courses. These courses are more intensive and add a weighted GPA boost. Dual Credit and AP courses are on a 5 point scale in GPA calculations. Dual Credit courses have certain GPA requirements to enroll. Depending on the course, you will need a 2.5 to 3.0 overall GPA to enroll. AP courses have an AP Exam at the end of the course which determines a student's ability to earn college credit. Students must score a 3 or better on AP Exams to earn college credit. 

Dual Credit & AP Offerings:

ENGLISH: AP English Language (Junior Year), AP English Literature (Senior Year), DC Eng 101 & 102 via U of L (Senior Year)

MATH: AP Pre-Calc, AP Calc AB, AP Calc BC, AP Stats, DC Algebra via U of L

SOCIAL STUDIES: AP Human Geography, AP World History, AP US History

SCIENCE: AP Physics I- Algebra Based, AP Physics C-Mechanics, AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Environmental Science, DC Microbiology

ELECTIVES: AP Psychology, DC Medical Terminology, AP Spanish Culture, AP Music Theory

Pathway Specific Dual Credit & AP Offerings:

Engineering- JCTC ELT 260

Computer Science- AP Computer Science Principles

Culinary- JCTC CUL 100 & CUL 285

Cinematography- BCTC FLM 190 & IMD 250

Graphic Design- MSU ART 109, BCTC IMD 126 & IMD 128

Business- JCTC BAS 160 

Elective Offerings

Electives

A & B Electives

Fitness & Weight Management- (Sophomore) This course designed to encourage physical fitness and lifetime activity. The class includes student self-evaluation and individualized programs in strength, muscular endurance, cardiovascular endurance, flexibility, and healthy body weight. Activities emphasized in the class are stretching, aerobic and rhythmical exercises, circuit training, and resistance training (weightlifting). 

Fitness Conditioning- (Junior) This course emphasizes conditioning activities that help develop muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility and cardiorespiratory endurance. 

Advanced Physical Education III- (Senior) This course is designed for students who have a genuine desire to develop their interest and skills to an advanced level to enjoy lifetime physical activities and /or to pursue a career interest. Prerequisite: PE I

Creative Writing- An elective designed to extend the student's abilities in creative writing and thinking. The class will offer the student writing experiences in a variety of genres. No credit given toward English requirements for graduation.

African American History- Students will trace the historical, political, societal, economic and cultural issues from ancient Africa through the African American experience. Emphasis will be placed on contemporary issues facing African-Americans.

Military History- Military History is a survey of post-renaissance military development and usage, nations' development, and wars. We explore key military conflicts, strategies, technology, leaders, and societal impacts across the globe. This course could serve as a social studies elective for high school graduation, but not as one of the three required social studies courses to ensure students have access to all Kentucky Academic Standards for Social Studies. 

Economics- A scientific study of human action and choice. Students will learn how individuals’ preferences and incentives shape their behavior, and how their behaviors together create outcomes for society as a whole. This course focuses on how societies’ decisions and rules about using resources affect their wellbeing, but the insights of the field have broad applications in explaining and predicting patterns of human behavior.

Psychology- A scientific study of behavior. It introduces selected topics of psychological study and the skills and methods of psychological experimentation. The course emphasizes biological and environmental influences on intelligence and learning  personality  and behavior patterns.

Sociology- Introduces the student to the skills, methods, and concepts of the science of sociology. The content includes basic sociology, social problems, and social institutions. Emphasis is placed on comparative evaluation and the case-study approach to social structures. 

Full Year Electives

African American Literature: This class focuses on works of literature by African-American authors. Students will read and analyze at least 2 novels. You will have independent and group reading assignments. You are expected to contribute to group discussions, and you will write responses to questions about the novels.

Anatomy and Physiology- Prerequisite: Biology (or advanced students currently enrolled in biology) This course teaches all of the parts of the human body, the function of those parts, and how they work together to make us functioning and healthy organisms. We learn about our bodies through reading, note-taking, laboratory activities such as dissections, research and art projects, and case study activities. This class is perfect for any student who is interested in a career in a health or medical field, or just enjoys learning about their bodies and life science. 

Film Study- This course examines the literary, artistic, and cinematic elements of film. By the end of this course, students will be able to view and understand films through a critical lens.

Historical and Cultural Influences of the Bible (Historical Literature)- Students explore multiple perspectives throughout history on the cultural influences of the Hebrew Scriptures/Old Testament and the New Testament. Students who enjoy reading, writing, and discussing big ideas related to religion, art history, film studies, ancient mythology, and popular culture will enjoy this course. It is designed purposefully to be inclusive of all faith traditions (including atheists!) and to support mastery in the skills of academic dialogue, rather than devotional debate. 

Yearbook - For Juniors and Seniors interested in working to produce the Fern Creek High School 2024 Yearbook. You will be responsible for attending after school events, taking pictures, writing descriptions of events, interviewing students and staff, and designing pages for the yearbook. You must be organized and willing to work with other students.

Human & Physical Geography- Let’s look at people and the world! This course includes current events, map quizzes, and relationships between humans and their environments. Units of Study include: Basic Geographical concepts, Population trends, Migration, Folk + Pop Culture, Language, Religion, Ethnicities, Political Geography, Food + Agriculture, Development, Industry and Manufacturing and Services + Settlements + Urban Patterns

Security Fundamentals- Security Fundamentals introduces basic computer and network security concepts and methodologies. Covers principles of security; compliance and operational security; threats and vulnerabilities; network security; application, data, and host security; access control and identity management; and cryptography. Students spend at least 20 hours programming and applying learned concepts through programming. Programming is defined, by the K-12 CS Framework, as the craft of analyzing problems and designing, writing, testing, and maintaining programs to solve them.

AP and Dual Credit- 

Students must have a 2.5 cumulative GPA to enroll in most dual credit courses. If the student does not meet the GPA requirement, alternative admissions standards can be determined by the instructor, Department and the Dual Credit Program Director.

DC Medical Terminology & Emergency Procedures- This course will focus on potential emergency situations. It is designed to promote an understanding of standard precautions necessary for personal and professional health maintenance and infection control. Upon successful completion of the course, the student will demonstrate the necessary skills in First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and will be given the opportunity to take the completion examination as outlined by the sponsoring agency. (JCTC)

DC Intro to Black Film- The course aims to cultivate an understanding of key terms, concepts, and theories related to Black film and television, as well as identify the unique technical strategies, scripting, writing, and editing employed by Black filmmakers and media producers. (Simmons College)

AP Environmental Science- Recommended prerequisites: Two years of high school laboratory science, including life science and physical science, along with at least one year of algebra. This course is a two-semester, college preparatory course, which satisfies the university requirements for a laboratory science class. Students explore and investigate the interrelationships of the natural world and analyze environmental problems, both natural and human-made. Students will take part in laboratory investigations and field work. 

AP Psychology- Explore the ideas, theories, and methods of the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. You’ll examine the concepts of psychology through reading and discussion and you’ll analyze data from psychological research studies.

Visual & Performing Arts (Must have 1 credit in this category)

History & Appreciation of Visual/Performing Arts (HAVPA)- Students will be exposed to the full array of "arts": Music, composers, theatre, architecture, famous artwork and artists. Students that are not drawn to singing, playing an instrument, performing on stage, or creating art can use this course to obtain their state required "art" credit. This course is more centered on displaying knowledge of the components of art than performing one of the components.

Band- Prerequisite: Prior middle school band instruction and a desire for band participation; or band teacher recommendation. This course emphasizes individual and group technical training (skills) with emphasis placed on creating and performing. Students will develop skills that will prepare them to participate in solo and ensemble, all state and all county band auditions, school concerts/activities and district/state large ensemble performances. There are extra performances and practices outside of class. 

Symphonic Band- Prerequisite: Successful completion of band course level 1 with band teacher recommendation &/or audition and a desire for band participation.  Courses in Symphonic Band are designed to promote students' playing technique for brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments, and cover a variety of music styles primarily for concert performances. Literature for Symphonic Band courses is usually more advanced and incorporates orchestral literature transcribed for band. There are extra rehearsals and performances outside of class. Performances include local concerts during each semester and a judged appearance at the KMEA Festival in March Note: This is section A of a two part sequential course.

Percussion- Prerequisites: Audition and/or music teacher recommendation. This class emphasizes continued technical training, rehearsal, and performance of literature for percussion ensemble. Emphasis is placed on the reading, study, and performance of quality percussion literature and transcriptions of high artistic merit. There are extra rehearsals and performances outside of class time.

Visual Art 1- Note: this is a two part sequential course. Visual Arts 1 is the foundation course in art for the high school student specializing in visual arts. In this course, the student receives instruction in the 2D and 3D studio areas (i.e., design, drawing, painting, printmaking, ceramics, sculpture, textiles, etc.) that increase basic art skills developed in the middle school art program. 

Visual Art 2- Prerequisite: Successful completion of Visual Arts 1 or teacher recommendation. Note: this is a two part sequential course. Visual Arts 2 is a course in which the student is involved in challenging studio problems in design, drawing, painting, mixed media, printmaking, ceramics, sculpture, and textiles, as well as in art history (past and present),  art criticism, and aesthetic material related to full development of the talent/interest of the individual. In Visual Arts 2 the student continues to select work for a portfolio to be used for college/career pursuits. 

Visual Arts 3- is an advanced, 3rd level course in art in which the student works on developing technical skills and their own artistic style(s). The student is involved in challenging studio problems in a variety of media with a central focus on African American art, artists and art history (past and present) as well as cultural perspectives.  These, as well as experiences in art criticism, and aesthetics - which complement the studio experience - are integral parts of the course.  The student in Visual Arts 3 is expected to keep a portfolio of artwork that reflects developing technical skills and their own artistic style(s).  In completing this course, students consider various techniques, methods, venues, and criteria for analyzing and selecting their art for preservation and presentation, including evolving technologies when preparing and refining artwork for display.

Beginning Choir - Any Freshman can sign up for this class, no experience required! Sophomores through Seniors should only sign up for this class if they have NEVER taken choir before and have ZERO experience. Feel free to put any student in here that wants to be in Choir but has no experience. In Choir, students work as a team to learn to sing all different kinds of music. 

Advanced Concert Choir - This class is for Sophomores through Seniors who have been in Choir before, even if that was in middle school. This class is mixed voicing (SATB) and mixed gender. Counselors, feel free to put any 10-12 grader in here who wants to be in Choir and has been in Choir before, even if that was in middle school. In Choir, students work as a team to learn to sing all different kinds of music. 

Advanced Treble Choir/SSA - This class is a Women’s Choir for Sophomores through Seniors who identify as female and sing Soprano or Alto. Feel free to put any 10-12th grade girl in here who wants to be in choir and has been in Choir before, even if that was in middle school. In Choir, students work as a team to learn to sing all different kinds of music. 

Theatre 1- Theatre 1 is the introductory course for the theatre student. It is designed to develop a knowledge of theatrical concepts and techniques that will enable students to create new theatre pieces (work-in-progress/complete), perform existing theatre works and respond to both studio exercises and performances. 

Theatre 2-  Prerequisite: Successful completion of Theatre 1 or audition Theatre 2 provides advanced training in the refinement and application of previously acquired performance skills necessary to the post-secondary audition process. The course continues study from Theatre 3 having students create new theatre pieces, perform existing theatre works, and respond to both studio exercises and performances. 

Music Theatre 1- Music Theatre 1 is a course that follows an integrated development of fundamental skills for the performer as a singer, dancer, actor. The Dance portion covers the basics of theatre dance and tap technique; the Music portion covers the skills necessary for sight singing/reading and music theory as well as ensemble and solo singing; and the Theatre portion covers the basics of ensemble acting and character development. 

Music Theatre 2- Music Theatre 2 is advances the fundamental skills for the performer as a singer, dancer, actor building on Music Theatre 1. The Dance portion covers the basics of theatre dance and tap technique; the Music portion covers the skills necessary for sight singing/reading and music theory as well as ensemble and solo singing; and the Theatre portion covers the basics of ensemble acting and character development. 

Orchestra- Prerequisite: Prior middle school orchestra instruction and a desire for orchestra participation; or orchestra teacher recommendation. This course emphasizes individual and group technical training (skills) with emphasis placed on creating and performing. The student electing this class should understand that all extra rehearsals and performances are required in agreement with District guidelines. (The number of commitments may vary by school; however, the director should give as much advance information as possible concerning these performances and extra rehearsals.) Performances include local concerts during each semester and a judged appearance at the KMEA Festival in March. Note: This is section A of a two part sequential course.

Advanced Orchestra- Prerequisites; Orchestra teacher recommendation &/or audition and a desire for orchestra participation. This course requires advanced individual and group technical training (skills) with emphasis placed on creating and performing. Students will develop skills that will prepare them to participate in solo and ensemble, all state and all county orchestra auditions, school concerts/activities and district/state large ensemble performances. The student electing this class should understand that all extra rehearsals and performances are required in agreement with District guidelines. (The number of these commitments will vary by school, and the director should give as much advance information as possible concerning these performances and extra rehearsals.) Performances include local concerts during each semester and a judged appearance at the KMEA Festival in March. Note: This is section B of a two part sequential course.

Guitar 1- Prerequisite: An expressed desire for guitar participation. This course includes development of beginning/basic guitar techniques through individual and group instruction. This course will utilize materials related to general music education to develop the musicianship of the student. The student will be provided opportunities to perform.

Foreign Language Offerings

Spanish 1, Advanced Spanish 1, Spanish 2, Advanced Spanish 2, Advanced Spanish 3, Advanced Spanish 4, AP Spanish Language and Culture

Japanese 1, Advanced Japanese 1, Japanese 2, Advanced Japanese 2, Advanced Japanese 3, Advanced Japanese 4

Credit Recovery

How does credit recovery work?

• Students will work on failed courses through Edmentum or other project based assignments. Students do not repeat the entire course. The teacher bases recovery on standards the student didn't display mastery in during the school year. If a student finished with a 50% in a class, they would work on enough standards to get to a 60% and the course is recovered with a D on their transcript. The amount of work they must complete depends on what percentage they ended the course with.

Fern Creek High School offers the following options for credit recovery:

1. Summer School- Students can attend sessions during the summer. Summer School is typically 2 weeks long and runs from 9am-3pm. 

2. Saturday School- A Saturday School schedule will be posted when the school year starts. Students needing credit recovery can come to Fern Creek from 8am to noon to complete coursework. This is an open door policy. You do not need to sign up. If you can only do 9am to 10am, that's fine. You do not need to attend the full four hours. 

SATURDAY SCHOOL SCHEDULE - Dates are subject to change. Double check before you show up.

3. Teir 3 Recovery- Seniors that are behind behind grade level may be scheduled in a Teir 3 Intervention class during the school day. Their counselor will work with the interventionist and the student to determine a plan for recovering courses. Once credits are complete, they are moved into an elective depending on timing during the school year.

Viewing Your Transcript in IC

To view your transcript from the IC app or on your laptop:

1. Login to your IC account

2. Click the 3 lines in the top left

3. Click "Documents"

4. Click "Portal Transcript"

This will show you your Cumulative GPA (weighted and unweighted), courses completed and grades for each academic year, and total number of credits.