Frequently Asked Questions

🗓️ Meetings & Counselor Information

• Who is my counselor? Current students in grades 9–11 can locate counselors here.

• When do we meet? Meetings will take place from early February through early March.

  • You will receive an email invite for a 15-minute time slot within the next few weeks.

  • Action Required: Please save the meeting invite to your calendar.

• Can parents attend? No. These meetings are for students only. Parents may contact counselors via email to schedule a separate phone call if necessary.

🎓 Graduation & Course Requirements

• Total Credits: You need 21.5 credits to graduate. Detailed requirements are on page 6 of the Program Planning Guide.

• Personal Finance: Beginning with the Class of 2030, all students must complete a one-semester Personal Finance course to graduate. This course is available during the academic year and as a summer school option.

• World Language: Not required for graduation, but it is highly recommended to take at least two or three consecutive years.

• Physical Education: Required every semester. You must take PE even if you play a varsity sport.

• Community Service: There is no community service requirement for graduation.

• Elective Capacity: Usually, you can take 1 full-year or 2 semester electives. While there is sometimes room for more, it is recommended to leave a free period in your day.

⚖️ Building Your Schedule (Credits & Rigor)

• Credit Load: Your schedule must have between 5.25 and 8.00 credits.

  • Recommended: 6.5 credits per year (6 classes + PE)

  • Note: Taking 8.00 credits is extremely rare and rigorous, and requires counselor involvement.

• Choosing Levels (Honors, AP, & IB): Trust your teacher recommendations; they are the best guide for level placement.

  • AP/IB Workload: Expect college-level reading, writing, and independent study. 

  • How many APs classes? While there is no hard limit, taking more than 4 or 5 is discouraged. Balance is vital for extracurriculars and mental health.

• College Admissions: You do not need AP classes to get into a four-year college. College prep, Honors, AP, and IB all provide college preparation.

💻 Technical Steps & Process

• Entering courses: Use PowerSchool to input your selections. Watch the Course Recommendation Video for step-by-step instructions.

• When is the final schedule ready? You will likely receive your official schedule in August.

☀️ Summer School & Special Programs

• Central Montco Technical High School (CMTHS): Students can attend CMTHS and still go to a 4-year college. It is a great way to gain certifications and technical skills. Visit CMTHS website for details.

• Summer Biology: Availability is not guaranteed. Schedule Biology for the school year now; you can remove it later if you successfully complete it over the summer.

• Summer Health: Typically available. Registration opens in the spring. Listen for announcements in March or April.