Overview

FAQs

Is course ‘X’ the right pick for my child? 

1. Is your child interested in this science or this subsection of science?

2. What courses or activities is your child completing concurrently with course ‘X’?  This is important because your child could be overloaded by taking all honors or AP courses.  This affects homework, tests, and overall stress levels.  Help them make smart decisions with their demonstrated level of motivation and responsibilities.

3. What is you and your child’s philosophy of challenging themselves?  Are they stressed by scoring C’s on tests or do they see it as a part of the process of learning?  All students are different in this regard. If anxiety is a problem, then they should probably choose the least stressful course. We encourage a growth mindset, but the struggle to learn necessary skills in courses can be very difficult for some students.

4. Does your child miss many school days?  If they do, it is extremely difficult to succeed in a challenging curriculum.

5. Are they moving up from college-prep to honors/AP/IB in more than one or two courses?  This can create quite a bit of stress and struggle by choosing too many new challenges during a single year’s growth.

6. You know your child best, but listen to the teacher’s recommendations and advice.  They have seen hundreds of students choose courses over the years and have a fair idea of which courses would fit your child best.  You may get advice that you disagree with, remember that you get to choose the courses with your child.

Which courses should my child take and when? 

Please view the Commonly Chosen Courses document that refers to this question.

Our typical successful students take biology and chemistry prior to physics. and take AP Courses as juniors and seniors

Recommended sequence - 

9th Grade - Biology ➡️ 10th Grade - Chemistry (Science Elective?) ➡️ 11th Grade - Physics (Science Elective?) ➡️ 12th Grade - Science Electives

How many science credits are needed for graduation? 

Only 3 credits are required, but the majority of Harriton students take 4+ science credits.

Which Physics course should my child take? 

Please view the Physics Course Overviews to learn which course is right for you.

What about Technology and Engineering classes? 

There are many electives offered involving robotics, architecture, computer aided design (CAD), and foundations of engineering and design.  Check out the Technology & Engineering video below to learn more from our Technology Education teacher, Mr. Lehman.

What about summer school? 

There are summer school classes offered over six weeks during the end of June to the first week in August online.  This varies for every student, but is certainly an option that some students choose.  This is a chance for accelerating your science offerings, but please take honors chemistry at Harriton (as a 9th or 10th grade student).  Honors Chemistry is an experience that has shown to be extremely helpful prior to taking AP level science courses.