Welcome
to the High School
Embedded Files
Welcome
Class of 2028!
This is a very exciting time in your life and we want you to get off to a great start!
High school offers new opportunities and learning experiences. It also requires more student responsibility and time management.
By beginning each school day with a positive mindset, determination, and desire to learn something new,
your high school experience will be enjoyable and rewarding.
We are here to support and assist you as you begin your next academic journey.
Have an awesome school year!
Freshmen Orientation 2024
What will your schedule look like in 9th grade?
In 9th grade, you will be scheduled for the following subjects:
English 9 or English 9 Honors
Algebra I or Algebra I Honors OR Geometry or Geometry Honors (completed Algebra in 8th grade)
US History I or US History I Honors
Environmental Science or Environmental Science Honors OR Biology or Biology Honors (completed Environmental Science in 8th grade)
World Language (Spanish or French) ~ Spanish I or French I
Physical/Health Education 9
Elective
Elective
Schedule Breakdown & Important Information:
Periods: 8 scheduled (A-H) / rotation schedule
Learn: Study/activity period that is connected to Lunch
Course length: FY (full year) / S1 (semester 1) / S2 (semester 2) / Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4 (quarter class)
Quarters in a year: 4
School Counselors' offices for grades 7-9: E wing
Student Services (Guidance Office) for grades 10-12: D wing (next to the Main Office and across from the Cafeteria)
Teacher/staff/administration email: First initial, last name, @ msemail.org (example: Kim Kelly > kkelly@msemail.org)
Schedule Sequence
Core Courses & Electives
Grade 9
English 9/English 9 Honors^
Algebra I/Algebra I Honors^
or
Geometry/Geometry
Honors^ (completed
Algebra in 8th grade)
Environmental Science/Environmental Science Honors^
or
Biology/Biology Honors^
(completed Environmental
Science in 8th grade)
US History I/US History I Honors^
World Language > Spanish I or French I (one year minimum for graduation, RCBC, and trade school)
PE/HE 9
Elective
Elective
^ Honors > Honors course placement via Mrs. Betz (8th grade School Counselor), teacher recommendation, and parent/guardian input
Grade 10
English 10/English 10 Honors^
Geometry/Geometry Honors^
or
Algebra II/Algebra II
Honors^ (completed
Geometry in 9th grade)
Biology/Biology Honors^
or
Chemistry/Chemistry
Honors^ (completed
Biology in 9th grade)
US History II/US History II Honors^
or
AP US History*
World Language > Spanish II or French II (2 years minimum for 4-year universities)
PE/HE/Drivers Ed 10
Elective
Elective
^ Honors > 90+ or 80+ (Honors course) final grade in prerequisite course OR teacher recommendation OR Course Waiver
* AP > prerequisite course and grade required and/or teacher recommendation
Grade 11
English 11/AP English Language & Composition*
Algebra II/Algebra II Honors^
or
Precalculus/Precalculus
Honors^ (completed
Algebra II in 10th grade)
Chemistry/Chemistry Honors^
or
Physics/Physics Honors^
(completed Chemistry in
10th grade)
World History/World History Honors^
World Language > Spanish III or French III (or elective)
PE/HE 11
Elective
Elective
^ Honors > 90+ or 80+ (Honors course) final grade in prerequisite course OR teacher recommendation OR Course Waiver
* AP > prerequisite course and grade required and/or teacher recommendation
Grade 12
English 12/AP English Literature & Composition*
3 Years of Math mandatory > Can take Precalculus, Precalculus Honors^, or AP Calculus* as a 4th year Math course
3 Years of Science mandatory > Can take Physics, Physics Honors^, Forensic Science, Meteorology & Astronomy, AP Biology*, or AP Chemistry* as a 4th year Science course
3 Years of History mandatory > Can take AP US History* as a 4th year History course
World Language > Spanish IV Honors or French IV Honors (or elective)
PE/HE 12 or Mind & Body Connections II
Elective
Elective
^ Honors > 90+ or 80+ (Honors course) final grade in prerequisite course OR teacher recommendation OR Course Waiver
* AP > prerequisite course and grade required and/or teacher recommendation
Electives Requirements
Visual & Performing Arts = 5.00 credits
21st Century Life & Careers = 5.00 credits
Financial Literacy = 2.50 credits
General Electives = 20.00 credits
Program of Studies
The Program of Studies includes both core and elective course descriptions and prerequisites. It can assist students with requesting courses that meet both requirements and interests.
School Map
Regular Bell Schedule
Delayed Opening Bell Schedule
Early Dismissal Bell Schedule
With Lunch
Early Dismissal Bell Schedule
Without Lunch
Quick Info
Grading Policy
A (90-100)
B (80-89)
C (70-79)
D (60-69)
F (Below 60)
I (Incomplete)
P (Pass)
WP (Withdrawal Passing)
WF (Withdrawal Failing)
lowest passing grade = 60
Credits
Courses can award credits toward meeting
the 120 minimum needed for graduation.
Most courses are 5.00 credits.
Semester electives are 2.50 credits.
Class Rank
Ranking of students in a grade level
based on academic performance
or grade point average.
Grade Level
0 - 29 credits earned > Grade 9
30 - 59 credits earned > Grade 10
60 - 89 credits earned > Grade 11
90+ credits earned > Grade 12
Credits To Meet
Graduation Requirements
English > 20 (4 years)
Math > 15 (3 years)
History > 15 (3 years)
Science > 15 (3 years)
World Language > 5 (1 year)
PE/HE > 20 (4 years)
Visual & Performing Arts > 5
21st Century Life & Careers > 5
Financial Literacy > 2.50
Additional Elective Course Credits > 20
GPA
Grade Point Average
A number representing the average
value of the accumulated final grades
earned in courses over time.
Course Levels
Advanced Placement (AP)
Honors (H)
College Prep (CP)
Learning Class (LC)
Graduation Requirements
> Pass all required State assessments
> Earn a total of 120 credits comprised of required courses and additional electives
> Meet the district attendance policy
> Pass the required courses outlined in the Program of Studies
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the School Counselors' offices for students in grades 7 - 9?
The School Counselors' offices are located in the E wing.
Where is Student Services (Guidance Office) in the high school?
Student Services is located next to the Main Office and across from the Cafeteria.
How many School Counselors are there in the high school for grades 10-12?
There are three School Counselors and one Student Assistance Coordinator (SAC) in the high school.
Who are the School Counselors in the high school wing?
The School Counselors in the high school wing are Mr. Budesa, Mrs. Kelly, and Miss Reedy. All three School Counselors have caseloads in grades 10 thru 12. Mrs. Kelly is also the Multilingual Learners (ML) School Counselor for grades 10-12. The SAC is Mrs. Hand. The School Counselor for the high school BD and MD programs is Mrs. Betz.
How can students make an appointment with their School Counselor?
The best way to schedule an appointment is by emailing your School Counselor. If it is an urgent matter, students are welcome to ask their teacher for a pass to go to their School Counselor's office.
What sports and activities are available in the high school?
There are many sports and activities available for students in the high school. Click HERE for the Maple Shade High School Athletics and Activities webpage..
What clubs are available in the high school?
There are several clubs available to students each school year. Last year, the following clubs were offered to students. Some clubs and societies are invitation only. The 2024-2025 offerings will be available soon:
Dance/Step Team Jazz Band Marching Band Pep
Jazz Band Mini-THON Music: Summer Band
National Art Honor Society National Honor Society National Junior Honor Society
Senior High Band Senior High Chorus Senior High DECA
Senior High Drama Club Senior High French Club Senior High Health Careers Club
Senior High History Club Senior High Human Relations Club Senior High Media Club
Senior High Student Council Senior High Technology Club Spring Musical Orchestra
Theatre: Fall Drama Tri-Music Honor Society
Why is Phys Ed/Health listed several times on students' schedules during the same period?
There are four marking periods in a school year. Students will take three marking periods of Physical Education and one marking period of Health within the same class period. Next to each course title, the marking period will be noted (example: Q1 = quarter 1 / Q2 = quarter 2 / Q3 = quarter 3 / Q4 = quarter 4). Students will either begin the school year in Physical Education or Health. Check the course that is aligned with Q1 to begin the school year.
Why is L1 and L2 in the schedule?
Lunch period is split in two (L1 and L2) for Lunch and Learn. For one half of the Lunch period, students will eat their lunch. For the other half, they will participate in a Learn experience. For students who are taking Biology or Biology Honors in 9th grade, a Lab will be listed under their Learn. The Learn experience will either be a Study Hall or activity. Information will be distributed to students at the beginning of the school year regarding Learn. Schedules will indicate if students eat Lunch first or attend Learn.
Are all electives full year courses?
No. Some electives run full year (FY) or half year (S1 or S2). Full year electives will be noted on the student's schedule as FY. Half-year electives will be either semester 1 (S1) or Semester 2 (S2). Half-year electives will be noted on the student's schedule as S1 or S2.
Why is Biology (Lab) or Biology Honors (Lab) listed on the schedule twice for students who are taking Biology or Biology Honors in 9th grade?
Biology and Biology Honors run full year. The Lab experience connected to Biology and Biology Honors runs separately and takes place during the Lunch and Learn period. Students will attend a Lab session one day per cycle and the Lab day is noted on the student's schedule either under L1 or L2. Students will attend Biology (Lab) or Biology Honors (Lab) on the day noted on their schedule rather than attending Learn.
What is the minimum earned credits required to be a Sophomore for the 2025/2026 school year?
Students must earn a minimum of 30 credits at the completion of their Freshman year to be a Sophomore for the 2025/2026 school year. They must also complete the required 9th grade core courses to keep on track to meet graduation requirements, as well as meet the attendance policy.
Can a student move forward to the next grade level without earning the minimum required credits?
No. Students must earn the minimum 30 credits total to move forward to grade 10, 60 credits total to move forward to grade 11, and 90 credits total to move forward to grade 12. The academic difference between junior high and high school is that the high school utilizes credits and prerequisite courses to advance to the next course level. Once the student earns credits for a course, the next course level can be scheduled for the following school year. By the end of 12th grade, students must have earned the minimum 120 credits and completed the required courses to academically qualify for graduation. Students must also meet the attendance and assessment graduation requirements.
Can a student drop a course at any time during the school year?
Students are permitted to drop a course within the first 12 days of the new school year by completing and submitting the online Google Form titled Course Change Request 2024. The Google Form is emailed to students before the start of the school year.
Is there extra assistance available for students after school?
Maple Shade High School offers free teacher-led tutoring for students who attend MSHS. Free tutoring takes place after school from 2:30 - 3:30 pm in the high school media center.
Students do not have to sign up to attend a tutoring session. It is a drop-in program that welcomes students who need assistance with academics. Bussing is available to students who take the school bus on a daily basis. Students who do not take a school bus daily will need to coordinate pick-up with parent(s)/guardian(s).
Reach out to your School Counselor for the tutoring schedule (subjects and days).
Page updated
Report abuse