Program of Studies
2025-2026
Explore our available courses by clicking on a subject!
Our mission at North Country Union High School is to prepare our students for success in an ever-changing world. We do this by providing a wide range of learning opportunities for students to engage in rigorous and meaningful coursework, learning experiences to enhance their interests and skills, and flexible opportunities to access their education.
Students are encouraged to maximize their learning experiences during their high school career and are expected to be fully-scheduled with at least four blocks scheduled, or the equivalent thereof.
Add/Drop Period
CHANGING COURSES
Choosing courses is an important responsibility for students. Students should take great care in selecting their courses and discuss any questions with their school counselors. Once students' courses have been scheduled, they will only have 10 school days after the start of the semester to change their course. Students should see their guidance counselors to make any changes during this add/drop period
DROPPING COURSES
Once the add/drop period is complete any course drop requests are considered through the Educational Support Team (EST) process. A Withdraw or a Withdraw Fail will be entered depending on the circumstances.
Graduation Requirements
Policies relating to the graduation of students from North Country Union High School with a diploma are based on standards required by the Vermont State Board of Education.
25 North Country credits are required for graduation. Distribution of credits will involve:
4 years of English (4 credits)
3 years of social studies (3 credits) world history, government & economics & U.S. history
3 years of science (3 credits)
3 years of mathematics (3 credits)
3 semesters of physical education (1.5 credits)
1 semester of health education (.5 credits)
2 semester of fine arts (1 credit)
Elective courses (9 credits)
Students who fail a core course with at least a 2.0 or teacher recommendation are eligible to make up that course during the next semester or summer school immediately following the school year when the core course was failed. A maximum of two courses may be taken during one complete summer school session. The student may also repeat the course the following school year.
Freshmen and Juniors also participate in the State-wide assessment program (Cognia).
Grading
Proficiency-Based Learning
NCUHS utilizes a proficiency-based system. Demonstrating proficiency on established standards ensures students
graduate ready for college and career. Traditional grades often included information that was not directly tied to
achieving learning standards, such as work ethic, attitude toward learning, and behavior. Our changing world requires
students to be able to adapt quickly to new learning and make changes based on feedback from peers, colleagues, and
supervisors. Proficiency-based learning promotes growth, revision, and persistence to achieve a set goal.
Grading at NCUHS
Students will be graded on performance indicators on a 1-4 scale. Grades on a specific indicator will be averaged with
performance indicators for each standard to provide one standard score. All of the standard scores in a course are then
averaged again for a course score.
