Many of our 8th grade students will be going on to Algonquin Regional High School (ARHS) next fall.
In addition to ARHS’s transition to high school presentation, Trottier's 8th Grade Guidance Counselors talk with all of the 8th grade students to review the high school course selection process. This discussion typically takes place at the end of February and reviews the following topics: the process of teacher recommendations, mandatory and elective course selection, credits, Honors vs. College Prep classes, and the timeline for the course selection process. Your child's Guidance Counselor also follows up with students individually or in groups to answer questions and check in for understanding of the process.
All 8th-grade students must complete their ARHS course selection in PowerSchool regardless of where they plan to attend (ARHS, private school, Assabet Valley Technical High School).
Important Dates to Remember:
February 12 (6:30-8:00 pm) - ARHS will host a parent presentation to review high school requirements and the course selections
Wednesday, March 6 – Trottier Guidance will hold a 9th Grade Course Selection
Workshop during the school day to assist students in their understanding of the process and requirements. (A copy of the presentation will be linked below following this workshop.)
Monday, March 9 at 3:00 – Teacher recommendations will be available in PowerSchool for students and families to review.
Monday, March 9 - Friday, March 20 – Students and families must select courses in PowerSchool.
Friday, March 20 at 3:00 – Deadline! All 9th-grade course selections must be entered in PowerSchool.
Tuesday, March 24 at 3:00 – Course Exemption and Course Override Forms are due. (Firm deadline!) The course exemption form is linked below. All course override forms must be obtained up from Trottier's 8th Grade Guidance Counselor in the Guidance Office. (These forms may not apply to all students—please reach out to your Guidance Counselor if you have questions!)
Below are some helpful resources:
* ARHS Parent Presentation on February 12, 2026
* PowerSchool Instructional Video for selecting courses
* ARHS Freshman Course Selection Worksheet
* Fine and Performing Arts Information
* Graduation Requirement Changes
* Optional Course Exemption Form - DUE BY TUESDAY, MARCH 24
* Optional Course Override Form - DUE BY TUESDAY, MARCH 24 (You must let your teacher know of your desire to override their recommendation so that they have the opportunity to share their thoughts behind their recommendation. This discussion is intended to help in your decision-making but it will not alter the actual recommendation.)