Occasionally, factors such as low student subscription and/or availability of staff makes it impossible for some courses to run in a particular school year.  PHS administration makes every effort to meet student needs, but there is no guarantee that every course listed in the Program of Studies will run every year. 

Because of the importance of class sizes and continuity in courses, individual changes in student programs will rarely be accepted after the 10th school day from the start of each semester. A request for changes beyond this date will only be considered after written input from parents, teachers, school counselor, and an administrator indicates the student has been improperly placed and continued enrollment in the course would constitute an undue hardship. The burden to present evidence is greater if the student is enrolled in a course that did not follow the recommendations of the sending teacher/department chair. 

Dropping a course after the change-in-program deadline will be reflected on the student’s transcript as WD (withdrawn) if the student had a passing grade at the time of the withdrawal or a determination is made of improper placement. Students who withdraw with a failing grade will receive a designation of WF (withdrawn failing). 

When a student transfers to PHS from another accredited secondary school, every effort will be made to translate a student’s transcript onto their PHS record.  Grades from the sending institution will be accepted at face value and will be calculated in accordance with our school’s grading system. Transferring seniors will be required to complete a Capstone project and exhibition in order to be eligible for graduation. As a public institution, Portsmouth High School does not recognize credits earned for faith-based, religious courses.

Every effort will be made to provide each Portsmouth High School student with an appropriate, challenging course of study. Selection of courses and levels will reflect teacher and counselor recommendations. Parents who wish a student to be placed in a level higher than that recommended for the student will be asked to sign a statement of understanding, indicating the student will be enrolling in a level that differs from the school’s recommendation. 

In keeping with the PHS commitment to develop individual students’ intellectual curiosities, students may apply for a waiver of any requirement listed in the Program of Studies.  Waiver requests must be signed by a parent and submitted in writing to the student’s school counselor.  Waivers may be granted in the event of undue hardship and are done without setting precedent.

Summer reading may be required for students in Grades 9-12.  Additionally, certain courses may require additional reading and/or summer projects for the students who elect them.  Students electing honors or Advanced Placement courses should expect additional summer assignments.  Specific information will be provided in the spring at the time of course registration.  Failure to complete summer assignments may affect a student’s grade. Transfer students will be granted a reasonable period of time to complete summer assignments.