General Information
2025-2026 Program of Studies – Posted March 3, 2025
This Program of Studies is aligned with current Scarborough Public Schools School Board policies. If any policies are updated by the School Board, this Program of Studies will be adjusted to align with those updates.
If adjustments are made, it will be noted and the date will be given here.
Course Registration Procedure
1. Current teachers will make recommendations to students/parents via classroom discussion, parent/teacher conferences, and prior to school counselors facilitating course request workshops.
2. School counselors will work with students in classrooms to get their course requests completed in PowerSchool.
3. Upon completion of course requests, rosters will be generated by PowerSchool for current teachers to review and flag requests for students of concern.
4. School counselors will review flagged/edited list from teachers and meet accordingly with students/parents individually regarding flags/concerns.
5. Students/parents wishing to override a course flag/course recommendation will be required to complete and sign a “Course Override Form” to be submitted to the principal for review/approval.
6. Student schedules will be finalized and distributed to students.
Course Expectation Level Criteria
Each class is assigned a numerical expectation level, defined below.
Expectation Level 5 (Advanced Placement/College Credit Program) - Advanced Placement (AP) courses engage students in an intense and rigorous academic level of study. Students enrolling in AP courses are expected to take the AP Exam to demonstrate their mastery of the program material. Enrollment in AP courses is limited and requires prerequisite courses and/or written department chair approval.
Expectation Level 4 - Courses are at an honors' expectation level and designed for students who have demonstrated excellent achievement and success in the academic area of study selected. Students undertaking honors-level study must be industrious, highly motivated, and eager to engage in a demanding academic experience. Honors course expectations are intense and challenging; out-of-class work is significant. Recommendations of teachers are required in addition to required course sequence prerequisite.
Expectation Level 3 - Courses are designed for college-bound students and emphasize the knowledge and skills essential for success in academic study beyond high school graduation. Students enrolling in Level 3 courses must be prepared to complete work at a level of quality that reflects high academic standards. Considerable out-of-class study, advanced reading and writing assignments, and a rapid pace are expected. Motivation and commitment to quality work standards are essential requirements.
Expectation Level 2 - Courses are designed for students in grades 9 through 12 who require assistance in gaining academic skills needed to pursue Level 3 (and beyond) course opportunities. The pace of study is based on practical application of skills and knowledge. Out-of-class assignments are expected to be completed as part of the student’s overall learning experience.
Expectation Level 1 - Courses are designed for students who find basic academic work difficult and experience success when individual help and attention are provided. Basic skills-development in reading, writing, and/or mathematics is stressed. Individualized student staffing using the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) process is used to determine placement in Level 1 courses. Courses are offered within all departments based on student needs.
Graduation Requirements
Scarborough High School administration, faculty, and staff apply a set of graduation standards and learning goals that align with the content-area standards of the Maine Learning Results. Students are required to take 6 credits in their freshman, sophomore, and junior year to be considered a full-time student at Scarborough High School. Students on pace for graduation may choose to take five credits in their senior year each semester and with no less than four classes each semester.
As a minimum for graduation from Scarborough High School, the prospective graduate must have successfully completed a total of at least 22 credits at the secondary level (grades 9 through 12) in the areas shown in the table.
It is recommended that students considering four year colleges complete at least two years of a world language. Please note that language requirements will vary by institution, with some colleges recommending up to four years. At Scarborough High School, world language credits are considered elective credits.
NCAA Eligibility
The NCAA, which governs many collegiate athletics, has a website that details all eligibility requirements and additional information for students who wish to play at the college level. Students and families should become familiar with this site to ensure that requirements are met and approved courses are being taken. Students need to register online at the beginning of their junior year and send the clearinghouse the registration fee. Check with your school counselor or the Senior Placement Office with questions.
NAIA Eligibility
The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) is the official clearinghouse for NAIA eligibility and helps future student-athletes discover and connect with NAIA schools, coaches, and athletic scholarships. Student-athletes who plan to play sports at an NAIA college or university need to register with the NAIA Eligibility Center to be eligible. PlayNAIA.org