Next Year's course selection is here

By: Carlos Camargo

April 3, 2024

It’s that time of year again where students meet with their counselors and pick their classes for the next year. This annual meeting includes each class – from rising seniors to incoming Freshman throughout February and March. 

Course selections are a careful process as students meet with their assigned counselor to discuss what classes they should take to best align with their goals. The week prior was academic advising with students individually assessing what classes are best for next year.

“We talk with students about what their plans are for after high school and depending on what career they want to pursue we explore what electives we have here that will help them kind get a feel for that particular profession,” said Counselor Tina Noble.  

Along with classes that best fit student’s goals, students also discuss how to meet graduation requirements and which core classes best allow these requirements to be achieved. 

“We push meeting graduation requirements which is a case-by-case basis for every student,” added Noble. 

CFPA is something many students participate in. This also affects how their schedules are made and developed for the following year. CFPA students must take their specialty class for four consecutive years, similarly to sequential elective requirements. 

“I have to do choir next year for CFPA requirements.” Said CFPA Choir Junior Kayden Matthews. 

Courses can also cater and work in tangent with hobbies to enhance the student’s goals, even if those goals are outside the classroom. 

“I had to take AP music theory for another music class,” said Junior Gavin Thompson. “I chose less busy classes to make more time for my band.” Thompson continued. 

Another major factor is AP and DE classes which are college level classes taught at high school, counselors work with students to figure out if AP or DE can benefit them for their career choice and high school schedule. 

“What we call College Board AP potential, they give us this spreadsheet of students who have the potential to take AP classes based on their PSAT scores.” Said Noble. “Then we also look at teacher recommendations because the teachers see you more than us,” she continued.  

This annual meeting is the students way to plan their future with their counselor and is built to benefit students and help them reach their full potential.