*Successful completion of two (2) years of English and two (2) years of social studies.  Minimum passing two (2) Regents Exams in Global History, and Math or Science 

**Successful completion of three (3) years of English and three (2) years of social studies.  Minimum passing two (2) Regents Exams in English, Global History, US History, and Math or Science 

COLLEGE LEVEL COURSES – Credit Weight of 1.10 

College level courses, offered through public and private New York State Colleges, are offered to Hempstead High School students.  Successful completion of the course and appropriate exams entitle the student to receive credit for the course for tuition and test books at the participating college.  In order to be eligible, students must meet the college level course requirements. 

ADVANCED PLACEMENT COURSES (AP) – Credit Weight of 1.10 

Hempstead High School also provides many opportunities for its students to challenge themselves through A.P. courses. Depending on the grade earned on the A.P. test, students can earn college credits for A.P. classes at the discretion of individual colleges and or universities.  In order to be eligible, students must meet to A.P. level course requirements. 

See individual A.P. courses in the subject areas listed below. 

HONORS PROGRAM – Credit Weight of 1.05 

The Honors Program at Hempstead High School attracts academically talented and highly motivated students by providing them with additional academic opportunities. Honors Level courses are designed to challenge students by providing enrichment through in depth study.  Emphasis is placed on the quality of achievement.  

In addition, Honors Level courses: 

• Foster critical thinking self-reflection and an examination of values 

• Encourage active, participatory learning 

• Promote interdisciplinary and cross-cultural studies 

• Cultivate intellectual, social, and cultural enrichment 

Students in Honors Level courses will take Regents examinations whenever they are offered in that subject.  In order to be eligible and remain in the Honor courses, students must also consistently meet the requirements of the Honors Course Guidelines.  In addition, state assessment test results are taken into consideration for placement in honor classes. 

In order to participate in the Honors Program, students must meet the following prerequisites:  

• Teacher recommendation 

• Demonstrate academic excellence (minimum of 85 average) 

• Plus, approval by department director (See individual Honors courses in the subject areas listed below.) 

REGENTS COURSES – Credit Weight of 1.00 

Courses at this level, Regents Level designation, meet the New York State Regents standards.  Students successfully completing these courses are deemed able to advance to the next level of their education.  Additionally, students in a Regents course are required to take the corresponding Regents exam to earn credit for the course. 

See individual Regents courses in the subject areas listed below. 

ELECTIVES – Credit Weight of 1.00 

While various elective courses are offered, students choosing elective courses should be aware that electives may not be offered. A roster with a minimum of 12 students is required before a course can be officially offered.  It is strongly suggested that a backup elective courses are selected. 

SEMINAR COURSES – Credit Weight of 1.00 

Courses are designed to meet the needs of students who study the content included in Regents level courses, but who would benefit from smaller classes or more emphasis on specific skills. 

See individual seminar courses in the subject areas listed below.