FAQs
Is there a scheduling preference given to students who register early?
No. Registration is a tally process. Skyward is simply counting how many students select a specific class to assist with planning for next
year.
What happens if I do not select five alternate classes?
Alternate courses are extremely important in case a scheduling conflict arises or if a class is not offered due to limited enrollment. It is in your best interest to select more than five alternate classes. If you do not enter alternate courses, a course will be selected for you.
If a student has a scheduling process question, whom should they contact?
Contact our WHS scheduling secretary: Nancy.Betzinger@wayzataschools.org
If the student has a Skyward question, whom should they contact?
Contact our WPS HelpDesk: HelpDesk@wayzataschools.org or 763-745-5100.
If a student has a schedule question regarding their courses?
Contact your WHS counselor.
What should I consider when picking classes (requirements, course rigor, etc.)?
The most important thing to consider when picking classes is BALANCE. Students should think about which areas they feel the most confident. Core classes typically provide about 30-45 minutes of homework a night where as honors core classes can assign 45-90 minutes of homework a night.
Do 9th grade grades count?
Yes. When applying to college, grades earned in 9th grade are considered in the admission process. A poor performance in 9th grade can be difficult to dig out of from in later years. However, the most recent work is the most important to colleges and while they look at grades earned in 9th grade, they also look at the progression of grades from freshman to junior year. They will look at how the applicant performed over time and what are their most recent achievements.
Who should I talk to about my level selection for core courses?
The best people to talk to are your current teachers. For incoming 9th graders, your middle school teachers will know your strengths and weaknesses as a student. They are familiar with the curriculum at the high school and will be able to best advise you regarding what level of a class to take (regular vs. honors/enriched). It can also be helpful to talk with your high school counselor to make sure that you have picked a schedule that is balanced and meets all of the necessary requirements.
When should I take an honors or accelerated course?
This answer is different based on the student. If a student does not take an honors or accelerated course in 9th grade, they still have the option to take an honors or accelerated course later on in their high school career. Honors/accelerated level courses are great for students who want to go more in-depth into a given area of interest. Strong reading and comprehension skills are vital to being successful in an honors/accelerated level course.
What is the biggest change between middle school and high school?
The high school runs on a four block schedule where classes are 90 minutes in length. With a block schedule, teachers cover two days worth of course material in one day so courses progress at a faster rate. The block schedule allows students to only have to focus on 4-5 classes at a time which can help with organization and time management. Students can expect between 30-90 minutes of homework per night depending on the number of regular and honors courses they enroll in during a semester. It is vital that you have the ability to manage your time and have some form of organization to keep yourself on track (i.e., student planner). Learning to reach out to teachers before and after school should become habit and preparing for tests 4-5 days prior will be necessary.
Should I double-up or accelerate in math?
We encourage students to develop a 4-year plan which includes the math sequence they hope to finish before graduation. There is no pressure to double up in math. Students who double up in math should do so because they want to get farther along in the curriculum, not to rush through the requirements. Colleges will expect that students have a course in every core subject each year. Students who complete regular 8th grade math will be prepared to enroll in Intermediate Algebra during their freshman year; there is no accelerated option for Intermediate Algebra. Students may also choose to enroll in Geometry or Accelerated Geometry.
Is it better to have an A in a regular class than a C in an honors course?
It is important that you choose the level of course that challenges you but does not overwhelm you and that provides the learning experience you desire. Honors courses go into more depth at a faster pace. Choose honors courses in your better subjects.
What does a balanced schedule mean?
A balanced schedule includes classes you need and classes you like at levels that will challenge but not overwhelm you. Ideally, a balanced schedule would have 2-3 core classes a semester along with electives for balance.
Where can I get registration information and how do I know if a course has a prerequisite?
Wayzata High School registration information, including course descriptions and prerequisite information can be found within this course catalog.
What if I change my mind about the courses that I registered for?
If you change your mind about course selection, email your counselor at Wayzata High School with the change as soon as possible, before the end of the school year. After May, schedule changes can only be made during Back-to-Business Days in August. All efforts are made to assign the courses that students request. Staffing allocations are based on student registration. In an effort to provide an equitable experience for all students, classes are balanced and changes are not allowed after the start of a term. Schedule changes must be completed before the end of the prior term and will only occur if space is available. Students may request to change levels of a course prior to midterm (for example, moving from English 9 Honors to English 9), provided there is available space in the desired course. The letter grade at the time of withdrawal is the grade that follows the student to his/her new class. The student will be responsible for demonstrating mastery of any learning targets making up any work missed prior to the level change.
If I plan to attend college when I graduate from high school, what do I need to know as I move through the high school years?
Colleges will look at GPA, standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) and course selection. College admissions counselors want to see that you are making the best choices possible for your ability level in preparation for the college experience.