Introduction

The Portrait of a Wayzata Graduate articulates Wayzata High School’s shared vision for student success and guides teaching, learning, and assessment across all content areas. It emphasizes the development of essential skills, mindsets, and personal qualities that extend beyond academic knowledge, including self-confidence, a commitment to growth, learning agility, resilience, effective communication, collaboration, respect for diversity, and critical and creative thinking. These competencies are intentionally embedded throughout the high school experience to support students in becoming adaptable, engaged learners who are prepared for postsecondary education, careers, and meaningful participation in an increasingly complex and diverse world. Visit https://www.wayzataschools.org/whs/academics/portrait for more information.

• Students are encouraged to carefully plan their courses for the entire year and take full advantage of the wide range of offerings across all departments. We strongly recommend creating an overall plan for freshman through senior year in partnership with your counselor.

• Course selections are recorded through Skyward’s online registration. In cases of schedule conflicts, closed classes, or courses not offered due to low enrollment, alternate selections will be used to adjust schedules. It is important to list alternates in priority order. The master schedule and teacher assignments are built based on student requests, so choose wisely. Students are expected to honor their selections except under unusual circumstances, such as not earning credit in a prerequisite or a sequential course. Schedule changes are limited and depend on seat availability.

• We recommend students:

  • Review your transcript, course plan, and current schedule. Compare with Wayzata High School Graduation Requirements and your post-secondary goals.

  • Review this course catalog. Highlight required courses and possible electives that interest you.

  • Make course selections. Start with graduation requirements, then choose electives. Use the registration worksheets to map out your schedule. 

  • For questions, contact your counselor.

Final Course Schedules

In August, final schedules will be available to all students in Skyward. Once the master schedule is complete, any open blocks will be filled with chosen electives or alternates. Open blocks may appear if:

• Fewer than 16 credits were requested.

• Two requested courses are offered in the same term/block, and only one can be scheduled.

• All sections of a course are full, and the number of requests exceeds available seats.

Students and parents/guardians should review schedules carefully to ensure all required courses are included and that the schedule is accurate. 

Note: schedule adjustments may occur during the school year due to staffing, new student enrollment, and balancing.

Schedule Changes

Before the school year begins, schedule changes are only processed during Back to Business Days in August. Changes will not be handled by email, phone, or individual appointment.

Schedule changes can only be made before the start of each term. Once a term begins, schedules are final.

Schedule changes should only be requested for the following reasons:

• • Seniors who need a course to meet graduation requirements.

  • An unbalanced schedule (e.g., 4 core classes in one semester).

  • Obvious errors (e.g., two classes scheduled at the same time, duplicate PE classes).

  • Incorrect level or sequence placement.

  • Missing prerequisites or failed prerequisites.

  • Retaking a course due to failure.

  • Being scheduled in a course already been completed and passed.

Wayzata High School offers some courses that require personal transportation and a significant amount of time away from the high school campus. These courses include, but are not limited to, Academic Mentor, Compass, Exploring Careers in Education, Honors Mentor Connection, Home Construction 2, Internship/Apprenticeship, Introduction to Coaching and Officiating, Lifelong Activities, and Outdoor Pursuits. Due to the need for a high level of maturity and responsibility in off-campus learning, student records will be considered for enrollment in these courses, including attendance, disciplinary/behavioral issues, and chemical/weapon violations. Students must agree to abide by all traffic laws and rules governing the use of alcohol, tobacco, and substances/drugs. WHS Administration reserves the right to change student schedules to remain in compliance with school practices and in the best interest of student safety.

Colleges and other post-secondary institutions have entrance requirements that range from schools that require only a high school diploma to those that are extremely selective. The following information may help you plan your high school courses. In general, admissions are based on a student’s preparation, and the following factors are those most commonly considered:

• Balance in academic workload

• Grade point average

• High school courses completed

• Test scores

• Extra-curricular and community activities, including evidence of leadership

The more selective a school is, the greater the emphasis on rigorous academic work in English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and World Language, as well as on higher GPAs and test scores. It is wise for college-bound students to maintain a rigorous course load that they can comfortably handle while balancing their time. Students should select courses that reflect their interests, talents, and goals.

Below is a listing of examples of college entrance requirements:

• Community College System - requires a high school diploma or its equivalent; does not require a specific GPA or test scores. Solid academic preparation is required to avoid significant remedial coursework.

• Technical Colleges - A well-rounded high school background is ideal. Math, at least through Algebra 2, is particularly important. Career and Technical Education and Arts courses are appropriate. A student seeking exposure to technical education may also consider attending the Hennepin Technical College District 287 Career & Tech Center Program as a junior and/or senior.

• Four-Year Colleges and Universities - The following courses are minimum requirements for admission to most 4-year Colleges and Universities (credits listed below correlate with WHS credits):

  • 4 years / 8 credits of English

  • 3 years / 6 credits of Math (through Algebra 2)

  • 3 years / 6 credits of Science

  • 3 years / 6 credits of Social Studies

  • 2 years / 4 credits of a single World Language

  • 1 year / 2 credits of either World Culture or Fine Arts 

• Private Colleges - Entrance requirements vary greatly among private colleges. Emphasis is placed on strong college-preparatory coursework, GPA, test scores, extracurricular activities, leadership, and service.

Some of our courses have fees to help cover the cost of consumable materials students will use throughout class. Fees should be paid on E-Pay. Financial assistance is available.

Art

• Digital Photography 2 (634)

• Digital Photography 3 (638)

• Graphic Design 2 (607)

• Graphic Design 3 (608)

• Advanced Graphic Design (604)

• AP Graphic Design (605)

• Painting 1 (613)

• Painting 2 (614)

• Painting 3 (615)

• Ceramics 1 (609)

• Ceramics 2 (610)

• Ceramics 3 (611)

• Advanced Ceramics (612)

• AP Ceramics (631)

• Drawing 1 (617)

• Drawing 2 (618)

• Drawing 3 (619)

• Advanced Drawing (620)

• AP Drawing (629)

• Sculpture 1 (625)

• Sculpture 2 (626)

• Comic Arts 1 (635)

• Comic Arts 2 (637)

Career and Technical Education

• AI for Graphic Design 1 (930)

• AI for Graphic Design 2 (931)

• Automated Engineering (953)

• Certified Nurse Aide (CNA, 412)

• Compass Business Management and Economics (9991)

• Compass Cybersecurity, Applied Mathematics, and Personal Finance (9993C & 9993B)

• Compass Graphic Communications (9992)

• Construction 1 (912)

• Culinary 1: Foundations (870)

• Culinary 2: Baking and Pastry (872)

• Culinary 2: Main Courses (871)

• Engineering 2: Civil (CEA, 943)

• Engineering 1: Concepts (940)

• Engineering 2: Design (IED, 942)

• Engineering 2: Principles (POE, 941)

• Metal Manufacturing (945)

• Unified Arts (867)

• Wood Manufacturing 1 (950)

• Wood Manufacturing 2 (951)

Physical Education

• Lifelong Activities (021)

• Outdoor Pursuits Fall/Spring (023)

• Red Cross Lifeguarding & CPR (024)