FAQ

Students will receive an email on February 20 with their teacher recommendations and a link to their feeder high school–specific Google Registration Form.

Students entering 9th grade in 2025–26 must complete one Arts course (music, visual art, theatre, or dance) anytime in grades 6–12. Most full middle school arts electives (Band, Chorus, Orchestra, General Music, Visual Arts, Theatre, Dance) meet this requirement if they teach the full NC Standard Course of Study and are coded correctly in Infinite Campus.

Exploratory or “Wheels” courses do not count. Examples include:

• Exploratory Music

• Exploratory Visual Arts

• Exploratory Theatre

• Exploratory Dance

After-school arts activities also do not satisfy the requirement.

Yes. Families should contact the 8th grade counselor, Ms. Gilberry (hgilberry@wpcss.net), before March 18.

Students who do not submit registration by the deadline will complete registration at school with the 8th grade counselor.

Teacher recommendations guide course placement, especially for Honors and AP pathways.

AP courses are based on readiness, not just strong grades. While earning all A’s is important, AP classes move at a faster pace, include heavier reading and writing demands, and require students to manage long-term assignments independently with less adult follow-up.

For many students, beginning high school in Honors-level courses helps build confidence, independence, and strong academic foundations.

Students and families may select courses that are higher or lower than the teacher recommendation.

Teacher recommendations are based on classroom performance, work habits, assessment data, and readiness for the pace and rigor of the next level course. They are the best indicator of likely success — but the final decision belongs to the student and family.