Q: What is the difference between an academic class and an honors class?
A: An honors course is more academically rigorous. The increased rigor will prepare you for future Advanced Placement (AP) and college courses. Select honors courses if you are looking to challenge yourself and enhance your academic rigor.
Q: What is the difference between an honors course and an Advancements Placement (AP) course?
A: AP classes are more rigorous than honors courses. After completing an AP class, students can take the AP exam and potentially receive college credit for that course if they receive a passing score. Taking an AP course shows colleges that students can handle college level work.
Q: When can a student register for an Advancement Placement (AP) class?
A: Students can begin to take AP classes in the 10th grade.
Q: Do I have to take Health & Physical Education as a 9th grader?
A: Yes. It is a NC graduation requirement, so all 9th graders at HSHS are enrolled in Health & PE to fulfill that requirement.
Q: Can I take an elective that is NOT on the 9th grade registration information sheet?
A: No. All of the courses on the registration sheet are available to 9th graders. All other courses are available to grades 10-12.
Q: Can I register for curriculum assistance as a study hall?
A: No. Students must be part of special programs and have an IEP in order to register for curriculum assistance. HSHS does not offer a study hall as a course.
Q: If I register for a class, how likely am I to be put into it?
A: Very likely! Please be sure that you are registering for courses that you want to take (including your alternates). We make a schedule based on student selections and do very few changes. If you are unsure about a course, please read the course description on the WCPSS website.
Q: Where do I go to read a description of a course?
A: WCPSS Program Planning Guide
Q: When will students register for classes?
A: Students will be given information in February and will register in Powerschool in early March. This will happen at your current middle school.
Q: If I register for a yearlong course (band, dance, vocal music), can I switch out of it during spring semester if I don’t like it?
A: No. If you sign up for the class, then you will be registered for the entire school year. Only students with extenuating circumstances will be removed.
Q: Is there a supply list for 9th graders?
A: No. There is not a generic supply list for any grade level. There are a few reasons. First, we try hard to provide materials that are required for each class and not pass along costs to families (to the degree possible). Second, the limited supplies that we ask students to purchase will be course specific. Teachers will be able to provide any information about this at the open house in August.