Schedules FAQ
1. How and when do I make my schedule for the following year?
The course selection process generally starts in February and the counselors will review the Program of Studies and the scheduling process with students. Students are given course selection sheets and a Program of Studies (available online) to review with their parents. On “Signature Thursday” (TBA-Feb/March), students will review courses they would like to take the following year with their teachers. Their teachers will recommend or not recommend them for courses selected by signing off on the course selection sheet.
2. How important are Honors/AP courses in the college admissions process?
It depends on the selectivity of the colleges/universities the student may be applying to. Although students are encouraged to challenge themselves, they should do so in the areas that makes sense for them given their ability and interest in the subject. Generally speaking, students should be able to maintain a B (80-89) average in Honors/AP courses. Talk with your child’s counselor if you have specific questions.
3. If my child has not taken advanced courses early on, does he/she have the opportunity to take them at some point?
Yes, if the student met the prerequisites and obtains teacher recommendation.
4. If my child was not recommended for an Honors/AP course and would like to still try and pursue it, how can he/she make this request?
If a student would like to challenge themselves by pursuing an advanced course without teacher approval as outlined in the Program of Studies, it is encouraged to have further discussion with the child's teacher to assess why the recommendation was made. From there, the student and parent can make the decision on continuing forward with enrolling in an advanced class or choosing a different option.
5. Are schedule changes allowed?
Students may change their schedule during the summer orientations under the guidelines below:
--Missing courses in order to meet graduation requirements
--Lack of prerequisites for a scheduled courses
--Night school or summer school changes
--Change of school program
--All other changes require administrative approval
Schedule changes are severely limited once the school year begins.
6. Are courses allowed to be dropped during the school year?
Students wishing to drop a course, must first meet with their school counselor to discuss the issue. If dropping the course is appropriate, the student will obtain an Add/Drop Form from their counselor. The Add/Drop form must be signed by a parent, current and new teacher, department chair, and administrator before an official drop can be made.
For a full year course, if it is dropped after 2nd quarter, then the dropped course will appear on the student's transcript as a DR. For a half-year course, if it dropped after 1st quarter, then the dropped course will appear on the student's transcript as a DR. It is especially important for seniors to select their courses wisely, as colleges will ask for senior grades and courses taken.