Essential High School Classes

It is important that you take all of these classes and also

challenge yourself. Colleges look for students who have
taken challenging classes, and grades are weighed against
class difficulty.

4 Years
Language Arts

Completing courses like these will help you meet the basic
admission requirements at most colleges. Your high
schools graduation requirements may differ.

3 Years

3 Years

Social Studies

Mathematics

Science

Algebra I
Geometry
Algebra II
Trigonometry/
Calculus

Earth Science
Biology
Chemistry
Physics

Geography
Composition
English Literature U.S. and World
History
Speech
World Literature Economics
Government/
Political Science

3 Years

1 Year

2 Years
World Language
Classes like:
Spanish
French
German
Mandarin
(Chinese)

The Arts
Classes like:
Drama
Music
Media Arts
Drawing/Painting

Note: Beginning with the class of 2015, students must complete Algebra I by the end of eighth grade.

Earn College Credit in High School

Students and parents discuss these options and opportunities
to earn college credit in high school with your school counselor.
What is International Baccalaureate (IB)?
IB is a two-year pre-college diploma program offered at some
high schools that help prepare students for college. IB students
earn an IB diploma after completing IB classes, community
service and research papers culminating in an final exam, and
depending on the score, students may earn college credit.
What are Advanced Placement (AP) classes?
AP classes are higher level courses students can take in high
school and earn college credit for theses classes if they score
high enough on the final exam for the course.
What is Dual Enrollment?
Dual enrollment is a program that allows high school students
(usually sophomores, juniors, and seniors) to enroll in college
courses for credit prior to high school graduation. College credits earned through dual enrollment can be simultaneously applied toward high school and college graduation and can be
transferred to other colleges or universities.