Helpful Hints for Course Registration

Course Assignments- Students will receive their Course Assignment Form, which will list the courses selected for students based on their grades, standardized tests and teacher recommendation. If you have a question regarding the placement contact the 8th grade counselor Rachel Alderfer.

If your child believes a course placement is not commensurate with their abilities there are some things to consider. If they are not achieving the grades necessary to be in a course they still have time to improve. Changes can be made throughout the semester. If they satisfactorily improve their grade contact the counselor to discuss the change.

Also the level of courses taken in 9th grade does not mean it must continue throughout high school. Students can move into honors and prep classes in tenth and by meeting the prerequisite grade or having a teacher recommendation.

Doubling Up- This refers to taking two courses of the same subject in one year. It can be done in , world languages and some math classes but not with any level of algebra 1.

English- English 9 (college prep or honors) is the course. Students for whom additional help is needed will be given Bridges to Composition and in the first semester and CP English 9 in the second semester.

Math- The math sequence at the high school in college prep or honors is Algebra 1, Algebra II and Geometry. For those that need help with math there is Algebra 1 (non CP), which is Algebra 1 with a math lab built into the second semester to provide more time and instruction. Students can double up in geometry and algebra II. College Prep Geometry is a yearlong class. Honors Geometry is a semester. Algebra II is a semester. Students who have completed algebra II can double up in geometry and honors precalculus. This is not necessary as they are already ahead and should only be considered for the most talented math students. For more information see the math flow chart in the Program of Studies.

Science- Students must complete Environmental Science, Physics First, Biology and Chemistry by the end of their junior year. Freshmen must take Environmental Science. If they want to double up they can take Physics First. They will be required to double up in tenth grade if they do not in ninth grade. Any students considering attending the Bethlehem Area Vocational Technical School in tenth grade should double up in science if possible in ninth grade. The recommendation for Physics First is also determined by the math class they will be taking. It will be designated on their Course Assignment Form.

Students taking CP Algebra I should take CP Physics First. Those taking Algebra I with Math Lab should take Conceptual Physics First. Students who have completed Algebra I or Algebra II in 8th grade are eligible for Honors Physics First. Students should be the highest achieving math and science students taking honors geometry/algebra II or honors pre-calculus in 9th grade. This is a demanding course and must be chosen thoughtfully. Students can take CP Physics First if Honors is not a good fit. If a student wants to take Honors Physics First but has not completed Algebra they can wait until 10th grade to take it as long as they are eligible.

Social Studies- United States II (college prep or honors) is the ninth grade course.

Special Education courses- There is English 9, math 9, environmental science, physics and US History II. These classes are for students with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Their case manager and teachers recommend students for these classes.

Helpful Hints for Course Registration

World Languages- Although they are not required for graduation, we highly recommend students who are planning to attend a four year college take at least two years of the same language at the high school. We offer Spanish and French. Students who had two years of a language at the middle school and achieved B or higher grades should take level II at the high school. Students should have a conversation with their teacher if they are unsure.

Electives- Electives are available in all the major subject areas as well as world languages, art, music, business, and family and consumer science. The number of electives a student has room for depends on how many required courses they must take. Students must register for about 10 credits a year. Electives may be taken for fun or to explore career areas in which students are interested. Please review the Career Pathways in the Program of Studies to identify electives related your child’s interests.

Honors courses- Students in high achieving classes at the middle school must pass to take the subsequent honors course at the high school. Some math courses have grade prerequisites. See the Program of Studies for details. There may be situations where a student is passing a high achievement course but the teacher is not recommending honors at the high school. It doesn’t mean the course can’t be pursued but much consideration should be taken before doing so. Students in regular courses need a teacher recommendation to take an honors course.

We encourage all of our students to challenge themselves by taking the most rigorous courses they can be successful in.