General Information: Incoming Freshmen Overview

Preparing for the first year of high school can be both exciting and a bit scary at the same time. This page will create a snapshot of what freshman year will look like and provide answers to some frequently asked questions by incoming freshmen.

Freshman Year Schedule

Freshman schedule includes eight courses - some required and some chosen electives. All incoming freshmen will take courses in English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies along with a Career Exploration and Personal Finance course.

Core subject courses are determined based on available assessment data and recommendations from prior year teachers. Below are the core subject courses available to freshmen.

 

English Mathematics Social Studies Science

English I

Honors English I

Algebra I

Honors Geometry

World Geography

Honors Geography

General Biology

Honors Biology

 

Most freshmen also take Health and a Physical Education (PE) course, which are required for graduation. PE courses open to freshmen are:

  • Personal Fitness & Wellness
  • Team Sports
  • Strength Training and Conditioning

The remaining credits in a freshman schedule are open for choice. The only exception is if a freshman is recommended to be in other courses that are considered important for continued academic success such as Essential Literacy or Essential Math.

Here is a sample schedule for both semesters of a typical freshman schedule:

1st Semester 2nd Semester
English I English I
Algebra I Algebra I
General Biology General Biology
Career Exploration - Freshman Personal Finance - Freshman
World Geography Personal Fitness & Wellness
Health Elective
Elective Elective
Elective Elective

 

Freshman Elective Options

Below is a list of semster and full year courses that freshmen can request.

Arts and Education Courses

  • Basic Photography (0.5 credit)
  • Introduction to Journalism (0.5 credit)
  • Introduction to Social & Online Media (0.5 credit)
  • Introduction to Theatre Design & Production (0.5 credit)
  • Introduction to Visual Arts (0.5 credit)
  • Professions in Education (0.5 credit)
  • Office Productivity Suite (0.5 credit)

Business Academy Courses

  • Introduction to Business & Management (0.5 credit)
  • Office Productivity Suite (0.5 credit)
  • Introduction to Hospitality & Culinary (0.5 credit)
  • Introduction to Visual Arts (0.5 credit)
  • Interior Design (0.5 credit)

Industrial Technology Academy Courses

  • Foundations of Wood (1 credit)
  • General Metals (1 credit)
  • Introduction to Engineering Design (1 credit)
  • Introduction to Visual Arts (0.5 credit)

Public Services Academy Courses

  • Competitive Debate I (1 credit)
  • Introduction to Public Services (0.5 credit)
  • JROTC Leadership Development I (1 credit)
  • JROTC Health & Wellness (0.5 credit)

STEM Academy Courses

  • Computer Science Essentials (1 credit)
  • Introduction to Engineering Design (1 credit)
  • Introduction to Health Services (0.5 credit)
  • Principles of Biomedical Science (1 credit)
  • Medical Terminology (0.5 credit)

Global Courses

  • Acting I (0.5 credit)
  • Competitive Drama I (1 credit)
  • Introduction to Theatre Design & Production (0.5 credit)
  • Introduction Visual Arts (0.5 credit)
  • Basic Photography (0.5 credit)

 

  • French I (1 credit)
  • German I (1 credit)
  • Spanish I (or Spanish II if Spanish I credit earned in middle school) (1 credit)
  • Spanish for Native Speakers (WCHS & VHS) (1 credit)

 

  • Concert Orchestra (1 credit)
  • Philharmonic Orchestra (1 credit)
  • Symphonic Orchestra (1 credit)
  • Marching Band (0.5 credit)
  • Concert Band (0.5 credit)
  • Symphonic Band (0.5 credit)
  • Freshmen Women's Choir (1 credit)
  • Men's Choir (1 credit)
  • Music Appreciation (0.5 credit)

 

  • Health (0.5 credit)
  • Personal Fitness & Wellness (0.5 credit)
  • Strength Training & Conditioning (1 credit)
  • Team Sports (0.5 credit)