• What are the graduation requirements for Thomas Jefferson High School?
  1. Language Arts
     • 1 full year of Introduction to Literature (9th grade English)
     • 1 full year of American Literature (10th or 11th grade English)
     • 2 full years of other English classes
  2. Math
     • 1 full year of Algebra
     • 1 full year of Geometry
     • 1 full year of another math
  3. Science
     • 1 full year of Biology
     • 2 full years of other science classes
  4. Social Studies
     • 1/2 year of American Government
     • 1 full year of American History
     • 1/2 year of Geography
     • 1/2 year of another social studies class
  5. Physical Education/ROTC
     • 1 full year of P. E. or ROTC or a waiver from a sport when you are eligible for the entire season.
  6. Electives
     • You need 85 semester hours of classes (17. 5 credit classes) in a variety of subjects: Foreign Language, music, business, art, Balarat, CEC etcetera.

     BE AWARE THAT THESE ARE REQUIREMENTS TO GRADUATE FROM HIGH SCHOOL. REQUIREMENTS TO GET INTO SOME COLLEGES ARE MORE STRINGENT.

     It is important to remember that your grades will be a major piece of information that colleges and scholarships use to see if you are eligible to attend their college or are eligible for scholarship.

II. COMMUNITY/EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITES.

1. It's very important to get involved in extra-curricular activities in your school, church and /or community. This allows you to:

• learn how to work with others regarding a program, task, goal, or issue
• learn leadership skills
• develope talents or skills
• explore areas that intrigue or interest you
• get experience in specific areas that will help you when you get our of high school

1. Athletic Teams
2. Music groups
3. Subject related clubs
4. Drama groups
5. Cultural groups
6. Religious activities
7. Volunteer organizations
8. Student government

III. CAREER PLANNING

1. Selecting a career

• The freshman year is a time of career exploration. If you were asked to come up with a list of 20 jobs could you? Become familiar with TJ's counseling office and the materials available regarding your careers. Think about what you like to do and how that relates to a career.
• Take advantage of experiences and opportunities that will allow you to learn more abut yourself. Think about the skills you have or think you could learn and the values that are important to you. There are many different tests you can take to help you discover your talents, interests, and abilities. These are called Career Interest Inventories or career assessments. There are Internet web sites that will help you with this also.

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