artwork by Andrew Villescas
It’s time to sign up for classes, so Spartans need to know what is necessary to be on track to graduate.
As the spring semester is underway, students are beginning to prepare their schedules for next fall. With many options, it is critical that students pay attention to which classes and credits are necessary for graduation. Additionally, students are encouraged to speak with their counselors prior to choosing their classes.
In order to acquire the necessary 240 credits to graduate from high school, students need to complete the required credits for each subject, if not more. Students need four years of Math and English, three years of Science, three years of Social Studies, one year of Fine Arts, and one year of Physical Education. There are two typical academic tracks that students follow: traditional and honors. The traditional track includes standard grade level classes, such as World Literature and Earth Science. The honors track includes Honors and Advanced Placement (AP) classes, such as Honors Pre-Calculus and AP U.S. History. No matter which track students choose, they will be on course to fulfill their graduation requirements and be on track for college. “Stretch yourself, push yourself to do more, take advantage of the fact that it’s free,” assistant principal Mike Christoff encouraged.
In addition to the credit requirements, there are certain classes that are required by the Colorado Board of Education. For English, two of four years must be Introduction to Literature and Composition and American Literature. The math requirements include one year of Algebra, one year of Geometry, and one year of Algebra 2, or integrated equivalents of each of these classes, in addition to one year of a higher level course.
The requirements for Science, unlike English and Math, include at least three years, though a fourth year is highly encouraged. Two of the three required years must be Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry, or Physics, with the third (and optional fourth) year up to the the student.
Similarly, Social Studies requires only three years, with the fourth year highly encouraged. One of these years must be U.S. History (regular or A.P.), and at least one semester must be Civics. As long as these classes are fulfilled, the final 1.5 years of required Social Studies is the decision of the student.
The necessary elective credits, however, have more flexible requirements. In total, each student needs 90 elective credits. 40 of these credits (four semesters) must be earned from academic electives. Foreign Language classes are not required for a student to graduate, though they are strongly encouraged as many colleges and universities require them in order for students to be admitted. Every student needs one year (10 credits) of Fine Arts, including Art, Dance, Drama, Music, or Career & Technical Education (CTE). All of the Center for Communication and Technology classes are CTE classes. Additionally, one year of Physical Education (PE) is required; however, if a student plays a sport, the requirement can be waived (one season can waive one semester). Students who this situation applies to must earn the credit from another elective class in the place of PE.
Spartans in the Center for Communication and Technology Magnet (CCTM) program must complete four levels: Introduction/Probationary Level, Foundations Level, Pathways Level, and Capstone Level. As freshmen, all CCTM students must enroll in Introduction to CCT, which is a year-long class. Freshmen who are interested in robotics must take it as a separate elective, as it is not included in the introductory level. Sophomores must take two Foundations classes, including Photojournalism 1, 3-D Animation 1, Web Applications 1, Software Engineering 1, STEM Robotics 1, or Newspaper. Juniors must take two Pathways classes including Newspaper, Photojournalism 2, Radio & TV Broadcast, 3-D Animation 2, Web Applications 2, Software Engineering 2, or Robotics 2. Finally, seniors must take one Capstone class: Newspaper, Video Intern, or Pathways for 3-D Animation, Web Applications, Software Engineering, or STEM Robotics. Additionally, seniors who have completed Photojournalism 2 can take Photojournalism 3, which is more of an independent study class, focusing on the professional aspects of photography. Students who complete all four levels of the Magnet courses in one major area of study will earn a CCT Magnet Graduation Certificate. Certain courses, including Newspaper, Photojournalism 2, Video Intern, 3-D Animation 2, Web Applications 1 and 2, and Software Engineering 1 and 2 offer three college credit hours from Arapahoe Community College (Newspaper can be taken for multiple years of high school credit, but it can only be taken for one year of college credit).
Finally, there is an additional community service graduation requirement. Students must fulfill 40 hours of community service (or ten hours each year), and can record their hours on community service sheets, which are available in the counselor’s office.
It is critical that students make sure they are on the right path in order to graduate on time, so they must pay attention and take into account these various requirements. Students who need more assistance and tutoring for their classes can reach out and go to office hours or tutoring. “These are great resources that not enough students are taking advantage of,” Christoff elaborated.
Should students have any further questions or concerns, they can meet with their counselor to discuss the best path for them in order to make the most out of their high school career.
