OHS Program of Study

The purpose of the list of course descriptions on the following pages, with the requirements for graduation, is to assist students in planning their work strategically. It is hoped that parents will take an active role in helping plan the program with their students. In many cases, personal conferences with a school counselor are helpful in determining the courses in which a student should enroll.

English:  4 (includes successful completion of research portfolio)
Mathematics:  4 (including Algebra II or the equivalent)    
Science: 3
Social Studies:  4 (including .5 credit each of American history, American government, and world history)
Health:  .5
Physical Education:  .5  (.25 per semester or PE waiver **)
Fine Arts: 1    (this requirement can be met in 7th & 8th grade)
Additional Electives: 5
Total Minimum: 22

*Ohio Core Requirements according to Senate Bill 311:

• Students must receive instruction in economics and financial literacy during grades 9-12.
• Students must complete at least one year of fine arts taken any time in grades 7-12.  If taken during the 7th and 8th grades, students will meet the CORE requirement, however, they will not earn high school credit.
• Students will earn 3 credits of science with the following emphasis: 1 physical science credit, 1 life science credit, and 1 credit in an advanced science.
• Elective units must include one sequence or any combination of world language, fine arts, business, career-technical education, family and consumer sciences, technology, English language arts, mathematics, science, or social studies courses not otherwise required, for a total of five units.
• Mathematics units must include 1 unit of Algebra II or the equivalent of Algebra II.

** Beginning with the Fall 2022 season, students were given the opportunity to earn a PE Waiver to meet the physical education graduation requirements. To earn a PE Waiver, students must participate in interscholastic athletics and/or cheerleading for two full seasons or two full years of marching band including band summer camp and submit the PE Waiver Form to the Guidance Office prior to the beginning of the school year. With this plan, the PE graduation requirement is met but no credit will be posted to the student’s transcript. Students will continue to have the option of earning transcripted credit by taking PE courses.

In addition to earning the required credits (22 total),  and completing 18 hours of senior service, students must also meet one of the three graduation pathways that show readiness for college or a job.

Show competency by earning a passing score (684) on Ohio’s high school Algebra I and English II tests.
If a student does not earn a passing score after multiple attempts, three additional options exist to show competency:

• Option 1: Demonstrate two Career-Focused Activities: Foundational (proficient score on WebXams, a 12-point industry credential, or a pre-apprenticeship or acceptance into an approved apprenticeship program) or Supporting (Work-based learning, earn the required score on WorkKeys, earn the OhioMeans Jobs Readiness Seal)
• Option 2: Enlist in the military. Show evidence of having signed a contract to enter a branch of the U. S. armed services upon graduation.
• Option 3: Complete College Coursework: Earn credit for one college-level math and/or college-level English course through Ohio’s free College Credit Plus program.

Show readiness by earning two of the following diploma seals with at least one being an Ohio-designated seal (O) and no more than one being a locally-defined seal (L), choosing those that line up with individual goals and interests.  These seals give students the chance to demonstrate academic, technical and professional skills and knowledge that align to individual passions, interests and planned next steps after high school. The twelve seals a student could earn include:

OhioMeansJobs Readiness Seal (O)                                       Honors Diploma Seal (O)
Industry-Recognized Credential Seal (O)                              Seal of Biliteracy (O)
College-Ready Seal (O)*                                                            Technology Seal (O)
Military Enlistment Seal (O)                                                    Community Service Seal (L)
Citizenship Seal (O)                                                                   Fine and Performing Arts Seal (L)
Science Seal (O)                                                                          Student Engagement Seal (L)

*All students will take the ACT college-admission test (paid for by the state of Ohio) during the spring of their junior year.

You can scroll down through this online version of the Program of Study or click on the topics in the Table of Contents and go directly to that topic.

The following criteria have been adopted by the State Department of Education for the Academic Honors Diploma. To be awarded the diploma, students must meet the following requirements:
    I.         Successfully complete the requirements for graduation as established by the Oakwood Board of Education.
   II.        Successfully meet all but one of the following criteria:
                A.  Earn four units of English
                B.  Earn four units of mathematics, including Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II or equivalent and another higher level course or a four-year sequence of                                  courses that contain equivalent content
                C.  Earn four units of science
                D.  Earn four units of social studies
                E.  Earn either three units of one world language or two units each of two world languages (ASL counts)
                F.  Earn one unit of fine arts (must be earned in high school)
                G.  Maintain an overall high school grade point average of at least 3.5 on a four point scale up to the last grading period of the senior year
                H.  Obtain a composite score of 27 on the American College Test (ACT) or a score of 1280 on the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT).    

Students have the opportunity to choose to pursue one Honors Diploma as defined on the Ohio Department of Education website.  The additional Honors Diploma pathways available to pursue include:

• Career Tech Honors Diploma
• STEM Honors Diploma
• Arts Honors Diploma
• Social Science and Civic Engagement Honors Diploma

Students may earn recognition for their individual academic achievements through the instituted Latin Honors System. Students will qualify for the varying levels of honor depending upon their cumulative weighted grade point average (GPA)at the end of the 7th semester:

Summa Cum Laude:  4.0 cumulative GPA and above
Magna Cum Laude:  3.75 - 3.99 cumulative GPA
Cum Laude:  3.51 - 3.74 cumulative GPA

College entrance requirements vary. The following courses are recommended for a strong college preparatory program:

• 4 units of English
• 4 units of college preparatory mathematics
• At least 3 units of one world language or 2 units each of two world languages
• 4 units of social studies
• 3 - 4 units of science (to include biology, chemistry and physics)

Some colleges expect more requirements and some less from applicants. Most engineering schools, for example, require 4 - 5 units of college preparatory mathematics plus physics and chemistry. Most colleges indicate 16 or more academic credits are preferred for an applicant to be adequately prepared for college.
Every student is advised to study the entrance requirements of the colleges being considered and plan courses accordingly. Oakwood High School provides courses necessary to prepare students for college. The college, when considering a person for admission, is usually concerned with the overall qualifications of the applicant. Emphasis is placed on such things as the quality and type of the high school preparation (grades and rigor of courses taken), scores on college admission tests *(SAT and ACT), motivation, high school and community activities, and recommendations from teachers, counselors and/or the principal.  During the registration process, students may request their scores be sent to up to 4 universities for no additional fee. Sending them after the exam will cost approximately $15 per test, per school.  Due to the fact many colleges and universities are now REQUIRING SAT and ACT test scores be sent to them directly from the testing agency, OHS NO LONGER sends test scores as part of the supporting documents for students' college applications. The college enrollment picture is a changing one. Some colleges, because of the large number of applicants, can still be selective in admissions; others cannot because of lack of qualified applicants. Some students, either because of cost or because of admission policies, are going to find it wise to begin their college career in a two-year community or junior college. Early planning, intelligent choice of subjects and strong academic scholarship are very important.

*Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many colleges and universities adopted a “test optional” policy that has continued through 2024.  Some colleges have adopted this policy permanently while others are taking a “wait and see” approach.  School counselors will continue to monitor the situation, and students will be advised accordingly.

The minimum standard program at Oakwood High School each year is 5.50 credits/periods.  A note of explanation approved by the student’s counselor and the principal is required if the student wishes to take fewer than the minimum number of credits/periods.  Illnesses or disabilities are generally the only reasons considered for reducing the program.

Tenth grade assignment requires a total of 5.50 credits. Eleventh grade assignment requires 11 credits. Twelfth grade assignment requires 16.50 credits or projected to receive 22 credits by the end of the senior year.

A student may take extra courses during the summer. Students may take the equivalent of only one-quarter credit of physical education in summer school. Credit earned in summer school does not reduce the minimum required load (5.5 credits/periods) for the regular school year.

Grade Point Averages (GPA) are calculated at the end of each semester. Each quarter grade counts for 40% and the exam is 20% of the semester average. Semester grades in all regular courses for which credit is granted are included in determining GPA with the exception of course work taken by tutoring, independent study, audit, and pass/fail. 

Grades in regular courses earn the following quality points:  (beginning with the 2021-22 school year): 

A = 4 (90-100)
B = 3 (80-89)
C = 2 (70-79)
D = 1 (60-69)
F= 0 (below 60). 

See Honors, Advanced Placement and College Credit Plus (CCP) course information below for add-on factors. 

Formula for GPA = Total Quality Points divided by Credits attempted, plus any add-on points earned.

Courses may not be audited unless the student is repeating a course taken earlier.  Grades earned in audit courses are not included in class rank and GPA. Students transferring into Oakwood High School from other accredited public and/or private schools do have their grades from the former school used in determining grade point average.  AP, CCP and Honors courses are given as an add-on to the GPA. Because of the tradition of academic rigor and the competitive educational environment at Oakwood High School, the school does not rank its students.

Honors courses are currently offered in English, Mathematics, World Languages, Academic Decathlon and Orchestra. Honors courses involve enriched and advanced work, rigorous grading standards and selective admissions.

Students will earn a .025 add-on factor for each yearlong Honors course completed with a grade of C or higher. The add-on will be adjusted for .5 (.0125) and .25 (.00625) credit courses accordingly. Since Academic Decathlon is repeatable, students have an opportunity to earn a .025 add on every year they earn a grade of C or better and a qualifying test score (for more information, see the detailed course description). 

Factors used in selecting students for Honors and AP courses will include teacher/department recommendation, counselor recommendation, grades in previous courses, achievement/aptitude test scores, and student interest. Formal Advanced Placement (AP) programs in English Language and Composition, English Literature and Composition, AP Seminar English II, French, Spanish, Calculus, Statistics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, American History, Psychology, American Government, Comparative Government and Politics, Studio Art, World History, and Music Theory are offered. 

AP exams are given in May of each year.  Scores earned on these tests could result in college credit, advanced placement or exemption from certain academic requirements/prerequisites upon college enrollment at most colleges. 

Full year Advanced Placement (AP) courses receive .05 add-on credit and semester Advanced Placement (AP) courses receive .025 add-on credit. Board policy requires that AP students take the AP test and earn at least a C in the class in order to earn add-on credit. Any student may take any of the AP exams without being enrolled in Advanced Placement classes.  However, students will not receive add-on credit for taking the AP test without having taken the course. As transcripts are forwarded to colleges, grades in Honors/AP courses are identified on the official transcript. Colleges expect students to take advantage of stronger and more challenging programs if the opportunity exists. For more information concerning these special programs, contact the Guidance Department.

Students earning credit through College Credit Plus (CCP) will earn add-on points dependent on the number of credit hours. The add-on for a 3+ credit hour course is .05, .033 for 2 credit hours and .0165 for 1 credit hour courses.

Only CCP courses with an equivalent Advanced Placement course content area will qualify for the add-on. These areas are: 

• English
• Mathematics
• Science
• Social studies
• World languages
• Art
• Computer science
• Music

Several educational options that vary from the standard college preparatory program exist.  These options are intended to provide for different individual needs, different educational goals and objectives, and for non-school related educational experiences.

A.  Career Education Programs
Participation in a state approved career education program is available on an allotment basis to Oakwood High School students through a contractual agreement with the Kettering and Centerville school districts. Two-year programs are available as well as some individual courses.

B.  Independent Study
Independent Study is defined as a learning experience or project that is completed by a student outside the structure and limits of the usual classroom setting.

Credit for independent study may be granted if certain requirements and conditions are met:

1. The content/subject matter of the project cannot be acquired in a regularly scheduled class.
2. The student, teacher and school counselor mutually agree on the curriculum that has been identified with stipulated objectives to be accomplished.
3. A teacher agrees to assume responsibility for meeting with, assisting, and guiding the student toward accomplishment of the objectives.  The teacher and the student coordinate meeting times.
4. Amount of credit to be granted for the project and requirements to be met for a pass/fail grade are mutually agreed upon before the program project is accepted and approved.
5. The burden of responsibility rests with the student in the accomplishment and completion of the objectives of the independent project.
6. All independent study courses will be graded on a pass/fail basis.
7. An application for approval of an anticipated independent study project must be submitted in writing with the limits of the project identified, objectives identified, time to be devoted to the completion of the project, amount of credit and grade requirements identified. The application must be signed by the student, parent, teacher who has accepted responsibility for supervising the independent study project, department chair, counselor, and approved by the principal. Applications are available in the Guidance Office.  Applications must be completed and submitted by the end of the third week of each semester.
8. Credit earned is not used in computing grade point average.

C.   College Credit Plus
Ohio’s CCP program allows students to earn college and high school credits at the same time by taking college courses from community colleges or universities. The purpose of this program is to promote rigorous academic pursuits and to provide a wide variety of options to college-ready students. There is no fee for tuition and books for the student and their family, unless a student fails the course or withdraws past the deadline. A 3-semester hour college course or more translates to 1 high school credit, 2-semester hour to 2/3 high school credit, and 1-semester hour to 1/3 high school credit. Several CCP courses are offered through an agreement with local colleges and universities at Oakwood High School. Additionally, there are options for students to take courses either online or on a college campus. 

In order for students to participate in CCP, students and parents must:

• Attend the CCP Information session at Oakwood High School in February.
• If unable to attend, arrangements must be made through the Guidance Office for a session.
• Complete the Intent to Participate Google Form located on the high school CCP webpage no later than April 1.
• Apply to local community colleges or universities for acceptance by their deadlines (typically May 1st).  
• Upon acceptance, complete any placement tests required by the community colleges or universities by their deadlines.

D.  Online Coursework   
Students have a plethora of opportunities for online study. Students are encouraged to work with their school counselor when considering this option. It is the responsibility of the student and their parents to receive approval from the principal before utilizing any of the online providers.  Grades and credits for all online coursework will be recorded on the student’s permanent record. Grades will be recorded and will be used in calculation of the grade point average.

E. Early Graduation
Students are encouraged to attain their high school diploma over a four-year period. Some situations may make it desirable or necessary that a student consider completion of the high school program in less than four years.  Any student planning to graduate early must have his/her academic plan approved by the school counselor, principal, and the student’s parents. Early graduates are welcome to participate in the commencement ceremony only if they haven’t requested and accepted their diploma prior to the ceremony.

F.  Credit Flexibility   
Credit flexibility options are designed for those students who demonstrate the ability, interest, and maturity to accept personal responsibility for their learning in a selected curricular area and have the opportunity to pursue it outside of Oakwood High School. The credit flexibility option supports learners who conduct their own research, learning objectives, and stipulates a plan to accomplish the defined objectives outside of the traditional classroom. The policy provides a personalized educational opportunity for all students and helps them identify, acquire, and demonstrate the proficiency of their knowledge through standards to earn graduation credit. Students participate in an alternative learning experience beyond the boundaries of a classroom and demonstrate identified standards. Students must complete the Proposal for Credit Flexibility Form (see school counselor), define their educational goals, identify the standards they will demonstrate, and create a timeline for completion.  With the approval of Oakwood City Schools, students can collaborate with an approved off-site instructional provider. Students should be aware that the NCAA Clearinghouse might not accept Credit Flex Course options.  The deadline to apply for credit flex for the 2024 - 2025 school year is May 1, 2024 for first semester and Nov. 1, 2024 for second semester.

The following guidelines will be used by the Guidance Department when considering a request for changes in a student’s schedule. Please consider course selections carefully to avoid unnecessary schedule changes. Schedule changes may be limited by availability of classes, course conflicts, class size, and balance of class sizes.  If a course change is made after grades have been recorded, the grades from the first course will transfer to the new course to be averaged.

Year Courses:

1. A change to another full-year course may be made during the first two weeks of the first semester.

2. A drop/withdrawal before the end of the first nine-week grade period will not show on record as course attempted.

3. A drop/withdrawal during the second quarter will show a “W” on the report card.

4. A drop/withdrawal in the third quarter will show a “W” on the report card and a “W” for the second semester and final grade on the report card as well as on the transcript.  A yearlong course will not receive partial credit or a first semester grade.

5. A drop/withdrawal from full-credit courses will not be made in the fourth nine-week grading period.

Semester Courses:

1. A change to another semester course may be made during the first week of the semester.

2. A drop/withdrawal before the end of first nine weeks of the semester will not show on record as course attempted.

3. A drop/withdrawal after the end of the first nine weeks will be recorded as follows:  the first nine-week grade will be recorded on the report card. A “W” will be recorded on the report card for the second nine-week grade and for the semester grade on the report card as well as the transcript.

4. A drop/withdrawal from semester courses will not be made after the twelfth week of the semester.
   
   CCP Courses:
   CCP students have 14 calendar days to withdraw from a course starting the first day of class. Students who withdraw after the 14-day period will receive a W on both their college and high school transcript and will be responsible for reimbursement to the school district who paid the tuition.

If during registration and/or final scheduling for classes, the number of students requesting a course falls below ten, a careful evaluation will be made of all factors associated with offering the course. The Board of Education will be advised of all these factors prior to determining the feasibility of dropping the course from the program offerings.

A number of courses require a lab or class fee and/or the purchase of workbooks, supplies, or paperback books. Fees will be included on student schedules and are automatically assigned to courses.  Some books and supplies may be purchased in the bookroom while other books require the student to purchase on their own. Class fees are also paid in the bookroom. All AP courses have a $105 AP exam fee. The PSAT and PreACT fee of $25.00 are also assessed to students in grades 10 and 11. These fees are deleted in the event the exam/test is not taken, if cancellation notification is given by cut off date. The senior fee of $80.00 and optional yearbook purchase of $65.00 are also included in general fees. Fees noted are subject to change from year to year. Some materials will not be needed immediately in classes and may be purchased anytime throughout the school year.  Any family in need of financial assistance with class fees or supplemental materials should contact the principal or counselor.  All requests for financial assistance will be confidential.

Oakwood Junior/Senior High School offers a continuum of program options under the umbrella of IDEA and ADA for students with special needs as outlined in their Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) or 504 Plans. All students with disabilities are included in general education classes as much as appropriate.  The OJH/OHS Intervention Specialists may lend their expertise in the writing of a 504 Plan for a student with a medical recommendation and may collaborate with the assembled team on determining appropriate accommodations.  Intervention Specialists do not provide individualized instruction to a student on a 504 Plan. Intervention Specialists serve in several capacities for identified students on an IEP: as a coordinator for vocational training within the community, as resource room teachers to provide direct instruction to qualifying students, and as collaborative teachers present with a general educator in the classroom providing necessary modifications and accommodations for students in the general education setting.  Supports and services for students on an IEP with identified needs are offered in the general education classroom, resource room, and through community-based learning designed to teach skills leading to adult independence.  Resource classes in math, English, science, social studies, and academic transitions, are available for students with IEPs. Academic transitions instruction is provided through a Transitions Learning Center, a semester or full year course where students can earn a .5 or 1 elective credit.  Class instruction focuses on one’s transition goals outlined in his/her IEP to include: identifying learning styles, study skills, organizational strategies, memory skills strategies, goal setting, beginning the career assessment process, etc. Students will also be given the opportunity to complete homework, and study for tests/quizzes.

Speech and language services, hearing intervention services, vision intervention services, orientation and mobility services, adaptive physical education, physical therapy and occupational therapy are also available for students with identified needs.  In addition, oral interpreters and aides assist students when appropriate. Support services that best meet the needs of limited English proficient (LEP) students are available to English Learner (EL) students whose primary or home language is other than English who need special language assistance in order to effectively participate in school instructional programs.  Students must be evaluated and qualify as limited English proficient (LEP) and needing special language help and services through an assessment process. Upon enrollment, families complete a Home Language Survey. Students whose home language is other than English are assessed by the English as a Second Language (ESL) Instructor. Results are shared with families, and EL support is offered if the student qualifies.  For more information concerning special education programs and services, contact our Special Education Supervisor at (937)297-7803.

The Oakwood Board of Education has adopted a policy, in accordance with Ohio Revised Code 3324.01-3324.07 and Ohio Administrative Code, for identifying children who are gifted. The state mandates that all students have the opportunity to be assessed for possible "giftedness" based on the state's specific definition of giftedness, which follows:   

Students who perform or show potential for performing at remarkably high levels of accomplishment when compared to others of their age, experience, or environment and who are identified in the areas of superior cognitive ability, specific academic ability (math, science, social studies, reading/writing), creative thinking ability, and/or visual/performing arts ability (visual arts, music, dance, drama).

The district uses an approach of assessment and identification to identify students who perform, or show potential for performing, at high levels of accomplishment in these domains. To be identified as "gifted" a student must achieve the requisite cutoff score on an assessment instrument authorized by the Ohio Department of Education (ODE), which sets cutoff scores.  Children may participate in either whole-grade assessment or referral-based assessment. Whole-grade level assessment occurs at grades 2, 4, and 6 in Oakwood City School District. For referral-based assessment, children may be referred for possible gifted identification on an ongoing basis based upon child request (self-referral), teacher recommendation, parent/guardian request, child referral of peer, or other referral. Referral forms are available on the Oakwood website under Gifted Department. While the State of Ohio requires that students have the opportunity to be assessed for giftedness, it does not require districts to provide services for students who are identified as gifted. Oakwood employs three (3) Gifted Intervention Specialists (GIS) who assist teachers at Lange, Harman, Smith, and the Junior/Senior High Schools in working with students identified as gifted.

The gifted services revolve around instructional activities for students who have been identified in each of the four domains of giftedness defined by the state of Ohio. The district ensures equal opportunity for all students identified as gifted to receive services offered by the district. Additionally, students who participate in gifted services are guided by the development and implementation of Written Education Plans (WEPs) that document student data, goals, and progress. Differentiated instruction in the classroom is the linchpin of the program. Differentiated instruction requires modifying process, content, or product according to student need, readiness, and interest; and it is often performed in consultation with the Gifted Intervention Specialist. Our instructional program at all levels continues to evolve in order to meet the needs of our learners, and annually revised gifted services matrices are available from the Gifted Intervention Specialists.

At the secondary level, we offer services to students identified as gifted through curricular offerings, including enrichment electives, honors and Advanced Placement courses, cluster-grouping, co-teaching models and educational options.  For more information regarding this program, contact the Gifted Intervention Specialist at (937) 297-5328.

Directed study hall is for students who may have executive functioning deficiencies and need more direction than a typical study hall provides.  Directed study hall is for students recommended through the MTSS (Multi-Tiered Support Systems) process.  This study hall is primarily for students in grades 9 and 10 but can be used for all grades.

Directed Wellness Center (DWC) study hall is assigned to students who would like a calm, small, wellness-focused study hall.   The directed wellness center study hall is for students recommended through the MTSS (Multi-Tiered Support Systems) process.  This study hall is primarily for students in grades 9 and 10 but can be used for all grades.

The following career programs are available to Oakwood students in the Kettering and Centerville school districts.  Most programs begin during the junior year, culminating the senior year.  The programs typically involve a half-day at either Centerville High School or Fairmont High School while the student remains in their college prep curriculum at Oakwood High School. A student enrolled in one of these programs will receive his/her diploma from Oakwood High School.  The Oakwood Board of Education, except for programs where a student must report to a job placement, will provide transportation. Allotted spaces for Oakwood students will be filled by approval of the Kettering or Centerville HS career education coordinator, counselor and/or administrator. These programs are designed to give students the education, background and training necessary for skills that will enable them, upon graduation from high school, to further their education in college, enter the world of work, or serve in the military.  Students must meet certain criteria in order to participate in these programs. In most of the programs, students may earn college as well as high school credit. Specific information and detailed course descriptions are available in the Guidance Department and on these websites: Kettering Fairmont CTC, Centerville Career Tech  

*     Allied Health, FHS
*     Automotive Technology, FHS
*     Biotechnology, FHS & CHS
*     Business Academy, FHS
*     Centerville Business Academy, CHS
*     Communication Arts/Broadcast Management, CHS
*     Cosmetology, FHS 
*     Construction , FHS
*     Culinary Arts and Restaurant Management, CHS
*     Digital Design, FHS
*     Early Childhood Education, FHS & CHS
*     Engineering , FHS
*     Environmental Science, CHS
*     Exercise Science, CHS
*     Fire Science, FHS
*     Information Technology, FHS
*     Information Technology and Software Engineering, CHS
*     Interactive Media, FHS
*     Marketing Education, FHS & CHS
*     Mass Communication-Print/Broadcast Journalism, CHS
*      Medical Assisting, FHS 
*     Technical Theater, CHS
*     Sports and Entertainment Marketing (semester course at FHS, may be taken concurrently with Marketing at FHS)
 

CHS=Centerville High School
FHS=Fairmont High School
 

The State of Ohio requires all Ohio students pass four years of mathematics including Algebra II or its equivalent. The mathematics curriculum consists of those courses, activities and units of instruction designed to contribute to the common specialized needs of secondary school students.  Knowing that the abilities and interests of students vary, the Mathematics Department offers a variety of courses to meet the individual needs of all students.  Graphing calculators and computer software are used to facilitate the students’ understanding of mathematical concepts. Our mathematics courses prepare students for success in college, in careers, and in daily life in contemporary society.  Each course shares the following mathematical and instructional features:  multiple connected mathematical strands, mathematical modeling, access for a wide range of students, technology use and active learning.  For all math courses, students are required to have a graphing calculator, and the TI-83 Plus or TI-84 Plus or TI-Nspire is recommended. Please refer to the math flowchart. Students will take the Ohio State Test in Mathematics near the conclusion of Algebra I Honors or Algebra I. If a student is pursuing coursework slightly different from this, testing will be near the conclusion of the closest corresponding course.  A grade of an "A" or "B" is necessary to move forward in Honors courses.  Students with a grade of "C" in the previous course must secure teacher approval before enrolling in an Honors course.  Students earning a "D" or "F" in a prerequisite course may not enroll in Honors or AP courses.

Science graduation requirements are 3 years of science with the following emphasis: 1 physical science credit, 1 life science credit, and 1 advanced science credit.  To earn the “Academic Honors Diploma”, students must earn four units of science. The science program follows the pattern traditionally offered by college preparatory high schools. The department recognizes that the abilities and interests of students vary. There is not one linear path through the course offerings, but all courses are college preparatory. Students should choose courses based on interests and future aspirations. Also, take note of math recommendations and prerequisites for courses as those are set to give students the best opportunity for success. The attitudes of various scientific methods are reinforced by classroom discussion and laboratory experiments presented as a process of inquiry and a mode of thinking. Students will be engaged in asking valid scientific questions and gathering and analyzing information to help them better understand the world in which they live and interact. Students wishing to pursue online science credit will need prior approval by the science department chair and principal. Please refer to the science flowchart on page 34. Students will take Ohio’s End of Course test in Biology near the conclusion of the course. If a student is pursuing coursework slightly different from this, testing will be near the conclusion of the closest corresponding course. Additional fees may be assigned for lab materials, workbooks and goggles.

Beginning with the Fall 2022 season, students were given the opportunity to earn a PE Waiver to meet the physical education graduation requirements. To earn a PE Waiver, students must participate in interscholastic athletics and/or cheerleading for two full seasons or two full years of marching band including band summer camp and submit the PE Waiver Form to the Guidance Office prior to the beginning of the school year. With this plan, the PE graduation requirement is met but no credit will be posted to the student’s transcript. Students will continue to have the option of earning transcripted credit by taking PE courses.

If students aren’t submitting a waiver to meet the PE graduation requirements, they are required to take both PE I and PE II.  The PE Elective courses offered for the 2024-2025 school year, weight training and stretching and flexibility, do not meet the PE requirement.  Students are permitted to take these elective PE courses at any time throughout high school, however, they will still need to take PE I and PE II to meet the graduation requirement.

The Ohio CORE requires students to complete at least one year of fine arts taken any time in grades 7-12.