Full Answer
There are many different types, though it often depends on your location and which American high school you are attending. If you are taking a humanities course, for example you could find yourself engrossed in things like chemistry, fine arts, history, mathematics, and science.
It varies depending on the high school you attend. Different high schools call their courses of study different things so it would be best to ask your high school guidance counselor what your particular course of study is.
This list was created by researching the classes offered at numerous high schools, both public and private, across the country. Classes are alphabetically organized by subject.
Of course, your high school is unlikely to offer all the courses on our list. Limited resources and funding mean that most schools have to pick and choose which classes to offer. However, if you have good grades and room in your schedule, you might be able to pursue a subject that interests you through an independent study.
When you study mathematics at the best online high school it will include some of these: Algebra. Geometry. Trigonometry. Calculus. The most basic math courses are also available, but some professions that you might want to obtain following high school are going to require you to take the more advanced courses.
This is a course that online high school normally has to outsource, but some high schools do bring physical education requirements to the table. Sometimes these are bundled in with health classes that teach human sexuality and hygiene, though those are most often separate. Sometimes you may be able to get out of the physical education requirement, assuming that you can show you’re participating in a sports activity.
Foreign language classes are offered by most American high schools, and in order to obtain admission to a four year university, they are often required. There are many languages available in high school, most of them incorporating both grammar and vocabulary while focusing on the cultural aspects of the language.
According to an article from Yale’s Admissions department, colleges only evaluate students’ course selections based on the options available to them . In other words, you won’t be penalized for neglecting to take advantage of opportunities your high school didn’t provide.
Additionally, high school students should sign up for honors and AP classes when available and pursue electives about which they’re passionate. According to the Princeton Review website, peppering your schedule with electives is a great way to identify new talents and areas of interest.
Arts: If you were in a high school for the arts, you can write “Arts” and mention the main subjects, such as calligraphy, art history, portraiture, and so on. Sciences: If you were in a science high school, you can write “Sciences” and mention the main subjects you completed, such as physics, astronomy, future studies, and so on.
STEM or non-STEM : In some schools, the last two high school years focus on STEM subjects such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics courses. If you were in such a high school tracks, write “STEM” (or non-STEM otherwise).
You can either leave it blank, write “N/A” or mention some of the courses you took in high school. You can also list the courses you liked the most! A hint of your favorite courses would be sufficient, but more importantly: don’t sweat it. It’s not a big deal if you leave it blank!
Planning ahead helps prevent gaps (every homeschool parent’s fear)! Here is a list of subjects and the number of credits that are typically part of a high school program.
Language Arts: Shakespeare, European literature, journalism, pre-college vocabulary, speech, and drama
Mathematics. In high school, students dig into several different types of math. Algebra and geometry are required at most high schools, and students may choose to take advanced math classes if they are offered. Most states require three or four years of math coursework in high school.
Choosing high school classes requires planning both as a student enters school and throughout their high school experience. The right classes are challenging and engaging, but not unrealistically rigorous or overwhelming. An ideal schedule can help a student succeed, enjoy learning, and have a good academic experience while preparing them for their future plans, whatever they may be.
In addition to studying important pieces of literature, English classes teach teens about writing and speaking.
Physical Education and Health. Physical education and health classes can teach high schoolers how to care for their body's fitness and nutritional needs. Many states require at least one unit of P.E. to graduate. Other states have P.E. as an elective.
AP classes are more rigorous courses that teach subjects at an introductory college level. Some of the most common AP courses that are available include Calculus AB, U.S. History, English Literature, Biology, Statistics, Chemistry, and Psychology. 3
Ideally, teens should start high school with a basic plan of the classes they will need to take in order to graduate. Every state has different requirements for obtaining a high school diploma, and each school varies greatly in what they offer to give kids a chance to fulfill them. 1.
The following subjects are the foundation of a high school education in most states and strong performance in these subjects is essential for admittance to selective schools. Within each of these subjects, there may be some courses that are required by your school or state, and others where some degree of choice is available.
The following subjects are present as electives (classes you choose to take) at most schools in most states.
Advanced Placement (AP) is a program run by the College Board, offering challenging high school classes with the opportunity for college course credit / placement into advanced college courses.
The general diploma is the most common type of high school diploma. This high school degree type is given to students who have met standard graduation requirements. Diploma requirements may be different from state to state. In general, it requires three years of classes in English, math, science, history, and a variety of t electives.
An honors diploma means that the student performed very well in their classes. In addition to the requirements of the general diploma, the honors diploma also requires students to take and pass more advanced classes. As with the general diploma, the requirements can differ in each state.
An occupational diploma is given to students who complete a career-focused program. Occupational diplomas typically require classes in English, math, science, history, and career focused classes. An occupational diploma is earned through a program that focuses on developing skills that will help students enter the workforce.
A graduate equivalency degree (GED) is a certificate earned by people who did not complete high school. To earn a GED, students must complete a GED course and pass a state-approved exam. This certificate shows that the student has the same knowledge as someone with a general high school diploma.