For high school students, you must have wondered which classes you should take in high school or what class will be the most beneficial for your college journey. While your school may not offer some of these classes, having a checklist can come in handy when making your four-year college plan.
High school classes are typically divided into three types of classes: General academic classes / Honors classes, AP classes, and electives. If possible, make sure to register for classes every year in Math, Science, Social Sciences, and a world language. High school students also can sign up for AP or IB classes to further advance their knowledge and receive college credit. Besides the core classes, taking elective classes is also a great way to discover your interests and try out if you like them or not.
To learn more about the course system, please read our Guide to the American curriculum. Students should also read more about the Common Core standard to learn more what knowledge is covered in the curriculum.
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The importance of selecting high school classes wisely
Before entering high school and during high school, students should focus on selecting the right classes. The right school class selection will set a strong foundation for their high school career, as well as their college application and professional pursuits. Core classes such as English, Math, Science, and Foreign Languages are crucial in setting a foundation for college-level courses and are also required for high school graduation. Elective classes offer students an opportunity to explore different interests and expand their world of view, providing a more well-rounded education.
Advanced classes, such as Advanced Placement (AP) courses, International Baccalaureate (IB) courses, dual enrollment courses, and honors courses, can challenge students academically and prepare them for college-level coursework. These courses can also enhance a student’s college application and increase their scholarship chances.
Choosing high school classes wisely can impact a student’s academic success, college admission, and future career opportunities. Therefore, students must consider their interests, academic goals, and career aspirations when choosing high school classes.
Core Classes
English
- English Literature
- American Literature
- Creative Writing
- Debate
- English language and composition
- English literature and composition
- Journalism
- Speech & Debate (some schools call this Communications)
Many schools breakdown introductory English classes by grade level. For example English 9 (for Grade 9) and English 10 (Grade 10), or English 1 for Grade 9 and English 2 for Grade 10, and more.
History & Social Science
- World History
- U.S. History
- European History
- Economics (Macroeconomics and Microeconomics)
- U.S. Government and Politics
- Human Geography
- Psychology
- Women’s Studies
Mathematics
- Algebra 1 and 2
- Geometry
- Pre-calculus
- Calculus
- Probability
- Statistics
Science
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Environmental Science
- Forensic Science
- Astronomy
- Marine Science
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Zoology
World Languages
- Spanish
- Latin
- French
- Chinese
- German
- Italian
- American Sign Language
- Ancient Greek
- Japanese
- Korean
Elective Classes
The Arts
- Dance (Tap dancing, Choreography, etc.)
- Music (Choir, concert band, jazz ensemble, string ensemble, music technology/production, theater technology, etc.)
- Theater (Drama, theater technology, technical theater, etc.)
- Visual Arts (Painting, Drawing, Graphic Design, Illustration, Photography, etc.)
Philosophy & Religion
- Philosophy
- Ethics
- World Religions
Business
- Accounting
- Business Law
- Business Management
- Consumer Education
- Entrepreneurial skills
- Introduction to Business
- Marketing
- Personal Finance
Computer Science
- App development
- Audio production
- Computer programming
- Video game development
- Web design
- Web programming
- Programming with Python
Physical Education
- Gymnastics
- Swimming
- Yoga
- Pilates
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Advanced Classes
AP Capstone
- AP Research
- AP Seminar
Arts
- AP Art History
- AP Music Theory
- AP 2-D Art and Design
English
- AP English Language and Composition
- AP English Literature and Composition
History and Social Science
- AP Comparative Government and Politics
- AP European History
- AP Human Geography
- AP Macroeconomics
- AP Microeconomics
Math and Computer Science
- AP Calculus AB
- AP Calculus BC
- AP Computer Science A
- AP Computer Science Principles
- AP Statistics
Sciences
- AP Biology
- AP Chemistry
- AP Environmental Science
- AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based
- AP Physics 2: Algebra-Based
- AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism
- AP Physics C: Mechanics
World Languages and Cultures
- AP Chinese Language and Culture
- AP French Language and Culture
- AP German Language and Culture
- AP Italian Language and Culture
- AP Japanese Language and Culture
- AP Latin
- AP Spanish Language and Culture
- AP Spanish Literature and Culture
Other High School Classes
Remedial Classes
Remedial classes are designed to provide students with additional instruction and support in subjects where they may fall behind. Remedial classes can help students catch up to their peers and stay on track with their academic progress.
Remedial classes are typically offered in Math, English, and Science subjects. Students struggling in these subjects may be referred to remedial classes by their teachers, counselors, or parents. These classes provide a more targeted and individualized approach to learning, which can help students better understand the material and improve their academic performance.
Special Education Class
Special education classes are designed for students with disabilities or special needs. These classes provide tailored instruction and support to help these students succeed academically.
Special education classes are designed to address a wide range of disabilities and special needs, including physical disabilities, developmental disabilities, learning disabilities, and behavioral disorders. Teachers in special education classes are trained to provide instruction and support that is specifically tailored to the needs of each student. This may include modified curriculum, assistive technology, and other accommodations to help students learn and participate in the classroom.
Online Classes
Online classes are becoming increasingly popular among high school students. These classes allow students to complete coursework on their own schedule and at their own pace. Online classes can also provide opportunities for students to take courses that may not be available at their high school. Aralia is an online tutoring company that offer online classes in term of small groups and 1-on-1 tutoring.
Summer Classses
Summer school classes offer students the opportunity to take additional courses during the summer months. These classes can help students catch up on missed credits or get ahead in their studies. Summer school classes can also provide opportunities for students to take courses that may not be available during the regular school year.
