Dear Student and Parent(s)/Guardian(s)

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Idaho High School Graduation Requirements………………………………………………... 4

Suggested Timeline to Complete Core Required Courses…………………………………… 4

PHS Class Change Policy…………………………………………………………………….. 5

PHS Attendance Policy………………………………………………………………………. 6

Credit Earned and Credit Makeup……………………………………………………………. 6

Summer School Remediation………………………………………………………………… 6

Idaho Proficiency Exams……………………………………………………………………... 6

College Entrance Exams (ACT, SAT, COMPASS)………………………………………….. 6

Schedule Requirements………………………………………………………………………. 6

University and College Admission Requirements……………………………………………. 7

Advanced Placement (AP) Courses…………………………………………………………... 7

Dual Credit Courses……………………….…………………………………………………. 7

Online Independent Study Options…………………………………………………………… 8

Advanced Opportunities ……………...…………………………………………………….. 10

Tech Prep Credits……………………………………………………………………………. 10

Southeastern Idaho Technical Charter School (SEITec)……………………………………. 10

NCAA Eligibility……………………………………………………………………………. 12

PHS Master Course List…………………………………………………………………….. 13

Course Descriptions…………………………………………………………………………. 15

Art…………………………………………………………………………………… 15

English………………………………………………………………………………. 16

Foreign Languages………………………………………………………………….. 18

Math………………………………………………………………………………… 19

Miscellaneous………………………………………………………………………. 21

Music……………………………………………………………………………….. 22

Physical Education/Weights/Conditioning…………………………………………. 23

Professional Technical Education…………………………………………………... 24

Agriculture………………………………………………………………….. 24

Automotive Technology…………………………………………………….. 27

Business Marketing and Computer Technology……………………………. 28

Cabinet Making……………………………………………………………... 30

Electronics…………………………………………………………………... 31

Family and Consumer Sciences…………………………………………….. 32

Health & Health Professions………………………………………………...32

Science………………………………………………………………………………34

Social Studies………………………………………………………………………..35

Special Services-Assisted Studies…………………………………………………...37

IDAHO HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
The Idaho State Board of Education sets the minimum requirements for all students who graduate from accredited Idaho high schools. Preston School District has added to the state requirements. See PHS graduation requirements below:

Core Subject Areas	Credits
English (including 1 credit of Speech or FFA Leadership )	9
Mathematics1	6
Science (4 credits must be a laboratory-based science2)	6
Humanities3	1
U.S. History (20th Century) (AP/Concurrent U.S. History Options)	2
American Government (AP/Concurrent Am. Gov Options)	2
World History	1
Economics (Concurrent) or Ag. Business and Economics4)	1
Health	1
Computer Technology	1
Senior Project5	1
Core Credits Required Total:	31
Electives Credits Required:	16
Total Credits Required:	47

Notes:

1. 
   Math credits must include two credits of Algebra I or equivalent, two credits of Geometry or equivalent, and two math credits of the student’s choice. Two of the required six credits of Math must be taken during the senior year of high school. The senior year of high school shall include the summer preceding the fall start of classes.
   
2. 
   Lab Sciences include Biology, Chemistry I & II, Zoology, Human Physiology, and Physics. Ag. Lab Sciences (Not NCAA approved) include Animal Science, Advanced Greenhouse, Wildlife Management, Ag. Nutrition and Food Science, and Electronics I.
   
3. 
   Humanities credits offered at PHS include – Science Fiction, Poetry, Holocaust Literature, Mythology and Fantasy, World History, Current Events, Criminal Justice, Choir, Symphony, Band, Art, Foreign Languages, and Psychology I & II.
   
4. 
   Agricultural Business/Economics does not qualify for NCAA certification.
   
5. 
   Senior Project is a stand-alone credit typically beginning during the second semester of the junior year, but credit is not given until all parts of the project are completed including the senior project presentation. See PHS Website for complete details.
   
6. 
   PHS Graduating Classes 2016 and beyond will be required to complete a total of 47 credits for graduation.
   

Suggested Timeline to Complete Core Required Courses:

9th Grade		10th Grade
Semester 1	Semester 2	Semester 1	Semester 2
English 9A	English 9B	English 10A	English 10B
Physical Science A	Physical Science B	Biology A	Biology B
Math	Math	Math	Math
Computer App*	Either World History* or Early US History*	Health*

11th Grade		12th Grade
Semester 1	Semester 2	Semester 1	Semester 2
English 11A	English 11B	English 12A	English 12B
U.S. History A	U.S. History B	American Gov. A	American Gov. B
Math+	Math+	Math	Math
Lab Science**	Lab Science**	Economics*
Speech*			Senior Project
	College Entrance Exam

*These courses can be taken either in the Fall (Semester 1) or Spring (Semester 2).

**The additional year of Lab Science may be taken during the junior or senior year. + Recommended but not required

PHS Class Change Policy: Selection of classes is one of the most important responsibilities that a student has in order to allow him/her the best possible education at PHS. All students should register for primary and alternate courses of their choice during spring pre-registration. Students should consult with parents, counselors, and teachers during the registration process.
Schedules will be available for pick-up during specific advertised dates prior to the beginning of the school year and again prior to the start of the second semester. Counselors will be available during those times to discuss valid schedule changes. Schedule changes will not be made which create significant imbalances between sections and which negatively impact the learning environment. Some adjustments in classes and student schedules may be necessary to improve the learning environment.
Students will be allowed one free class change per semester. This must be done before the second day of school each semester.
To the maximum extent possible, class time will not be used to make class changes. Class changes will be made before school, after school, or during the lunch period.
If a student has to be removed from a class for disciplinary reasons, the student will lose credit for the course and receive a failing grade (F) on the report card.
Finally, class changes will only be allowed for valid reasons. Acceptable reasons for class changes may include the following reasons:

• 
  to satisfy graduation requirements
  
• 
  to fill each student’s schedule
  
• 
  to ensure proper academic placement
  
• 
  to avoid unnecessary repetition of the same course
  
• 
  due to poor academic performance
  
• 
  student did not meet the prerequisites for specified course as directed by administrators, counselors, and teachers
  

PHS Attendance Policy: A student will receive a No Credit grade in a given class when absent more than 7 periods per semester. Absence from school for any reason other than a school/college related activity or prolonged medical condition will still be counted toward the total number of absences. Students who are tardy more than 10 minutes in a class will be considered absent. If the academic grade in the class with excessive absences is failing, the semester grade will remain “F.” If the academic grade in the class is passing and none of the absences were truancies, the student has the option of applying for credit with a Credit Reinstatement Application. See the PHS Office for an application.
Credit Earned and Credit Makeup: Students receive one credit for each class passed at PHS each semester. If a student receives an "F" or “NC” for the semester grade, no credit is awarded. Students failing a core course required for graduation are responsible for making the arrangements to make up the lost credit.
Summer School Remediation: Remedial English, mathematics, science and history classes may be available for students to make up lost credit during Summer School at Franklin County High School. Two, three-week sessions may be offered where students can earn one credit each session. Availability of summer courses are based on student demand and teacher availability. Summer school is free and is intended for students to make up lost credits. Please contact the PHS Counseling Department for specific information and applications.
Idaho Proficiency Exams: Idaho high school students are required to demonstrate proficiency in math, reading, and language usage on an Idaho Proficiency Exam prior to graduation as per Idaho State Department of Education. An alternative graduation mechanism is in place for students who are unable to demonstrate proficiency on a State of Idaho approved exam or equivalent exam from another state.
Civics Exam: Beginning with the class of 2017, all students will be required to pass a civics exam in order to graduate.
College Entrance Exams: Idaho requires students to take a college entrance examination by the end of the 11^th grade, such as ACT or SAT exams unless otherwise exempted. The State of Idaho currently pays for all juniors to take the SAT during a school day, typically scheduled during the month of April each year.
The American College Test (ACT) is a college entrance exam used to determine college admission and scholarships. It consists of subject area tests in: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science. The ACT also has an optional writing test, which may be required by some colleges. Check specific college websites to determine current admission requirements. Contact PHS Counselors for ACT preparation materials and information including dates offered, costs, and sign-up information.
The registration deadline for any ACT test is usually 5 weeks before the test date. Students should register online at www.actstudent.org. The website provides answers to most questions, including a handy search to determine which colleges require the optional writing portion. The ACT high school code for PHS is 130515. The test center or site code for PHS is 193680. Students who qualify for free/reduced school lunch may also qualify to receive up to two ACT fee waivers for regular ACT test registration.
The Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) is also a national college acceptance examination used to determine admission and scholarships similar to the ACT. The state of Idaho pays for all high school students to take the SAT during their 11^th grade year.
**The BEST test prep a student can do is take rigorous academic courses while in high school**

Schedule Requirements:

Students enrolled in grades 9-11 at Preston High School are required to be enrolled in all 7 class periods and to be continuously enrolled through graduation. Students in grade 12 must be enrolled in at least 6 of 7 available class periods, and be continuously enrolled through graduation. Seniors requesting more than one hour of release time are required make a written request to the Superintendent. Students meeting graduation requirements early are required to enroll in enrichment classes (electives), or online classes to take advantage of State initiatives to fund dual credit or other college credit classes until that time when their class graduates.

Online/Independent Study Options: Despite the many class options available at PHS, natural limitations prohibit the type and number of courses offered. Independent study and online courses provide students the opportunity to make up lost credits, take courses not currently offered at PHS, or to take Concurrent or AP classes not offered at PHS.
Idaho Digital Learning Academy (IDLA) IDLA works in partnership with Idaho School Districts to offer a variety of online courses that would not otherwise be available. Most IDLA courses cost $75 per course. In the case of DC courses, the $75 course fee is waived, and students would only pay the cost per college credit. Registration for IDLA is completed through the PHS counseling office. IDLA courses are structured with a specific timeline to complete assignments and tests.

University and College Admission Requirements: Graduation from high school does not guarantee that a student is sufficiently prepared for education and training after high school. Students desiring to continue their education after graduation should carefully plan the courses they take during high school to meet the requirements for admission to those institutions. Students should refer to the actual college/university website or contact them directly for specific information on admissions requirements.
Dual Credit (DC) Courses allow qualified high school students (age 16 and 3.0 cumulative GPA) to earn college credits while at the same time meeting their high school graduation requirements. This can accelerate completion of a college degree. Students pay reduced fees for course registration while they are in high school. Students electing to take concurrent courses will be required to purchase the textbook at full price in addition to the college credit fees. Check with the college you plan on attending to see how these credits will transfer.
Please remember that concurrent registration means an official college transcript is being created with a grade assigned for each course. College-level courses require extra effort and personal responsibility. When students enroll in college they are advised to study for two to three hours outside of class for every hour in class.



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