Online Course Descriptions

Schedule change requests require an “Academic Change Request Form” available in the Counseling Office. Once the registration process is closed, requests for dropping a course will not be considered unless there are extenuating circumstances. These requests will be reviewed by the Building Leadership Team and a decision will be communicated through the student’s counselor.

The Pass/Fail option is an opportunity for AHS Seniors which requires an application and building principal approval. Seniors can use the Pass/Fail option with one elective course per semester only. Once the Pass/Fail option has been declared, it will remain in effect for the semester or duration of the course if it is a year-long course. Students may decide at a later date to receive the letter grade rather than a P/F, but may not take a class Pass/Fail if the application is not completed by the specified date each semester. Application due dates will be posted in the Counseling Office. Students’ report cards will reflect their actual grades until the end of the semester when their permanent grade will be changed to either a P or F. Students must earn at least a 60% in the course in order to earn a Pass. This grade (P or F) will remain on the permanent transcript and will not be calculated in the cumulative grade point average unless they do not pass the class. A failing grade will be calculated in the student’s GPA and will be reflected on the transcript with an F.

Division I – 16 Core-Course Rule
To be considered a qualifier at a Division I institution and to be eligible for financial aid, practice, and competition during the first year, the student must meet the following core course requirements:

• 4 years of English
• 3 years of mathematics (Algebra I or higher)
• 2 years of natural/physical science
• 1 year of additional English, mathematics, or natural/physical science
• 2 years of social science
• 4 years of additional courses (from any area above, foreign language, or comparative religion/philosophy)

Must also earn a minimum GPA in core courses, earn a qualifying ACT or SAT test score, and request final amateurism certification from the NCAA Eligibility Center.

Division II – 16 Core-Course Rule
Student-athletes who wish to compete at Division II institutions must complete 16 core courses:

• 3 years of English
• 2 years of mathematics (Algebra I or higher)
• 2 years of natural/physical science (1 year of lab offered by high school)
• 2 years of additional English, mathematics, or natural/physical science
• 2 years of social science
• 4 years of additional courses (from any area above, foreign language, or comparative religion/philosophy)

Must also earn a minimum GPA in core courses, earn a qualifying ACT or SAT test score, and request final amateurism certification from the NCAA Eligibility Center. Check out the website for additional information at www.ncaa.org/student-athletes/.

Austin High School has a weighted grading system in addition to the traditional grading system (unweighted GPA). Internal scholarships and awards will use the traditional grading system for selection and it will also be used in determining school/district graduation recognition awards. Either system can be used for college admission and external scholarships. Both rankings will be displayed on the transcript. The following courses qualify for grade weighting: Advanced Placement, Honors, and UMPTYMP. A multiplier of .15 will be used to determine the grade weight. To determine the weighted grade, the point value of the grade (AHS uses a 4.0 grade scale) will be multiplied by 1.15 for a total weighted GPA point value.

There will be no minimum grade required for grade weighting.

This program is designed to enable senior students to receive elective credit toward graduation requirements for specialized independent study, which is not available in the regular curriculum or in co-curricular activities. The course of study will be determined by the instructor and the student prior to the beginning of study. A maximum of 0.5 credits per semester will be awarded for work completed. See your counselor for an application and more detailed information.

The Area Learning Center (ALC) is a program designed to help students achieve their potential outside the traditional educational setting. The ALC offers a wide variety of courses to provide students an opportunity to earn credits toward an Austin High School diploma. Students earn high school credit through either direct instruction or the seat-based models. ALC students are encouraged to participate in the activities at Austin High School. Eligibility for some activities is based on academic credits, so please check with the AHS Activities Office or Assistant Principal if you have questions regarding participation. Students interested in the Area Learning Center should pick up a Continuous Learning Plan (CLP) in the Counseling Office.  Once the CLP is completed, please return the CLP to your AHS School Counselor for your next step to enroll in the ALC.

Students making use of Special Needs Programs and/or Special Services offered by AHS may register only after approval from their Case Manager. The Case Manager will discuss with the IEP team each student’s individual needs and make recommendations on programs leading to graduation and success for the student. Students will take the appropriate level of special education courses and mainstream courses to best meet their individual needs. See the Special Education section for individual course descriptions.

Students may qualify for EL classes based on ACCESS scores. This program is for students whose first language is not English and whose English proficiency makes it difficult to perform in a mainstream class. Students are tested and may be placed in classes depending on individual needs. All EL students also take some mainstream classes. All EL classes offer instruction in four content areas: speaking, reading, listening, and writing. See the EL section for individual course descriptions.