HS Scheduling Guidelines and Procedures

Below is critical information related to scheduling. Please review it carefully before scheduling.

  1. Graduation Requirements: Students must satisfy the requirements below in order to be eligible for graduation from Harrisburg Christian School

    Subject Credits
    Bible 4
    English 4
    Science 3
    Math 3
    History 3
    Senior Sociology 1
    Fine Arts 1
    Physical Education/Health 2
    Computer Science .5
    Electives 3.5
    Total: 25 Credits

  2. Typical Course Selections: The typical college bound student will take the following course selections in each of their four years. These samples do not include the satisfaction of all graduation requirements as it relates to electives.

    Freshman Year
    Subject Course
    Bible Christian Faith and Disciplines
    English English 9
    Science Biology
    Math Algebra I or Geometry
    History American Government & Economics
    Physical Education HS Physical Education
    Foreign Language Spanish I
    Computer Science Computer Applications I
    Electives 1 Credit in Electives
    Total: 8 Credits
    Sophomore Year
    Subject Course
    Bible Bible Study and Survey
    English Survey of American Literature
    Science Chemistry or Physical Science
    Math Algebra II or Geometry
    History World History
    Physical Education HS Physical Education
    Foreign Language Spanish II
    Electives 1.5 Credits in Electives
    Total: 8 Credits
    Junior Year
    Subject Course
    Bible History of Christian Theology
    English Survey of British Literature (Honors) or Survey of British Literature
    Science Physics, Chemistry or AP Environmental Science
    Math Pre-Calculus, Algebra III/Trigonometry, or Algebra II
    History AP U.S. History or U.S. History
    Physical Education HS Physical Education
    Electives 2.5 Credits in Electives
    Total: 8 Credits
    Senior Year
    Subject Course
    Bible World Religion and Apologetics
    English AP English or English 12
    Science AP Biology, AP Environmental Science, or Physics
    Math AP Calculus, Pre-Calculus, or Algebra III/Trigonometry
    Humanities Senior Sociology
    Physical Education HS Physical Education
    Electives 1.5 Credits in Electives
    Total: 8 Credits
    Note: College-bound students, even those not majoring in mathematical or scientific fields of study, are highly encouraged to take a fourth year in science and a fourth year in math.
  3. Taking Advanced Courses (i.e. AP Courses; Pre-Calculus; Algebra III/Trigonometry; Physics; Digital Graphics; Web Development & Design; Pre-AP Computer Science; Pre-AP Music Theory): Students are encouraged to take advanced courses. Taking challenging courses is the best preparation for standardized testing (i.e. SAT and ACT), college coursework, and employment responsibilities. College-bound students, even those not majoring in mathematical or scientific fields of study, are highly encouraged to take a fourth year in science and a fourth year in math.
  4. Advanced Placement Courses: Students are encouraged to consult their teacher and/or the MS/HS Principal to determine whether they should take an Advanced Placement Course. Students are encouraged to take these courses. Advanced Placement Courses provide students with a “taste” of college-rigor while still in high school. All students who take an Advanced Placement Course will be required to take the AP Exam. The cost of the AP Exam for the 2005-2006 school year was $74. The AP Exam is administered during the first two weeks of May.
  5. Advanced Bible Courses: Some students have chosen to take additional Bible courses while a student at Harrisburg Christian School. Students interested in doing so should contact the MS/HS Principal. Advanced Bible Courses are taken independently through Moody Bible Institute or another Bible College. The cost of the course is paid by the student.
  6. College Courses: Senior students interested in taking a college course while a student at Harrisburg Christian School should contact the MS/HS Principal. The opportunity to take a college course is dependent upon a number of factors: (1) the student’s current academic record; (2) the student’s ability to meet HCS graduation requirements; (3) the student’s scheduling of advanced HCS courses; and (4) the ability to schedule a college course into their high school schedule. All costs associated with taking a college course is paid by the student. The Administration will make the final determination whether a high school student is eligible to take a college course during their senior year.
  7. Student Service Learning Opportunities: Service learning opportunities provide students with the co-curricular education experience in a field of interest. Service Learning Positions are limited to the following:
    • Assistant to the Athletic Director
    • Assistant to the Chapel Director
    • Assistant to the Director of Food Service
    • Assistant to the Director of Information Technology
    • Development Assistant
    • Office Assistant
    • Science Lab Assistant
    • Teacher Assistant – Art
    • Teacher Assistant – Elementary
    • Teacher Assistant – Library
    • Teacher Assistant – Music & Drama
    Service learning positions are granted on the following basis: (1) students academic record and current academic schedule; (2) students future field of study; and (3) opportunity availability. Service learning positions are generally given to students in the 11th and 12th grades. Students interested in a Student Service Learning Position should contact the MS/HS Principal.
  8. Preliminary Scheduling Meetings: The MS/HS Principal will meet with the individual high school classes to discuss the scheduling process and the course offerings for the upcoming year. Students will be given a packet of information to take home to their parents. Students will have opportunities to ask questions. Students are encouraged to schedule individual appointments with the MS/HS Principal to discuss specific scheduling opportunities.
  9. Course Descriptions: Students should consult the course catalog. The catalog lists the courses offered at Harrisburg Christian School. It is important to note that not all courses are offered each year. The Administration reserves the right to cancel or add courses as the need arises.
  10. Student Course Selection Form: A student must complete the Student Course Selection Form in order to register for courses. The form must be completed and returned to the MS/HS Office on or before Friday, May 19th. Students are encouraged to contact the MS/HS Principal for assistance with their schedule. A selection of a course does not guarantee that a student will be admitted into the course. Students should note the following things when completing the form:
    • Students should select all their core courses and courses for graduation first.
    • Students must select one elective from “Choice A” and one elective from “Choice B”.
    • Students must carefully review the course pre-requisites.
    • Students must obtain all the necessary teacher signatures of recommendation.
    • Students must sign the form.
    • Students must obtain their parent signature.
    Forms not completed fully will not be processed.
  11. Official Schedules: After a student completes the Student Course Selection Form, an official course schedule will be sent to the students home the end of July or early August. Students are encouraged to review their official schedule carefully. Any questions or changes to the schedule must be completed prior to Back to School Night on August 24th. Schedule changes that evening and after must come by way of an official request using the Drop/Add Course Form.
  12. Other Courses Not Listed: Students interested in taking Advanced Placement Art Studio or Yearbook must indicate that request on their Student Course Selection Form. An attempt will be made to schedule those courses in a student’s schedule.