Course Requirements (Prerequisites) Since certain classes build upon each other, all prerequisites for each content area must be met first before moving on to the next class within that content area.
A student is free to choose to enroll in the classes they want at the time of enrollment. Remember, there are pre-requisites set for classes and that counselors advise based on those pre-requisites; some pre-requisites or sequencing of classes, are also set forth by the State of Texas and counselors will advise based on those standards. Therefore, any choice to go beyond the advice given by any counselor on campus is a student/parent centered choice. If student researches and finds out entry criteria of a desired college/university that goes beyond the SHS sequencing of classes, it is again the responsibility of the SHS student to relay/present that information to the counselor and that information will be kept with the counselor as a part of the discussion. Any correspondence such as, email or date of phone conversation/meeting and any written information from those meetings, will be retained by the counselor. Any correspondence will not be a part of a students permanent record or transcript.
Any college questions or inquiries need to be directed toward Ms. D'Ann Franklin our Post-Secondary Counselor.
For students currently enrolled in Algebra I and Biology I (Grade Level and PAP): If you are in Algebra I, this year (Freshman year) it is strongly suggested that a student complete Geometry before being able to enroll in Chemistry I PAP and GL.
The reason for this is that the science in Chemistry I needs the pre-req of the completion of Geometry to be successful. Additionally, the math that is in Chemistry I is supported by the math in Algebra II. The purpose of this is to provide a student with a solid opportunity to be successful in both classes.
Therefore, if Geometry is not completed prior to being in the sequence to taking Chemistry I, a student is strongly advised to enroll in IPC (Integrated Chemistry and Physics) or Environmental Systems which are both only offered in Grade Level (there is NO PAP). Please refer to the Enrollment PowerPoint in the Course Selection Tab of this website.
There are very few exceptions to this sequence and those would require advisement from the counselor and the math and science department. If you have already taken IPC in Middle School or Jr High, please contact Ms. Bishop.
It is advised, that if a student is good in math, to take Geometry in the summer before taking Chemistry I. This is not required, but a suggestion in order to be able to advance during Sophomore year in the science classes.
If a student chooses to take Geometry and Chemistry (GL or PAP) their Sophomore year (or the same year), then you run the risk of not having all material learned before taking Chemistry I. This recommendation is per the SHS Science Department and Math Department. In the Program of Studies there is additional information. Again, there are very few exceptions to this sequence and will need a conference with the Math and Science teachers. If you have any questions about what is written in this section about the math and science sequence, please email your current Math/Science Teacher .
Wording directly from the Science Department pertaining to Geometry and Chemistry I: The complex math required by Chemistry is concurrent with what they will learn in Algebra II- therefore they must be enrolled in Algebra II in order to take any level of chemistry.
PreAP Physics regularly uses skills developed in Pre-Calculus, so students in PreAP Physics are required to be taking (or have already taken) Pre-Calculus.
If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Bishop. If emailing, write the FULL NAME of the student. If leaving a voice message, state the FULL NAME of the student and SPELL the LAST NAME as well.