Table of Contents

Planning Your Education

Your school provides this course curriculum guide as a means of assisting students and parents in planning their high school course of study. Consideration should be given to planning the entire four year program with specific outcomes in mind. Is the student planning on attending a two or four-year college? Is the student planning to enter the military or the work force upon graduation? The successful student will plan based on goals that he and his parents establish upon completion of high school. Therefore, students are encouraged to carefully select courses during the registration process. Your school's guidance counselors and teachers stand ready to assist them. Parents are invited and encouraged to actively participate by assisting their student.

Classes are scheduled based upon student requests. However, due to schedule conflicts and changes in course offerings, the staff cannot guarantee that students will be scheduled for all courses they request. Therefore, it is very important that students list alternatives in case of class conflicts. In addition, be aware that the school builds a master schedule and employs teachers based on students' requests; therefore, schedule changes after the deadline will only be considered on a very limited basis. Students should see their guidance counselor for a list of the schedule change requests that will be honored and the deadline by which these requests must be submitted.

Online Registration

Online Registration was implemented in 2004. It allows parents and students to request related arts courses for the next school year from home via the Internet. Families who do not have access to the Internet will be given opportunities to use school computers to register online. Parents and students should understand that requesting a related arts course through online registration does not guarantee that the student is placed in the course the next school year. Final placement in a course is dependent upon enrollment, scheduling feasibility, and teacher allocation. Schools will post the courses that they will be offering the next school year in a course curriculum guide which will be located on the school's website. Parents without Internet access at home will receive a printed copy of the course curriculum guide by request. The window for students to select related arts courses online is posted by the school on the school's website and in parent newsletters. Schools will provide instructions on accessing the online registration tool.

State Diploma Requirements

Unit Requirements for Grade Advancement

IGPs, Career Clusters and Personal Pathways to Success

The South Carolina Education and Economic Development Act (EEDA) requires school districts to develop a curriculum organized around the career cluster system–16 career clusters, schools of study, and majors. In the organization of the district curriculum around the career cluster system, Greenville County Schools divided the 16 career clusters into five schools of study. These five schools of study include School of Arts, Media, & Communication; School of Business, Marketing & Information Systems; School of Engineering, Manufacturing & Environmental Sciences; School of Health Science; and School of Public and Human Services. Under each school of study a student will find related career clusters. The career clusters are then broken down into academic focus areas (majors) that students may choose based on interests and skills.

Personal Pathways to Success is the name given to this reorganization of the curriculum which is designed to help students take control of planning for their futures. Personal Pathways to Success provides the solid mix of academic and technical skills students need to compete in the global economy. It gives students a reason to achieve in school by connecting success in school with success in life. It maintains South Carolina's core academic requirements while opening up pathways to success for students no matter where they lead – to two-year colleges, four-year colleges or universities, the military, or directly into the workforce. Students, parents, and counselors work together to develop Individual Graduation Plans (IGP) that specify a student's cluster, academic focus (major), post-secondary goals, planned high school activities, and planned out-of-class activities. The Individual Graduation Plan (IGP) is a document that states the student's intentions related to courses that are taken during high school. The IGP is initiated in the 8th grade with the choice of a cluster area. When the IGP is updated in the 10th grade, the student will select an academic focus (major) within their cluster of choice. The courses that are taken are determined by the student's interests. It can be modified over time as interests and skills develop or change. The IGP is like a road map to the future: if the student stays on course, the student will reach the destination – graduation – with all the courses, skills and experience needed to take his education or career to the next level. Each year the student, parents/guardians, and counselors will review and update the plans for the coming year. Switching clusters or majors is okay -- as the high school years progress and the student learns more about his interests and skills there are bound to be changes in choice of coursework. It is just as important for a student to learn what he doesn't like as it is for him to learn what he does like. Just remember: This is a road map to the future.

The following link provides more information on Personal Pathways to Success: http://www.greenville.k12.sc.us/district/schools/eeda/index.asp

Uniform Grading Scale

The following conversion table will be used to determine GPR and rank in class.

Grade point ratios will be figured uniformly in all schools using the followingformula. The formula will yield each student's GPR which can then be ranked fromhighest to lowest rank in class. Computations will not be rounded to a higher number.All diploma candidates are included in the ranking.

College Admission Requirements

Usually college admissions requirements are far beyond the minimum requirements for high school graduation. Students who plan to attend college should consult catalogs of colleges to assure that they are choosing the right courses. Colleges also look at the GPA and class rank as well as College Entrance Exam scores such as the SAT or ACT for admission.
Since the fall of 1988, public senior colleges and universities in South Carolina have required that applicants for freshmen admission (who graduated from high school in 1988 or subsequent years) must have completed certain high school courses before being admitted. The required courses include the following:

FOUR UNITS OF ENGLISH: At least two units must have strong grammar and composition components, at least one must be in English literature and at least one must be in American literature. Completion of College Preparatory English I, II, III, and IV will meet this criterion.

FOUR UNITS OF MATHEMATICS: These include Algebra I for which
Applied Mathematics I and II may count together as a substitute, if a student successfully completes Algebra II), Algebra II, and Geometry. A fourth higher-level mathematics course should be selected from among Algebra III/trigonometry, precalculus, calculus, statistics, discrete mathematics, or a capstone mathematics course and should be taken during the senior year.

THREE UNITS OF LABORATORY SCIENCE: Two units must be taken in two different fields of the physical or life sciences and selected from among biology, chemistry, or physics. The third unit may be from the same field as one of the first two units (biology, chemistry, or physics) or from any laboratory science for which biology and/or chemistry is a prerequisite. Courses in earth science, general physical science, or introductory or general environmental science for which biology and/or chemistry is not a prerequisite will not meet this requirement. It is strongly recommended that students take physical science (taught as a laboratory science) as a prerequisite to the three required units of laboratory science outlined in this section. It is also strongly recommended that students desiring to pursue careers in science, mathematics, engineering or technology take one course in all three fields.

TWO UNITS OF THE SAME FOREIGN LANGUAGE

THREE UNITS OF SOCIAL SCIENCE: One unit of U.S. History is required; a half unit of Economics and a half unit in Government are strongly recommended.

ONE UNIT OF FINE ARTS: One unit in Appreciation of, History of, or Performance in one of the fine arts.

ELECTIVE: One unit must be taken as an elective. A college preparatory course in Computer Science (i.e., one involving significant programming content, not simply keyboarding) is strongly recommended for this elective. Other acceptable electives include college preparatory courses in English; fine arts; foreign languages; social science; humanities; laboratory science (excluding earth science, general physical science, general environmental science, or other introductory science courses for which biology and/or chemistry is not a prerequisite); or mathematics above the level of Algebra II.

ONE UNIT OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION OR ROTC

Guidelines for Courses

State Dept. of Education regulations and Greenville County Schools Board of Trustee policies/rules that relate to high school course offerings offer the following guidance:

• Students are not allowed to take the same course twice. The only exception is if the student has earned a D or an F in that course. If the student chooses to retake such a course, he must do so within a year. The student's transcript will reflect all courses taken and the grades earned.
• Students taking courses for a Carnegie unit prior to their ninth grade year may retake any course regardless of grade earned. In this case, only the retake grade will be used in figuring the student's GPA, and only the retake attempt will show on the transcript. This rule will apply whether the retaken grade earned is higher or lower.
• Courses that include students who are part of a team, club, or organization must be open to all other students who meet the prerequisites and who want to benefit from the content and skills taught.
• Carnegie units are not to be awarded for extracurricular activities or preparation for interscholastic competition such as band competition practice, football practice, cheerleading practice, dance team rehearsals, forensic tournament rehearsal or student council activity.
• Students are not allowed to earn a Carnegie unit for being a teacher's aide with the exception of the science lab assistant and the media center specialist's assistant.
• Study halls are not permitted in Greenville County Schools.
• Schools offering courses in Service Learning and/or other work-based, credit-bearing instructional experiences such as Internship or Cooperatives are to abide by all rules governing those experiences and courses. Students must attend class a minimum of one day per week if they are engaged in their work-based projects outside the school. Insurance forms, attendance logs, and performance evaluation documentation must be on file at the school. Teachers of these courses are required to make site visits and to keep appropriate documentation on each student.
• An honors course must have a published syllabus that verifies rigor that is sufficiently beyond the college prep requirements.
• Honors-level texts and other course materials must be differentiated and more rigorous than those used in the college prep courses.
• Honors-level courses may be offered in English, math, science, and social studies. Additionally, honors weighting may be designated in other content areas for the third and fourth level of the courses provided the standards above are met. Honors weighting may not be designated in any physical education or ROTC course.
• In elective areas, third and fourth level courses must contain the prerequisite of the first and second level of the course - by state recommendation.
• Teacher recommendation means that a teacher recommends a course as a future path for that student. The appropriate content-area teacher is designated in the prerequisite.
• Instructor approval means that the teacher who is actually teaching the course must approve of that student's placement in the course.
• Specific instances demanding an exception to the grade level requirement for a course must be addressed by the appropriate Teaching and Learning consultant.
• Students and parents who disagree with a recommendation made by a teacher may choose to complete a "Parent Override Request" and set up a conference with the teacher who made the placement. The form is available through the guidance office at the school.
• Curriculum Guide Key:
  • AP – Advanced Placement Level Course
  • IB – International Baccalaureate Course
  • CP – College Preparatory Course
  • H – Honors Level Course

Early Dismissal Guidelines

• Student classified as a senior;
• Student has passed all parts of the HSAP;
• Student is enrolled in the courses needed to complete the requirements of the SC High School Diploma;
• Student is scheduled for a minimum of
  • four class periods per day on a seven-period day schedule, or
  • two class periods per day on a 4 x 4 or A/B block schedule; and,
• Student's parent/guardian petitions the school in writing for the student's permanent early dismissal at a time to be determined by the school.

• Student classified as a junior;
• Student has passed all parts of the HSAP;
• Student is on track to complete the requirements of the SC High School Diploma;
• Student is scheduled for a minimum of
  • four class periods per day on a seven-period day schedule, or
  • two class periods per day on a 4 x 4 or A/B block schedule; and,
• Student has presented proof of registration for a college course through the appropriate application process; and,
• Student's parent/guardian petitions the school in writing for the student's permanent early dismissal at a time to be determined by the school.

Career Center Program

Registering for a Career Center Course

All students who wish to register for a Career Center program are to contact either their school’s counselor or a counselor at the Career Center to receive instructions on completing the application process.

Fine Arts Center Program

Carolina High School and Academy

Upperclassmen Information

Mission

Our mission is to help students reach their full potential through engaging experiences that are academically excellent and socially equitable.

Course Selections

Teachers will recommend students for core courses, and students will choose electives.  If a student wants to take a course with a prerequisite, the teacher who taught the prerequisite course must recommend the student.  If a parent/student disagrees with the recommended course, they must complete a Parent Override Form.

Foreign Language

All students are given the opportunity to take the first level of either Spanish or French.  Teacher recommendations are required for higher levels.  Students planning to attend a four year college will need at least two years of the same foreign language for admission.

AFJROTC

In lieu of the P.E. requirement for graduation, students may take ROTC.  Carolina High School and Academy sponsors the Air Force JROTC program, and students may take ROTC for four years.  Students taking ROTC must wear the AFJROTC uniform one day each week and comply with dress and hair standards (males may not wear braids, have long hair, beards or earrings while in uniform), in order to pass the course.  Students must also dress out one day a week for physical training.  Students will receive a uniform with alterations, shoes, and name tags; we will clean uniforms at the end of the year.  Each student is responsible for keeping the uniform and PT clothes clean throughout the school year.  In addition, students taking the course for the first time are also issued (at no cost) physical training clothes.

Extracurricular Activities

Carolina High School and Academy offers many extracurricular activities for our students.  Activities range from athletics to the fine arts program (art, band, and chorus) to clubs.  Students are encouraged to get involved.

Quarter Courses

Registration for Career Centers

Carolina feeds into two career center – Donaldson Career Center and Enoree Career Center.  Students can attend Enoree only if a course is not offered at Donaldson.  To register for courses, students must complete an online application at the appropriate career center and register online at Carolina.  First year students should register for the 1A and 1B courses.  Second year students should register for the 2A and 2B courses.  Online applications are available on the career centers websites.   Links to Donaldson and Enoree can be found in the online Course Catalog posted on Carolina’s website.

Magnet Academy Information

Carolina High School and Academy is the site of one of Greenville County School District’s magnet schools.  We have two pathways for the Magnet Distinction Award: Engineering and Health Professions.  Students from all across the county apply to attend these programs.  Most students apply during their 8^th grade year (to begin 9^th grade) but a student may apply during a later grade.  The application period runs from October until July each school year.

Applications are scored based on a rubric using grades, discipline, attendance, and a student statement.  A minimum score of 20 out of 25 is needed for academy acceptance.  The application is consistent across all Greenville County high school magnet schools and is available online.

Students take the following courses as well as their required core curriculum.  They must also take a Fine Arts course, three  years of a Foreign Language, and complete a Senior Project in order to earn the Magnet Distinction Award.  In addition, qualifying students can enroll in Early College classes beginning their 10^th grade year. 

Engineering courses:

We are teaching courses from the nationally recognized Project Lead the Way program (www.pltw.org). These courses meet national standards in math, science and technology and are upgraded regularly.  Carolina is a nationally certified PLTW program. 

Introduction to Engineering Design – 9^th grade

Principles of Engineering – 10^th grade

Digital Electronics – 11^th grade

Computer Integrated Manufacturing – 12^th grade

Engineering Design and Development – 12^th grade

Health Professions courses:

Introduction to Health Science – 9^th grade

Medical Terminology – 10^th grade

First Responder -12^th grade

Basic Emergency Medical Technician -12^th grade

Certified Nursing Assistant – 12^th grade

Forensic Science - 12th grade
Sports Medicine – 12^th grade

Pharmacy Technician – 12^th grade

In addition, students may participate in Health Occupations Students of America and AHEC’s Health Careers Academy which provides enrichment and summer opportunities, as well as, the Greenville Hospital System’s partnership activities.

Student Benefits of Academy Enrollment

v     Awareness of high-demand, high-wage careers

v     Opportunity to solve real-world problems

v     In-depth application of knowledge

v     Hands-on activities that utilize team efforts

v     Skills required for jobs and postsecondary education

v     Increased communication skills

v     Opportunity to earn college credit

v     Relevant applications of mathematical and scientific principles

v     Exposure to the latest computer software and equipment used by industry, colleges, and universities

v     Improved performance in academic work

v     A sequential yet flexible high school program

v     Students develop an individualized learning plan in order to insure they can meet their personal, educational, and career goals

v     Small Academy class sizes

REGISTRATION GUIDELINES

Carolina High School students will register for courses online.  Parents and students may access the online catalog on the student portal beginning January 27.  Students should begin checking the courses and determine which ones they are interested in taking.  Parents and students are invited to attend the Curriculum Night Meeting on January 30 for in-depth information on the registration process.

Teachers will make recommendation for appropriate courses and levels on February 6-9.  If there is a disagreement with a recommendation, a conference should be set up with the Guidance Counselors and the recommending teachers.  Parents should call the Guidance Office to make an appointment.  Parent overrides will be honored only if there is space available in the requested course.  The student must meet published district pre-requisites before a change can be made.  The parent and student assume responsibility for success in the course and understand that the student will not be allowed to go to a lower level or to an upper level during the school year.

The counselors will meet with students on February 21-24 to go over the registration process, transcripts, as well as graduation and college entrance requirements.  If parents would like to meet with the counselors, they should call the guidance Office to schedule a time.  The Guidance Office telephone number is 355-2304.

Students will register for courses at scheduled times on March 6-8.  Students must select the courses the teachers recommended as well as enough electives to have a total of 8 units of classes and a minimum of 3 alternate units.  Alternate courses are used in cases where the first choices do not fit in the schedule.

Important Information When Choosing Courses

Review the online course guide carefully.  Choose only courses which interest you.

Consult with your teachers and guidance counselor for help in selecting courses which will enable you to reach your career and post-secondary goals.

Teachers are employed and schedules are made based on student course requests.  Therefore, no requests for changes in schedules will be honored after April 25.

PROGRAMS OF STUDY

Carolina offers three programs of study: college prep and honors, dual credit, and Advanced Placement (AP) courses.  It is the goal of teachers to place students in the highest levels of courses for which they can be successful.  While all courses cover the curriculum standards set by the South Carolina Department of Education, there are some fundamental differences in the level of courses.

College prep course are designed to prepare students for rigorous high level courses.  Honors courses are designed for academically gifted students who are preparing for rigorous college level courses while still in high school.

Advanced Placement and dual credit courses give students the opportunity to earn high school and college credit while still in high school.  The AP Program is a nationwide curriculum which offers standardized courses that are recognized to be equivalent to undergraduate courses in college.  Participating colleges grant credit to students who“pass” the AP exam which is given in May.  Students interested in taking AP classes must be recommended by their teachers.

The dual credit program also offers the students the opportunity to earn college credit.  The courses are actual Greenville Tech courses and are taught at Carolina by Greenville Tech teachers.  In order to get credit for the course, the students must pass the course at the end of the semester.  Many colleges do not accept dual credit courses, so students should check with their college to see if their credits will be accepted.  In order to qualify for dual credit courses, students must be recommended by their teachers then meet Greenville Tech’s admissions policies.  Qualifications are based on GPA and SAT/ACT scores or Greenville Tech’s placement test – Compass.

There will be a parent/student meeting for students interested in AP or dual credit courses on February 27.  At that time, students will be given information on the expectations of the course and the application process.  The deadline to return the commitment form is February 29.

REGISTRATION TIMELINE

January 27                    Online course catalog available

January 30                    Curriculum Information Night

February 6-9                Core teachers recommend students for classes

February 21-24            Counselors meet with students regarding the registration process

February 27                 Parent Information Night for AP and dual credit eligible students

February 29                 Deadline to return AP and dual credit commitment forms

March 5                       Parent Night Registration

March 6-8                    Students register for courses