Laney High School
Course Selections for Rising Freshmen
2013-2014 School Year
ENGLISH (Choose one)
English 1 – Students in English 1 study communication in speaking and listening,
reading and writing, and other media and technology.
Honors English 1 - strong “A or B” and solid language arts foundation.
MATH (Choose one)
For a student to be successful in math, it is imperative that students master each course and have strong
fundamental skills before moving on to the next level; therefore, courses are listed in order of difficulty:
Foundations of Algebra - Reviews pre-algebra curriculum in the fall and prepares students to take Algebra 1 in
the spring. This course provides elective credit only and does not fulfill a graduation requirement for
mathematics. Do NOT sign up for this course unless advised by a faculty member.
Algebra I - For students who made a C or higher in Math 8 or below a C in Algebra 1. Students must pass the
Algebra 1 End of Course test in order to graduate.
Geometry - Only for students who took Algebra 1 in the 8th grade and made a C or higher
Honors Geometry – Strong A or B in Algebra 1.
Algebra 2 - Only for students who took Geometry in the 8th grade.
Honors Algebra 2 – Strong A or B in Algebra 1 and Geometry
Notes: If a student registers for Geometry it should be Honors. This is because we want to expose our
students to rigor and growth.
It is possible to double up on 2 Math classes and 2 Science classes your 9th grade year.
SCIENCE (Choose one)
Earth/Environmental Science - ALL FRESHMEN MUST TAKE THIS COURSE!** Introduces the student to the
function and the impact of human interactions on the earth’s geological and environmental systems.
*Prerequisite for Honors Biology.
Honors Earth/Environmental Science – Strong background in Science.
Biology – Only for students who have passed Earth/Environmental Science.
Honors Biology – Strong A or B in (Honors) Earth/Environmental Science. Students must pass the Biology End of
Course test in order to graduate.
Honors Chemistry – Strong background in Science.
Notes:
If a student registers for Biology it should be Honors Biology. This is because we want to expose our students
to rigor and growth.
Taking two Science courses is recommended only if student is strong in Science and Language arts. Students
interested in highly competitive colleges may be interested in taking two courses.
**Honors Chemistry and Honors Biology can be taken, one each semester, in place of
Earth/Environmental Science.
It is possible to double up on 2 Math classes and 2 Science classes your 9th grade year.
Social Studies (Choose one)
World History - Builds on the knowledge students have gained in the cultural geographic studies during grades
5-7. Students emerge from a cultural geographic approach of the world to a more formal historical
approach.
Honors World History - Strong A or B in social studies and solid language arts foundation.
Advanced Placement World History – Solid Language Arts and Social Studies background. This course can
take the place of the World History Requirement.
The course content, pace, and academic rigor of Honors Classes puts high expectations on
the student and consistently surpasses the standards specified by the Common Core
Curriculum.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION Choose one)
90112(AB for boys or AG for girls) - Health & P.E. – This is a graduation requirement. Students are
encouraged to take this course during their 9th grade year.
ELECTIVE COURSES
Course Title
Visual Arts 1
Theater Arts 1
Dance 1
Band 1
Band 1
Orchestra 1
Vocal Music 1
Spanish 1
French 1
Latin 1
Aerospace Science 1
(AFJROTC)
Core and Sustainable Construction
Technology Engineering and Design
Microsoft Word, Powerpoint and
Publisher
Microsoft Excel and Access
Foods 1- Fundamentals
Parenting and Child Development
Notes
Prerequisite and foundation of additional art study in high school.
Designed for beginning theater arts students.
Explores movement as a creative art form.
Freshmen can enroll in both semesters, an option that is recommended.
May take either Fall or Spring for 1 credit, or both for 2 credits. Taking both
semesters is recommended.
Students learn basic vocal techniques, performance skill and music theory.
May take either Fall or Spring for 1 credit, or both for 2 credits. After-school
rehearsals and performances required.
If you begin a foreign language as a freshman, you should continue
through your senior year. Colleges want to see you take a foreign
language your senior year, so you may want to wait until sophomore or
junior year.
Orientation to JROTC; may take AJROTC in the fall and spring.
Required Entry level course for Electrical Trades and Carpentry
Hands-on experience in principles and processes essential for the
technology systems courses.
Learn how to use the newest version of Microsoft Word and Powerpoint.
Recommended prerequisite of Microsoft Word, Powerpoint and Publisher.
Learn how to use the newest version of Microsoft Excel and Access.
Examines nutritional needs of individuals; emphasizes the relationship of diet
to health, kitchen & meal management, and food preparation.
Introduction to responsible nurturing and basic applications of child
development theory with children from infancy through age six.
If you sign up for one of the following courses, only sign up for one as an alternate. These classes
fill up with upper classman first. Freshman are given secondary consideration.
Tennis
Learn the fundamental skills, rules, scoring, etiquette, etc of tennis.
Team Sports
Learn the history, basic skills, and rules of many traditional and nontraditional sports.
Class-time is split between strength training, physical conditioning, running,
and flexibility exercises. This course is strenuous! Fall is NOT open
enrollment.
Body Conditioning and
Weight Training