Program of Studies 2022-23 | Page 46

Incoming Freshmen
Incoming International Students
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COURSE SELECTION PROCEDURE FOR NEW STUDENTS

Parents and students are encouraged to take an active role in the course selection process . Consultation with school counselors is advised whenever there is a question or concern .

Incoming Freshmen

• Students in area sending middle schools will begin the scheduling process by meeting with Thornton Academy school counselors in late winter .
• Eighth graders from outside the sending communities may schedule a visit with Thornton Academy ’ s admission team who will connect interested students with a member of the school counseling staff .
• All students and families are encouraged to attend the annual Academic Expo in March to explore the variety of course offerings that are available .

Incoming International Students

• International students will take an English language test and a math placement test .
• Following testing , school counselors will meet individually with international students to select courses .
• Each international student will receive a class schedule during orientation and will start classes on the first day of school .
The following is the required course of study for international students wishing to earn a Thornton Academy diploma :
1-year students ( i . e ., incoming students enrolled as seniors ) must earn a minimum of 6 credits including : 1 English 1 math 1 science 1 US history 2 additional / electives
2-year students ( i . e . incoming students enrolled as juniors ) must earn a minimum of 11 credits including : 2 English 2 math 2 science 1 US history 1 wellness and / or arts credit 3 additional / electives
3-year students ( i . e . incoming students enrolled as sophomores ) must earn a minimum of 16 credits including : 3 English 3 math 3 science 1 US history 1 social studies 1 art 0.5 wellness 3.5 additional / electives
All students entering as 4-year students ( freshmen ) must follow the 22-credit requirement with core minimums . * Please Note : Thornton Academy does not accommodate course requests or changes based on teacher assignment or friends ’ schedules .

COURSE SELECTION PROCEDURE FOR RETURNING STUDENTS

Students and parents are encouraged to consult the four-year plan that each student has developed with their school counselor .
• In late winter , students receive a copy of the Program of Studies and should begin discussions with teachers , school counselors , and parents regarding their course of study for the following year .
• With the help of school counselors , students complete the course selection process using Powerschool . Current teachers make recommendations available to students based on current course performance and prerequisite requirements .
• The master schedule is created when all course requests have been submitted .
• Returning students receive completed schedules upon return to school in the fall .

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