Scheduling & Registration
This course registration packet explains some of the rules & guidelines of the registration process at SWA.
These guided pathways may be used to plan out your courses during your 4 years at SWA.
These documents are helpful for students to check if they are on track with their grade-level or plan ahead in order to maximize their opportunities at SWA.
These documents are helpful for students to check if they are on track with their grade-level or plan ahead in order to maximize their opportunities at SWA.
This document includes a list of elective courses offered at SWA with course descriptions and prerequisites.
Some course prerequisites are suggested/recommended while others are mandatory - contact your adviser or Ms. Carlton if you have a question about a prerequisite.
Some course prerequisites are suggested/recommended while others are mandatory - contact your adviser or Ms. Carlton if you have a question about a prerequisite.
Tips for Requesting Courses
- Review the NC Graduation Requirements listed below
- Review our list of Course Offerings & read Course Descriptions
- Find the balance between challenge and success. Take courses that challenge you but still provides you with the opportunity to succeed.
- Talk to your previous teachers and see what they recommend.
- Talk with Ms. Carlton to see if your classes align with your future plans
- Take advantage of opportunities to receive college credit as a high school student if eligible (AP/CCP courses)
- Ask yourself if you are willing to put in the work & effort for a particular course.
- Plan ahead: What courses would you like to take Junior/Senior year? What should you take as a Freshman/Sophomore to prepare?
- Empty study halls or modified days (late arrival/early dismissal) should be used with caution.
- Contact Ms. Carlton for questions, recommendations, assistance, and advice.
NOTE: All course registration forms are reviewed individually by Ms. Carlton. The student services team does their absolute best to fulfill student requests, but cannot guarantee that all requests are fulfilled. Students are guaranteed that they will be placed in the classes needed to meet graduation requirements. You may not get everything you WANT, but you will get everything you NEED.
Graduation Requirements
In order to graduate high school, a student must complete 26 total credits.
Students have the opportunity to take up to 32 total credits during 4 years of high school.
26 credits is the absolute minimum to graduate from high school.
It is highly recommended that students hoping to attend a 4-year college aim for 32 credits.
To receive 26 credits, students must pass 26 classes.
Included in those 26 credits, students must additionally complete 16 core courses as mandated by the state of North Carolina.
Students have the opportunity to take up to 32 total credits during 4 years of high school.
26 credits is the absolute minimum to graduate from high school.
It is highly recommended that students hoping to attend a 4-year college aim for 32 credits.
To receive 26 credits, students must pass 26 classes.
Included in those 26 credits, students must additionally complete 16 core courses as mandated by the state of North Carolina.
16 Required Courses for Graduation:
- English I
- English II - English III - English 4 - Math 1 - Math 2 - Math 3 (or equivalent) - A 4th Math (Discrete Math, Pre-Calculus, Advanced Functions & Modeling, Essentials of College Math, AP Stats, AP Calculus, OR any qualifying substitute) |
- Earth & Environmental Science
- Biology - A Physical Science (Physical Science, Chemistry, or Physics) - World History - American History I - American History II - Civics & Economics - Health & PE |
Note: These are the minimum required courses for high school graduation. SWA also requires that ALL students complete a Senior Internship (1 credit).
Fulfilling these minimum requirements ensures a high school diploma and also enables students to pursue further education through a community college,
Most 4-year colleges/universities like to see students go beyond the minimum required courses for high school graduation by taking 2 credits of a foreign language and other rigorous courses.
Fulfilling these minimum requirements ensures a high school diploma and also enables students to pursue further education through a community college,
Most 4-year colleges/universities like to see students go beyond the minimum required courses for high school graduation by taking 2 credits of a foreign language and other rigorous courses.
Grading Scale & GPA
Grading Scale
A - (90 - 100) = 1 credit B - (80 - 89) = 1 credit C - (70 - 79) = 1 credit D - (60 - 69) = 1 credit F - (below 60) = no credit |
GPA Scale for Standard Courses
A = 4 quality points B = 3 quality points C = 2 quality points D = 1 quality points F = 0 quality points |
GPA Scale for Honors Courses (and Wake Tech CTE courses)
A = 4.5 quality points B = 3.5 quality points C = 2.5 quality points D = 1.5 quality points F = 0 quality points |
GPA Scale for AP Courses (and Wake Tech CT courses)
A = 5 quality points B = 4 quality points C = 3 quality points D = 2 quality points F = 0 quality points |
Your Grade Point Average (GPA) is a number that summarizes your overall performance in your high school courses. For each final course grade you earn (end of semester grade), you earn a certain number of quality points. Your GPA is the average of those quality points. Programs, opportunities, colleges and employers may use your GPA to infer things about your abilities and work habits, so attaining a GPA that accurately reflects you is important. Knowing how to calculate your high school GPA is important. Use the tools below to help you learn how to calculate your GPA and then set appropriate goals for continually improving your GPA. When it comes to GPA, start strong and stay strong!
Facts about GPA:
- It is cumulative and reflects all of the classes you take in high school!
- Honors & AP level classes help you to earn extra quality points, which can enhance your GPA.
- GPA can play an important role in opportunities offered to you in and after high school.
- Typically, the higher your GPA, the more choices you will have for college, scholarships, etc.
- The GPA you have in 9th & 10th grades are critical as they set the foundation for what follows.
- It can be quite difficult to bring up your GPA in 11th & 12th grades if you did not start out strong in 9th & 10th grades.
How to calculate GPA:
Your GPA is the average of the quality points you've earned for each final course grade taken in high school. It's fairly simple to calculate.
All you need is a copy of your transcript or record of all grades accumulated so far in high school. When trying to improve your GPA, it is a good idea to set a GPA goal for yourself and calculate what grades you need to obtain in order to meet that goal.
EXAMPLE:
Kai is just finishing up her freshmen year. She took eight classes altogether. These are her classes, grades and the quality points she earned for them:
COURSE FINAL GRADE WEIGHTED QUALITY POINTS EARNED
English I 90 4.0
Math IA 93 4.0
Earth & Env Honors 96 4.5
World History 89 3.0
Health & PE 92 4.0
Sociology 98 4.0
Visual Arts I 85 3.0
Math IB 98 4.0 TOTAL WQP = 30.5
Kai earned 30.5 weighted quality points. She took 8 classes. For Kai, 30.5 (total quality points earned) divided by 8 (total number of classes taken in high school so far) gives you her GPA. Kai's GPA is 3.8125.
Your GPA is the average of the quality points you've earned for each final course grade taken in high school. It's fairly simple to calculate.
All you need is a copy of your transcript or record of all grades accumulated so far in high school. When trying to improve your GPA, it is a good idea to set a GPA goal for yourself and calculate what grades you need to obtain in order to meet that goal.
EXAMPLE:
Kai is just finishing up her freshmen year. She took eight classes altogether. These are her classes, grades and the quality points she earned for them:
COURSE FINAL GRADE WEIGHTED QUALITY POINTS EARNED
English I 90 4.0
Math IA 93 4.0
Earth & Env Honors 96 4.5
World History 89 3.0
Health & PE 92 4.0
Sociology 98 4.0
Visual Arts I 85 3.0
Math IB 98 4.0 TOTAL WQP = 30.5
Kai earned 30.5 weighted quality points. She took 8 classes. For Kai, 30.5 (total quality points earned) divided by 8 (total number of classes taken in high school so far) gives you her GPA. Kai's GPA is 3.8125.
Minimum requirement for placement in Honors courses:
Students must earn and maintain a grade of 80 or higher in an HONORS course in order to continue taking honors courses in that subject. Students MUST earn and maintain a grade of 85 or higher in a STANDARD course to be recommended for HONORS in the future.
Students must earn and maintain a grade of 80 or higher in an HONORS course in order to continue taking honors courses in that subject. Students MUST earn and maintain a grade of 85 or higher in a STANDARD course to be recommended for HONORS in the future.
Expectation of Honors Courses at SWA:
Upon acceptance into an Honors/AP course, students are expected to:
- Maintain A/B grades in all Honors/AP courses
- Remain in the course(s) for the duration of the year/semester. Students not succeeding in an Honors class will be handled on an individual basis. Students earning a final grade lower than a "B" may not move to the next Honors class
- Maintain high standards of academic integrity
- Maintain excellent attendance
- Demonstrated record of handing in high quality assignments in a timely fashion
- High academic achievement and intellectual ability
- Self-motivation and self-discipline
- Good organizational skills
- Excellent written expression
- An avid interest in reading
- Good oral communication skills
- An ability to work independently and collaboratively
- Good citizenship and attendance
AP (Advanced Placement) Program
Advanced Placement (AP) courses provide students the opportunity to participate in college level courses and possibly earn college credit while still in high school. Secondary schools and colleges cooperate in this program to give students the opportunity to show mastery in college-level courses by taking the AP exam in May of each school year. Students will have the opportunity to dig deeper into content they love. The successful completion of the AP course and AP exam will allow students to enter college with course credit. AP courses are appropriate for students who have been successful in honor courses, have excellent work habits, and are prepared to experience the challenge of a college level course.
AP Courses offered at SWA:
AP Calculus
AP Statistics
AP English Language & Composition (English 3)
AP English Literature & Composition (English 4)
AP Earth & Environmental Science
AP US History
AP Government
*more AP courses may be available to students through NCVPS
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the advantages of taking AP courses?
The main advantage of taking an AP course is advanced preparation for college. Taking an AP course and doing well in that course (even if you do not do well on the final exam) looks good on college applications. Additionally, students who score well on AP exams may receive college credit while still in high school. The AP exams are given every year in May. Scores are reported to the colleges designated by the student and range from 1 (no recommendation) to 5 (extremely qualified). Each college determines the scores to be accepted for credit. Colleges may award three, and sometimes six, hours of credit per test. It is the responsibility of the student to check with the colleges in which they are interested in to see if they accept AP exams for credits.
What is the difference between an Honors and AP class?
AP classes are college level courses that are more challenging and rigorous. AP classes require energetic, involved, and motivated students. AP courses receive 1 extra quality point towards GPA whereas Honors courses receive an additional .5 quality point.
Why should I take an AP class? What will it do to my GPA?
Students who succeed in AP courses generally do well in college as a result of rigorous academic preparation. AP classes are weighted on a 5.0 scale. If you do well, your GPA will not be adversely affected. However, it is not advised to take numerous AP courses without serious consideration and teacher recommendations. Doing poorly in an AP course will affect your GPA.
How much does it cost to take an AP course?
There are no charges for taking an AP course. NC has covered the cost of $92 of students taking the AP exams so students will be taking these exams for free providing they sat for the course this year.
If I take an AP course, do I have to take the exam?
No. However, we recommend you discuss this with your AP teacher and encourage you to take it. If you do poorly on the exam, your score will not adversely affect your chances of college admittance (but doing poorly in the course will.)
Advanced Placement (AP) courses provide students the opportunity to participate in college level courses and possibly earn college credit while still in high school. Secondary schools and colleges cooperate in this program to give students the opportunity to show mastery in college-level courses by taking the AP exam in May of each school year. Students will have the opportunity to dig deeper into content they love. The successful completion of the AP course and AP exam will allow students to enter college with course credit. AP courses are appropriate for students who have been successful in honor courses, have excellent work habits, and are prepared to experience the challenge of a college level course.
AP Courses offered at SWA:
AP Calculus
AP Statistics
AP English Language & Composition (English 3)
AP English Literature & Composition (English 4)
AP Earth & Environmental Science
AP US History
AP Government
*more AP courses may be available to students through NCVPS
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the advantages of taking AP courses?
The main advantage of taking an AP course is advanced preparation for college. Taking an AP course and doing well in that course (even if you do not do well on the final exam) looks good on college applications. Additionally, students who score well on AP exams may receive college credit while still in high school. The AP exams are given every year in May. Scores are reported to the colleges designated by the student and range from 1 (no recommendation) to 5 (extremely qualified). Each college determines the scores to be accepted for credit. Colleges may award three, and sometimes six, hours of credit per test. It is the responsibility of the student to check with the colleges in which they are interested in to see if they accept AP exams for credits.
What is the difference between an Honors and AP class?
AP classes are college level courses that are more challenging and rigorous. AP classes require energetic, involved, and motivated students. AP courses receive 1 extra quality point towards GPA whereas Honors courses receive an additional .5 quality point.
Why should I take an AP class? What will it do to my GPA?
Students who succeed in AP courses generally do well in college as a result of rigorous academic preparation. AP classes are weighted on a 5.0 scale. If you do well, your GPA will not be adversely affected. However, it is not advised to take numerous AP courses without serious consideration and teacher recommendations. Doing poorly in an AP course will affect your GPA.
How much does it cost to take an AP course?
There are no charges for taking an AP course. NC has covered the cost of $92 of students taking the AP exams so students will be taking these exams for free providing they sat for the course this year.
If I take an AP course, do I have to take the exam?
No. However, we recommend you discuss this with your AP teacher and encourage you to take it. If you do poorly on the exam, your score will not adversely affect your chances of college admittance (but doing poorly in the course will.)
Career & College Promise Courses
(Wake Tech dual-enrollment)
What is CCP?
The Career & College Promise Program is a state-sponsored collaboration between North Carolina public high schools and public colleges and universities across North Carolina. CCP allows qualified students to take tuition-free courses that earn high school and college credits at the same time. Southern Wake Academy works with the Career & College Program at Wake Technical Community College.
- There are 2 pathways in the CCP Program. Students may choose to take courses in either pathway depending on what their primary goal is for after high school.
- The College Transfer Pathway tends to be for students who hope to enter a 4-year college/university after high school.
- The Career & Technical Education Pathways tends to be for students who plan to pursue 2 year associate's degree or certificate program through a community college after high school.
- Courses taken in the College Transfer Pathway receive AP-level high school credit (1.0 weighted) and will transfer to many four-year colleges and universities.
- Courses taken in the Career & Technical Education Pathway receive Honors high school credit (.5 weighted) and can help students complete diploma, certificate or degree programs at community colleges.
- Students who wish to enroll in CCP courses for 2018-19 school year should see Ms. Carlton for an application form BEFORE May of the 2017-18 school year. Students may have the opportunity to add classes for Spring 2019 during a narrow schedule change window.
Why take CCP?
Many high school students are taking dual-credit/dual-enrollment courses to get an early start on their college and career education.
Because North Carolina pays tuition costs for CCP, Wake County covers textbook costs, and many credits earned are transferable to public four-year colleges in North Carolina, CCP (or dual enrollment) is an excellent way to get a jump start. CCP courses also expose students to courses in various career pathways which help them discover their career interests. Additionally, the list of CCP courses available to students expands options for classes in high school. This is especially helpful for seniors who feel they have "taken everything they want to take."
In addition to adding options for more rigor, CCP classes earn both high school and college credit. Students will see CCP classes reflected on their SWA transcript. They will also be reflected on the student's Wake Tech transcript. Courses taken in the CCP College Transfer Pathway earn weighted quality points, similar to AP classes.
Who pays for CCP?
The State of North Carolina pays the tuition for courses taken through the CCP Program. Wake County Schools provides finances to cover additional charges and fees. This combination of support can result in tremendous savings for students and families.
How to take CCP?
Qualified students may add CCP classes during the normal high school registration and schedule change cylces.
CCP Eligibility Criteria
What are the requirements for participation in CCP courses?
- To participate in CCP, students must meet criteria set by the State of North Carolina. Those criteria include grade-level limitations, GPA minimums and test scores. In addition to these entry requirements, students should have sufficient high school credits to allow for a no-credit travel period (if one is needed).
- high school Junior or Senior
- 3.0 or higher weighted GPA
- meet minimum test scores on the PSAT, PLAN, ACT, SAT or Accuplacer
- Learn more about the qualifying test scores. Students wishing to take CCP classes in the College Transfer Pathway must demonstrate college readiness on approved assessments. If you do not meet the requirements with a test you have already taken, you can register to take the Accuplacer/NC DAP at RCCC.
- The GPA and test score criteria are non-negotiable for College Transfer Pathway courses. Some students may qualify for CTE Pathway courses with a Waiver. Contact your school counselor if you would like to explore waiver options for CCP.
Important Facts for CCP Students
- Choosing CCP classes means you are ready for the responsibilities of a college class. This includes being knowledgeable about policies of both the high school and community college, where they are similar and where they are not directly aligned. Ignorance is not an excuse, as college students are expected to proactively seek information that impacts their choices.
Failing CCP classes will negatively impact your high school and college transcripts and can impact your future eligibility for financial aid and college athletics. Students who become concerned that they may fail their CCP courses should immediately contact the CCP Director at RCCC, their RCCC course instructor and high school counselor to request assistance and support. CMHS students who fail CCP courses may not be allowed to continue in the program.
Dropping CCP classes outside of the normal SWA schedule change process/window will result in a WF (Withdraw Failing) on your high school transcript and negatively impact your high school GPA even though the college may allow you to do so. SWA students may not drop CCP classes outside of the SWA schedule change process/deadline without the prior consent of their high school counselor.
Ms. Ryan E. Batchelor
Career and College Promise Admissions and Program Specialist
Wake Tech Community College
[email protected]
[email protected]
Helpful Links
CCP at Wake Tech
CCP Eligibility
CCP Important Dates (new and continuing students)
CCP Steps to Enrollment
CCP Information Sessions
College Transfer (CT) Courses
Career and Technical Education (CTE) Pathways/Courses
CCP Accuplacer Test
CCP Testing Practice
USER AGREEMENT FORM (required for SWA students)
CCP Transcript Request
Wake Tech Academic Calendar
Other Academic Support |
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