Academics

 Middle School

Middle school is truly the "middle ground," the training for the rigors of high school and future college success. Students in grades 6-8 are taught with an upward focus, with teachers instructing them in methods and with material that will prepare middle schoolers for high school. Students polish their study skills, add to their knowledge base and take on additional personal responsibility so that they are ready for the next big step: high school, when the GPA becomes significant.

Core classes (English, Math, Science and Social Studies) provide students with their knowledge base. Students are also given opportunities to develop other interests in sports and fine arts through both extracurricular activities and the rotating classes in seventh and eighth grades. During this two-year period, students will take PE, speech, Programmed Grammar, technology and journalism. Those who wish to further develop their skills in various areas may take electives such as band, choir, PE and Honors English. Students who take Honors Earth/Space Science and Honors Algebra I will receive high school credit. Finally, students take High School Transition for one quarter in eighth grade to ensure their ease to this change in their academic careers.

To graduate and receive a high school diploma, a student must successfully earn 24 academic credits in grades 9-12 plus one credit in Bible for each year enrolled at WCS.

For each full-time, full-year course completed, one credit will be awarded. For a completion of a semester course, one-half credit will be awarded. A minimum grade of D- is required for credit.

Each student must take a minimum of seven courses, including six academic subjects each year. A minimum cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 (C average) is required to graduate.

If a student receives a grade of "F" in any required course for graduation, the course must be repeated either at Westwood or in an approved summer school program. The guidance office will give information regarding this requirement.

It is the student's responsibility to see that all courses necessary for graduation are completed.

Te College Board says that college admissions officers see the course schedule as "the blueprint of your high school education. They're looking for a solid foundation of learning that you can build on for college." They recommend taking "at least five solid academic classes every semester."

Focusing on the core classes in high school gives students the material they will need for future success. They will score well on college entrance exams, they will avoid being part of the 40% of incoming college students who take remedial classes (non-credit prerequisites before standard freshman classes), and they will have a broader base of knowledge to draw from for their own education, not being limited by being so specialized that they are not prepared for the diversity of a university.

Below is a list of the course requirements for WCS graduates (College Board's recommendations are in italics).

• Bible: 1 credit required for each year enrolled at WCS
• Englsh: 4 credits required, one credit each year, with major concentrations in composition, grammar and literature English every year. Traditional courses, such as American and English literature, help you improve your writing skills, reading comprehension and vocabulary. Focus on literature, writing/composition and speech
• Social Studies: 4 credits required
• World History (9)
• World Geography (10)
• United States History (11)
• American Government (12, 1 semester)
• Economics (12, 1 semester)
• Social sciences round out your core curriculum: 2 semesters in US History, one semester of US government, 1 semester in economics, 1 semester in world history or geography, one additional semester in the above, or other areas.
• Science: 3 credits required
•  Physical Science (9)
•  Biology (10)
•  Chemistry (11)
•  Other electives may be offered (Marine Biology 2007)
  

6 semesters recommended: 2 semesters in biology, 2 semesters in chemistry and/or physics, 2 semesters in earth/space sciences, advanced biology, advanced chemistry or physics)

• Mathematics: 3 credits required (4 credits required for the class of 2011 and subsequent classes)
•  Algebra I (8 or 9)/ Algebra IA and IB (2 years)
•  Geometry (9 or 10)
•  Algebra II (10 or 11)
• Other elective math (such as Trignometry, Pre-Calculus, Statistics, Finite Math (class of 2011)
  

Take these classes early on and you'll be able to enroll in advanced science and math in high school--and you'll show colleges you're ready for higher-level work. Algebra, Geometry, Algebra II and Trigonometry and/or Calculus.

• Foreign Language: 2 credits in the same language
•  Spanish I or French I (10)
•  Spanish II or French II (11)
•  Spanish III (12)
  

Solid foreign language study shows college you're willing to stretch beyond the basics. Many college require at least two years of foreign language study, and some prefer more.

• Vocational Courses: 1 credit required
• Computer Applications I (9) (1/2 credit)
• Computer Applications II (9) (1/2 credit)
• Emerging Technology I (11 or 12) (1/2 credit)
• Emerging Technology II (11 or 12) (1/2 credit)
  

More and more college courses and jobs require at least a basic knowledge of computers. Computer skills can also help you do research and schoolwork better and faster.

• Performing Arts: 1 credit
• Speech I (10)
  

May be postponed in favor of a fine arts elective by the high school principal. Fine Arts Electives include Band I, II, III and IV and Chorus I, II, III and IV.

Research indicates that students who participate in the arts often do better in school and on standardized tests. The arts help you recognize patterns, discern differences and similarities, and exercise your mind in unique ways, oftentimes outside of a traditional classroom.

• Digital Publishing
• Yearbook
• Honors Courses
• AP Courses
• Dual Enrollment Courses
• Programmed Grammar