This document provides information for freshman students registering for classes for the upcoming school year. It outlines graduation requirements, a typical freshman schedule, and available elective options including on-site, online, and ITV classes. It stresses the importance of freshman year for exploring interests and preparing for the future. When selecting electives, students are advised to consider their post-secondary plans, college admission requirements, academic rigor, and scholarship requirements. The document concludes by listing steps students should take to complete the registration process.

1. CLASS
REGISTRATION
2016-2017 Freshmen

2. Agenda
■ Freshman year information
■ Graduation requirements
■ Typical schedule
■ Available elective options
■ Things to consider when selecting electives
■ Questions
■ Create next year’s schedule
■ Create 4-year plan of study
■ Sign up for individual meeting (optional)

3. Why is freshman year
important?
■ This is the start of your high school career.
■ It is a time to explore your interests and goals.
■ You have the ability to set the tone for your high
school years.
■ You can take charge of preparing for the future.
■ You have more flexibility in choosing your classes.

4. FreshmanYear “To Do” List
 Develop a 4-year plan of study.
 Make a list of academic goals.
 Take time to check out extracurricular activities and then
become an active member.
 Get to know your teachers and start building relationships.
 Start exploring your dream colleges and careers.
 Keep your eye out for opportunities available to you.
 Get involved in volunteer work that interests you.
 Share your interests and goals with your counselor.

5. Required Classes for Graduation
■ 4 credits of Language Arts
■ 3 credits of Social Studies
■ 3 credits of Math
■ 3 credits of Science
■ 1 credit of Physical Education
■ 3 credits of foreign language, Native American
language, fine arts, or career tech
■ 5 credits of electives
Total credits = 22

6. What are credits?
1 credit = 1 year of class
½ credit = 1 semester of class
Classes are measured by credits. Some classes are offered over a
whole year, others are offered for one semester.You need 22
credits to graduate from high school.

7. Typical Freshman Schedule
1. English 9
2. Algebra I
3. Biology
4. World History
5. Computer/Business Class
6. Physical Education
7. Elective (full year or two semester classes)

8. Elective Options
Electives
On-Site
Only HS
credit
Online
Dual
credit
Only HS
credit
ITV
Dual
credit
Only HS
credit

9. Elective Options:
On-Site Electives
■ Accounting I, II, III, & IV
■ Art I, II, III, & IV
■ Band
■ Choir
■ English elective (?)
■ Financial Literacy
■ Intro to Business
■ Life Sports
■ Multimedia
■ North Dakota Studies
■ Physical Education
■ Pre-Calculus
■ Psychology
■ Sociology
■ Sports & Entertainment
Marketing

10. Elective Options:
ITV Electives
Classes taught over InteractiveTelevision (ITV) where
teachers may work in one North Dakota school district,
but students may attend school in other districts across
the state.
Students must be self-disciplined to complete work
without immediate in-room supervision. Student
behavior in an ITV class is expected to be exceptional.

11. Elective Options:
Online Electives
Classes taught via online communication where
teachers may work in one North Dakota school district,
but students may attend school in other districts across
the state. Dual credit online classes may have an
instructor who is employed by a college rather than a
high school.
Students should have a high level of self-motivation
and self-discipline in order to meet the requirements for
successfully completing an online course.

12. Things to ConsiderWhen
Selecting Electives
■ Post-secondary plans
■ College admissions requirements
■ Scholarship or award requirements
■ Academic rigor

13. Things to Consider:
Post-Secondary Plans
■ Are you planning on attending college?
■ Are there certain requirements for your
desired college or major?
■ If you are not attending college, what do you
need to do to prepare for your intended
career?
■ What are your career interests and goals?

14. Things to Consider:
Admissions Requirements
North Dakota and neighboring colleges have varying
admission requirements.
Some colleges require years of math and science
beyond the North Dakota graduation requirement.
Some colleges have fine arts or foreign language
requirements.

15. Things to Consider:
Academic Rigor
Every year you must make adequate progress toward
graduation. Choose classes that will continue to fulfill
graduation requirements.
Consider how much you can handle in terms of difficulty
and homework load.
Ask yourself if you truly need a study hall.

16. Things to Consider:
Academic Rigor
Benefits of study hall
■ School time spent
completing homework or
studying
■ Good for individuals in sports
or activities who miss a lot of
class time
■ Good for individuals who
have a job and need extra
school time to complete
homework
Benefits of electives
■ Ensure early completion of
credits toward graduation
■ Explore interests and
strengths through a variety
of classes
■ Take classes to prepare for a
specific career or field
■ Challenge yourself to learn
new things

17. Why does any of this matter
right NOW?
■ It’s never too early to start planning for life after high
school.
■ Scholarships and college admissions are often
dependent on satisfactory progress throughout HS.
■ Building strong academic skills and habits now can
help you throughout life.
■ Now is the time to get involved in school-sponsored
activities and volunteer projects that interest you!

18. Freshman RegistrationTo-Do List
 Ask questions
 Decide on electives and select alternates
 Complete registration form
 Turn in registration to the office by February 26th
Have an awesome freshman year!