What Classes Should You Take In High School? (2024)

While some high school subjects are required, others can be selected. Finally being given more of a choice in what a student studies can be freeing, but also overwhelming. What courses are best? It's most important to first consider what is needed to graduate. Then, parents and teens can work together to choose subjects that not only engage their interests but also have their future plans and goals in mind.

For example, students who plan to go to college may be required to take more years of a foreign language or other classes required by the schools they are interested in. A student who is interested in pursuing a career in construction may want to take an industrial arts class.

School Subjects

  • Literature
  • Speech
  • Writing or Composition
  • Algebra
  • Algebra II
  • Geometry
  • Statistics
  • Trigonometry and/or Calculus
  • Biology(typically has advanced class options)
  • Chemistry(typically has advanced class options)
  • Earth or Space sciences
  • Physics (typically has advanced class options)
  • Economics
  • Geography
  • U.S. Government
  • U.S. History
  • World History
  • Foreign Language
  • Physical Education/ Health
  • Arts, such as music, photography, or ceramics
  • Computer applications, graphic design, or web design
  • Business, law
  • Cooking and other life skills
  • Physical education
  • Psychology
  • Trade field studiessuch as auto mechanics or nursing
  • Personal finance

Help Your Teen Adjust to a New High School

School Subjects You Need to Graduate

Ideally, teens should start high school with a basic plan of the classes they will need to take in order to graduate. Every state has different requirements for obtaining a high school diploma, and each school varies greatly in what they offer to give kids a chance to fulfill them.

The school's guidance/counseling department can help students understand the requirements for graduation and how their coursework aligns with them.

The basic requirements generally include the following:

English/Language Arts

Studying the English language and literature is an important part of high school for every student regardless of their post-school plans. In addition to studying important pieces of literature, English classes teach teens about writing and speaking.

Most states require four years of English or language arts classes.The main English classes in high school include:

  • Literature
  • Speech
  • Writing or Composition

Mathematics

In high school, students dig into several different types of math. Algebra and geometry are required at most high schools, and students may choose to take advanced math classes if they are offered.

Most states require three or fouryears of math coursework in high school.The main math classes in high school include:

  • Algebra
  • Algebra II
  • Geometry
  • Statistics
  • Trigonometry and/or Calculus

Science

Basic life sciences (e.g. biology) and physical sciences (chemistry, physics, etc.) are required at most high schools. These classes often include lab components that allow students to perform hands-on experiments.

Most states require two to three years of science coursework in high school.These may include:

  • Biology(typically has advanced class options)
  • Chemistry(typically has advanced class options)
  • Earth or Space sciences
  • Physics (typically has advanced class options)

Social Studies/History

Understanding how the world works is important for young adults. In high school, students will study history and government and learn about howsocial studies affects their lives.

Most states require three to fouryears of social studies coursework in high school, including:

  • Economics
  • Geography
  • U.S. Government
  • U.S. History
  • World History

Social Issues Facing Today's Teens

Foreign Languages

Learning a second language is important in today's global world. While many high schools offer foreign language courses, only 11 states require students to take a foreign language course. High school students can fill these requirements by learning the basics of at least one foreign language, and they may be able to choose to take advanced classes to learn more.

Common languages offered in high school include:

  • French
  • Japanese
  • Mandarin Chinese
  • Spanish

Other possible language offerings include Russian, Latin, American Sign Language, and German.

Physical Education and Health

Physical education and health classes can teach high schoolers how to care for their body's fitness and nutritional needs. Many states require at least one unit of P.E. to graduate. Other states have P.E. as an elective.

School Subjects for College Preparation

Students planning to go to college should consider how colleges will look at their courses during the application process. Grade point average (GPA) is important, but coursework should also demonstrate academic rigor.

When planning, it can be helpful to balance standard high school courses with some that are more challenging. Additionally, students can do this—and even get a head start on college—by taking advanced placement (AP) or college classes.

AP Classes

AP classes are more rigorous courses that teach subjects at an introductory college level. Some of the most common AP courses that are available include Calculus AB, U.S. History, English Literature, Biology, Statistics, Chemistry, and Psychology.

Students who take AP classes have the option to take an AP test in the spring. If they get a certain score, they can get credit for the course at many colleges.

College Credit Courses

Many high schools offer opportunities to gain college credit, and the counseling department can inform students about any such offerings as well.

These may be online or in-person classes through programs offered by colleges and universities, and they may be taught by a professor or a high school teacher. Dual-credit programs allow students to fulfill their high school requirements while obtaining some college credits free of charge.

Back to School in a Pandemic

Electives

In addition to the basic classes, there are usually plenty of opportunities to take electives in various areas of study. These can not only broaden a student's academic knowledge but also teach them valuable life skills.

In some cases, a student may be given the freedom to choose one class from a select group of options required in the school's curriculum. In others, a student may have room in their schedule to choose to study something simply based on their interests and aspirations.

Examples of elective classes may include:

  • Arts, such as music, photography, or ceramics
  • Computer applications, graphic design, or web design
  • Business, law
  • Cooking and other life skills
  • Physical education
  • Psychology
  • Trade field studiessuch as auto mechanics or nursing
  • Personal finance

Students on a vocational track may be able to gain some hands-on learning in fields such as metalworks and woodworking. Many schools even offer the opportunity to gain certificates or licenses that will help them in their future careers.

Important Life Skills for Teens

A Word From Verywell

Choosing high school classes requires planning both as a student enters school and throughout their high school experience. The right classes are challenging and engaging, but not unrealistically rigorous or overwhelming.

An ideal schedule can help a student succeed, enjoy learning, and have a good academic experience while preparing them for their future plans, whatever they may be.

It's important for teens and their parents to talk about their career aspirations. Discuss interest areas and review their schedule together to help them make the most out of their school's offerings.

How to Talk to Your Teen

3 Sources

Verywell Family uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

  1. Education Commission of the States. 50-state comparison.

  2. American Councils for International Education. The National K-16 Foreign Language Enrollment Survey Report.

  3. College Board. Program Summary Report.

By Denise Witmer
Denise Witmer is a freelance writer and mother of three children, who has authored several books and countless articles on parenting teens since 1997.

See Our Editorial Process

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As an educational expert with a deep understanding of high school curriculum and academic planning, I can provide valuable insights into the selection of high school courses, graduation requirements, and considerations for college preparation. My expertise is rooted in both theoretical knowledge and practical experience, having guided numerous students and parents through the intricate process of navigating high school academics.

Let's delve into the key concepts and information covered in the provided article:

  1. Graduation Requirements:

    • Every state has different requirements for obtaining a high school diploma.
    • The school's guidance/counseling department assists students in understanding these requirements and aligning their coursework with them.
    • Basic requirements typically include English/Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies/History, Foreign Languages, and Physical Education/Health.
  2. English/Language Arts:

    • Four years of English or language arts classes are generally required.
    • Main classes include Literature, Speech, and Writing or Composition.
  3. Mathematics:

    • Most states require three or four years of math coursework.
    • Main math classes include Algebra, Algebra II, Geometry, Statistics, and Trigonometry and/or Calculus.
  4. Science:

    • Two to three years of science coursework are typically required.
    • Main science classes include Biology, Chemistry, Earth or Space Sciences, and Physics.
  5. Social Studies/History:

    • Three to four years of social studies coursework are usually required.
    • Classes cover Economics, Geography, U.S. Government, U.S. History, and World History.
  6. Foreign Languages:

    • Learning a second language is emphasized in today's global world.
    • While not mandatory in all states, many high schools offer foreign language courses.
  7. Physical Education and Health:

    • At least one unit of P.E. is required in many states.
    • Classes focus on fitness, nutritional needs, and overall well-being.
  8. College Preparation:

    • Consideration of how colleges view courses during the application process is crucial.
    • Balancing standard courses with more challenging ones is recommended.
    • Advanced Placement (AP) classes offer a more rigorous curriculum and the opportunity to earn college credit.
  9. Electives:

    • Opportunities to take electives in various areas of study exist.
    • Examples include Arts, Computer Applications, Business, Cooking, Psychology, and Trade Field Studies.
  10. College Credit Courses:

    • High schools may offer opportunities to gain college credit through online or in-person courses.
    • Dual-credit programs allow students to fulfill high school requirements while earning college credits.
  11. Career Aspirations:

    • It's important for teens and parents to discuss career aspirations and align course selections with future plans.
    • Electives and vocational tracks provide options for hands-on learning and skill development.

In conclusion, a well-balanced and thoughtfully planned high school curriculum is essential for a student's success and future endeavors. The article emphasizes the importance of considering graduation requirements, college preparation, and individual interests when choosing courses.

What Classes Should You Take In High School? (2024)

FAQs

Do colleges prefer AP or honors? ›

Many state colleges like to see applicants with honors classes, as it shows commitment and determination. The country's most prestigious schools, such as Ivy League institutions, usually prefer AP classes on transcripts. These standardized courses can help schools compare applicants more directly.

What are the best subjects to choose in high school? ›

Careers in areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Biotechnology, and Software Engineering are growing rapidly. High school subjects such as Mathematics, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, and Computer Science can provide a strong foundation for these careers.

What classes should I take in high school to get into Harvard? ›

Harvard recommends that students should complete the following secondary coursework:
  • Four years of English with a strong writing component.
  • Four years of mathematics.
  • Four years of science, including biology, chemistry, physics, and an advanced course.
  • Three years of history, including European and U.S. history.

What is the hardest class in high school? ›

For example, we looked at r/APStudents on Reddit and found that students generally considered the following AP classes to be among the hardest:
  • AP Biology.
  • AP Calculus BC.
  • AP Chemistry.
  • AP English Literature.
  • AP Latin.
  • AP Physics 1.
  • AP Physics C E&M.
  • AP Physics C Mechanics.
Jan 24, 2023

How many AP classes should I take? ›

College counselors recommend that students strive to take 5-8 AP classes throughout their high school career, especially if they are interested in attending a highly-selective institution such as an Ivy League college.

Are B's in AP classes good? ›

AP classes are designed to be much more challenging than grade-level classes, and a "B" in an AP class is typically equivalent to an "A" in a grade-level class.

Does Harvard prefer AP or honors? ›

The average student who gets into Harvard or Yale will have taken a majority of AP courses if those were available to them. Your high school curriculum, including the number of AP or Honors courses you've taken, is a key factor in your admissions profile.

Which is harder honors or AP? ›

AP classes are typically considered more challenging than honors classes. AP courses require students to learn and apply advanced concepts and skills as they engage in college-level coursework.

What is the least liked subject in high school? ›

After a certain level of Math, it is common for students to question if what they are learning is necessary for life. One freshman who voted for math noted that they feel like it is, “annoying and unnecessary.”

What is the least popular subject in high school? ›

Several other studies suggest that mathematics has the dubious honor of being the least popular subject in the curriculum." In one survey of high-school seniors, investigators found that 12% had never taken any algebra or geometry, 26% had dropped mathematics after only one year, 30% had dropped it after two.

What is the most useful school subject? ›

Proponents of focusing on the "three R's" in school -- reading, writing, and arithmetic -- would be happy to know that U.S. adults report math and English are the school subjects that have been most valuable in their lives.

Is 1200 on SAT a good score? ›

The average SAT score is a 1040, so a 1200 is above average. A 1200 SAT score is between the 71st and 80th percentile of test takers, meaning that you scored above 71-80% of other students. A score of 1200 opens a wide range of college options, assuming you have comparable grades (mostly A's and B's).

Do you need straight A's to get into an Ivy League? ›

However, there is a common myth that in order to gain admission to these elite institutions, you need to have straight A's. This simply isn't true.

What GPA is required for Harvard? ›

Final Admissions Verdict

If you don't pass their SAT/ACT and GPA requirements, they'll likely reject you without much consideration. To have the best shot of getting in, you should aim for the 75th percentile, with a 1580 SAT or a 36 ACT. You should also have a 4 GPA or higher.

What is the best grade in class? ›

A+, A, A- indicates excellent performance. B+, B, B- indicates good performance. C+, C, C- indicates satisfactory performance.

What grades are most important in high school? ›

Most college admissions committees consider your 11th-grade transcript to be the most important. Because students typically apply during senior year, it's the last full year of records colleges will see, although many colleges also ask for a transcript of your first-semester senior year courses.

Do colleges care about AP classes? ›

While experts say AP courses are viewed favorably by admissions officers, Brennan Barnard, director of college counseling at Khan Lab School, a private K-12 school in California, notes colleges will consider a students' applications in the context of the curriculum offered at their high school, meaning applicants won't ...

What classes do Ivy Leagues look for? ›

What high school classes do Ivy League schools require?
  • English: 4 years, with extensive practice in writing.
  • Math: 4 years.
  • Science: 4 years biology, chemistry, physics, and an advanced course in one of these subjects.
  • History and Social Studies: 3 years, including American and European history.
Mar 1, 2024

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