STUDENT COURSE DESCRIPTION GUIDE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Contents
NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT
4
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
4
WOODHAVEN HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
5
GRADUATION REQUIREMENT OVERVIEW
5
ADVANCED PLACEMENT PROGRAM
7
DUAL ENROLLMENT
8
TESTING-OUT
9
PERSONAL CURRICULUM
10
ACADEMIC RECOGNITION
11
AWARDS/HONORS PROGRAM/VALEDICTORIAN/ SENIOR SCHOLARS
11
GRADES AND REPORT CARDS
13
MAKING UP LOST CREDITS
13
STATE SANCTIONED REQUIREMENTS
14
ON-LINE LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
14
EARLY MIDDLE COLLEGE
14
Program Overview:
14
The goals of the Early/Middle College program are:
14
Why Early/Middle College:
15
Considerations for Students and Parents
15
Woodhaven-Brownstown School District and Wayne County Community College Early/
Middle College Selection Process
16
MATHEMATICS-RELATED COURSES FOR SENIOR YEAR
17
VISUAL, PERFORMING, AND APPLIED ARTS (VPAA)
18
COURSE OFFERINGS
19
English
19
World Language
24
Theater Production
26
Social Studies
27
Mathematics
31
Science
35
Computers
41
Business
42
Family and Consumer Science
44
2
Art
45
Industrial Art
48
Music
50
Physical Education
52
Career and Technology
55
Special Education
59
NCAA Eligibility
65
POST-SECONDARY PLANNING
65
EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLANS (EDPs)
66
CAREER PATHWAYS
66
What are the 6 Career Pathways?
67
Exploring Career Pathways
68
Arts and Communications
68
Business, Management, Marketing, and Technology
69
Engineering/Manufacturing and Industrial Technology
70
Health Sciences
70
Human Services
72
Natural Resources and Agriscience
73
3
NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT
In compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education
Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination
Act of 1975, the Americans with Disability Act of 1990, and the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act
of 1977, it is the policy of the Woodhaven-Brownstown School District that no person shall
on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, gender, age, disability, height,
weight, or marital status be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be
subjected to discrimination during any program, activity, service or in employment. For
information, contact the:
Office of the Superintendent
24821 Hall Road
Woodhaven, MI 48183
734-783-3300
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
1. Before entering high school, students should choose a career pathway and a post-
secondary education goal (See section “Career Planning”)
2. Students working with parents should design a four-year plan of study (Educational
Development Plan) to be taken during high school. This should include all courses to
meet graduation requirements, career pathway guidelines, and special interests and needs.
3. Before choosing courses, students should carefully read the section entitled “Course
Offerings.” Questions about the courses should be addressed to the counselors or
teachers.
4. All students will be required to enroll in six classes (full schedule) for two semesters each
year.
5. Courses described in this booklet are offered based upon sufficient student demand and
teacher availability as determined by administration.
6. All students may enroll in a college course at a nearby college each semester if they meet
the qualifications and conditions. (Refer to “Dual Enrollment”)
7. Students interested in special programs including dual enrollment, online learning, early
middle college, and personal curriculum should contact their counselor.
8. Students should select their classes carefully. They are expected to remain in their classes
until completion.
4
WOODHAVEN HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION
REQUIREMENTS
Woodhaven High School can offer you a great variety of courses and subjects, which can provide
for a wide range of career interests and future plans. To qualify for a high school diploma, certain
course and credit requirements must be met. All required courses and credit requirements are
either mandated by state law or are established and adopted by the Woodhaven Board of
Education and are offered with the intent to help you prepare for your individual future.
Under the semester scheduling model, students are offered the opportunity to build daily
schedules of six (6) classes per semester. Each class that is successfully completed will continue
to be worth one-half (.50) credit. Students will be capable of taking 12 classes per year and
earning 6 credits each year. This will result in students having potential access to 48 class
selections over a four-year period.
Semester Credits
Total Possible
Required for Graduation
24
24
22
Senior Status
Junior Status
Sophomore Status
16
10
4
GRADUATION REQUIREMENT OVERVIEW
English
4 years
● English 9
● English 10
● English 11
● English 12
Mathematics
4 years
● Algebra 1
● Geometry
● Algebra 2
● Additional Math or Math related credit
must be earned. At least
● (1) of which is earned during the
senior year. See Senior Year math list
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including personal finance.
Science
3 years
● Biology
● Chemistry or Physics
Social Studies
3 years
● World History
● Economics and Government
● US History
PE/Health
● 1/2 credit Physical Education
● 1/2 credit Health
World Language
2 years
● 2 credits
● ½ credit can be earned through
Personal Finance (starting with the
class of 2027)
Personal Finance
● ½ credit Starting with the class of
2027
Visual Performing, Applied Arts
● 1 year
● Courses meeting this requirement are
listed in the VPAA course lists.
Online Learning Experience
● This experience will be required for all
Woodhaven High School students
during their Senior year English
experience.
Only those who have successfully completed all requirements for graduation will be permitted to
participate in the graduation ceremony. However, a student may be denied participation in the
Graduation Ceremony when personal conduct warrants. No student who has completed the
requirements for graduation shall be denied a diploma as a disciplinary action.
6
ADVANCED PLACEMENT PROGRAM
Challenging Yourself with AP Courses: A Message for Students and Families
At Woodhaven High School, we encourage students to challenge themselves academically and
embrace opportunities that prepare them for future success. Enrolling in an AP course is not just
about earning college credit—it’s about developing resilience, critical thinking, and the skills
needed for college and beyond.
● We understand that AP courses can seem intimidating, but they are designed to be
rigorous yet rewarding. If you are considering an AP class, know that:
● It’s a Commitment: AP courses require dedication and effort, but they also offer
significant benefits, including grade weighting, stronger college applications, and
enhanced learning experiences.
● You Are Not Alone: Support is available! AP teachers are committed to helping students
succeed, and there are resources such as study groups, tutoring, and teacher office hours
to assist along the way.
● It’s About Growth, Not Perfection: Colleges value students who take on challenges, and
they recognize the difference between a rigorous course and an easier path. The
experience gained from an AP class can be more valuable than a perfect GPA.
● There Are Options: We encourage students to carefully select their AP courses to ensure
they align with their interests and goals. If, after genuine effort, a student finds that an AP
course is not the right fit, we will have options available at the semester break to adjust
schedules as needed.
We encourage students to believe in their ability to rise to the challenge, knowing that they will
have support every step of the way. If you have any concerns, we’re here to guide you in making
the best decision for your academic journey.
The Advanced Placement Program provides students with the opportunity to pursue college-
level studies while still in high school. Advanced Placement Examinations are offered
throughout the world each May. They are administered at participating schools. Woodhaven
High School is a test center. Over 90% of the nation’s colleges give credit and/or advanced
placement to students whose advanced placement examination grades are considered
acceptable. Many colleges grant as much as a full year’s credit (sophomore standing), to
students presenting qualifying grades in enough AP examinations. This saves the students both
time and money for courses taken while in high school. AP courses are weighted on a 4.50
point basis instead of our standard 4.00 system.
The AP program available at Woodhaven High School is extensive. Therefore, it is important for
capable students to plan their four-year curriculum carefully. Students should distribute their
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AP courses and examinations throughout their time in high school.
1. AP 2-D Art and Design
10th, 11th, 12th
2. AP American History
11th, 12th
3. AP Biology
11th, 12th
4. AP Calculus AB and BC
12th
5. AP Chemistry
11th, 12th
6. AP Computers
11th, 12th
7. AP English Language
11th
8. AP English Literature
12th
9. AP Environmental Science
10th, 11th, 12th
10. AP Government
10th
11. AP Macro Economics 2023– 2024
10th, 11th, 12th
12. AP Micro Economics 2024– 2025
10th, 11th, 12th
13. AP Music Theory
11th, 12th
14. AP Physics
11th, 12th
15. AP Precalculus
11th, 12th
16. AP Psychology
10th, 11th, 12th
17. AP Spanish
12th
18. AP Statistics
10th, 11th, 12th
19. AP European History
10th, 11th, 12th
20. AP World History
9th
● Students are not allowed to drop an AP class.
● 9th grade students wanting to take an AP class must have and maintain at least a 3.75
overall GPA. 10th - 12th grade must have and maintain at least a 3.0 overall GPA.
● Students are strongly encouraged to take the Advanced Placement Test.
DUAL ENROLLMENT
Woodhaven High School permits eligible sophomores, juniors or seniors to enroll and attend
classes at a local college or university and use those credits earned at the college or university
to meet the requirements for high school completion and graduation. In order to be eligible, a
students must have taken either the PLAN, PSAT, MME, or ACT test with qualifying scores. A
a copy of the letter explaining Dual Enrollment and test information may be found here. See your
counselor for details.
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TESTING-OUT
1. We will have 3 testing out dates each school year. One will take place in late August
when teachers return to work. The other two will take place during the final exam
windows in January and June.
2. It will be the student’s responsibility to notify counseling if they want to test out of a
class. They will need to do so by June 6th for the August test date, September 13th for
the 1st semester test date, and by Feb 13th for the 2nd semester test date.
3. Students who are testing out will be provided with the textbook and the syllabus for the
test-out class. The book number will be entered into the fine list until the book is
returned. Students will have approximately one semester or one summer to study and
prepare with those materials.
4. Students can test out of any class, not just core classes. Students can attempt to test out of
classes they have not taken or a class they have previously failed.
5. If the student earns a 79% or better on the final, they will earn credit for the class, and a
G will be posted onto their transcript indicating earned credit.
6. Students must fill out the sheet below and turn into their counselor by the due date.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Testing-Out Application Date: ____________________
Name: ___________________________ Phone Number: _________________ Grade: ______
Subject to test out of/Book Name: _________________________________Book#: ________
Test Out (Circle One): Semester 1
Semester 2
Summer
Note: Book will be entered into fine list until it is returned. If it is not returned, you will be
charged the full price of the book. Students must receive a 79% or higher to test out of the
class and a G grade will be earned on the transcript.
Parent Signature: ______________________________________________________________
Student Signature: _____________________________________________________________
Counselor Signature: ___________________________________________________________
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PERSONAL CURRICULUM
The Personal Curriculum is an option that any student or family can explore as a way to modify
certain graduation requirements and earn a diploma. The purpose of secondary education is to
prepare students for life after high school. Any modification to a student’s graduation
requirements need to be consistent with this purpose. The high school diploma is
documentation that the student has met the expectations and possesses the knowledge and
skills necessary for postsecondary success. Students who are not pursuing a diploma or
students who are unable to meet modified MMC requirements do not need a personal
curriculum. Any student or parent interested in a personal curriculum will need to schedule an
appointment with Counseling.
In April 2006, Public Acts 123 & 124 were passed and beginning with the class of 2011, and
they specified the minimum required credits to graduate from a Michigan public high school.
These required credits are known as the Michigan Merit Curriculum. Public Act 141 allows
modifications to these credits. Modifications of Michigan Merit Curriculum are limited to the
following four options:
Available To All Students
A student who wishes to complete additional credit, beyond the number that is
already required, in English language arts, mathematics, science or language other
than English, by modifying a credit from Social Studies, Health & Physical
Education, or Visual, Performing & Applied Arts. Modification to Social Studies is
allowed only after completing 4 credits of Social Studies which included Civics.
English Language Arts & Science credit requirements are not subject to modification
under this subsection of personal curriculum.
Available To All Students
A student, after successfully completing (without necessarily having attained a
passing grade in) Algebra I and 1 Credit (Term A) of Geometry as stipulated in the
Michigan merit Curriculum, wishes to modify the math requirement must complete
one of the following:
1. Successful completion of 7 math or math-related credits, including 2 Algebra, 2 Geometry
and 1 Algebra II.
2. Complete a two Career & Technical education curriculum, which includes 1
credit of Algebra II content.
A student must successfully complete at least one mathematics term during his or
her final year of high school.
Available To Students with an IEP
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