Why does course selection matter?
- Opportunity to explore areas of interest
- Foundation for post-secondary plans
- Provides student with a competitive transcript for colleges
How do I make the right choice?
- Use teacher and counselor recommendations
- Learn about rigor of different core classes
- Explore electives that relate to possible career interests. Identify your career cluster and work with our Career Counselor, Mrs. Crowder.
- Start exploring your post-secondary school options with your counselor or career counselor
Graduation Requirements
Core Class Levels (English, Math, Science, and History)
Standard Level
- Standard GPA Weighting (A = 4.0)
- Regular high school level course
- Preparation for SOL test
Advanced Level
- Weighted with a 0.5 numerical advantage (A = 4.5)
- More rigorous than standard level
- Requires more time to complete readings and homework than standard level
Dual Enrollment (DE) - Senior Year
- Weighted with a 1.0 numerical advantage (A = 5.0)
- Community college credit upon completion of the class
- Transferability of credit will depend on college of choice
- Curriculum is more rigorous than advanced level
Advanced Placement (A = 5.0)
- Weighted with a 1.0 numerical advantage
- Taught at college level
- Requires extensive time to complete assignments
- Students have option to take the AP test for potential college credit dependent on college of choice
- Curriculum is content-specific and tests relate to specific content learned in class
Full IB Diploma Program
- Considered one of the most rigorous programs offered in Hanover County due to a regimented combination of college level coursework with additional requirements outside of the classroom
- Two-year program spanning junior and senior year
- Includes challenging college-level curriculum in various subjects, including one and two-year courses
- Requires Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) project that will be completed outside of the classroom
- Requires the Extended Essay (a 4,000-word research paper) written over 18 months
- To be eligible, students must complete 4 years of a single language before junior year and must complete Pre-Calculus before senior year
PHHS Elective Options (offerings may change depending on staffing and interest)
Classes may require prerequisites or application. Please see the program of studies or your school counselor for a full listing of available courses, descriptions, and requirements.
Tips for High School Success
- Find an organizational tool that works for you (agenda, planner, Google calendar, etc.)
- Perfect your time management skills before 9th grade
- Establish a study routine
- Do your homework
- Learn to advocate
*See the Hanover County Program of Studies page for more information on courses offered at your level.
Contact your counselor for additional questions and information.