Courses & Scheduling

Q: What if my student is absent during their assigned scheduling week?
A: If a student misses their in-class scheduling window, they will be called down to the counseling office during a flex period before January 30, 2026. Students who do not submit requests by the deadline will have their courses chosen for them by their counselor based on graduation requirements and availability.

Q: What if my student wants to change their requests after meeting with their counselor, but before the January 30th deadline?
A: Students can still make changes up until January 30, 2026. To do so, they must contact their school counselor directly (via email or in person) to unlock their requests and make the adjustment. After January 30th, requests are finalized.

Q: Why do we have to select "Alternate" courses?
A: While we try to give every student their top choices, conflicts are inevitable (e.g., two unique classes offered during the same period). If a student does not select valid alternates, the Counseling Department will add a study hall for them to fill their schedule.

Q: My student has an IEP or 504 Plan. How does this affect scheduling?
A: Case Managers work closely with School Counselors during this process. If your student has an IEP, their Case Manager will review their requests to ensure they meet the specific goals and service minutes outlined in their plan. Please reach out to their case manager with any questions.

Q: My student attends a charter school. How does this affect scheduling?
A: Tesla and Renaissance students will schedule their North classes with their counselor during a Flex session during the first week of January. FCLA students will schedule with their grade-level peers during their designated scheduling time.

Q: My student wants to take an AP or Dual Credit class, but their current teacher did not recommend them. Can they still take it?
A: Yes, but the student must complete a Rigorous Course Form. This requires a signature from the teacher and the parent. Please understand that if the student struggles, they may not be able to drop the course later.

Q: My student plays sports or has a job. How do I know if their schedule is too heavy?
A: We recommend reviewing the course descriptions carefully. As a general rule, *Rigorous and AP courses require significant work outside the classroom. If a student has a heavy extracurricular load, they should balance their course rigor accordingly.

Q: What happens if my student fails a core class this semester?
A: Students should register for the next level of the course (assuming they will pass). If a failure occurs in Semester 2, the counselor will work with the student to adjust the schedule to repeat the failed course or enroll the student in Summer School.

Q: Can we choose our lunch period or teachers? A: No. The master schedule is a complex puzzle built around course requests, not preferences for time or personnel. We cannot accommodate requests for specific teachers or lunch periods.

Q: What if we change our minds after January 30, 2026? A: Our staffing is determined by the numbers we have by the deadline. Therefore, we are only able to make changes if there are seats available in courses during the first week of the school year.

Q: Can my student drop a class next year if they don't like it? A: Drop requests are generally not granted for preference. They are only considered for errors, missing prerequisites, or seniors missing graduation requirements. Please choose your electives carefully!

Q: My student failed a course this school year and plans to retake it in Summer School. How does that affect requests? A: Please have them request it in their schedule for next school year. If they attend summer school and earn the credit, their counselor will work with them to add the next level into their schedule for the next school year.