8th & 9th Grade School Counseling Services

Students should carefully consider their entire schedule for 9th grade and the expected rigor of an honors-level course before deciding which courses to enroll in for 9th grade. Students are permitted to move from honors to college prep within the first month of school. But keep in mind this may require a schedule change.

Students who are successful in a college prep level course and meet minimum requirements can move into honors the following year with a teacher recommendation.

Some students are listed as eligible for honors courses. After multiple measures of data are reviewed, some students are close to the requirements of enrolling in honors, but may not be ready for the rigor of honors. Students who earn 28 - 31 out of a possible 40 points are eligible to request to be placed in an honors class. It is important for these students to carefully consider enrolling in an honors class, as it presents additional challenges and rigor.

Some students may see a recommendation for a Lab class. This recommendation is for those who may benefit from extra support in English and/or Math next year at the high school level. We believe this proactive approach will enhance their learning experience and prepare them for the challenges ahead. If your child has a recommendation for a Lab class and you prefer that your child not participate in a Lab class, please discuss that during your scheduling meeting. The parent and the student will be required to complete an Opt-Out form before removing the class from the student’s schedule.

The current math teacher suggests that the student may want to choose to enroll in the Lab course to support learning in the Algebra 1 class. In these situations, the teacher believes it will help, but it may not be needed. The parent and student should discuss this before making a final decision. The parent may want to reach out to the student’s current math teacher for more information.

Students who received a recommendation for Lab in both Math & ELA have a few options. Students can enroll in both courses and, therefore, will not be able to choose any electives during 9th grade. The counseling department might be able to accommodate a request to schedule the Math Lab and the ELA Lab at the same time for the students who participate in both labs, but on a rotating basis. The parent can also choose to reach out to the current math teacher and ELA teacher to determine which of the two lab courses would be better to opt out of taking, so an elective may be chosen.

Students recommended for World Language Level 2 CP have the foundational knowledge to move on to Level 2 in that language.

Students recommended for World Language Level 1 need additional foundational skills to be successful in high school. Students may choose to stay with the same language or start a new language.

Students MUST sit for the placement test to be considered for World Language Level  2 Honors. If any student is interested in World Language Level 2 Honors and did not take the placement test, please contact Dr. Tracy Skinner. 

Students were recommended for AP World History using multiple measures. This information can be found on the Academic Placement Info rubric on the 8th to 9th Grade Transition page on the website. Students who are not interested in AP World History can change their course to Modern World History Honors or CP.

Students who have completed Algebra 1 by the end of Grade 8 will be eligible to take AP Computer Science Principles in Grade 9.