The following credits of work are required:

• English/Language Arts 4 credits

• Mathematics 3 credits (Including 1 class with Geometry content)

• Social Studies 3 credits

• Science 3 credits

• Consumer Education ½ credit

• Fine Arts 1 credit

• Physical Education & Health 4 credits

• Driver Education Pass the classroom portion

• Career Technical Education (CTE) 1 credit

• Pass both State of Illinois and Federal Constitution exams (taken as part of Civics)

• Complete State of Illinois testing requirements (SAT and Illinois Science Assessment) during Junior year.

• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) during Senior year (or complete the FAFSA non-participation form)

Students will be allowed to earn up to three credits toward graduation requirements from outside sources. Students must obtain pre-approval from the principal and work with the counselor to make appropriate arrangements. If you have any questions, “ASK FIRST”. Credit is given for classes taken off campus if used to make-up for courses failed. This will not count toward GPA. Make-up classes taken during the summer will not count in GPA.

The recommendations listed below are general in nature and will prepare the students to pursue academic work at the college level.

Completion of these recommended subjects, however, does not guarantee admission. Colleges usually base their decisions on test scores, accumulative grade point averages, class rank, specific courses, type and quality of high school, and recommendations. Those students interested in college should make early contact with their guidance counselor and periodically discuss their intentions.

High School courses recommended for college-bound students:

• 4-5 credits – English/Language Arts

• 3-4 credits – Math

• 3-4 credits – Foreign Language, Art, Music or CTE

• 3-4 credits – Social Studies

• 3-4 credits – Science

• .5 credits – Consumer Education

The trend seems to be for colleges and universities to adopt tougher admission requirements. Several colleges and universities have adopted specific high school subject patterns that must be met in order to gain full admission status. Students are advised to check with their counselor about the requirements for the school of their choice.

Selection of one’s courses is a very important decision. Hopefully, students will choose courses that are going to challenge them academically as well as prepare them for the future. Counselors are available to help you plan your high school career and beyond.

PCHS Juniors & Seniors have the opportunity to enroll in dual credit courses which may both fulfill high school core and/or elective credits and earn college credit through Rend Lake College. These courses do count toward the student’s overall GPA at PCHS & RLC and appear on the both PCHS & RLC transcripts. Students must meet placement requirements and prerequisites prior to enrolling in courses. Dual credit courses are taken during the normal high school day and tuition is waived for these courses but students are charged $10 per book.

PCHS Juniors and Seniors, who are at least 16 years of age, may take advantage of dual enrollment by enrolling in courses which take place after the normal high school day. These courses do not count towards a Student’s overall GPA at PCHS and will not appear on the High School transcript. Students will be required to pay half of the tuition for each credit hour and for their books. Students must meet placement requirements and prerequisites prior to enrolling in courses. Approval for students to participate in dual enrollment must be obtained by a high school counselor.