Program of Studies Program of Studies 2019-2020 | Page 50

Course selection procedure for new students
Parents and students are encouraged to take an active role in the course selection process. Students and parents
should consult with school counselors whenever there is a question or concern.
Incoming Freshmen
• Students in area sending middle schools will begin the scheduling process by meeting with Thornton Academy
school counselors in late winter.
• Eighth graders from outside the sending communities may schedule a visit with the Thornton Academy
admissions staff, who will connect interested students with a member of the school counseling staff.
• All students and families are encouraged to attend the Academic Expo in February to explore the variety of
course offerings.
Incoming international students
• Upon arrival, international students will take an English language test and a math placement test.
• Following the testing, school counselors will meet individually with international students to choose courses.
• Every international student will receive a class schedule during orientation and will start classes on the first day
of school.
The following is the required course of study for international students wishing to earn a Thornton Academy
diploma:
1-year students
2-year students
3-year students
(i.e., incoming students enrolled as seniors) must earn a minimum of 6 credits including: 1
English, 1 math, 1 science, 1 US history, 2 additional/electives.
(i.e. incoming students enrolled as juniors) must earn a minimum of 11 credits including: 2
English, 2 math, 2 science, 1 US history, 1 wellness and/or arts credit, 3 additional/electives.
(i.e. incoming students enrolled as sophomores) must earn a minimum of 16 credits including:
3 English, 3 math, 3 science, 1 US history, 1 social studies, 1 art, 0.5 wellness, 3.5 additional/
electives.
All students entering as 4-year students, or “freshmen” must follow the 22-credit requirement with core minimums.
* Please note that Thornton Academy does not accommodate course requests or changes based on teacher assignment or friends’
schedules.
Course selection procedure for returning students
Students and parents are encouraged to consult the four-year plan that each student has developed with his/her
school counselor.
• In late winter, students receive a copy of the Program of Studies and should begin discussions with teachers,
school counselors and parents regarding their course of study for the following year.
• Students complete course selection using Powerschool with the help of school counselors; current teachers make
recommendations available to students based on current course performance and prerequisite requirements.
• When all course requests have been submitted the master schedule is created.
• Returning students receive completed schedules upon return to school in the fall.