What determines eligibility for "honors" classes?
1. Students must have a teacher recommendation for honors & advanced courses.
2. Parents discuss course selection with their student and sign the course recommendation sheet. The student briefly meets with a high school counselor when freshman course selections are turned in at the junior high.
3. If a parent disagrees with their student's placement they need to discuss it with the high school guidance counselor before the course selection sheet is signed and returned to the junior high do not wait until August! It is possible (but very difficult) to drop or add a class. Students can withdraw from a course, but there are strict time rules.
How many "honors" classes are too many?
It varies with each individual. Here are some questions to ask your student:
1. How much reading and studying can be done given other time commitments (sports or activities at school and elsewhere)?
2. How much homework is too much? (an estimation of 1 hour of homework per honors class would be realistic).
3. How well do you tolerate a slower-paced class?
4. Do you enjoy the camaraderie of other honor students in your classes?
Students generally should not take honors classes in areas that are not of interest to them. Given the other adjustments that freshmen make, two honors classes may be the best for most PI/Honors math students. Students from PI+ often take three.
***Your child should take the time to set up a meeting with his/her counselor in the first semester of freshman year to review a four-year plan. The counselor will provide your child with valuable advice for course selection throughout high school.
What are AP courtses and weighted grades?
AP and enriched courses receive weighted grades, these courses are noted in your course selection guide.
1. These grades are weighted 5.0 on a 4.0 scale
Honors A=5 
Honors B=4Regular A=4
Honors B=4Regular A=42. Advanced Placement, or AP courses, are generally for sophomores or juniors and above; AP students take an additional test at the end of the year at and additional cost. Depending on the student's score, the student can actually earn college credit.
3. Take a class for its content, not the weighted grade. The weighted grade reflects the extra work required.
***For more information about Advanced Placement you can review the College Board's website at http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/program. In order to get detailed course information you will need to complete the free registration.
Do I need to take a study hall?
This is up to the parent and student.
Will I have room for band, or chorus, or orchestra?
Many students take music instead of a study hall. Many extracurricular music opportunities such as marching band, madrigal singers, vocal and instrumental jazz, etc. are available. While curricular music is not always required, most of those musicians are enrolled in a daily music class. It is also a fine arts credit.
What recognition is there for good grades?
1. Honor Rolls, three levels
2. 4.0 Awards
3 National Honor Society (Jr or Sr)
4. Valedictorian (Sr)
The Four-year Plan: Why bother filling it out?
1. You don't want to miss an opportunity to take a fun course. Four years will pass quickly and there are a limited number of spots in your schedule for electives.
2. You need to fulfill distribution requirements.
3. Write your four-year plan in PENCIL! Don't be afraid to change it!
What about summer school?
Currently District 203 summer school classes are geared towards meeting basic requirements or remedial work.
What are some of the miscellaneous requirements for graduation?
(Some of these can be done in summer school)
1. PSAE Taking the test is a graduation requirement as of 2004-05
2. Driver's education: school enrollment based on student's birth date
3. Consumer education: possible to test out
4. Sophomore speech class and health class (in place of PE)
5. Technology requirement
6. PE every year
Can I get help before or after school?
Yes, and lunch hour too! Please check with your teacher for times s/he is available.
Will I have to take more standardized tests?
The Plan test: sophomore year
PSAT: fall of junior year
AP tests: spring sophomore, junior, and senior years
PSAE: Prairie State Achievement Exams, junior year
SAT, SAT II: junior year
ACT: junior year
Tip: When you go to pick up your schedule in August your picture will be taken for your school portrait and your school, so look good!
Do you have any more questions? We're here to help! Contact us at
DON'T FORGET TO HAVE FUN IN HIGH SCHOOL!!!
GO OUT FOR SPORTS!
JOIN BAND, CHORUS, OR ORCHESTRA!
JOIN A CLUB!
HANG OUT WITH YOUR FRIENDS!
SUPPORTERS OF TALENTED AND GIFTED EDUCATION
partners with Naperville School District 203
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
BY PARENTS OF HIGH SCHOOL HONOR STUDENTS
