Park Center Senior High- Registration FAQ’S
How do I know what classes I should take?
Students received a registration brochure that lists graduation requirements. Be sure to ask questions if you are unclear about any of the requirements. It’s your responsibility to be sure you’ve fulfilled your credits.
Where can I find the Registration Handbook and Brochure?
Every student received a registration brochure through their Advisory. The registration handbook includes course descriptions and more in depth information. The handbook can be found electronically on the PCSH website under Quick Links.
What should I know about the International Baccalaureate (IB) programs at Park Center?
Park Center is one of nearly 50 schools in the state that offers the IB Middle Years Program (MYP) or the IB Diploma Program (DP). The MYP is the program of studies for all students in grades 9 and 10 while the Diploma Program offers rigorous courses for students in grades 11 and 12. As an IB student, you will learn about the world by taking an additional language and exploring connections to your community, both next door and across the globe. The programs emphasize your development – academic, social, physical and emotional – as a whole person. You will complete a Personal Project in 10th grade in which you learn about or create a product (for example, a new song, a portfolio of photography, a personalized training program for a sport, a campaign against cyberbullying, etc.) around an interest you have. The IB Diploma Program (DP) is a challenging, internationally-recognized program of education that prepares juniors and seniors for success in college and in life beyond.
Should I take High Performance (HP), Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB) or regular class?
This is an individual decision. Take time to make the right decision for you because, in almost all cases, you cannot switch out of the class for which you registered. Talk to your parents/guardians and current teachers while also considering the following: Do you love the subject? Are your test scores in math and/or reading at or above your grade level? Are you willing to put in additional time and effort outside of school to be successful in the class? If you answered yes, then you should consider taking advanced coursework.
What’s the difference between HP and AP?
High performance classes are district specific curriculum delivered at an accelerated pace, whereas AP is a national, college-level experience curriculum. Students in HP and AP classes will do more reading, writing and analysis than their peers enrolled in the regular course of that subject area.
What is AP and can I take it?
AP is a national college level curriculum. Be sure you’ve done your research because you will need to stay in the class all year if you register for it. For every AP course, there is an exam at the end of the year, with additional cost, which can be used for college credit if your score is high enough. In general, advanced classes help challenge you and prepare you for college.
How many HP/AP/IB classes should I take?
Again, this is an individual decision. Talk to teachers, family, etc. to decide what level of rigor makes sense for your capabilities, interests, goals, and involvement in extracurricular activities.
What classes do colleges require?
Every college is different. Colleges require different courses than are required for high school graduation. Check college websites for their admission requirements. However, be sure to go “above and beyond” their minimum admission requirements to strengthen your chances of actually being admitted. In general, it’s safe to plan on 4 years of core subjects, show an upward trend with your GPA, and show that you’ve challenged yourself with the appropriate rigor level for you.
What if my question is about college admission requirements?
The best resource for these questions is the college. Colleges list their minimum admission requirements on their websites (but make sure to go above and beyond the minimum to strengthen your chances of admission). You also can email admission officers with your questions; they are usually prompt with replies.
I heard that colleges require a minimum of 2 years of World Language. Can I do 1 year of one language and then two years of a different one?
Most 4 year colleges require a minimum of two years in the same language, but again, please check with the specific college you are interested in attending.
What if I have more questions?
Students: Use your many tools, including 1) the Registration Brochure and Handbook – it is packed with information including course descriptions, policies, and graduation requirements 2) current teachers regarding their recommendations and information about specific courses 3) your Counselor or Advisory teacher.
Parents: Thank you for encouraging your student to use the above tools & resources. The quickest way for counselors to help you with follow up questions is via email. We are working with registration at the middle school and high school level, so much of the next few weeks is spent away from our offices. Counselors and Advisory teachers will also be available the night of Registration Conferences (1/26) to help with general registration questions. We are eager to help you and your student with registration questions and appreciate your patience as we work to help all of our students feel confident in their registration choices.
Additional Resources:
Park Center Senior High Website: http://schools.district279.org/pcsh/
Park Center Senior High Main Office: 763-569-7600
Park Center Senior High Counseling: 763-569-7620
Park Center School Counselors:
Christopher Cary (A-El)
Kathy Holladay (Em-La)
Dan Nguyen (Le-O)
Amanda Wavrin (P-T)
Mike Vecellio (U-Z)
PCSH Counseling: 1/2017