Program of Studies - Hunterdon Central Regional High School

Planning for the World of Work:
Students planning to enter the world of work immediately after graduation from high school may wish to concentrate on course
sequences that provide some vocational preparation. In addition to the courses required for high school graduation, students are
encouraged to consider elective course work in areas of interest. Students wishing specific skill preparation while in high school
may choose to enroll in Polytech courses. Consult with counselors for more information.
Course Work Taken Prior to High School:
High school level courses taken prior to grade 9 may be used to meet prerequisites or advancement in a particular subject area.
However, because graduation credit requirements may only be met by courses taken in grades 9-12, high school level courses
taken prior to grade 9 are not included in GPA or credits earned, nor are these listed on the high school transcript. Grade 9 begins
upon graduation from grade 8.
Grade Level Promotion Requirements:
In order for students to be promoted to the next grade level, a required amount of credits must be completed during the school year
(September through August). These minimums coincide with eligibility requirements.
9 th to 10 th grade: 27.5 Credits
10 th to 11 th grade: 55.0 Credits
11 th to 12 th grade: 82.5 Credits
This is for graduation and eligibility tracking purposes only. It will not affect the student’s ability to participate in grade level
determined social activities.
Athletic & Co-Curricular Eligibility:
The Board of Education recognizes that the primary responsibility of the school system is to educate all students to the maximum
levels possible. Although the academic program has first priority, student activities are an important part of the total learning
experience. The Board of Education, therefore, has an obligation to provide an opportunity for students to participate in a full
range of activities, while ensuring that the student's academic progress is sufficient to support this participation.
Any student who wishes to compete in interscholastic sports must meet the minimum credit requirements established by the New
Jersey Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) and the HCRHS Board of Education. Eligibility for activities will be
determined on a semester-by-semester basis. All incoming freshmen are automatically eligible to participate in athletics. Currently
enrolled students at HCRHS must have accumulated 30 credits at the end of the previous school year to be eligible for a fall or
winter sport, and 15 credits at the end of the first semester to be eligible for a spring sport. All freshmen are required to take 37.5
credits and upperclassmen are required to take 30 credits. Counselors encourage any student who wants to participate in athletics
to schedule 40 credits. Students should check with counselors if they have any questions about eligibility.
Participation in College Athletics:
Students who intend to participate in NCAA Division I or II athletics as a college freshman must be certified by the NCAA
Clearinghouse. Certain academic criteria in high school must be met, in order to participate in college athletics at this level.
Counselors can help determine whether or not initial eligibility standards apply. If standards do apply, an NCAA Clearinghouse
application should be obtained from Counseling Services or from
http://eligibilitycenter.org/ECWR2/NCAA_EMS/NCAA_EMS.html#
Meeting minimum NCAA eligibility requirements will not guarantee admission into the college of choice. It is recommended that
coaches and parents work with Counseling Services on strategies for college admissions.
COURSE LEVELS
Initial course level placement is based on teacher recommendation, department supervisor recommendation and/or performance in
prerequisite courses. We encourage students to challenge themselves and recognize that “academic rigor” is one of the key
determinants to learning. Students are also encouraged to evaluate the demands of their entire schedule when considering courses.
Students should contemplate the risk involved when choosing courses that build upon previous courses and recognize that prior
performance impacts the ability to achieve at the same level in subsequent courses. In addition, please understand that once a
student has selected this course, his/her ability to make a subsequent level change is dependant upon seat availability.
Notification as to the deadlines for schedule adjustments is included in the schedule verification letter mailed home in the spring.
There are two levels of courses utilized for the purpose of calculating weighted grade point average: 1. Weighted courses are any
course with an AP (Advanced Placement courses) or HNS (Honors courses) label. HCRHS has instituted a new grading scale that
uses an increased grade point weight for Honors and Advanced Placement courses. The new grade point weight system is
effective September 2010 and is not retroactive. For HNS courses, grade point equivalents increase 0.5. For AP courses, grade
point equivalents increase 1.0. For example: Standard "B" = 3.0, HNS "B" = 3.5, AP "B" = 4.0. 2. Unweighted courses are any
courses not designated AP or HNS. Both weighted and unweighted grade point averages (WGPA and GPA) are calculated.
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