As we begin the course scheduling process for next year, we want to provide clarity regarding the use of the terms “recommendation” and “approval” to help you better understand your student’s course options.

During the scheduling process, students will be approved for the highest-level course they have qualified to take next year. Approval reflects the courses for which the student has met the necessary requirements based on prerequisites and performance data.

In addition to approval, teachers may also make recommendations for courses that consider a broader perspective, such as the student’s overall schedule, individual needs, and interests. A recommendation may differ from the approved course and is intended to help guide students and families in selecting the most appropriate option meeting the long-term goals of the student.

To further clarify, our Student Information System, PowerSchool, uses the term “recommended” to indicate the highest-level approved course. Due to system limitations, we are unable to customize this term to align with our district terminology. Please note that the “recommended” course listed in PowerSchool reflects the course for which your student is approved, not necessarily the teacher’s recommendation.

We encourage students and families to have conversations with their student’s teachers to identify the best course for their needs, rather than assuming the PowerSchool “recommended” course aligns with the teacher's suggestion.

Thank you for your support as we work together to ensure each student is set up for success next year.

On an annual basis, the North Allegheny School District revises and publishes its Program of Studies. The course offerings for each grade level and content area are designed in a sequential manner. The beginning of the document outlines general information and terminology to assist this important process. The remainder of the document focuses on course descriptions for each department and the special programs available to meet individual student needs.

Each year, the district publishes a Scheduling Timeline that identifies the major benchmarks for this process. With the need to schedule approximately 2,600 students, it is important for students, parents, and the professional staff to understand the expectations. Certain courses are required within each grade level. At other times, students are recommended for a course based upon the pre-requisite criteria or sequence designed in that particular department. Some courses are only available at certain times or in certain grade levels. For more information about requirements for specific classes of students, please visit the Graduation Requirements link. Please contact the School Counseling Office with specific questions.

SCHEDULING REQUIREMENTS FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

1. At least 2.0 credits of Elective Courses must be acquired in the Arts and Humanities. Arts and Humanities courses include additional courses in English, Social Studies, World Languages, Visual Arts, Family and Consumer Sciences, and Music Arts.
2. At least one additional credit must be taken in a S.T.E.M.- related area (i.e., Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). In the Table of Contents for the selected Department, the Program of Studies outlines specific courses that meet the S.T.E.M. designation.
3. Students must schedule a minimum of 7.0 credits each year: Students who deviate from this requirement must have the approval of the Building Principal and/or IEP Team.
4. Successful completion of a minimum of 12 credits is required to achieve junior standing. Students with deficiencies in English, Math, Science, or Social Studies will require a review in order to be eligible for full-time enrollment at the Senior High School.
5. There are eight instructional periods at the Intermediate High School and Senior High School. Students are encouraged to take advantage of the many and varied elective courses offered by the district.
6. Students may not schedule more than the equivalent of one full year/full-time study hall during the year.

MIDDLE SCHOOL SCHEDULING

The middle-level program at the North Allegheny School District is designed to meet the academic, social, emotional, and physical needs of adolescents. The scheduling timeline for students entering grades six through eight is similar to the high school—but occurs in a simplified manner. Depending on the particular grade level, students have only a few choices for music or world languages. Math recommendations are based on a score earned through a matrix that utilizes multiple criteria. Parents should contact the School Counseling Office with specific questions related to scheduling.