Course Selection Process

NOTE TO STUDENTS AND PARENTS The course selection process for the 2022-23 school year begins here. Within these pages, you will find your course and program options as well as detailed information about requirements and prerequisites. As you plan, we urge you to seek the counsel of advisors and teachers. Please do be sure to read this catalog carefully — we always have a range of exciting offerings, some returning and some brand new. We hope you enjoy planning your journey at GFS!

CONSIDERING COLLEGE ADMISSIONS AS YOU PLAN GFS course requirements allow students the flexibility to not only pursue their intellectual passions but also to experiment. As they plan, students should keep in mind that most competitive colleges expect to see four years of study in English, History/Social Sciences, Math, Science, and Modern Language. Keep in mind that “minor” courses are also an important as well as rewarding part of your high school experience.

FOUR-YEAR COURSE PLANNING GRID The planning grid on page 8 will assist you with drafting various models for your course of study from grades ninth through twelfth. As you sketch out a multiyear plan, noting your required and elective courses, you will see the ways in which the curriculum might unfold for you. It is crucial to repeat this process annually to make sure you are meeting all requirements for graduation.

REQUIREMENTS AND A COURSE LOAD NOTE Ninth, tenth, and eleventh graders are required to take five major courses; twelfth graders may elect four or five majors. A student who wishes to take six major courses in any grade (an academic overload) must have the approval of the Upper School Division Director.

PREREQUISITES AND DEPARTMENTAL APPROVAL Please note that certain courses have prerequisites or, for a variety of reasons, require departmental approval. That information is listed on the departmental pages in this course catalog and on the grid (beginning on page 10).

COURSE SELECTION TIMELINE • Beginning in late January, students seek course selection advice from parents, teachers, and advisors. On occasion Department Heads and Deans are also consulted. Juniors can be well served by consulting with College Counseling as well. • Online course registration will open on Monday, February 7th, and close on Friday, February 18th. Students register for courses through their Veracross Student Portal. Parents also approve course requests through the Veracross Parent Portal. Parents and students will receive a confirmation in June indicating scheduled courses. • Add/Drop Period: At the beginning of the school year, students will have two 8-day rotations to add or drop a course to their schedule. All adds and drops must be approved by the Grade Dean.