Sophomore Yr Course Selection Guide

This Course Selection Guide is for the class of 2026, current 9th graders, to select their 10th grade courses.

Included in this Guide:

• Course Selection Timeline
• Review of Graduation and A-G College Eligibility Requirements
• Typical Schedule for 10th grade
• Course Options for 10th grade
• Healthy Limit Waiver
• How-to Update Classes in your Aeries Academic Plan
• Challenge Process Information
• Add/Drop Policy & Disclaimers

February 5th – Deadline for changes to online Aeries Academic Planner

February 10th-19th – Individual Student Meetings with Counselors in English Classes

Typical Sophomore Schedule

1. English - English 2, English 2 (H) or ELD

2. Math - Algebra 1, Geometry, Geometry (H), Algebra 2/Trig, Algebra 2/Trig (H), Precalculus, Precal (H)

3. Science - Chemistry, Chemistry (H), Chemistry (AP)

4. Social Science - World History, World History (AP)

5. Physical Education - Aerobic Fitness, Racquet Sports, Strength and Conditioning

6.Elective - Foreign Language, Fine Art, Music, Film, Graphic Design, Engineering, Applied Medical, Theatre Arts, Choir, Photography, Cheer, Color Guard, Sport

• What does CP stand for? College Prep - this is the standard-level course option.
• What does H stand for? Honors - this is an advanced-level course.
• What does AP stand for? Advanced Placement - this is an advanced course that includes a comprehensive exam at the end of the course. Your score on this exam could earn you college credits depending on your score and if the college you attend someday accepts AP credit.
• What does ELD stand for? English Language Development- these courses are designed specifically for English language learners to develop their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in English. Students are placed into these courses if applicable.

Only students in the following programs may add a zero period to their schedule: ASB, Early College, AVID, Instrumental Music, and Yearbook.

ZERO period in not guaranteed!

English 2

English 2 H (Course Placement Recommendation: B Grade or Better in English 1 H or A Grade in English 1)

Algebra 1

Geometry (Course Placement Recommendation: C Grade or better in Algebra 1)

Geometry Honors (Course Placement Recommendation: A Grade in Algebra 1)

Algebra 2/Trig (Course Placement Recommendation: C Grade or better in Geometry)

Algebra 2/Trig H (Course Placement Recommendation: A Grade in Geometry)

Pre-Calculus

Pre-Calculus H (B or better in Algebra 2/Trig H)

World History

World History AP

Chemistry (C Grade in Biology and concurrent enrollment in Geometry)

Chemistry H (B or better in Biology & Geometry)

French

Chinese for the Chinese evaluation placement application click here and to make an appointment click here

Spanish

Spanish for Native Speakers

Students wishing to participate in Athletics MUST TRY OUT. In the meantime, all 10th grade students will be placed into a physical fitness class listed below. The class will be listed as PE Course 2. Team websites and coach contact information can be found here or on the BHS Website under “Athletics.”

Aerobic Fitness

Racquet Sports

Strength and Conditioning

Elective Pathways Video

CTE (CAREER TECHNICAL EDUCATION) PATHWAYS

Human Body Systems-how the body systems work together to maintain homeostasis and good health

Engineering Design-research, analysis, teamwork, engineering standards, technical documentation

Photo Design-The photography pathway is a sequence of courses exploring everything from studio lighting, camera operations, Adobe Photoshop/Lightroom, and alternative techniques in both digital and traditional applications. You will connect your interest to a college or career in the arts. The 2nd year course, Visual Imagery, fulfills Photo 50 at Saddleback College so students may earn 3 transferable college credits through our Articulation Agreement by taking this course.

Graphic Design-applying 2D design to solve real world visual arts problems

Media Arts-writing, script analysis, directing, design, acting, self-evaluation, and critique

Computer Science - Principles of computation, coding, abstractions, algorithms, cybersecurity, and networking.

VPA (VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS) PATHWAYS

Exploration of Art-exploring different mediums and techniques in fine art, such as painting, drawing, portraits, collages, art history and so much more!

Dramatic Production-writing, script analysis, directing, design, acting, and understanding theatrical genres

Concert Orchestra-study and performance of music written for varying combinations of string instruments

Symphonic Band-develop and practice basic instrumental techniques

Guitar-reading chords, strum techniques of classical guitar playing while singing

Mixed Chorus-study and performance of music written for varying vocal ensembles

OTHER ELECTIVES

Yearbook-photo journalism, layout, copy fitting & writing, head-line and outline writing, and picture cropping *Requires separate application. Email completed applicaitons to cblair@tustin.k12.ca.us

Film Analysis

ROP offers many options for career focus hands on training electives classes, some including working with animals, fire rescue, automotive tech, culinary arts, and dental assisting. Many of these classes include internships at local business and industry sites where ROP students continue to improve their problem-solving skills and critical thinking skills. ROP is free to high school students and meet once or twice a week offering high school students with 5 or 10 high school credits.

Students may not take more than 7 courses total between their Beckman courses and ROP courses.

Students must register for Coastline ROP classes with Mrs. Montes in the Career Center.

You must be 16 to register for classes. Please understand that we schedule Seniors first, Juniors second, and Sophomores third for class seat availability.

Interested in enrolling in a community college class? Learn more about the options and process on our Community College Classes webpage.

In an effort to create a healthy academic balance, freshmen may request up to two weighted classes (AP or Honors). If the student wishes to request a third honors or AP class, the student and parent must complete an online interactive presentation and turn in a signed AP Limit Waiver.

Both the presentation and waiver can be found here. Email the paper waiver to Mrs. Hungerford at shungerford@tustin.k12.ca.us

• Link to Online Waiver HERE
• Download Paper Waiver HERE Email this to shungerford@tustin.k12.ca.us
• Link to FAQ's HERE

Bring your signed paper waiver with you to registration.

What is the Challenge Process?

• When you do not meet the prerequisite for the course

What do I do to Challenge the placement?

• You complete a challenge form stating that you understand you do not meet the prerequisite but you want to enroll in the course. Please understand you will BE REQUIRED TO REMAIN IN THE CLASS UNTIL THE END OF THE SEMESTER regardless of grades and be expected to perform in this higher level course.
• All challenges done between May 5th - May 12th
• Electronic form will be on our website

• Parent and student have reviewed and agree to the expectations of all courses selected.

• We realize these are course requests and placement is not guaranteed.
• We understand that teacher and/or period requests will not be accommodated due to scheduling constraints.
• We have listed two mandatory course alternates in the event our first choice is unavailable.