Important Considerations and School Policies

Course Load Requirements
Students in grades 9 through 11 must carry a minimum of six credits (plus P.E.) each semester. Seniors must carry a minimum of five credits (plus P.E.) each semester.

College Entrance Requirements
Colleges prefer a strong academic preparation in high school. Specific subject and grade average requirements vary from one institution to another, as the institutions themselves vary in the programs they offer and the kinds of students they seek. Generally speaking, colleges prefer students who have had a high school program that includes four years of English and social studies, two to four years of mathematics, two to four years of science, and two to five years of a foreign language. College-bound students who choose to “drop” one of these areas before they graduate should do so only after careful consideration. Teachers, counselors and department chairpersons can provide valuable information in these cases.

Taking a full academic program and obtaining a high level of achievement, together with activities that show the student is willing to participate in and contribute to the school or community, are the best ways to assure that a student will meet the requirements for college entrance. Students should check college bulletins and consult their counselors for specific information as they make their choices.

Advancing Through Sequential Courses
There are specific prerequisites for advancing through sequential courses in art, mathematics and foreign language. Please read those departmental sections carefully. When in doubt about electing the next sequential course, consultation with the teacher and school counselor is recommended.

Class Placement
Class and homeroom placement are based upon the number of credits previously earned. A student must have a minimum of 4.5 units to be ranked as a sophomore. A total of 10.5 units must be accumulated before the student is ranked as a junior; 15 units are required for classification as a senior.

Credit-By-Examination
A student may earn a maximum of six-and-a-half units of credit for either a Regents or a local diploma through credit-by-exam, a procedure set forth by the New York State Education Department. Students who believe they will benefit academically by exercising this option must develop an alternative plan for meeting the course requirements, complete a major project that is approved by the director of the department that offers the course being considered, and earn a score of 85% or above on a state-developed or state-approved examination.

A student who is interested must see his/her counselor or the appropriate department director for details. Applications, which are available in the Counseling Center, must be submitted to the principal for approval, prior to beginning a credit-by-exam program.

Course Fees
There are several notations throughout this booklet that indicate that a particular course has a required fee associated with it. Students who register for one of these courses will be expected to pay the associated fees.

If a student is not able to meet the fee requirement, he or she is urged to contact a school counselor or high school administrator to arrange for a fee waiver. Such arrangements must be made before registering for the course.

Opting Out
The district provides opportunities for students and families to “opt out” of non-mandated portions of the curriculum, when appropriate. To request the opportunity to opt out of a portion of a program, a student or parent may request the necessary form from the department director, the school office or the assistant superintendent’s office. Forms must be submitted to the assistant superintendent’s office no less than 10 school days before the topic is begun. The assistant superintendent, in consultation with the requesting parties and staff, will determine if the request is approved.

Program Planning
When you plan your high school program you should take into consideration your special abilities, interests and objectives. Your pattern of studies will be built around a minimum of required subjects. By carefully selecting elective subjects that meet your needs and satisfy your interests and abilities, you may work toward your own educational, career and technical,  and personal goals. It is your responsibility to consult with your parent, teachers and school counselor.

Graduation in Less Than Four Years
Niskayuna High School students may graduate in less than four years. The decision to do so should be made by parents and students based on the student’s goals, so that the time gained by this decision will be put to good use in work, travel or continued study at some other institution.

After parent and student have discussed the proposal thoroughly, they should consult the student’s counselor for a careful consideration of how such a decision could affect the student’s future plans.

The final decision to give permission is made by the principal after consultation with the counselor, the student and the student’s parents.

Alternative Education
For students who need alternate programming for their high school courses, Niskayuna students may have access to a program through Capital Region BOCES. Interested students should contact the school counselors for more information and, if appropriate, an application.

G.E.D. (General Educational Development) Program
Students who do not wish to work toward a Niskayuna High School diploma may consider entering the G.E.D. program. In order to qualify, students must have completed the school year in which they reached 16 years of age, have at least a 9th grade reading level, and be recommended for the program by the admissions team, which consists of school counselors and high school administrators. Interested students should talk with a school counselor to explore this option.

Senior Year Options
It should be noted there are a variety of options for senior year available within the Niskayuna High School program. Career exploration programs are available through the Cooperative Education course offered here and through the New Visions programs sponsored by the Capital Region BOCES.

A program is underway at Ellis and St. Peter’s Hospitals which enables students to explore medical careers; another provides experience in public communications at the Times Union newspaper; a third enables students to explore law and government with the New York State Legislature; others focus on business and finance or human services. Internships arranged through our school program can be tailored to individual student interests and needs.

Early admission to college — a course of study that enables students to complete high school graduation requirements while attending college — is an option for some students.

Those interested in more information are encouraged to speak to their counselors.

Steps in Planning
1. Establish personal goals. Even though they may be revised, you should have some specific educational, career and technical, and personal objectives toward which you are working.
2. Honestly evaluate your personal strengths, interests, aptitudes and needs.
3. Learn the requirements for entrance to the college or school of your choice or to the kind of work you plan to do after graduation.
4. During the 11th grade, visit the college or vocational resources in which you are interested.
5. Consult your parent, teachers and school counselor to benefit from their experience and the information they can make available to you. Talk with citizens of the community who are working in the profession or vocation you are considering.
6. Select the subjects that are to be included in your program. Choose those that will contribute most toward helping you achieve the goals that you have established.
7. Select subjects so your course load will be balanced throughout the four years you are in high school.

Exploring the Future
In planning your high school program, keep an eye on your hopes for the future. This is a time for learning at least as much about yourself as you do about the content of the courses you take. Pay close attention to what you like and what you do well. Think about how to apply that information to your future plans. Look for ways to try out ideas and suggestions about careers. Listed below are several programs offered at Niskayuna High School and through the Capital Region BOCES that have been designed specifically with this goal in mind. They are programs that give you a chance to work directly and in a meaningful way in a variety of fields, to gain experience and knowledge about careers and about yourself. As you plan your high school program, you may wish to consider one of the following programs during your four years:
• Career Exploration Internship Program (CEIP)
• New Visions: Health Careers
• New Visions: Human Services/Spec. Ed.
• New Visions: Public Communications
• New Visions: Law/Government

For more information, check the descriptions for CEIP and New Visions in this book, and talk with your school counselor.

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