NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY

(This can vary from graduating class to class as course offerings are revised.)

DESCRIPTION:  This organization is for the recognition of students who have excelled and maintained high standards in scholarship, leadership, character, and service throughout high school. This is considered to be the highest honor that can be bestowed by the high school. Therefore, the requirements are high and the screening process is thorough.

MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS:  Rising Seniors who have been in attendance at KMHS for at least one term, have a weighted GPA of 4.1, maintain a final grade of at least 70 in each class, and are candidates for the North Carolina Scholars Diploma will be considered for membership.

Candidates are selected for membership in the fall of their senior year based upon scholarship, character, leadership, and service by a five-member council appointed by the principal. This is an honor that everyone may strive for, but no one has the right to expect.

Students who have been suspended and have exhibited unsatisfactory qualities of character during high school (grades 9-12) will not qualify for acceptance into the National Honor Society.

SCHOLARSHIP

It is highly suggested by the faculty council that students interested in selection into the KM Chapter of the NHS pay close attention to the rigor of courses attempted.

As courses change each year, this list will be updated. All Pre-AP and AP Courses, Honors English II, Honors English III, Honors Anatomy & Physiology, Honors Biology, Honors Chemistry, Honors Physics, Honors Civic Literacy, Honors American History, Honors Economics and Personal Finance, Honors Math II, Honors Math III, Honors Precalculus, Foreign Language II, III, IV;  Only Honors College & Career Promise (CCP) courses.

The committee requires that students must earn credit in a minimum of 11 courses from the above list. Transfer students will be evaluated based on the curriculum at their former school. As course offerings change yearly – check the updated list each year.

LOSS OF MEMBERSHIP: The following shall constitute grounds for expulsion from the KMHS Chapter of the National Honor Society. If a student is dismissed from NHS, the student will not be eligible to be re-invited. 

1. After missing ONE scheduled service opportunity, a member will receive a letter notifying him/her of the absence. After the second absence, the member will be removed from the NHS.
2. The governing committee or principal may dismiss a NHS member for disciplinary reasons or character not worthy of a NHS member inside or outside of school.
3. A student will be dismissed from the NHS upon receiving a suspension from school.
4. A student will be dismissed from the NHS upon not receiving credit for a course (course failures).
5. Each student will be required to complete a minimum of 8 NHS-sanctioned community service hours per school year or the member will be removed. Four hours must be completed by the end of the first semester, or the student will be removed from the National Honor Society. Early graduates must complete 5 service hours in the fall semester.

 

 BETA CLUB - KINGS MOUNTAIN HIGH SCHOOL

Beta Club:  To be eligible for membership in the KMHS Chapter of the National Beta Club, a student must satisfy the following requirements under the Future Ready Core Curriculum.

1. Beginning with the class of 2020, students must have a 3.9 cumulative weighted GPA.

2. Have no course failures

3. Have no suspension from school since the 9th grade

4. Manifest a worthy character

5. Exemplify responsible citizenship

6. Demonstrate responsible attitudes

Loss of Membership:  The following shall constitute grounds for expulsion from the KMHS Chapter of the National Beta Club.  If a student is dismissed from the Beta Club, the student will not be eligible to be re-invited. 

1. After three absences from regular membership meetings, a member will receive a letter notifying him/her of the absences.  After the fourth absence, the member will be removed from the Beta Club roll.

2. The governing committee or principal may dismiss a Beta Club member for disciplinary reasons or character not worthy of a Beta Club member inside or outside of school.

3. A student will be dismissed from Beta Club upon receiving a suspension from school.

4. A student will be dismissed from Beta Club upon not receiving credit for a course (course failures).

5. Every Beta Club member shall maintain a creditable record and a cumulative 3.5 weighted GPA.  Failure to maintain this level of achievement will place the student on probation for one semester.  If the grades do not improve to the standards after the semester, the member will be removed from the Beta Club roll.

6. Each student will be required to complete a minimum of 8 community service hours per school year or the member will be removed from the Beta Club roll.  4 hours must be completed by the end of the first semester each year or the student will be removed from the Beta Club roll.

Eligible students are invited for membership in the spring of their 10th, 11th, and/or 12th grade years.

 

CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION HONOR SOCIETY

KINGS MOUNTAIN HIGH SCHOOL CHAPTER

To be eligible for membership in the Kings Mountain Chapter of the Career and Technical Education Honor Society a student: 

• must be a senior and in attendance at KMHS for at least one term.
• must have an over-all minimum weighted GPA requirement of 3.5.
• must be a CTE Concentrator and have completed four on-campus CTE courses.
• must be recommended by a Career-Technical Education teacher.
• should be persons who have demonstrated scholastic achievement, skill development, leadership, honesty, responsibility, and good character.

Membership in the Kings Mountain Chapter of the CTE Honor Society will be determined annually using the criteria specified in the eligibility guidelines and bylaws.  To maintain eligibility a member must:

• maintain a 3.5 cumulative weighted grade point average.
• maintain satisfactory involvement in school and community affairs.
• maintain a high level of leadership and character as evidenced in the school and community.

Loss of Membership:  The following shall constitute grounds for expulsion from the KMHS Chapter of the Career and Technical Education Honor Society.  If a student is dismissed, the student will not be eligible to be re-invited. 

• Being assigned an Out of School Suspension will result in expulsion from CTE Honor Society.
• Being assigned to the Optional Classroom could result in expulsion from CTE Honor Society
• Exhibiting any behavior, on or off campus that does not conform to the high ideals and standards expected of members of the Career and Technical Education Honor Society could result in expulsion from the Kings Mountain Chapter of CTEHS.
• Missing more than one formally scheduled meeting during the year.
• Not participating in service projects sponsored by CTEHS.

 

ACADEMIC HONORS

ABC’s of ELEVATE Cards:  ELEVATE is not a program.  It is a process that encourages academic excellence and improvement as well as good citizenship.  It was created to recognize and reward the academic achievements of students. Its primary goals are to increase student performance and teacher enthusiasm, and raise the level of community participation in schools.  At KMHS, we emphasize increasing student attendance, improving overall academic performance, and creating a positive, safe school environment.  Cards received are based on the previous semester’s grade point average (GPA).  Students receiving a 4.0 GPA or above qualify for a GOLD CARD.  Those receiving a GPA of 3.5 to 3.999 qualify for a SILVER CARD.  Those receiving a 3.0 to 3.499 qualify for a BRONZE CARD.  Students participating will receive various rewards and incentives throughout the school year.  In order to participate and receive incentives, a student must officially carry his/her ELEVATE card which will designate him/her as a current card holder. Based on the previous semester, students who have an OSS OR receive an F will not be eligible for an ELEVEATE card, regardless of their GPA. See website for additional information.

Junior Marshals:  The top students in the junior class will be selected to serve as junior marshals for graduation.  The number of junior marshals may vary from year to year, depending on the number of students with the same GPA.  There will be a minimum of 20.  Students must have been in attendance at KMHS for at least one (year) term.  This is an honor that everyone may strive for, but no one has the right to expect.  Students who have been suspended or have exhibited unsatisfactory qualities of character during high school will not qualify for this honor.  Once selected, a student may have no grades less than a C each grading period as well as no character issues to remain a junior marshal.

Honor Roll:  The Academic Honor Roll will be announced at the end of each nine weeks and semester.  The Honor Roll is based on A or A/B average for all classes

Graduation Distinctions - Stoles

Students with a specific weighted GPA shall receive a stole to be worn at graduation.

4.30 or higher weighted GPA – Summa Cum Laude, gold stole

4.20 to 4.29 weighted GPA – Magna Cum Laude, silver stole

4.10 to 4.19 weighted GPA – Cum Laude, bronze stole

Mission Statement

The mission of Kings Mountain High School is to provide a safe and orderly environment where high expectations enable students to obtain skills and knowledge necessary for graduation and for becoming responsible and productive citizens.

We at Kings Mountain High School believe:

• Students can learn.
• A safe and orderly environment promotes students' learning.
• High expectations increase individual student performance.
• Open communication will improve home-school relations.
• Learning is a joint effort between parents, staff, students, and community members.
• Students should demonstrate good citizenship.

 

A Message from the Principal:

Dear Mountaineer Parents and Students,

Welcome to the registration process at Kings Mountain High School.   I would like to encourage all of our students to take advantage of the wonderful learning opportunities KMHS has to offer.  Kings Mountain High School continues to be recognized as one of the best high schools in the state.

Registering for classes is very important and should be taken seriously.  Please put special consideration and time into choosing courses.  Once courses are chosen, student schedules will not be changed.

If you have any questions about any part of the registration process, please call the school and ask one of our administrators or counselors.

I look forward to another banner year at KMHS and trust that every student will receive an excellent high school education.

#GDTBAM

Melissa Wilson
Principal
 

Cleveland County Schools is committed to equal opportunity in education and employment and does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, religion, ethnic origin, or handicapping condition.  (Title VI, Civil Rights Act of 1964)   The Title IX and Handicapped Section 504 Coordinator is Sandy Hamrick.  She can be reached at ext: 8077 400 West Marion Street, Shelby, North Carolina, 28150 or by calling (704) 476-8000.

Cleveland County Schools se compromenten a oportunidades de igualdad in education y no discriminan sobre la base de sexo, raza, religion, origin etnico o condiciones de iFFpacidad.  (Titulo VI de la Politica de los Derechos Civiles de 1964.  Coordinadora de Titulo IX Seccion 504 de IFFpacidad:  Sandy Hamrick, 8077 400 West Marion Street, Shelby, NC 28150; (704) 476-8000.

 

Policy changes made after this guide is printed supersede any information contained in this guide.  Contact KMHS Administration with any questions.

 

How to use this Guide:

1.  Find out what your strengths are and enhance them with liberal doses of hard work and discipline.
2.  Listen carefully during advisement & become familiar with the content of your registration guide. 
3.  Discuss information with parents and teachers.
4.  Identify your career goals and choose the program and courses that will help you reach your goals. 
5.  Registering for classes is very important and should be taken seriously.  Please put special 
     consideration and time into choosing courses.  Once courses are chosen, student schedules will
     NOT be changed.
6.  Complete your registration form. 

Our Schedule:

In the spring, all students will register for 8 classes with alternates. During the summer, a schedule with 4 or 5 fall term classes and 4 or 5 spring term classes will be prepared for each student.  Schedules will be emailed or mailed to 10th-12th grade students prior to Fall Term.

The academic year at Kings Mountain High School is organized into two terms that follow the Cleveland County Schools calendar: fall term and spring term. Students have either four each semester or three classes for 1 semester and 2 classes that meet on a yearlong schedule. Students have the opportunity to take eight units of credit each year and, therefore, a total of 32 units of credit during their high school careers. Most courses are offered during both terms. However, some courses are taught only during the fall term or the spring term.

Maximum potential credit is defined as the individual’s opportunity to earn all high school credits available within each academic year. Students transferring from a traditional high school with a six or seven period day must successfully complete 85% of their maximum potential credit available during their high school career to meet minimum graduation requirements.   Therefore, some transfer students may be able to graduate with fewer than 28 units of credit.   To be eligible for valedictorian or salutatorian, a student must be enrolled by the end of the first grading period of their Junior year and earn 32 total credits including 8 credits their Senior year.

Early Graduation

Board Policy 3640 states that students who have completed state and local graduation requirements may be awarded a high school diploma and exit with an official transcript prior to the end of the senior year. Students who complete graduation requirements early may participate in graduation exercises at the end of the school year.  Students who will meet all graduation requirements and wish to exit early should submit an application for early graduation to the principal at the end of the school year prior to the academic year in which the student wishes to be awarded a diploma.

Promotion Standards

• 6 units of credit including English I and a math course are required to be a Sophomore (10th Grade).  Sophomores must take 8 classes each year.

• 12 units of credit including 2 maths, English I, and English II are required to be a Junior (11th Grade).  Juniors must take 8 classes each year.

• 20 units of credit including 2 maths and English I, II & III are required to be a Senior (12th Grade). Seniors 
must take 7 classes each year unless they have Early Release or Early Graduation. 

North Carolina Graduation Requirements

Content Area	Future-Ready Core	NC Academic Scholars Program Requirements
English	4 Credits I, II, III, IV	4 Credits I, II, III, IV
Mathematics	4 Credits Math 1, Math 2, Math 3, and one higher math	4 Credits Math 1, Math 2, Math 3, and 4th higher math credit with Math 3
Science	3 Credits a Physical Science course, Biology, and Earth/Environmental Science	3 Credits Physics OR Chemistry, Biology, and Earth/Environmental Science course
Social Studies	4 Credits Civic Literacy, World History, American History or AP US History, Economics and Personal Finance	4 Credits Civic Literacy, World History, American History or AP US History, Economics and Personal Finance
Foreign Language	Not Required	2 Credits (Same Language)
Computer Skills	Students must demonstrate through state testing.	Students must demonstrate through state testing.
Health and Physical Education	1 Credit Health/Physical Education & CPR	1 Credit Health/Physical Education & CPR
Career & Technical	see Electives Sheet	2 Elective credits in a second language required for the UNC System AND 4 elective credits constituting a concentration recommended from one of the following: Career and Technical Education (CTE), JROTC, Arts Education, Second Languages, any other subject area  AND The student shall have completed at least three higher-level courses during junior and/or senior years which carry quality points such as Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, Cambridge International, or Dual Enrollment courses; Advanced CTE and CTE credentialing courses; honors level courses, or Project Lead the Way courses.
Arts Education	See Electives sheet
Electives	12 Credits required  2 electives of any combination from either and 4 course concentration recommended: - Career-Technical Education - Arts Education - Second Languages
Total	28 Credits	28 Credits AND 4 Year Unweighted GPA 3.5

 

UNC System Minimum Incoming Freshmen Requirements

Individual constituent institutions may require other courses in addition to the minimum requirements. 

In addition to meeting the minimum eligibility requirements, students need to have completed some core high school-level coursework. All UNC System universities require the courses listed below and consider how well students perform, including performance in national achievement tests. 

Language

• Four units in English, emphasizing grammar, composition, and literature

Mathematics

Four course units of mathematics, in any of the following combinations:

• algebra I and II, geometry, and one unit beyond algebra II,
• algebra I and II, and two units beyond algebra II, or
• integrated math I, II, and III, and one unit beyond integrated math III.

The UNC System strongly encourages students to take at least one mathematics course in 12th grade.

Sciences

Three course units in science, including:

• at least one unit in a life or biological science (for example, biology),
• at least one unit in physical sciences (for example, physical science, chemistry, physics), and
• at least one laboratory course.

Social Studies

Two course units in social studies, including:

• one unit in U.S. history. 
• students who do not have the unit in U.S. history may be admitted on the condition that they pass at least three semester hours in that subject by the end of the sophomore year.

Additional Courses

For students applying for first-time (freshman) admission to constituent institutions through the 2024 spring semester:

• Two course units of a language other than English.

For students applying for first-time (freshman) admission to constituent institutions after the 2024 spring semester:

• Two additional academic courses from English, mathematics, science, social studies, world languages, or computer science.

(Note: these courses should be selected in alignment with a student’s academic and career objectives. Completion of two sequential world language courses is recommended.)

Fall 2026 & Beyond – Minimum GPA of 2.5; 2.5 - 2.8 GPA [930+ SAT or 17+ ACT]

 

Driver's License Guidelines

Dropout Prevention/Driver’s License Guidelines - All students under the age of 18 who are eligible for a driving permit or license must remain in school and make adequate progress toward graduation (pass 70 percent of classes during the previous semester) in order to receive or maintain a driving permit or license.

“Lose Control, Lose Your License” - The legislation directs public schools to notify the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles whenever a student is given an expulsion/suspension for more than 10 consecutive days due to possession or sale of an alcoholic beverage or an illegal drug, possession of a weapon, and/or physical assault on teacher or other school personnel.

 

Academic Course Levels

College Prep Courses:   Course content, pace, and academic rigor follow standards specified by the NC Standard Course of Study with occasional content enrichment where appropriate.

Honors Courses:  Course content, pace, and academic rigor put high expectations on the student and surpass standards specified by the NC Standard Course of Study.  Such courses demand a greater degree of independence and responsibility on the part of the student.  The state weighting system adds the equivalent of ½ a quality point to the grade earned (see below for specifics).

Honors College Courses:  The state weighting system adds the equivalent of one (1) quality point to the grade earned in community college courses included on the most recent Comprehensive Articulation Agreement Transfer List to 4-year colleges.

Advanced Placement (AP) Courses:  Course content, pace, and academic rigor is college-level as adopted by the College Board and is geared to enable students to pass the AP test.  The state weighting system adds the equivalent of 1 quality point to the grade earned (see below for specifics).  Students who take AP courses are required to take the corresponding AP examinations.   Students who do not take the AP exam will be penalized one letter grade (School Board Policy 3540).  Estimated cost is $94.00.

Students who enroll in AP Courses will NOT be allowed to drop the course after August 1.  Freshmen can take 1 AP Course (AP Human Geography). Sophomores can only take 2 AP Courses.  Students will pay for AP exams if the cost is not covered by the state. Students passing AP exams with a score of 3 or higher will be reimbursed the full cost of the exam if they had to pay for the exams. Cleveland County Schools will cover the costs of AP exams for economically disadvantaged students if the state does not pay for the exams. Board policy 3540 states, “Students who take Advanced Placement courses are required to take the corresponding Advanced Placement examinations. Students who do not take the AP exam will be penalized one letter grade.”
 

GPA Calculations:

Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT)

The PSAT is nationally administered by the College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB) and assesses students in three areas: Critical Reading, Mathematics, and Writing. Verbal skills are assessed by multiple choice questions using: critical reading passages, paired passages, vocabulary in context, and sentence completion.  Math sections allow the use of a calculator and employ multiple choice questions, and “constructed responses” to measure how well students understand and apply mathematics to new situations and non-routing problems.  The PSAT is used to help students practice for the Scholastic Assessment Test and to qualify for scholarships and recognition from such programs as: National Merit Scholarships, National Achievement Scholarships for Outstanding Negro Students, National Hispanic Scholar Recognition Program, Student Search Service, and some statewide and national industry scholarship competitions. The PSAT is administered to students who meet certain criteria determined by the District Office.  Registration information is available in the school counselors’ office.

Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT)

The Scholastic Assessment Test is an optional test nationally administered by the College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB). It assesses students in two areas: Critical Reading and Mathematics.  Critical Reading skills are assessed by multiple choice questions using: critical reading passages, paired passages, vocabulary in context, and sentence completion. Math sections allow the use of a calculator and employ multiple choice questions, and “constructed responses” to measure how well students understand and apply mathematics to new situations and non-routine problems.  The SAT is one of the admissions tests used by postsecondary institutions to assist in selecting students.  The SAT is administered at selected sites nationally. Students must pay and register several weeks prior to the test date. Registration information is available in the school counselor’s office.

Pre-ACT

Pre-ACT helps 10^th graders build a solid foundation for future academic and career success.  It is a comprehensive guidance resource that helps students measure their current academic development, explore career/training options, and make plans for the remaining years of high school and beyond.  Pre-ACT contains four curriculum-based assessments – English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science – and includes a career exploration component that stimulates students’ thinking about future plans and relates personal characteristics to career options.  All 10^th graders take the Pre-ACT during the school day.

American College Testing Program (ACT)

The American College Testing Assessment is administered by the American College Testing Program and used by postsecondary institutions for admissions purposes. The instrument includes five tests of educational development: English, Mathematics, Science, Reading and Writing. Science is no longer included in the school composite score and the writing is optional. The High School Course/Grade Information questionnaire and ACT Interest Inventory and Student Profile Section are also included in the ACT. The ACT is one of the admissions tests used by postsecondary institutions to assist in selection of students.  Students must pay and register by mail several weeks prior to the test date. Registration information is available in the school counselors’ office.  At print time, NC has planned to pay for all Juniors to take the ACT in the spring of each year.

Fee Waivers - Fee waivers are available to students to help offset the cost of the SAT and ACT exam fees. To see if you qualify, please see Mrs. Cruise. Waivers are only offered to Juniors and Seniors.

ACT WorkKeys – National Career Readiness Certificate

ACT WorkKeys is a national assessment and credential that measures and certifies foundational work readiness skills critical to career success.  The assessment addresses the need for standardized measures of work readiness skills widely adopted by job seekers, educators, and employers. It includes cognitive and non-cognitive assessments that measure workplace skills, interests, attitudes, and personality traits relevant to success involving multiple career pathways.  Senior students who have completed a cluster concentration will be given the opportunity to earn their Career Readiness Certificate that may provide them a step up in the job market.  Students who successfully complete and score a 3 or above on the three WorkKeys assessments (Applied Math, Graphic Literacy, and Workplace Documents) are eligible to receive the WorkKeys National Career Readiness Certificate. This assessment is required at KMHS as the results are included in the school’s performance composite.

ASVAB

The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is administered by the military to all Juniors through the English III classes who wish to take the test. This multi-aptitude battery consists of eight sub-tests. Every student will receive an informational brochure in class prior to the test administration. The test is administered twice yearly-once in the fall semester and once in the spring semester.  The ASVAB Career Exploration Program can assist young people in learning more about their interests and aptitudes, and about rewarding military and civilian career opportunities. If you have questions, please call the Career Development Coordinator at the high school.

 

Requirements for Athletic Participation at KMHS

For students to be eligible to participate in interscholastic athletics, a student must be in good academic standing and enrolled as a full time student with KMHS.  For purposes of this rule, a student shall be deemed to be in good academic standing under the following circumstances: The student passed at least 70% of the courses taken in the preceding semester, be in attendance for 85% of the semester, and the student is on track to advance to the next grade level or graduate within the next calendar year.  Study hall and/or early release is not considered a course.  Senior athletes are discouraged from taking study hall or early release as this could negatively affect their athletic eligibility.  Students are required to pass a sports physical exam before they are eligible to participate in athletics.  All athletes will have to verify their residence status and meet compliance requirements of residence with the NCHSAA handbook.

NCAA Initial Eligibility Requirements

To participate in many Division I or Division II athletic programs, you must be certified by the Clearinghouse.  To be considered a qualifier for a Division I school and, therefore, to be eligible for scholarships, practice, and competition during the first year of college, the student must:

1. graduate from high school.
2. Students graduating in 2008 and beyond will need to complete 16 core courses during grades 9-12 as listed below:  

• English (4)
• Math (3)
• Science (2)
• Social Science (2)
• additional English, Math, or Science Courses (1)
• additional courses from any category above, or foreign language or religion (4)
• 10 of the 16 must be completed by the end of the Junior year
• Seven of the 10 must be English, math, or science.

3)  have a minimum core course grade point average (based on a 4.0 scale). Visit www.eligibilitycenter.org for more detailed information.

Register online during your sophomore year @ www.eligibilitycenter.org
 

Academic Placement: Placement in courses shall be determined using a variety of information including test scores, grades, teacher recommendation, attendance and student’s motivation. Initial placement into honors programs shall begin using 8th Grade EOG reading, math, and science scores. Other factors for honors placement may be considered upon parent request.

 

English I

Grade: 9        1 Unit      
Students in English I explore the ways in which audience, purpose, perspective, bias, and context shape oral, written, and media communications. Students will also study various forms of literary genres (including nonfiction, fiction, poetry & drama) and literary elements and devices. Students will be required to evaluate communication, critique texts, and make and support an informed opinion through written and oral communication. To this end, students will be expected to produce various types of products, which may include book reviews, speeches, multimedia presentations, essays, research papers, poems, creative writings, and portfolios of work.  Students will practice the following types of written communication: expository, persuasive/argumentative, and literary analysis. Vocabulary and comprehension will be developed through the study of Latin and Greek stems and vocabulary words. Language and grammar skills will be developed and used through daily lessons, review, and writing assignments. 

Honors English I

Grade: 9         1 Unit      
Honors English I will have all of the same objectives, standards, and requirements of College Prep English I; however, it will address the content with greater complexity, novelty, and pacing. Honors English I will reflect a differentiation of curriculum, both in breadth and depth of study. Honors English I will require a higher level of cognition and quality of work and offer a heavier emphasis on self-directed learning, projects, products, and portfolio-based assessments

English II     

Grade: 10   1 Unit      
Prerequisite: English I 
Students in English II read, discuss, and write about both classical and contemporary world literature (excluding British and American authors through which students will identify cultural significance. They will examine pieces of world literature in a cultural context to appreciate the diversity and complexity of world issues and to connect global ideas to their own experiences. Students will continue to explore language for expressive, explanatory, critical, argumentative and literary purposes, although emphasis will be placed on informational contexts. In addition to literature study, students will examine nonliterary texts related to cultural studies and research material to use primarily in clarifying their own explanatory responses to situations and literary-based issues. Students will critically interpret and evaluate experiences, literature, language, and ideas and use standard grammatical conventions and select features of language appropriate to purpose, audience, and context of the work. English II EOC is required.

Honors English II   

Grade: 10        1 Unit      
Prerequisite: Honors English I minimum teacher standard of 85 or Administrator approval. English I students must have a teacher standard of 90+ and admin approval.
In addition to the description above, students in the honors course will explore world literature more widely and deeply, including more challenging and/or complete print and non-print texts. The honors English course fosters intellectual curiosity by encouraging students to generate thought-provoking questions and topics and to research diverse sources. Honors courses will require students to work as self-directed and reflective learners, both independently and in groups as leaders and collaborators. Higher level thinking skills will be emphasized through interdisciplinary and critical perspectives as reflected in the quality of student performance in oral language, written language, and other media/technology.  English II EOC is required. 

Honors English II Pre-AP 

Grade:  10    1 Unit
Prerequisite:  Honors English I minimum teacher standard of 85 or Administrator approval.  
Pre-AP English II is designed as an accelerated course for students who are planning to continue the AP track in English beyond sophomore year.  Students will be introduced to the rigor of an AP English class through an emphasis on learning to interact meaningfully with texts and to communicate ideas effectively in both written and oral mediums.  Higher level thinking skills will be emphasized through interdisciplinary and critical perspectives.  Please note there is no Advanced Placement exam or credit associated with a Pre-AP course.  The English II EOC is required.

English III

Grade:  11         1 Unit
Prerequisite:  English II
Students in English III analyze United States literature as it reflects social perspective and historical significance by 
continuing to use language for expressive, expository, 
argumentative, and literary purposes.  The emphasis in English III is critical analysis of texts through reading, writing, speaking, listening and using media.  In addition, the student will examine relationships between past and present, build increasing sophistication in defining issues and using argument effectively.  The student will create products and presentations which maintain standard conventions of written and oral language.  Students will complete a research paper.

Honors English III   

Grade: 11        1 Unit      
Prerequisite: English II Honors minimum teacher standard of 85 or Administrator approval. 
Intensive reading and writing required; In addition to the description above, students in the honors course will explore United States literature more widely and deeply, including mare challenging and/or complete print and non-print texts. The honors English course fosters intellectual curiosity by encouraging students to generate thought-provoking questions and topics and to research diverse sources. Honors courses will require students to work as self-directed and reflective learners, both independently and in groups as leaders and collaborators.  Higher level thinking skills will be emphasized through interdisciplinary and critical perspectives as reflected in the quality of student performance in oral language, written language, and other media/technology

AP English III:  Language and Composition   

 Grade:  11     1 Unit     
Prerequisite: English II Honors or Pre-AP with a minimum final grade of 85 or higher. 
AP English Language and Composition is an introductory college-level composition course. Students cultivate their understanding of writing and rhetorical arguments through reading, analyzing, and writing texts as they explore topics like rhetorical situations, claims and evidence, reasoning and organization, and style. An AP English Language and Composition course cultivates the reading and writing skills that students need for college success and for intellectually responsible civic engagement. The reading and writing students do in the course should deepen and expand their understanding of how written language functions rhetorically: to communicate writers’ intentions and elicit readers’ responses in particular situations. Students develop the skills of rhetorical analysis and composition as they repeatedly practice analyzing others’ arguments, then compose their own arguments. The course guides students through diverse texts and becoming flexible, reflective writers of texts addressed to diverse audiences for diverse purposes. In regard to these diverse texts and perspectives. The College Board emphasizes that “issues that might, from a specific cultural viewpoint, be considered controversial and may be present in course texts. AP students are not expected or asked to subscribe to any one specific set of cultural or political values but are expected to have the maturity to analyze perspectives different from their own and to question the meaning, purpose, or effect of such content within the literary work as a whole.” College credit for this class can be earned by scoring a 3, 4, or 5 on the AP Exam. The AP exam is required. An academic research paper is also required.

English IV

Grade: 12    1 Unit     
Prerequisite: English III
Students in English IV will integrate all the language arts skills gained throughout their education. The curriculum affirms these skills and equips students to be lifelong learners. Students will continue to explore, interpret, and reflect on expressive, expository, argumentative, and literary texts and issues of public or personal concern. Students will create presentations, projects, extended assignments, and homework all of which maintain standard conventions of the written and spoken language. Students will also take weekly quizzes based on vocabulary and grammar concepts. Outside reading may be required. This course satisfies the minimum requirement for college admission but focuses on preparing students for the reading and communication skills necessary for employment after graduation.

Honors English IV     

Grade: 12     1 Unit     
Prerequisite: English III Honors minimum teacher standard of 80 or administrator approval.
Students in the honors course will explore literature more widely and deeply, including more challenging print and non-print texts. The honors English course fosters intellectual curiosity and mature discourse by encouraging students to generate and discuss thought-provoking questions, topics, perspectives, literary texts, and issues of public or personal concern. Honors courses will require students to work as self-directed and reflective learners, both independently and in groups as leaders and collaborators. High-level thinking skills will be emphasized through interdisciplinary and critical perspectives as reflected in the quality of student performance in oral language, written language, and other media/technology. Outside reading is required. This course satisfies college entrance requirements and prepares students with the skills for college courses.

AP English IV – Literature and Composition 

Grade: 12     1 Unit
Prerequisite: English III Honors or AP English Language & Composition minimum teacher standard of 80 or administrator approval. 
The AP English Literature and Composition course focuses on reading, analyzing, and writing about imaginative literature (fiction, poetry, drama) from various periods and perspectives. Students engage in close reading and critical analysis of imaginative literature to deepen their understanding of the ways writers use language to provide both meaning and pleasure. Writing assignments include expository, analytical, and argumentative essays that require students to analyze and interpret literary works. The AP English Literature and Composition course aligns with an introductory college-level literature and writing curriculum. The College Board emphasizes that “issues that might, from a specific cultural viewpoint, be considered controversial — including depictions of nationalities, religions, ethnicities, dialects, gender, or class — are often represented artistically in works of literature. AP students are not expected or asked to subscribe to any one specific set of cultural or political values but are expected to have the maturity to analyze perspectives different from their own and to question the meaning, purpose, or effect of such content within the literary work as a whole.” College credit for this class can be earned by making a 3, 4, or 5 on the AP Exam. The AP exam is required.

ENGLISH ELECTIVES

Yearbook Journalism 

Grades:  9-12          1 Unit
Prerequisites: 2.5 GPA, Application
The yearbook staff learns the journalistic fundamentals of interviewing, journalistic writing, page design, copyrighting, photography, and fundraising in order to produce, edit, market, and distribute the school yearbook, Milestones. Students must sell business advertising and meet strict deadlines as part of their grades. Students should be self-motivated and good at time management. This course may be repeated for credit with instructor approval.

Yearbook Journalism – Honors 

Grades:  11-12       1 Unit
Honors Yearbook Journalism is the study, practice, and refinement of the fundamentals of yearbook publication including interviewing, business ad sales, copywriting, layout design, photography, theme development, desktop publishing, and marketing with an emphasis on working as a team, meeting publisher’s deadlines, and adhering to ethical standards. Honors students are expected to enter the class with fundamental skills in place in order to begin book production immediately. They will train new staff members, create a ladder of the yearbook, set appropriate staff deadlines and develop a plan to achieve them, provide daily leadership and instruction, edit staff members’ work, and take on additional production responsibilities. Students must sell business advertising and meet strict deadlines as part of their grades. This course is by instructor approval only and may be repeated for course credit.

Media Production

Grades:  10-12,    1 Unit
Suggested Final Grade in English of B or Higher
Creative Writing and Publishing is an introductory course which provides multimedia instruction to create content for media audiences. This course teaches fundamental skills to prepare students to publish in audio, photo, print, video, and web platforms.  Conceptual, practical, and ethical frameworks for integrating forms of media gathering, reporting, and storytelling will be explored.  This course provides hands-on training to allow students to learn about journalism, media production, and public relations.  Priority registration will be given to 11th and 12th grade students.
 

Academic Placement: Placement in courses shall be determined using a variety of information including test scores, grades, teacher recommendation, attendance and student’s motivation. Initial placement into honors programs shall begin using 8th Grade EOG reading, math, and science scores. Other factors for honors placement may be considered upon parent request. 

Foundations of Math 1 

Grades:  9-10     1 Unit 
This course, along with Math I, spreads the topics for Math I over a period of two terms. This course is a study of signed numbers, first degree equations, graphing, inequalities, and polynomials.

Math 1 

Grades: 9-12     1 Unit 
This course provides students the opportunity to study concepts of algebra, geometry, functions, number and operations, statistics and modeling throughout the course. These concepts include expressions in the real number system, creating and reasoning with equations and inequalities, interpreting and building simple functions, expressing geometric properties and interpreting categorical and quantitative data. Students are required to take the NC State End-of-Course Exam as part of this course.

Math 2 

Grades: 10-12     1 Unit 
Prerequisite: Math I
This course continues a progression of the standards established in Math I. In addition to these standards, Math II includes: transformations of functions, quadratics, polynomials, congruence and similarity of figures, trigonometry with triangles, probability, making inferences and justifying conclusions. 

Math 2 Honors 

Grade:  9-10     1 Unit 
Prerequisite:  Score of Level 4 or 5 on the Math 1 EOC OR a grade of 90 or better with a Math 1 EOC Score of 3, 4, or 5 or Administrator approval. 
This accelerated course covers the subject of Math II in greater depth and concept. In addition to the fundamental requirements of the basic Math II course, students study trigonometry and its application to right triangles and real world scenarios. Also, advanced probability concepts such as Multiplication Rule, two-way tables, conditional probability, and analysis of data.
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Math 3  

Grades:  10-12     1 Unit      
Prerequisites:  Math II
This course progresses from the standards learned in Math I and Math II. In addition to these standards, Math III extends to include algebraic concepts such as: the complex number system, inverse functions, trigonometric functions and the unit circle. Math III also includes the geometric concepts of conics and circles.  Students are required to take the NC End-of-Course Exam.

Math 3 Honors 

Grades:  10-11     1 Unit      
Prerequisite: Honors Math II minimum teacher standard of 85 or Administrator approval. 
This course progresses from the standards learned in Math I and Math II. In addition to these standards, Math III extends to include algebraic concepts such as: the complex number system, inverse functions, trigonometric functions and the unit circle. Math III also includes the geometric concepts of conics and circles.  Math III Honors is an accelerated course which will include topics not covered in Math III that will help to prepare students for advanced math courses such as Precalculus, Calculus, and Statistics.  Students are required to take the NC End-of-Course Exam.

Math 4

Grades:  11 - 12     1 Unit      
Prerequisite: Math III 
The primary focus of this course is on functions and statistical thinking, continuing the study of algebra, functions, trigonometry and statistical concepts previously experienced in NC Math 1-3. The course is designed to be a capstone to introductory statistical concepts. Additionally, the course intentionally integrates concepts from algebra and functions to demonstrate the close relationship between algebraic reasoning as applied to the characteristics and behaviors of more complex functions.  Students will be prepared for other advanced math courses.

AP Pre-Calculus

Grades:  11-12     1 Unit      
Prerequisite: Math III Honors minimum teacher standard of 85 or Administrator approval.
AP Calculus AB is an introductory college-level calculus course. Students cultivate their understanding of differential and integral calculus through engaging with real-world problems represented graphically, numerically, analytically, and verbally and using definitions and theorems to build arguments and justify conclusions as they explore concepts like change, limits, and the analysis of functions.

AP Calculus AB

Grade:  12    1 Unit      
Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus Honors minimum teacher standard of 85 or Administrator approval.
Advanced Placement Calculus AB is designed for the student preparing to attend a four-year college or university. AB will be a study of the basic concepts of differential and integral calculus. Topics covered will include limits, continuity, derivatives, and integrals within the realm of polynomial, rational, trigonometric, exponential and logarithmic functions. College credit can be earned with successful performance on the AP Exam in the spring. This course will be offered 1st term only.

AP Calculus BC  

Grade: 12        1 Unit       
Prerequisite:  AP Calculus AB
Advanced Placement Calculus BC is designed for the student preparing to attend a four-year college or university. Successful completion of AP Calculus AB is required. Topics in BC include Parametric, polar and vector functions, Euler’s’ method for solving differential equations, Sequences and series. Successful performance on the AP exam will earn the student credit for two levels of college calculus. This course will be offered 2nd semester only. 

AP Statistics

Grades:  11 – 12    1 Unit     
Prerequisite: Math III Honors 90 or better; strongly recommended Pre-Calculus, 85 or better.
This course is designed and taught as an introductory college level statistics class.  All concepts of basic statistics will be studied thoroughly with the intention that the students will be prepared to pass the AP exam in the spring. This course introduces students to major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions. Students will observe patterns and departures from patterns, decide what and how to measure, produce models using probability and simulation, and confirm models.
 

Academic Placement:  Placement in courses shall be determined using a variety of information including test scores, grades, teacher recommendation, attendance and student’s motivation. Other factors for honors placement may be considered upon parent request. Course sequence shall also determine some course placements.

EARTH/ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES

Earth/Environmental Science

Grade:  9        1 Unit 
This course is designed to provide students with a clear understanding of basic earth and environmental issues.  Teachers follow the North Carolina Standard Course of Study for Earth/Environmental Science.

Honors Earth/Environmental Science

Grades:  9    1 Unit
Initial Placement: Placement will be determined by 8th-grade grades and EOG scores.
Honors Environmental Science is a rigorous curriculum designed to allow highly motivated students to conduct an in-depth study of the Earth and Environmental Sciences.  In Honors Environmental Science students are expected to work independently on a variety of assignments and accept greater responsibility for their learning.  In order to develop a greater understanding of the processes that shape our everyday lives, the curriculum will integrate inquiry investigations and a variety of technologies with the study of earth as a system. The impacts of human activities on earth systems will also be a focus. The results of student investigations should be communicated through presentations and formal laboratory reports. Enrichment and integration with other disciplines are encouraged.

AP Environmental Science    

Grades:  10-12     1 Unit     
Initial Placement Prerequisite:  Honors Biology (grade A or B and EOC score of 4 or 5) and Chemistry (grade A or B) or College Prep Biology and Chemistry (grade A) with teacher recommendation, Biology EOC score of Level 4 or Level 5, and Math I and II (grade A or B), and administrator approval. 
Prospective AP students should also have the ability to read and synthesize texts quickly. They should also be able to articulate through writing their understanding of concepts and to justify their claims based on evidence.  To succeed in the course and on the exam, students need to apply the following mathematical skills in the context of environmental concepts:  basic algebra ratios, percentages, scientific notation, statistical validity, dimensional analysis, and graphing techniques, such as plotting data on graphs and interpreting and extrapolating data and trends from graphs.  Typically, the most successful students are highly motivated and enter the class with the broadest and deepest backgrounds in science and math.  This is the unit equivalent of a college introductory environmental science course.  Course content will focus on the interrelationships of the natural world, environmental problems both natural and human-made, and the alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them.  An Advanced Placement Exam will be administered at the end of the course and certain scores on the exam can earn college credit.

BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES

Biology

Grade:  10       1 Unit      
Prerequisite: Earth/Environmental Science
This course is designed to provide students with a clear understanding of the concepts and principles of life science.  Teachers follow the Biology Standard Course of Study developed by the State of NC.  Students are required to take the NC EOC Exam.

Honors Biology

Grade:   10    1 Unit      
Initial Placement Prerequisites: Honors Earth/Environmental Science and Honors English I or College Prep Environmental Science and English 1 (grade A and teacher recommendation) and Administrator Approval. 
Honors Biology is designed to give the student a more challenging and in-depth experience of the Biology Standard Course of Study. In Honors Biology, students are expected to work independently on a variety of assignments and accept greater responsibility for their learning. In addition to the Essential Standards, students are expected to design and carry out several independent investigations of biological questions, read and report on recent research in biology, and demonstrate a more in-depth conceptual understanding of all biology objectives.  Students are required to take the NC EOC Exam.

Biology – Advanced Placement (AP) 

Grades: 10 -12     1 Unit
Initial Placement Prerequisites:  Honors Biology (grade A or B and EOC score of 4 or 5) and Chemistry (grade A or B) or College Prep Biology and Chemistry (grade A) with a teacher recommendation, Biology EOC score of Level 4 or 5, and Math 1 and II (grade A or B) and Administrator approval. 
This course allows students the option to explore specific topics such as cell biology, genetics, and evolution with more depth and detail than 10th grade Biology.  Students who take this course will acquire a foundation of knowledge and skills needed for science classes at the college level.  AP Biology is an opportunity for high school students to engage in college-level biology content and lab work.  It aims to provide students with the conceptual framework, factual knowledge, and analytical skills necessary to deal critically with the rapidly changing science of biology.  An Advanced Placement Exam will be administered at the end of the course and certain scores on the exam can earn college credit.

PHYSICAL SCIENCES

Physical Science 

Grades:  11-12    1 Unit      
This course will provide students with a                         background in the basic principles and concepts of chemistry and physics. The chemistry units give the student some background to the elements, periodic table, bonding, chemical equations, and nuclear chemistry.  The physics units give the student some background of velocity, motion, Newton’s Laws, pressure and power, energy, waves, lenses and mirrors, and electricity and magnetism.  Teachers follow the North Carolina Standard Course of Study for physical science.

Chemistry I

Grade: 11        1 Unit      
Initial Placement Prerequisites: Math 1 minimum teacher standard of 80 or better, Enrolled in Math III or Honors Math III. This course explores the composition of substances and the changes substances undergo. Teachers follow the North Carolina Standard Course of Study for chemistry.

Honors Chemistry I

Grade: 11        1 Unit      
Initial Placement Prerequisite: Completion of Honors Math III or teacher and administrator approval. 
Honors Chemistry is an accelerated college prep course designed to give the students a more conceptual and in-depth understanding of the concepts in the North Carolina Standard Course of Study for Chemistry. In Honors Chemistry, students are expected to work independently on a variety of assignments and accept greater responsibility for their learning. The course will include the additional honors objectives and an in-depth study of at least two of the listed enrichment topics. Students will design and complete at least one in-depth independent study of chemistry directed questions. The curriculum will integrate inquiry and technology to explore the world of chemistry.  Success in Honors Chemistry will require the student to: 1) operate with algebraic expressions to solve problems using direct, inverse, combined, and joint variation, 2) use logarithms and exponents to solve problems, and 3) describe graphically, algebraically and verbally real-world phenomena as functions and identify the independent and dependent variables.

SCIENCE ELECTIVE

Forensic Science

Grade: 10-12    1 Unit
This cross disciplinary course utilizes the science and engineering practices of the NGSS and knowledge from diverse fields including physics, chemistry, and biology to answer real-world questions.  Students learn to collect and analyze evidence, evaluate and/or re-create physical environments and to develop conclusions based on the data from investigations.  The course includes information about the particular requirements of crime scene investigations and also a unit on careers in Forensic Science.  Students will learn the following:  the skills necessary to observe crime scenes and collect evidence as would a CSI analyst; to visualize, process, and document and record Crime Scene details; the various aspects of blood spatter and how it relates to the determination of events at a crime scene; the use of DNA in the identification or exoneration of suspects; and, the process of Hair and Fiber Analysis and how it can be used to identify aspects of a crime.

Academic Placement:  Placement in courses shall be determined using a variety of information including test scores, grades, teacher recommendation, attendance and student’s motivation. Initial placement into honors programs shall begin using 8th Grade EOG reading, math, and science scores. Other factors for honors placement may be considered upon parent request. Course sequence shall also determine some course placements.

World History

Grades: 9 – 12    1 Unit
This course begins with a study of the Prehistoric Era and concludes with the important economic, social and political developments of the 20th century. Students study the origins of world civilizations and the impact of non-western civilizations on the west and on world cultures. Important events, persons, and trends as they affected the world of the past and the contemporary world are stressed.

Honors World History

Grade: 9        1 Unit      
Initial Placement: Placement will be determined by 8th grade EOG test scores and grades.
Honors World History provides the opportunity for advanced work, rigorous study, and systematic study of major ideas and concepts found in the study of global history.  The course is challenging and requires students to take greater responsibility for their learning by participating in problem-seeking, problem-solving, scholarly and creative process, critical analysis and application, and reflective thinking. Although the goals and objectives are the same as those found in the North Carolina Standard Course of Study (NCSCS), the material is taught with greater complexity and reflects a differentiated curriculum. The application of the themes of geography and an analysis of the cultural traits of civilizations will help students understand how people shape their world and how their world shapes them. As students examine the historical roots of significant events, ideas, movements, and phenomena, they encounter the contributions and patterns of living civilizations around the world. Students broaden their historical perspectives as they explore ways societies have dealt with continuity and change, exemplified by issues such as war and peace, internal stability and strife, and the development of institutions.

Civic Literacy    

Grade: 10-12     1 Unit     
The economics portion of this course will focus on basic economic concepts such as scarcity, production, free enterprise, and the function of money and financial institutions. The legal and political systems portion will focus on the structure and functions of the American government and the role and functions of officials and agencies in the legal and judicial system.  In Civic Literacy, emphasis will be placed on students examining the ways in which power and responsibility are both shared and limited by the US Constitution and how the judicial, legal, and political systems of North Carolina and the United States embody the founding principles of government. Students in this course will analyze and evaluate the extent to which the American system of government guarantees, protects, and upholds the rights of citizens.

Honors Civic Literacy 

Grade: 9-12    1 Unit      
Prerequisite: Honors World History minimum teacher standard of 85 or Administrator approval.
Honors Civics/Civic Literacy students will acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to become responsible and effective citizens in an interdependent world. Students will need a practical understanding of these systems of civics and economics that affect their lives as consumers and citizens.  Furthermore, this course serves as a foundation for United States History. When studying the legal and political systems, students will become aware of their rights and responsibilities and put this information into practice. The economic, legal, and political systems are balanced for presentation and, like other social studies subjects; this course lends itself to interdisciplinary teaching.  The goals and objectives are drawn from disciplines of political science, history, economics, geography, and jurisprudence.  Honors Civics and Economics will cover the material in greater complexity, novelty, acceleration and/or pacing, and reflect a defensible differentiated curriculum.  In Civic Literacy, emphasis will be placed on students examining the ways in which power and responsibility are both shared and limited by the US Constitution and how the judicial, legal, and political systems of North Carolina and the United States embody the founding principles of government. 

American History      

Grade: 11-12           1 Unit      
The course will explore overarching themes, trends, and concepts of our nation’s history including the development and evolution of the American system of government, the patterns and impact of migration and immigration, cultural development through the arts and technological innovations, relationships with foreign nations, and the role of both the individual and diverse groups in building the American story.  Students in this course will be asked to investigate major turning points in American history to develop an understanding of multiple causation, to determine patterns of change and continuity, and to be able to compare multiple perspectives of the past.  Students will continue to build upon previous studies of American History, the fundamental concepts in civics and government, economics, behavioral science, and geography taught in grades K-8 as they examine American history. 

Honors American History 

Grade:  10-12     1 Unit     
Initial Placement Prerequisites:  Honors Civics minimum teacher standard of 85 or Administrator approval.
The course will explore overarching themes, trends, and concepts of our nation’s history including the development and evolution of the American system of government, the patterns and impact of migration and immigration, cultural development through the arts and technological innovations, relationships with foreign nations, and the role of both the individual and diverse groups in building the American story.  Students in this course will be asked to investigate major turning points in American history to develop an understanding of multiple causation, to determine patterns of change and continuity, and to be able to compare multiple perspectives of the past.  Students will continue to build upon previous studies of American History, the fundamental concepts in civics and government, economics, behavioral science, and geography taught in grades K-8 as they examine American history. 
This course provides the opportunity for advanced work, rigorous academic study, and the practical application of the major ideas and concepts found in the study of American History. The course requires students to take greater responsibility for their learning by participating in problem-seeking and problem-solving, scholarly and creative processes, critical analysis and application, reflective thinking, and the expression and defense of ideas generated through the study of the content. Honors American History follows the same course of study as the corresponding standard American History course; however, the material is taught with greater complexity, novelty, acceleration, and reflects a differentiated curriculum.

AP United States History

Grade:  10 - 12        1 Unit     
Prerequisites: World History Honors, Civic Literacy Honors, English II Honors with a minimum grade of 85. AP US History is a college-level introductory course which examines the nation’s political, diplomatic, intellectual, cultural, social, and economic history from founding to the present. Emphasis is placed on class discussion, the use of primary and secondary sources, critical reading, and analytical thinking and writing. Students should learn to assess historical materials, their relevance to a given problem, their reliability, their importance, and to weigh the evidence and interpretations presented in historical scholarship. This course is taught in accordance with the AP U.S. History curriculum framework and is designed to prepare students for the AP U.S. History Exam in May. Students are required to take the AP Exam in order to receive college credit based on the AP score.  Offered yearlong for the American History credit.

Economics and Personal Finance

Grade:  10-12    1 Unit
The Economics and Personal Finance course is intended to be a study of economics, personal finance, income and education, money management, critical consumerism, and financial planning. Mastery of the standards and objectives of this course will inform and nurture responsible, participatory citizens who are competent and committed to responsible money management and financial literacy.

Honors Economics and Personal Finance

Grade:  10-12    1 Unit
Honors Civics, World History, or American History minimum teacher standard of 85 or Administrator approval.
The Economics and Personal Finance course is intended to be a study of economics, personal finance, income and education, money management, critical consumerism, and financial planning. Mastery of the standards and objectives of this course will inform and nurture responsible, participatory citizens who are competent and committed to responsible money management and financial literacy. This course provides the opportunity for advanced work, rigorous academic study, and the practical application of the major ideas and concepts of standards taught.  The course requires students to take greater responsibility for their learning by participating in problem-seeking and problem-solving, scholarly and creative processes, critical analysis and application, reflective thinking, and the expression and defense of ideas generated through the study of the content.  Economics and Personal Finance follows the same course of study as the corresponding standard Economics and Personal Finance course; however, the material is taught with greater complexity, novelty, acceleration, and reflects a differentiated curriculum.  Honors Economics and Personal Finance is distinguished in the quality of the work expected, not merely an increase in quantity.

Current Events

Grade:  10-12    1 Unit
This course will investigate the many current events and issues in international, national, state, and local arenas. Events discussed will range from politics to social factors of everyday life, to entertainment, sports, and health.

Honors Holocaust and Genocide Studies 

Grade 10-12    1 unit
Prerequisites: Minimum grade of 85 in World History, Civic, or American History Honors.
This elective takes you on a powerful journey through one of the most critical events in history. You’ll learn about the rich culture of Jewish life in Europe before World War II, the rise of antisemitism, and how the Holocaust happened. The class dives into the stories of victims, survivors, and even those who stood by or tried to help, giving you a deeper understanding of this tragic time and how it connects to other genocides. This is a chance to build critical thinking skills, explore history meaningfully, and see how past lessons can still impact the world today.

AP US Government & Politics 

Grade:  10-12    1 Unit
Initial Criteria: Honors World History and Honors English I, minimum teacher standard of 85 or Administrator approval; Students must have taken Honors Civic Literacy with a minimum teacher standard of 85.
AP U.S. Government and Politics will provide students an intellectual foundation for observing, analyzing, and understanding national politics in the US. Using primary and secondary source documents, as well as analysis of specific examples, students will examine and evaluate the institutions of American government, political parties and elections, mass media, political behavior, public policies, and the development of individual rights and liberties and their impact on citizens. The content of this course is the equivalent to that of an introductory college course in U.S. government and politics.

AP World History

Grade:  9-12        1 Unit     
Prerequisites: 9th Grade - Successful completion of 8th Grade World History, EOG scores, and application. 10th -12th grade - 10th-12th grade – Honors World History, Honors Civics, or Honors American History with a minimum teacher grade standard of 85
AP World History: Modern is an introductory college-level modern world history course. Students cultivate their understanding of world history from c. 1200 CE to the present through analyzing historical sources and learning to make connections and craft historical arguments as they explore concepts like humans and the environment, cultural developments and interactions, governance, economic systems, social interactions and organization, and technology and innovation.

AP Psychology

Grade:  10-12    1 Unit
Prerequisites:  Initial Placement – Honors classes, minimum teacher standard of 85. 
Advanced Placement Psychology is designed to introduce students to the systematic and scientific study of human development, behavior, learning, motivation, and personality of human beings and other animals. Students are exposed to the psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated with psychology. They also learn about the ethics and methods psychologists use in their science and practice. The study of psychology enables students to recognize and cope with uncertainty and ambiguity in human behavior.  This course is a Psychology Survey Course that requires heavy reading and individual research. Students will be required to take the AP exam and could receive college credit based on AP score.

AP Human Geography

Grade 9-12     1 unit
Prerequisite: 9th Grade – Admission will be determined by 8th grade EOG scores, application, & teacher recommendation. 10th-12th grade – Honors World History, Honors Civics, or AP US History/CCP American History/American History with a minimum teacher standard of 85.
AP Human Geography introduces high school students to college-level introductory human geography or cultural geography.  The content is presented thematically rather than regionally and is organized around the discipline’s main subfields:  economic geography, cultural geography, political geography, and urban geography.  The approach is spatial and problem oriented.  Case studies are drawn from all world regions, with an emphasis on understanding the world today.  Historical information serves to enrich analysis of the impacts of phenomena such as globalization, colonialism, and human-environment relationships on places, regions, cultural landscapes and patterns of interaction.  The content of this course is equivalent to that of an introductory college course in Human Geography.

AP Macroeconomics

Grade 10 -12     1 unit
Prerequisite: Honors Civics minimum teacher standard of 85.
AP Macroeconomics is an introductory college-level macroeconomics course. Students cultivate their understanding of the principles that apply to an economic system as a whole by using principles and models to describe economic situations and predict and explain outcomes with graphs, charts, and data as they explore concepts like economic measurements, markets, macroeconomic models, and macroeconomic policies.​​​​​​
 

Health & Physical Education I  

Grade: 9     1 Unit       
The first required course in physical education will combine health education in areas such as chemical and substance abuse, mental health, nutrition, chronic diseases with physical fitness testing, concepts of exercise physiology, and personal improvement of the students’ circulatory, respiratory, and muscular systems.

Team Sports 

Grade: 10-12     1 Unit 
Prerequisite: PE I/Health
This course is designed for students who enjoy team sports. Basketball, volleyball, cageball, speedball, volleyball, kickball, ultimate ball, and flag football are just some of the activities the students will experience.  The students will gain an understanding of the basic rules, skills and strategies associated with these activities.  They will also gain an understanding for fair competition, sportsmanship, and gamesmanship in all team sports.  May be repeated for credit.

Men’s Weightlifting 

Grades:  10 – 12    1 Unit      
Prerequisites: PE I/Health
Emphasis is placed on weightlifting and physical conditioning. May be repeated for credit.

Physical Education Pupil Instructor (PEPI)

Grades: 10-12     1 Unit     
Prerequisites: PE I/Health, Application
A course in which, after training, the students will travel to elementary schools to teach P.E. and to serve as role models for the younger students. May be repeated for credit.

Physical Education Pupil Instructor II (PEPI Honors)

Grades 11-12    1 Unit
Prerequisites:  PEPI I and Teacher Approval
This course will be a further and more specific exploration of PEPI.  Students will assume more responsibility for teaching and leading in the classroom.  Students will be expected to become more independent as a lead teacher and complete additional coursework (papers).  Students will be required to not only complete high-level work, but also lead other students through demonstration of effective teaching.  Since this class also receives honors credit, a much higher quality of work, focus, and responsibility will be required.

Sports Medicine I 

Grades: 9-11
Prerequisite:  Application
This course is designed to introduce Sports Medicine as a profession, different employment settings, and the anatomy and physiology of the body. Students will also be introduced to proper athlete nutrition, supplements and drugs in athletics, and the use of athletic training room supplies and equipment.

Sports Medicine II 

Grades: 10-12
Prerequisite:  Application, Sports Medicine I
This course is designed to further develop students with hands-on practice within the Sports Medicine field. Students will learn how to prevent, diagnose, and treat injuries. They will also master the techniques of wearing PPE equipment, taping, wrapping, physical therapy exercises, and the use of modalities. Through a separate application, students will have the opportunity to work with KMHS athletics through the sports medicine department to facilitate coverage at practices and games.

Sports Medicine III - Honors

Grades: 11-12
Prerequisite:  Application, Sports Medicine I & II
This year-long course is designed to clinically immerse students into the medical field for a minimum of 30 observation hours during the school year. Students will also become expertise in injury prevention, diagnosing injuries, physical therapy, and adequate medical organization and documentation. Students will design their own Athletic Training Room, create a budget, analyze a bid list, and facilitate KMHS mass physical day. Fees of no more than $20 may apply for classroom supplies, CPR/BLS certification, and Sports Medicine gear to wear for KMHS home-events. 
 

DRAMA

Theater Arts 1 (Beginning) 

Grades: 9-12     1 Unit 
This Course will be an introduction to Theatre History, Technical Theatre, and Acting. Every week will be a new unit attached to either Technical Theatre or Acting. This course is a great way to sample theatre and pick a course of study that is most appropriate for your interests. The cumulative assessment for this course is a final presentation based on the students' individual favorite aspect of Theatre.

Theatre Arts 2 (Intermediate Acting) 

Grades: 10-12     1 Unit 
Prerequisite: C or higher final grade in Theatre Arts 1
This Course will be a deeper dive into the world of acting providing students an opportunity to experience different genres of theatre. There will be studies of monologues, scenes, and ultimately a one act play in both comedy and drama. The class will be evaluated by a final showcase performance of several monologues and scenes from throughout the semester.

Technical Theatre Arts - Intermediate Level

Grades: 10-12    1 Unit
Prerequisite: 70 or higher final grade in Theatre Arts 1
This course will be a continuation of Beginning Theatre with an emphasis on Technical Theatre. Students will continue to hone their skills in areas such as properties, costuming, lighting, and sound. Students in this class will get the opportunity to work on applied skills for shows being produced by the department and other classes. Students will be tasked with making simple designs for classroom presentations at the end of the semester.

Theater Arts 3-Honors (Proficient Acting)

Grades: 10-12    1 Unit
Prerequisite: 70 or higher final grade in Theatre Arts 2
This Course will be an advanced look at play production. Students will gain an understanding of what it takes to prepare and produce a show. As a class students will work towards putting together a showcase of one act plays to be presented as a final.

Technical Theatre Arts Honors - Proficient Level 

Grades: 10-12    1 Unit
Prerequisite: 70 or higher final grade in Tech Theatre
This Course will be a deeper look at how Technical Theatre operates in a production setting. Students will create a portfolio of fully realized designs, plot, and models that will be presented. At the conclusion of each semester students will have the opportunity to show their designs in a gallery setting.

Theatre Arts 4 Honors (Advanced Acting)

Grades: 11-12    1 Unit
Prerequisite: 70 or higher final grade in Theatre Arts 3
This Course will be a full character study where the student will complete a presentation and performance as a single character. Each student will perform a short one person piece as their selected character. These performances will be open to the public and will be used in the Students professional resumes.

Technical Theatre Arts 4 Honors - Advanced Level 

Grades: 11-12    1 Unit
Prerequisite: 70 or higher final grade in Tech Theatre
This Course will be a cumulative look into one area of Technical Theatre. Each student will choose one area of study and will go from design to execution to produce a full design. This design will be featured in association with after school productions as well as in class presentations.

Theatre Arts (Play Production)

Grades: 9-12    1 Unit
Prerequisite:  Teacher Recommendation
This Course is an in depth and practical look into producing theatre. This class will produce a show to compete in the North Carolina Theatre Conference. In addition this class prepares students for the future through the completion of resumes as well as mock audition and interviews.

MUSIC

Band (Beginning)

Grade: 9     1 Unit/semester 
Prerequisite: Successful completion of 8th Grade Band
Students will participate in marching band.  They will also present three public concerts during the course of the year, as well as attend the South Central District Contest Festival. Students will concentrate on fundamentals and sight-reading skills and perform for graduation. This is a year-long course.

Band (Intermediate) – Senior Band

Grades: 10-12    1 Unit      
Prerequisite: Completion of 9th Grade Band requirements
The course includes marching band and concert band participation.  Students will explore various styles of music and present performances at football games, parades, public concerts, and the South Central District Concert Contest Festival. More advanced fundamentals are pursued and technical demands exceed the 9th grade band level.

Band (Proficient) Honors

Grades: 11-12    1 Unit      
Prerequisite:  Instructor Approval
Students will participate in the same activities as in Senior Band with higher demands and expectations.

Band (Intermediate) – Band Elective

Grades: 10-12     1 Unit 
Initial Prerequisite: Successful completion of 9th grade band.
Course offering is dependent upon needed instrumentation and will involve continuation of existing band class, music theory, small ensembles and private lessons for sections or individuals.

Vocal Music (Beginning) –Concert Choir

Grade: 9-12        1 Unit/semester     
To be a member of this group, students will demonstrate an ability to match pitch and an understanding of rhythm at a basic level. Students must possess a desire to better their own voices and ensemble singing skills.  Students must have demonstrated that they are self-disciplined and are able to work in a group setting.  This group is open to 9th through 12th grade students who have had minimum previous training in music but would like to perform.  

Vocal Music (Beginning) - The Kingsmen – Men’s Choir

Grade 9-12    1 Unit/Semester
To be a member of this group, students must match pitch and understand basic rhythmic concepts. This ensemble is traditionally made up of male students. Students must possess a desire to better their own voices and ensemble singing skills. Students have demonstrated that they are self-disciplined and are able to work in a group setting. This group is open to 9th-12th grade students who have had minimum previous training in music but would like to perform. Groupings are subject to change according to enrollment

Vocal Music (Beginning)- Bella Voce – Women’s Choir

Grade 9-12    1 Unit/Semester
To be a member of this group, students must match pitch and understand basic rhythmic concepts. This ensemble is traditionally made up of female students. Students must possess a desire to better their own voices and ensemble singing skills. Students have demonstrated that they are self-disciplined and are able to work in a group setting. 

Vocal Music (Intermediate 9th) - Kings Revue Honors
Vocal Music (Advanced 11-12) - Kings Revue Honors 

Grade: 10-12           1 Unit     
Prerequisite: audition only, student must be a member of Band or Symphonic Chorale unless approved by director and administrator.
Kings Revue is the show choir of KMHS.  Kings Revue performs a variety of repertoire including secular, sacred, pop, and Broadway music.  Students in the class must have solo vocal abilities.  Students in Kings Revue are called on and expected to sing at community events and functions and will be given a grade for these events.  Kings Revue students are expected to perform choreography.  Sight reading skills of music is imperative.  Students are required to keep a portfolio of projects and performances throughout the year.  Kings Revue will meet both terms and is by audition only. Kings Revue students are expected to participate in Chorale unless an alternate Chorus class is approved by the instructor and an administrator.

Vocal Music (Intermediate) - Symphonic Chorale 

Grades: 9-12    1 Unit     
Prerequisite: Audition, 1 year of high school chorus or successful completion of theory placement test.
Symphonic Chorale is the advanced chorus group of the high school consisting of students who are able to perform Grade VI competition music. Both musicianship skills and the ability to focus in a group setting are required for this class.  Symphonic Chorale will meet both terms and is by audition only.

Vocal Music (Proficient) - Honors Senior Chorus

Grade: 12     1 Unit
Prerequisite: Instructor approval
Students will complete the requirements of Symphonic Chorale and further develop their own musicianship and vocal ability through projects, performances, and auditions.  Students are required to keep a portfolio and perform throughout the year.
 

Beginning Visual Art (Art I)

Grades: 9-11    1 Unit 
Beginning Art is designed for students with no or limited K-8 progression in Visual Arts education.  It is the foundation level for art study throughout high school. The course is primarily devoted to deliberate and systematic presentations of various art processes, procedures, theories, and historical developments. Students will have experiences in producing two-dimensional and three-dimensional artworks. The course emphasizes the study of the elements of art and principles of design, color theory, vocabulary, art criticism, art history, and safety in the art room. The approach to art experiences during this time is experimental in terms of materials. Students are provided a strong foundation in design, drawing and vocabulary in a teacher-structured environment. Problem solving and decision-making are emphasized throughout Beginning Art.  This is the prerequisite class for Intermediate Art, Photography and Studio Arts.  12th graders upon administration approval.  

Intermediate Visual Art (Art II)

Grades: 9-12     1 Unit
Prerequisites:  Teacher approval, portfolio assessment, grade of C in Beginning Art
Intermediate Art standards are designed for those students who have had a complete K-8 progression in Visual Arts education or who have achieved beginning level high school standards for Visual Arts.  The study of the elements of art and principles of design, color theory, vocabulary, and art history continues in Intermediate Art in a less teacher-directed situation. Various art processes, procedures, and theories are presented in a problem-solving manner which allows for independent choices and personal solutions to problems. The approach to art experiences is less experimental and based more on informed choices. Student research of art and artists is a major source for gaining knowledge and understanding of past and present art forms. A greater flexible and fluent use of the elements of art and principles of design, color, theory, and vocabulary is stressed in Intermediate Art.  With success in this course, a student could leave this class and step into Honors Proficient Art

Intermediate Studio Visual Art 

Grades:  10-12    1 Unit
Prerequisites: Teacher approval, Beginning and/or Intermediate Arts, application 
Studio Art will put an emphasis on beginning to build a portfolio for entrance into a college level program.  Students will explore many different types of painting, drawing and 3D mediums.  Students will develop technical skills and personal style.  A variety of subject matter will be explored.  

Proficient Visual Art (Honors) Art III

Grades: 11-12     1 Unit 
Prerequisites: Teacher Approval, Student Portfolio, A in Intermediate Art
Proficient Art standards are designed for those students who have achieved intermediate level Visual Arts standards at the high school level.  Proficient Art builds on skills from Intermediate Art with a more in-depth approach to the study of art processes and techniques, aesthetic issues, art criticism and art history. Teachers help students form goals, become familiar with careers, and develop work habits of professionals. Knowledge of the arts in relation to culture, history, other disciplines, and careers will be promoted through visual, verbal, and written means. Art history, criticism, and aesthetics will be studied in conjunction with selected artworks and will lead to development of a personal philosophy of art. 

Advanced Visual Art (Honors) Art IV

Grades: 11-12     1 Unit 
Prerequisites: Teacher Approval, Student Portfolio, A in Proficient Art
These course standards are designed for those students who have achieved proficient level Visual Arts standards at the high school level.  In Advanced Art, students develop, clarify, and apply their philosophy of art and art making developed in Proficient Art through in-depth, independent, and advanced explorations with media, techniques, processes, and aesthetics. Exceptional initiative, serious involvement, and commitment are expectations of the Advanced Art student. A portfolio evidencing high quality, a broad base of knowledge, and in-depth understanding of personal art forms is developed and refined.  Additional research projects are a part of this course.

Pre-AP 2D Studio Art / AP 2D Studio Art

Grade 11-12
Prerequisites:  Teacher approval; portfolio assessment; Beginning and Intermediate or studio art; a grade of A 
Pre-AP Art Fall Semester
Pre-AP Studio is designed to give students who will be taking AP Studio Art in the Spring to complete their requirements for their portfolio.  This course will give students the opportunity to work on their concentration for their portfolio, which is the first section required for the AP portfolio review.
AP 2D Studio Art Spring Semester
AP 2D Studio Art is designed for students who are seriously interested in the practical experience of Art and wish to develop mastery in the concept, composition and execution of their ideas.  AP 2D Studio is not based on a written exam; instead, students submit portfolios for evaluation at the end of the school year. 
 

College bound students should remember that most universities require two years of the same foreign language for entrance and that students should take a foreign language during their senior year of high school. As many prestigious universities require additional courses in foreign language at the college level, it is beneficial to take more than two years in high school.

Spanish I        

Grades: 11-12     1 Unit 
10th graders require administrative approval (subject to availability)
Prerequisite: Minimum 2.5 weighted GPA or higher
This Spanish course is different from most traditional world language classrooms.  Students will spend the majority of class time interacting with comprehensible input (CI) in Spanish.  CI is simply written or spoken messages in Spanish that students understand.  Through this process, students will develop true language proficiency over the course of the semester.  Most class time will be spent in the interpersonal mode (back-and-forth communication between two or more people).  The expectation is that each student interacts at least at the novice-mid level (i.e. respond to questions with single words, phrases, or memorized chunks of language).  However, later in the semester, students should be able to respond with more complex language.   
Students will study Hispanic civilization, literature, art, music, and culture, as well as how to apply language to daily life.  The goal for every student is that by the time they leave the world language program at KMHS, they will have reached a proficiency level that allows them to continue taking in input from the outside world and continue building their own language proficiency.

Spanish II

Grades: 11-12    1 Unit     
Prerequisites: Spanish I with a C or better, Minimum 2.5 weighted GPA or higher. 
This Spanish course is different from most traditional world language classrooms.  You will spend the majority of class time interacting with comprehensible input (CI) in Spanish. CI is simply written or spoken messages in Spanish that students understand.  Through this process, students will develop true language proficiency over the course of the semester.  Most class time will be spent in the interpersonal mode (back-and-forth communication between two or more people).  The expectation is that each student interacts at least at the novice-high level (i.e. respond to questions with single words, phrases, or memorized chunks of language).  However, later in the semester, students should be able to respond with more and more complex language.  During the course of the semester, Spanish II students will also read at least two novels and focus on improving their reading comprehension and writing skills. Students will study Hispanic civilization, literature, art, music, and culture, as well as how to apply the language to daily life.  The goal for every student is that by the time they leave the world language program at KMHS, they will have reached a proficiency level that allows them to continue taking in input from the outside world and continue building their own language proficiency.

Spanish III Honors     

Grades: 11 - 12      1 Unit
Prerequisites: Spanish II with a C or better, Minimum 2.5 weighted GPA or higher
This Spanish course is different from most traditional world language classrooms. You will spend the majority of class time interacting with comprehensible input (CI) in Spanish. CI is simply written or spoken messages in Spanish that you understand.  Through this process, you will develop true language proficiency over the course of the semester.  Most class time will be spent in the interpersonal mode (back-and-forth communication between two or more people).  The expectation is that each student interacts at least at the novice-high level (i.e. respond to questions with single words, phrases, or memorized chunks of language).  However, later in the semester, students should be able to respond with more and more complex language.  During the course of the semester, Spanish III students will also read several novels and focus on improving their writing skills.  Students will study Hispanic civilization, literature, art, music, and culture, as well as how to apply the language to daily life.  The goal for every student is, that by the time they leave the world language program at KMHS, they will have reached a proficiency level that allows them to continue taking in input from the outside world and continue building their own language proficiency.
 

Peer Tutoring

Grades:  11-12        1 Unit      
Prerequisites:  Application
The purpose of this course is to provide students with the opportunity to explore the teaching profession through peer tutoring in academic and Exceptional Children’s classrooms.  Students will demonstrate their academic knowledge by tutoring individuals with class assignments.  Participants will meet requirements and adhere to confidentiality guidelines to receive course credit.

Computer Technical Assistant 

Grade 10-12     1 Unit 
Prerequisite:  Student application required.
This is a hands-on course that allows students to learn in an actual technology setting. Students will be required to work with the coordinator to organize, plan, and repair all technology needs at Kings Mountain High School. Students should have a general understanding of Google. Excellent communication skills are also vital. A teacher recommendation will be required in order to apply for this course.

Early Graduation

Grade:  12
Prerequisite:  Approved Application
Early Graduation requires that students take at least four classes during the fall semester of their senior year.  Early Graduation is for those rising seniors who needs four classes to graduate and wish to be on campus for only one semester.  Early Graduates are withdrawn from our school having a graduation date in December enabling them to pursue other career or postsecondary education options.  If a senior plays a winter/spring sport, then they are not eligible for Early Graduation.  Early Graduates are eligible to attend the prom and participate in graduation exercises in June.  There is an application that must be signed by both student and parent for Early Graduation; it must also be approved by the administration.   

Early Release/Late Arrival

Grade:12

Prerequisite:  Approved Application
Seniors will now have the opportunity to take Early Release or have Late Arrival.  That means a student would be enrolled all school year for assigned periods each semester, earning those Seniors will now have the opportunity to take Early Release or have Late Arrival.  That means a student would be enrolled all school year for assigned periods each semester, earning those credits.   Parent permission is also required. Students must leave campus.  Students must also provide their own transportation.

NCVPS

North Carolina Virtual Public School is a resource provided by the state to offer courses that students are unable to take at their local schools. If you are interested in taking an NCVPS course, you will need to obtain an application from your counselor, complete the application, and return it to your counselor. Students may register for NCVPS based on students’ needs and school approval.
 

CTE is a program providing academic and technical skills to prepare students for post-secondary education and life. The design of many of the courses creates a need for explanation and clarification. Please read the following list before you begin to register.

1. Many of the classes require proof of insurance because of the nature of the activities required by the course.
2. The final grade in CTE courses may include a final exam that counts 20% of the final grade.
3. No partial credit will be given. Classes must be completed to receive credit. This includes courses that are multi-hours and/or year long.
4. Some courses are tied closely to a student organization. Students are encouraged to participate.
5. Many CTE courses are recognized by the NC Community College System as eligible for articulated college credit.  A student that scores a “90-100” on the post-assessment and earns a “B” or higher in the course may be eligible for credit at Cleveland Community College or any other NC community college.  Students should check with the specific community college for eligibility requirements.
6. Some courses are offered through the Career and College Promise Program.  These courses are taught by Cleveland Community College and the student receives both college credit and up to 4 units of high school credit.
7. Students who excel in CTE courses may qualify for membership in the Career & Technical Education Honor Society.
8. Starred courses are completer courses. (*)
9. Some Career & Technical Education courses may offer opportunities for work-based learning.  These opportunities include, but are not limited to, job shadowing, guest speakers, internships, field trips, etc.

CAREER PATHWAYS AND PROGRAMS OF STUDY

Career Pathways™ are broad groupings of occupations/career specialties, organized by common knowledge and skills required for career success.  Supported by the 2006 Perkins legislation, Career Clusters™ are an organizing tool for curriculum design, school guidance, and a framework for seamless transition to career and college.
All NC CTE courses align to the Career Clusters™.  Each course is placed in a Career Pathway based on a set of knowledge and skills common to all careers in the entire Career Pathways. Industry-validated knowledge and skills statements of student expectations identify what the student should know and be able to do. They prepare students for success in a broad range of occupations/career specialties. Some CTE courses cross over all 16 Career Clusters™. The 16 Career Clusters™ are:

• Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources
• Architecture & Construction
• Arts, A/V Technology & Communications
• Business Management & Administration
• Education & Training
• Finance
• Government & Public Administration
• Health Science
• Hospitality & Tourism
• Human Services
• Information Technology
• Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security
• Manufacturing
• Marketing
• Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics
• Transportation, Distribution & Logistics

In North Carolina, Career Pathways™ are supported by eight program areas, with each area having school-based, work-based, or community-based learning opportunities.

• Agricultural Education

• Business, Finance, and IT Education

• Career Development 

• Family and Consumer Science Education

• Health Science Education

• Marketing and Entrepreneurship Education

• Technology Engineering and Design Education

• Trade and Industrial Education

 

9th-12th Grade CTE Courses & Career Pathways

Kings Mountain High School 2025-2026

The courses listed are Career-Technical Education courses available at KMHS. Courses in bold are Foundational courses (they directly relate to the Career Pathway).  Courses not bolded are the Enhancement courses.

Key:       Bold = Foundational Course     Not Bold = Enhancement Course          * = Completer Course

AGRICULTURE

Animal Science I

*Animal Science II – Companion Animal

Veterinary Assisting Honors

Advanced Studies Agriculture Honors

DRAFTING ARCHITECTURE

Drafting I Honors

*Drafting II Architectural Honors

Drafting III Architectural Honors

Advanced Studies Architecture Honors

DRAFTING ENGINEERING

Drafting I Honors

*Drafting II Engineering Honors

Drafting III Engineering Honors

FOOD & NUTRITION

Culinary Arts and Hospitality I

* Culinary Arts and Hospitality II Honors

Principles of Family and Human Services

GAME ART DESIGN

3D Modeling and Animation

*Game Art and Design

Advanced Game Art and Design 

HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL

Health Science I

*Health Science II Honors

Nursing Fundamentals & Practicum Honors

Foundations of Health Science

BUSINESS - GENERAL MANAGEMENT

Business Management I

*Business Management II

Business Essentials

Entrepreneurship I

Entrepreneurship II Honors

DRAFTING ENGINEERING

Drafting I Honors

*Drafting II Engineering Honors

Drafting III Engineering Honors

SPORTS & EVENT MARKETING

Sport & Event Marketing I

*Sport & Event Marketing II Honors

WELDING

Welding Technology I Honors

*Welding Technology II Honors

Welding Technology III Honors

NATURAL RESOURCES

Sustainable Agriculture I

*Natural Resources II Honors

*Natural Resources II Forestry Honors

PLANT SCIENCE

Horticulture I Honors

*Horticulture II Honors

*Horticulture II Landscape Construction Honors

Advanced Studies Horticulture Honors

TRAVEL AND TOURISM

Business Essentials or Sport and Event Marketing I

EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT

Principles of Family and Human Services

Counseling and Mental Health I

*Counseling and Mental Health II

EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY

Emergency Medical Technology I Honors

Emergency Medical Technology II Honors

Health Science I

TRANSPORTATION, DISTRIBUTION & LOGISTICS

Fundamentals of Drone Technology

*Drone Technology I Honors

Drone Technology II Honors

**CTE Internships are available in all Pathways**

 

AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION

Sustainable Agriculture I

Grades: 9 - 11       1 Unit      
This course focuses on the increasingly complex world of producing enough food and fiber to meet the growing world demand and at the same time maintain ecological balance and conserve our natural resources. Students will explore implementing environmentally sound practices in agricultural production to satisfy the needs of a growing population for today and tomorrow. A breadth of topics including: crop and animal production, natural resource management, agroforestry, food safety, and the farm to fork continuum will set the educational stage for this course. English language arts, mathematics, and science are reinforced. Work-based learning strategies appropriate for this course are apprenticeship, cooperative education, mentorship, school-based enterprise, service learning, job shadowing, and supervised agricultural experience.

Natural Resources II Honors

Grades: 10-12
Prerequisite: Natural Resources I
This course covers instruction in best management practices in methods of environmental monitoring and conservation, air and water regulations, sampling methodologies, prescribing conservation techniques, and wildlife and forestry management. English language arts, mathematics, and science are reinforced.

Natural Resources II Forestry Honors

Grades: 10-12
Prerequisite: Natural Resources I
Explore forest cultivation, conservation and management, and timber harvesting and processing to prepare students for a career in the forestry industry. Implement skills in tree identification and timber measurement. Gain the knowledge and skills for careers in the Natural Resources pathway.

Foundations of Agriculture

Grades: 9th Only
Prerequisite: Application
This course focuses on integrating biological/physical sciences with technology as related to the environment, natural resources, food production, science, and agribusiness. Topics of instruction include agricultural awareness and literacy, employability skills and introduction to all aspects of the total agricultural industry. English, mathematics, and science are reinforced. Work based learning strategies appropriate for this course are apprenticeship, cooperative education, mentorship, school-based enterprise, service learning, job shadowing, and supervised agricultural experience. FFA competitive events, community service, and leadership activities provide the opportunity to apply essential standards and workplace readiness skills through authentic experiences.

Animal Science I

Grades: 9-12
This course focuses on animal physiology, breeding, nutrition, health, and best management practices in preparation for an animal science career. Leadership development and employability skills are integral to the course and are delivered through authentic experiences. 

Animal Science II– Companion Animal*

Grades: 11-12      1 Unit                 
Prerequisite: Animal Science I
This course provides instruction on animal husbandry topics related to small animals that are served by a veterinarian. Content related to the animal diseases, breeding, grooming, care and marketing of animals that fit into this category will be covered through this course. Opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience will be included in the course and reinforced through work-based learning and leadership experiences with FFA.

Veterinary Assisting Honors

Grades: 11-12    1 unit
Prerequisite: Animal Science II-Companion Animal
This course provides instruction for students desiring a career in animal medicine. Topics include proper veterinary practice management and client relations, pharmacy and laboratory procedure, advanced animal care, and surgical/radiological procedures. Applied mathematics, science and writing are integrated throughout the curriculum. Advanced FFA leadership will be infused throughout the curriculum to develop the student's ability to work with the public. All aspects of this course will feature hands-on skill sets designed to enhance experiential learning. Work-based learning strategies appropriate for this course are cooperative education, internship, mentorship, service-learning job shadowing and supervised agricultural experience. FFA competitive events, community service, and leadership activities will be provided. Students who wish to take the Veterinary Assisting Exam to be a Certified Veterinary Assistant (CVA) Level 1 should complete an additional 500 hours of supervised agricultural experience (SAE) during their three animal science courses. Two hundred hours focus on the care and management of animals; will be substantiated by records and conducted under the direct supervision of the agricultural teacher. Hours may be earned at any point during the year.. An additional 300 hours of agricultural experience (worked based learning) will be conducted as an internship program in animal medicine. Hours may be earned any time during the year including summer months.

Horticulture I Honors

Grades:  10-12     1 Unit
This course provides instruction on the broad field of horticulture with emphasis on the scientific and technical knowledge for a career in horticulture. Topics in this course include plant growth and development, plant nutrition, media selection, basic plant identification, pest management, chemical disposal, customer relations, and career opportunities. English language arts, mathematics, and science are reinforced.  Work-based learning strategies appropriate for this course are school-based enterprise, job shadowing, and supervised agricultural experience. FFA competitive events, community service, and leadership activities provide the opportunity to apply essential standards and workplace readiness skills through authentic experiences.

Horticulture II Honors

Grades: 10-12    1 unit
Prerequisite: Horticulture I
This course covers instruction that expands scientific knowledge and skills to include more advanced scientific computations and communication skills needed in the horticulture industry. Topics include greenhouse plant production and management, bedding plant production, watering systems, light effects, basic landscape design, installation and maintenance, lawn and turf grass management, and personal development. 

Horticulture II – Landscape Construction Honors

Grades: 10-12    1 unit
Prerequisite: Horticulture I
Design landscapes that meet client demands. Implement landscape installation and maintenance skills through work-based learning opportunities. Gain the knowledge and skills for landscape careers in the horticulture pathway. Build leadership development and employability skills through authentic experiences from Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE), classroom instruction, and FFA participation. Gain the knowledge and skills for careers in the Plant Systems pathway.

Advanced Studies Horticulture Honors

Grades:  11-12     1 unit
Prerequisite:  Horticulture II honors, application
Prepare for postsecondary education and future careers through analysis and research of selected career pathway. Experience real-world application of course/pathway content through a work-based learning lens acquired by utilizing employability skills in an authentic workforce activity. Evaluate and plan for a postsecondary career while educating others. Gain the knowledge and skills for careers in the pathway of choice.

Advanced Studies Agriculture Honors

Grades:  11-12     1 unit
Prerequisite:  Level II honors in Agriculture, application
Students must identify a career pathway aligned with the Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathway in the Agriculture class in which they have previously earned two academic credits, with at least one credit from a second-level course. This career pathway will serve as the focus for both the Advanced Studies Research Paper and a related Agriscience Fair project.
The student’s research must address a real-world, practical issue within the selected career pathway and propose a feasible solution supported by labor market data, industry research, and scientific or technical principles. The topic selected for the research paper will also serve as the foundation for the Agriscience Fair project, allowing students to apply their research through experimentation, data collection, design, or problem-solving relevant to their pathway.
Students are required to:

• Conduct in-depth research related to their chosen career pathway
• Analyze labor market data to justify the importance and relevance of the topic
• Develop and complete an Agriscience Fair project that demonstrates the application of their research findings
• Clearly connect the research paper, project methodology, and final conclusions
• Teacher approval is required prior to beginning the research and project development. Exemplar research topics and Agriscience Fair project ideas will be provided to guide students in selecting an appropriate and rigorous focus.

 

BUSINESS, FINANCE, AND MARKETING EDUCATION        

Business Essentials

Grades: 9-12            1 Unit                 
This course introduces students to topics related to business, finance, management, and marketing to cover business in the global economy, functions of business organization and management, marketing basics, and significance of business financial and risk management. Appropriate work-base learning strategies are job shadowing, field trips, and service learning.  Projects, simulations and teamwork provides the opportunity for application of instructional competencies.

Business Management I 

Grades:  10-12        1 unit
Prerequisite: Business Essentials 
Description: This course is designed to introduce students to core management concepts. The experience includes how managers plan, organize, staff, and direct the business’s resources that enhance the effectiveness of the decision-making process. Also the experience includes students working through ethical dilemmas and problem-solving situations with customer service while academic and critical thinking skills. Work-based Learning Opportunities appropriate for this course include job shadowing, and Industry related field trip.

Business Management II* 

Grades:  11-12
Prerequisite: Business Management I 
Description: This course is designed to enable students to acquire, understand, and appreciate the significance of management to business organizations. Understanding how managers control financial resources, inventory, ensure employee safety, and protect customer data enhances the effectiveness of their decision making. Students will work through ethical dilemmas, practice problem solving, and enhance their teamwork skills. 

Sport and Event Marketing I

Grades: 9-12         1 Unit                 
Prerequisite: None, Recommended: Business Essentials
This course is designed for students interested in sports, entertainment, and event marketing. Emphasis is placed on the following principles as they apply to the industry: branding, licensing, and naming rights; business foundations; concessions and on-site merchandising; economic foundations; promotion; safety and security; and human relations.  Marketing simulations, projects, and teamwork activities provide reinforcement for the instructional strategies.

Sport and Event Marketing II Honors*  

Grades: 9-12          1 Unit                 
Prerequisite: Marketing for Sports and Entertainment I
This course is designed for students interested in an advanced study of sports, entertainment, and event marketing. Emphasis is placed on the following principles as they apply to the industry: Business management, career development options, client relations, ethics, events management, facilities management, legal issues and contracts, promotion, and sponsorships.  Marketing simulations, projects, and teamwork activities provide opportunities for application of instructional competencies.

Drone Technology Fundamentals

Grades:  9-10    1 Unit
Explore the basic skills and knowledge needed to be a recreational drone pilot. Develop a sectional chart using legends for planned drone mission flights. Develop a basic program to conduct an autonomous flight using small drones in the classroom. Gain the knowledge, skills, and industry credentials for careers in drone technology.

Drone Technology I Honors

Grades:  11-12    1 Unit
Prerequisite: Drone Technology Fundamentals
Develop drone piloting knowledge and skills needed to obtain an FAA Remote Pilot certification. Participate in drone mission planning, basic flight operations, and drone aircraft maintenance. Execute communication needed as a flight crew team member. Gain the knowledge, skills, and industry credentials for careers in drone technology.

Drone Technology II Honors

Grades:  11-12    1 Unit
Prerequisite: Drone Technology I
Execute drone missions that include autonomous flight and mapping. Utilize mapping software to produce 2D and 3D images. Develop a business plan needed to start a drone piloting company. Gain the knowledge, skills, and enhanced industry credentials for careers in drone technology.

Entrepreneurship I

Grades:  9-12    1 Unit
Conceptualize starting, opening, working for, and operating a small business. Explore feasibility, design thinking, entrepreneurial mindset, and the Lean Canvas Business Model. Investigate channel management, pricing, product/service management, and promotion. Gain the knowledge and skills for careers in entrepreneurship.

Entrepreneurship II Honors

Grades:  10-12    1 Unit
Prerequisite:  Entrepreneurship I
Utilize business planning strategies to accelerate the implementation of a business idea. Construct plans for risk management, staffing, and promotions. Develop a business plan complete with a SWOT analysis and action plan. Gain the knowledge and skills for careers in entrepreneurship.

FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCES EDUCATION  

Principles of Family & Human Services

Grades: 9-10     1 Unit                 
Students learn core functions of the human services field; individual, family, and community systems; and life literacy skills for human development. Emphasis is placed on professional skills, human ecology, diversity, analyzing community issues, and life management skills. Activities engage students in exploring various helping professions, while building essential life skills they can apply in their own lives to achieve optimal wellbeing.  

Counseling & Mental Health I

Grades:    10-12    1 Unit
Students in this course will:
-develop an understanding of healthy relationships on an individual’s personal development.
-engage in effective communication strategies for strengthening relationships.
-explore the correlation of family systems on an individual’s well-being throughout one’s lifespan.
-gain the knowledge and skills for careers in counseling and mental-health.

Counseling & Mental Health II 

Grades:    10-12    1 Unit
Prerequisite:  Counseling and Mental Health I
Focus on the classification of mental health disorders. Inspire an understanding of mental health theories and treatments. Explore how human brain functions affect mental health. Gain the knowledge and skills for careers in counseling and mental health.

Culinary Arts and Hospitality I

Grades:  10-12    1 Unit
This course is designed to introduce students to the hospitality and foodservice industry by learning about components of professional practice and building basic knowledge and skills in food preparation, garde manger, baking, and food service operations. The introduction includes students learning food safety, breakfast cookery, salads and sandwiches, quick breads and cookies, and dining room service. Art, English, mathematics, science, and social studies are reinforced.

Culinary Arts and Hospitality II Honors

Grades:  10-12    1 Unit
Prerequisite: Culinary Arts I C or better.
Execute the planning of foodservice operations in a school-based enterprise. Design a variety of cuisines to apply learned cooking methods. Explore United States' regional soups and global baking and pastry arts. Gain the knowledge, skills, and certification for careers in culinary arts and hospitality.
HEALTH SCIENCE EDUCATION

Foundations of Health Science

Grade:   9-10    1 Unit         
This course is designed to assist potential health care workers in their role and function as health team members. Topics include medical terminology, the history of health care, healthcare agencies, ethics, legal responsibilities, health careers, holistic health, health care trends, cultural awareness, communication, medical math, leadership, and career decision making.

Health Science I

Grades: 10-11      1 Unit                 
Prerequisite: None; Strongly Recommended: Biology, and Health Team Relations (or) Foundations of Health Science.
This course focuses on human anatomy, physiology, human body diseases and disorders, and biomedical therapies. Students will learn about healthcare careers within the context of human body systems. Projects, teamwork, and demonstrations serve as instructional strategies that reinforce the curriculum content. 

Health Science II Honors*

Grades: 11-12     1 Unit                 
Prerequisite:  Health Science I; Strongly Recommended:  Health Team Relations (or) Foundations of Health Science.
This course is designed to help students expand their understanding of financing and trends of healthcare agencies, fundamentals of wellness, legal and ethical issues, concepts of teamwork, and effective communication. Students will learn health care skills, including current CPR for healthcare professionals. English language arts and science are reinforced in this course.

Nursing Fundamentals and Practicum Honors

Grade:  12         1 Unit
Prerequisite:  Health Science I and II: Application required
This course is designed for students interested in medical careers where personal care and basic nursing skills are used. This course is an enhanced adaptation of the North Carolina Division of Health Service Regulation (DHSR) Nurse Aide I (NAI) curriculum and helps prepare students for the National Nurse Aide Assessment (NNAAP). Students who pass the NNAAP become listed on the NC NAI Registry. English language arts, mathematics, and science are reinforced. *Enrollment is limited per North Carolina Board of Nursing (BON) Administrative Rule 21 NCAC 36.0318(i), which requires the ratio of teacher to nurse aide students be 1:10 or less during lab instruction, demonstration, and skills practice while in the clinical area.

COMPUTER SCIENCE AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION    

3D Modeling and Animation I

Grades: 9-12      1 Unit                 
Digital Design and Animation I is an introductory level course focusing on the concepts and tools used by digital artists in a wide variety of creative careers including graphic design, film, and game design. Students work with professional-grade creative software packages to develop 2D and 3D digital graphics and audio/video media. Students use Adobe CC Suite, and digital 3D modeling with 3DS Max to build needed skills for subsequent courses.

Game Art and Design

Grades: 10-12     1 Unit         
Prerequisite:  Digital Design and Animation I (or) Scientific & Technical Visualization I 
This course introduces students to techniques used in the electronic game industry. Students will focus on the principles used in game design including mathematical and virtual modeling. Emphasis is placed on areas related to art, history, ethics, plot development, storyboarding, programming, 2D Visual theory, and interactive play technologies. Students develop physical and virtual games using hands-on experience and a variety of software. Art, English language, arts, mathematics and science are reinforced. Work-based opportunities that may apply include a Business and Industry Field Trip and Job Shadowing.

Advanced Game Art and Design

Grades: 11-12    1 unit
Prerequisite: Game Art and Design
This course is a continuation in the study of game design. Emphasis is placed on working collaboratively as a team and creating 3-D game-ready assets and environments. Students will recognize roles in a game development team, create and pitch an original game idea and understand production management in a team environment. They will gain understanding of higher-level game design concepts such as interface design, flow, and affordance. They will utilize current industry standard AAA game engines to produce a finished multilevel game. Lastly students will produce a postmortem and update their work in their game design portfolio.

TRADE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, AND INDUSTRIAL EDUCATION

Welding Technology I Honors

Grades: 9 -11     1 Unit                   
This course covers basic industrial and construction welding practices and employment opportunities. Topics include safety, tools, plasma cutting, measurement, oxyfuel cutting processes, base metal preparation and shielded metal arc welding (SMAW). Science, thinking skills, mathematics, and principles of technology are reinforced in this course. Job shadowing is an appropriate work-based learning strategy for this course. Hands-on experiences make up a minimum of 25% of the class time.

Welding Technology II Honors* 

Grades: 10-12     1 Unit                
Prerequisite: Welding I, Recommended: proficiency on post assessment, Math II
This course introduces advanced welding and cutting practices used in industry and construction. Topics include welding inspection and testing, drawing in symbols, and shielded metal (SMAW) arc welding. Skills in leadership, safety, SMAW, mathematics, reading, and problem solving are reinforced in this course.  Hands-on work experiences make up 60% of the class time.

Welding Technology III Honors

Grades:  10-12    1 Unit
Prerequisite: Welding II     Recommended: proficiency on post assessment, Math II
This course is designed to continue the development of advanced welding and cutting practices used in industry and construction and emphasizes hands-on experience. Further emphasis is placed on topics covered in Welding Technology II such as gas metal (GMAW), flux cored (FCAW), and shielded metal (SMAW) arc welding.  Work-based learning strategies appropriate for this course include job shadowing and community service. 

Drafting I Honors

Grades:  9-12    1 unit
Prerequisite:  None. Recommend 1 unit of Math
This course focuses on global industry communication through graphics in the areas of design and the fabrication of products.  Topics include:

• 2D and 3D CAD
• Technical Sketching
• Geometric & Orthographic Techniques
• Dimensioning and Annotation
• Working Drawings
• 3D printing

Students will learn how to freehand sketch as well as use AutoCAD to become AutoCad User Certified. 

Drafting II Engineering Honors

Grades:  10-12    1 unit
Prerequisite:  Drafting I honors
This course introduces the students to industry standards required in Engineering.  3D parametric modeling skills will be stressed.  Approximately 75% of class time will be devoted to application of engineering design techniques to develop working drawings of 3D parts and assemblies.

Drafting III Engineering Honors

Grades:  11-12    1 unit
Prerequisite:  Drafting II Engineering honors
This course is an introduction to advanced engineering concepts using CAD tools.  English, math, and science are reinforced.  This course explores job-seeking skills, and emphasizes professionalism.  

Drafting II Architecture Honors

Grades:  10-12    1 unit
Prerequisite:  Drafting I honors
This course is focused on the principles, concepts, and use of graphic tools used in the field of Architecture, Structural systems, and Construction trades.

Drafting III Architecture Honors

Grades:  11-12    1 unit
Prerequisite:  Drafting II Architecture honors
This course introduces students to advanced architectural design concepts and Building Information Modeling (BIM).  Mathematical, scientific, and visual design concepts are reinforced. Emphasis is placed on the continued use of 3D CAD tools in the design and creation of site plans, electrical plans, stair details, site development, bath and kitchen design, renderings, and walkthroughs. 

Advanced Studies Architecture Honors

Grades:  12     1 unit
Prerequisite:  Drafting III Architecture honors, application
Prepare for postsecondary education and future careers through analysis and research of selected career pathways. Experience real-world application of course/pathway content through a work-based learning lens acquired by utilizing employability skills in an authentic workforce activity. Evaluate and plan for a postsecondary career while educating others. Gain the knowledge and skills for careers in the pathway of choice.

EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY

Emergency Medical Technology I Honors

Grades: 12    1 unit
Prerequisite: English II
This course is aligned to the Emergency Medical Responder certification (EMR) available from the North Carolina Office of Emergency Medical Services. The course includes clinical skills in each area as specified by NC OEMS for successful completion of this certification. Schools should use resources from the community to help deliver instruction to the students. English language arts are reinforced. Students must turn 17 prior to the end of the course to be enrolled in this course per NC OEMS requirements. 

Emergency Medical Technology II Honors

Grades: 12    1 unit
Prerequisite: English II, Emergency Medical Technology I
This course is aligned to the Emergency Medical Technician certification (EMT) available from the North Carolina Office of Emergency Medical Services. The course includes clinical skills in each area as specified by NC OEMS for successful completion of this certification. Schools should use resources from the community to help deliver instruction to the students. English language arts are reinforced.

SUPPLEMENTAL COURSE

CTE Internship

Grades: 
10th grade – can be taken the summer after 10th grade year – must be 16 years old. 
11th grade – can be taken during the school year or the summer after 11th grade.
12th grade – can be taken during the school year only.

Prerequisite: Concentrator Level CTE Course and Instructor Permission, application.
A CTE Internship allows for additional development of career and technical competencies within a general career field. Internships allow students to observe and participate in daily operations, develop direct contact with job personnel, ask questions about particular careers, and perform certain job tasks. This activity is exploratory and allows the student to get hands-on experience in a number of related activities. The teacher, student, and the business community jointly plan the organization, implementation, and evaluation of an internship, regardless of whether it is an unpaid or paid internship.
 

All admissions to Exceptional Children’s Programs are based on placement by the School-Based Committee.  An IEP is required.

Curriculum Instruction Lab 

Grades:  9 – 12    1 Unit      
Prerequisites: Exceptional Children’s Program
Labs will be assigned to students based on individual needs. During each lab, direct instruction and additional support will be provided as specified by the IEP. Course may be repeated for credit.  

FUTURE-READY OCCUPATIONAL

Students enrolled in the Work Ready Program must meet the following requirements to qualify for a High School Diploma: 

• English                4 Credits
• Mathematics            3 Credits
• Science                 2 Credits
• Social Studies             2 Credits
• PE I/Health            1 Credit
• Career/Technical Education    4 Credits
• Completion of 150 hours of school-based training
• Completion of 225 hours of community-based training
• Completion of 225 hours of paid employment 
• Computer proficiency as specified in IEP(Career)
• Completion of Career Portfolio

All Occupational Course of Study academic courses are co-taught by a licensed content teacher.  Depending on the course, it could be co-taught through NCVPS or by a KMHS content teacher.  Students involved in the Occupational Course of Study will take the following:

English I
Level: 9         1 Unit 
Prerequisite: EC department approval 
Emphasis on reading comprehension, strategies to comprehend texts, knowledge of literary elements, development of composition skills, including editing and grammar, and application of research tools and techniques. Students will become media savvy by analyzing appeals, recognizing reliable internet sources, and internet safety.

English II 
Level: 10         1 Unit 
Prerequisite: English I and EC department approval 
Emphasis on developing fluency, flexibility, and control in reading and writing.  World literature is studied.  Forms of writing are expository, descriptive, persuasive, and narrative.  Cause and effect relationships will be examined.  Students will learn research skills, conduct research on a global topic, and pull together information and present findings.  Students will participate in the writing test administered in March. 

English III
Level: 11         1 Unit 
Prerequisite: English II and EC departmental approval 
Emphasis on understanding literary and informational texts, using appropriate communication skills effectively in a variety of daily living and employment situations, This includes cause and effect relationships, decision making, and problem solving.

English IV 
Level: 12       1 Unit 
Prerequisite: English III and EC department approval 
Emphasis on continuing to integrate oral, written and visual skills to communicate effectively in a variety of daily living and employment situations, attributing the impact of cause and effect on a given real life problem, generating a viewpoint based on the analysis of current events, written texts, and/or personal life situations.  Create oral, written, and visual products using technology. Carry out the presentation of product/information using oral communication skills, including the use of assistive technology.  

Intro. to Mathematics 
Level: 9          1 Unit 
Prerequisite: EC department approval 
Emphasis on understanding rational numbers, applying mathematical operations, ratios, proportions, percents, time, measurement, and algebraic properties to solve problems, understanding patterns and relationships, and understanding data in terms of graphical display

Blended Math 1
Level: 10        2 Units 
Prerequisite: EC department approval 
Emphasis on using ratios and rates to solve problems, using appropriate properties and strategies to combine and factor algebraic expressions, using direct and indirect variation to solve problems, understanding functions based on mathematical and real-world phenomena, using strategies to find solutions for linear and exponential relationships, analyzing geometric shapes, and using formulas to solve problems involving area and volume. 
Financial Management  
Level: 11             1 Unit 
Prerequisite: Math I and EC department approval 
Emphasis on use of computation in the application of these skills for independent living.  More emphasis is placed on application and problem solving in the areas of financial planning, personal financial management, income taxes, wages and compensation, use of credit, types of insurance, and consumer spending.

Founding Principles, Civics and Economics 
Level: 10-11    1 Unit
Prerequisite: EC Department Approval
This course allows for an emphasis on understanding the basic components of American democracy, practices of American government as established by the United States Constitution, basic concepts of American politics and citizenship and basic concepts of economics. Students will gain an increase in understanding the skills necessary to participate as effective and responsible citizens. 

Founding Principles of the United States of America and North Carolina:  Civic Literacy
Level:  10-12    1 Unit
This course will place emphasis on examining the ways in which power and responsibility are both shared and limited by the U.S. Constitution and how the judicial, legal, and political systems of North Carolina and the United States embody the founding principles of government. Students in this course will analyze and evaluate the extent to which the American system of government guarantees, protects, and upholds the rights of citizens.

Personal Finance
Level: 11-12    1 Unit
Prerequisite: EC Department Approval
This course will focus an emphasis on understanding the areas of economics, personal finance, income and education, money management, critical consumerism, and financial planning.  Students will be able to understand the basic principles of economics and money management. Knowledge from this course allows students to be responsible citizens in the areas of money management and financial literacy.  

Biology 
Level: 10        1 Unit 
Prerequisite: App Science and EC department approval 
Emphasis on understanding and analyzing cells and living organisms, understanding the structure and function of DNA, explaining the theory of evolution, understanding how biological molecules are essential to living organisms, and analyzing the interdependence of living organisms within their environments. 

Employment Preparation I:  Science
Level: 9        1 Unit 
Prerequisite: EC department approval 
This course is designed to introduce students to the fundamental attitudes, behaviors, and habits needed to obtain and maintain employment in their career choice and make career advancements.  Students will participate in school-based learning activities including work ethic development, job seeking skills, decision-making skills, and self-management.  Students will be involved with on-campus vocational training activities such as school-based enterprises, on campus jobs, and the operation of small businesses.  Formal career planning begins in this course and continues throughout the strand of Occupational Preparation courses.  Students will participate in the school-based enterprise. 

Employment Preparation II:  Citizenship 1A and 1B
Level: 10         2 Units 
Prerequisite: Occupational Prep I and EC department approval 
This course is designed to allow students to develop skills generic to all career majors:  resource management, communication, interpersonal relationships, technology, stamina, endurance, safety, mobility skills, motor skills, teamwork, sensory skills, problem solving, cultural diversity, information acquisition/management, and self-management.  This course content is focused on providing students with a repertoire of basic skills that will serve as a foundation for future career application.  Students will expand their school-based learning activities to include on-campus jobs and work-based learning activities. Job-seeking skills will also be refined. 

Employment Preparation III:  Citizenship 2A and 2B
Level: 11       2 units 
Prerequisite: Occupational Prep II and EC dept. approval 
This course is designed to allow students to continue the 
development and begin the application of skills learned in Occupational Preparation I and II.  Work-based learning activities are provided including community-based training, job shadowing, job sampling, internships, situational assessment, cooperative education, and apprenticeships.  These work-based activities allow students to apply 
employability skills to competitive employment settings and demonstrate the effectiveness of their work personality.  Multiple opportunities for leadership development and self-determination are provided. 

Employment Preparation IV:  Math 
Level: 12       1 unit
Prerequisite: Occ Prep III and EC department approval 
This course gives students the opportunity to synthesize 
all the skills acquired in previous Occupational Preparation courses and determine their applicability to their personal career choice.  This course allows students to solve work-related problems experienced in competitive employment, practice self-advocacy skills, and master the theoretical and practical aspects of their career choice.  Students will complete 360 hours of integrated competitive employment in a community setting required for successful completion of the Occupational Course of Study.  Students will also develop a job placement portfolio that provides an educational and vocational record of their high school experience. 

**Students following the Extended Content Standards will complete courses based on specific individual needs.  Course schedules will be discussed with parent(s)/guardian(s) during transition Individualized Education Plan meetings.**
 

The North Carolina Career & College Promise partnership with community colleges offers North Carolina high school age students a clear, focused and affordable path to future success. Qualified North Carolina high-school age students can begin their two- or four-year college work, tuition free, while they are in high school allowing them to get a head start on their workplace and college preparation. 

The program is tuition free to all students who maintain a “B” average and meet other eligibility requirements. Students would be responsible for any additional textbook costs, if applicable.  The prices range from $20 to $150.

Career & College Promise provides three pathways to help advance eligible students’ post-high school success: 

College Transfer Pathway

leading to a minimum of 30 hours of college credit. If you are a junior or senior planning to attend a four-year college after high school, this pathway will allow you to complete some of the core general education classes required during the first two years of a four-year degree. 

Career Technical Pathway

leading to a certificate, diploma, or degree. If you are a junior or senior in a career cluster program at your high school, this pathway will give you the opportunity to enroll in a CCC Certificate or Diploma Program that aligns with your high school program. 

Cooperative Innovative High Schools (limited availability)

Begin earning tuition-free college credits as a high-school freshman by attending a Cooperative Innovative High School. Cleveland Early College High School only enrolls rising 9th grade students.

To be eligible for enrollment in a College Transfer Pathway, high school students must meet the following criteria:

• Be a high school junior or senior; have an unweighted GPA of 2.8 on high school courses.

To be eligible for enrollment in a Career Technical Pathway, high school students must meet the following criteria:

• Be a high school junior or senior;
• Have an unweighted GPA of 2.8 on high school courses or have the recommendation of the high school principal or his/her designee; and 
• Meet the prerequisites for the career pathway.

Kings Mountain High School plans to partner with Cleveland Community College to offer courses for the new Career and College Promise initiative.  Contact Jill Cruise for course offerings.

CCP Busing Options 

The following programs are offered to KMHS students through Cleveland Community College. The programs lead to a certificate in the designated field.  Some programs may require an additional semester of course work at CCC after graduation.

These classes will be taught at CCC from 8:30 to 10:30. Transportation will be provided or students can drive to CCC.  If students need transportation they will ride the Early College shuttle to CCC and a shuttle back to KMHS.  Students will continue to be enrolled at KMHS.

Eligibility

• 11th & 12th Grade Students

Students will take courses in consecutive periods during both fall and spring semesters.

Starred (*) courses below will receive 1 extra quality point towards their GPA

AC HEATING & REFRIGERATION 

• fall (BAT212/BAT251)
• spring (AHR112/BAT111)

AUTOMATION ENGINEERING

• fall (ATR112/ELC128)
• spring (ATR211/ELC228)

COLLISION REPAIR

• fall (AUB111/TRN110)
• spring (AUB121/AUB131)

COSMETOLOGY YR 1 ($400 + $16)

• fall(COS111AB/COS112AB)
• spring(COS111BB/COS112BB)

COSMETOLOGY YR 2

• fall (COS113AB/COS114AB)
• spring(COS113BB/COS114BB)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS YR 1

• fall (ELC 112)
• spring (ELC114)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS YR 2

• fall (ELC113)
• spring (ELC117)

IT PROGRAMMING

• fall (CTI110/WEB115)
• spring (CIS115*/CSC151*)

PHARMACY TECHNICIAN ***12 GRADE ONLY

• fall (Pharmacy Tech)             

 *Please note that there is a cost for enrolling in Cosmetology. Also Cosmetology requires parents and students to attend a meeting over the summer. This meeting is mandatory and students may not enroll without attending the meeting. 

 

Credit by Demonstrated Mastery

Appalachian State University 828.262.2120 UNC at Asheville   800.531.9842

East Carolina University 919.328.6640 UNC at Chapel Hill   919.966.3621

Elizabeth City State University 919.335.3305 UNC at Charlotte   704.547.2213

Fayetteville State University 800.672.6667 UNC at Greensboro   910.334.5243

North Carolina A & T University 910.334.7946 UNC at Pembroke   910.521.6262

North Carolina Central University 919.560.6066 UNC at Wilmington   910.962.3243

NC School of the Arts 910.770.3290 Western Carolina Univ.     800.928.2369

North Carolina State University 919.515.2434 Winston Salem State Univ.  910.750.2070

    NC School of Science and Mathematics    919.416.2857

 

 

Community Colleges Located in this Area

 

Caldwell Community College 704.726.2200 Isothermal Comm. College 704.286.3636

Catawba Valley Comm. College 704.327.7000 McDowell Comm. College   704.652.6021

Central Piedmont Comm. College 704.342.6719 Mitchell Comm. College     704.878.3200

 Cleveland Community College 704.484.4000 Rowan-Cabarrus Com. Col.   704.637.0760

 Gaston College 704.922.6200 Western Piedmont Com Col.704.438.6000

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For Additional Information

For Financial Aid Information – http://www.finaid.org

For SAT Information – www.collegeboard.org

For ACT Information – www.act.org

For College Information – www.cfnc.org

See your counselor