Course Registration

COURSE REGISTRATION PHILOSOPHY

When planning a student's course of study, several factors should be taken into account: the student's academic history, abilities, interests, co-curricular activities, college aspirations, and graduation requirements. The goal is to create a well-rounded educational experience with a strong academic core and opportunities for advanced study in areas of strength and interest. Students should also aim to:

Fulfill all graduation requirements.
Build upon their strengths and seek appropriate academic challenges.
Pursue opportunities for personal and intellectual growth.
Maintain a balance between academic coursework and co-curricular activities.

RECOMMENDATIONS, ENROLLMENT, AND SCHEDULING

Several elements influence course enrollment: student performance on placement tests, completion of required prerequisite courses, past academic grades, and, in certain cases, approval from department heads or school administrators. Although we aim to provide a broad selection of courses, practical limitations like staffing, minimum class sizes, and available classrooms can affect the final schedule. As a result, not all listed courses may be offered. Because we cannot guarantee enrollment in specific elective courses, students must select alternate choices for each elective you request.

The school creates its master schedule based on the course recommendations and requests submitted by students during open registration. While we make every effort to honor student preferences, the courses ultimately offered, the number of sections, and these requests directly shape the final class schedule. Therefore, changing course requests after the end of April can be very challenging or impossible. We strongly urge you to choose your courses promptly, carefully, and thoughtfully, as your selections directly determine the academic offerings for the following school year.

COURSE REGISTRATION PROCESS

The course registration process is vital in planning your academic journey for the upcoming school year. It allows you to consider your preferences for the courses you wish to take, ensuring that the school can build a schedule that best meets the needs of all students.

Here's how it generally works:

Review Curriculum Guide and Course Options: Begin by carefully examining the digital curriculum guide. This guide describes all available courses, including prerequisites, learning objectives, and potential career pathways. Pay close attention to graduation requirements and any specific program requirements you may be pursuing.
Attend Information Sessions (if applicable): Some departments or programs may host information sessions to provide further insights into specific courses or pathways. These sessions can be invaluable for making informed decisions.
Consult with Advisors and Teachers: Discuss your academic goals, interests, and potential course selections with your academic advisor and relevant teachers. They can offer personalized guidance and recommendations based on your strengths and areas for growth.
Complete the Advanced Course Application Form: Students who wish to enroll in courses designated as AP (Advanced Placement), Advanced Open Study, or Independent Study must complete the Advanced Course Application form. Adhere to any specified deadlines and guidelines.
Select Alternate Electives: Because enrollment in specific electives cannot be guaranteed, you must select alternate choices for each elective course you request. This ensures a full schedule even if your first choices are unavailable.
Submit Course Requests: Double-check your selections for accuracy and completeness before submitting your course requests by the deadline.
Review and Confirmation: After the school builds the master schedule, you will typically have an opportunity to review your assigned courses. If you have any concerns or require adjustments, you may be able to meet with your advisor to discuss potential options, keeping in mind that changes may be limited due to scheduling constraints.
Understand the Importance of Timeliness: Course requests are crucial in determining the courses offered, the number of sections, and the overall schedule. Therefore, submitting your requests promptly and thoughtfully is essential.

Remember, your course selections will significantly impact your academic experience. Take the time to explore your options, seek guidance, and make informed decisions that align with your academic and personal goals.

ADDING, DROPPING, AND CHANGING COURSES

Any changes to a student's course load must be made through the upper school office. Students may make course changes during a designated ten school days at the beginning of each semester. This period begins on the first day of school for the first semester and at the start of the second semester for second-semester electives. It is the responsibility of the students to be aware of the final date for course changes. Any course dropped after the mid-semester mark will appear as withdrawn on the student's transcript (W/D). In certain circumstances, students may appeal this policy through their advisor and the department head to The Head of Upper School. Students may not withdraw from a yearlong course after the mid-semester mark of the first semester unless they have permission from the department head and Head of Upper School.

Course change forms are available on MyNSCD and should be completed by the student. Once submitted, the form will require approval from the student’s parents/guardians, advisor, course teacher or department chair, and Assistant Head of upper school. The change will be finalized in the database by the School Registrar. Forms submitted by eleventh and twelfth-grade students will also need approval from one of the college counselors.

In cases where a student wishes to shift from a 15-level course to a 10-level course, the shift must occur by the week after the conclusion of the first mid-semester. Students who change before the week after the mid-semester deadline will receive credit for their work in the 15-level course but will not have any carryover of academic performance grades when moving into the 10-level course. After the deadline week following mid-semester, students may only switch from a 15 to a 10-level course at the end of the first semester. Students who shift from a 15-level course to a 10-level course at the semester mark will receive a grade for the 15-level course in the first semester and a stage for the 10-level course in the second semester. In certain circumstances, students may appeal this policy through The Head of Upper School. Students may take seven courses in a year, but one must be an art course that is not an AP art/music course.