Choosing Classes
State law requires students to take several classes during their high school career. Many of these requirements fit into the Des Moines Public School's graduation requirements as well. While students have some options in choosing their classes, they must also graduate with 23 total credits, in specific areas. It is important to point out that these graduation requirements may not always align with college/university requirements for admissions. This is why it is always important for students to know what their post-secondary institution requires.
Here is a chart of the DMPS graduation requirements: In addition to these credits, all students must also take a class in one of the four 21st Century Skills, deemed by the state. These are NOT additional classes, but classes that meet the standards of Employability Skills, Health, Financial and Technology Literacy.
North HS believes in developing a student-driven schedule, meaning classes offered every year are those which our students request the most and have the greatest interest and passion in. All classes that DMPS offers, along with the descriptions of what the classes are about can be found by clicking on the course catalog to the left. Please note, just because the classes are found in the catalog, it does NOT mean North offers them. |
4-Year Individual & Academic Plans
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Each district is required to work with every student enrolled in the eighth grade in developing, and, in subsequent years until graduation, reviewing and revising, an Individual Career and Academic Plan (plan). The plan is the result of a holistic process which assists the student in identifying career and academic goals and the most appropriate route to achieve those goals. This is done annually, when students complete their scheduling for the following year.
On page 9 of the course catalog (above, left), there are specific directions for how student can access their 4-year plans and update them at anytime through Infinite Campus. |
Pathways
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As students participate in career exploration and develop post-secondary plans, they will determine which pathway best fits their interests and passions in life.
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