AHS Course Catalog

Arlington High School Schedule

All students are scheduled for 7 classes and a lunch.

Arlington High School operates on a seven (7) course rotation schedule, with one class scheduled daily and six block classes scheduled on alternating days. Courses can be semester-long or year-long.

Monday-Thursday Schedule:

• Students attend 5 classes each day: 3 block periods, 1 skinny period and STRIPES 
• Block periods meet on alternating days for 94 minutes 
• Skinny period meets daily for 48 minutes 
• STRIPES meets Monday-Thursday for 31 minutes per day

Friday Schedule:

• All 7 periods meet for 48 minutes
• STRIPES does not meet

STRIPES System To Reach Intervene Push and Enrich Students

STRIPES is a stand-alone intervention and enrichment period that occurs from 9:34-10:15 Monday-Thursday to meet the needs of all students. At the end of 3rd period, students are released to pre-determined, teacher assigned destinations in order to attend intervention or enrichment sessions based on individual evidence of learning. The STRIPES program allows Arlington High School to add 2.73 hours of targeted support and enrichment opportunities each week.

Standard Level Courses are designed to prepare students for entrance into a college and for academic success in the college classroom. Standard courses are open to all students and follow the content standards, learning expectations, and performance indicators approved by the State Board of Education and Arlington Community Schools.

Honors Level Courses are designed for students who are capable of and interested in progressing through course material with more depth and rigor than the standard course. Honors courses substantially exceed the content standards, learning expectations, and performance indicators of the standard courses. Honors’ course work aims at a greater proficiency in skills, wider range in reading and greater depth in understanding. Students are expected to perform at a faster pace, show greater levels of independence, and demonstrate greater skill in writing. For Honors courses, teachers will add three (3) points to the final average of each grading period and each semester exam grade. The two nine-week grades and the semester exam grade will be used to calculate the semester average. Points are not added to the semester average.

Advanced Placement (AP) courses are taught at a college level with curriculum determined by The College Board. AP courses include extensive reading. Students in AP courses may earn college credit if they perform well on the national AP tests. For AP courses, teachers will add five (5) points to the final average of each grading period and each semester exam grade. The two nine-week grades and the semester exam grade will be used to calculate the semester average. Points are not added to the semester average. Students enrolled in Advanced Placement courses are expected to sit for the standardized AP exam. Students who fail to sit for the standardized AP exam will not be awarded the additional points attributed to the AP class. Quarter and semester grades received throughout the school year will be adjusted to reflect the student’s failure to sit for the standardized AP exam.

Local Dual Credit courses are high school course aligned to a local postsecondary institution’s course and exam. Students who pass the exam earn credits that are accepted and/or recognized by the local postsecondary institution. Courses are taught by licensed high school teachers or certified college instructors approved by the school system and the postsecondary institution. For Local Dual Credit courses, teachers will add four (4) points to the final average of each grading period and each semester exam grade. The two nine-week grades and the semester exam grade will be used to calculate the semester average. Points are not added to the semester average.

Dual Enrollment courses allow students to participate in college level courses conducted during the school day on the AHS campus. Dual Enrollment courses use University of Memphis, University of Tennessee at Martin, Tennessee College of Applied Technology or Southwest Community College curricula. Admission requirements and enrollment must be met in order to earn college credit. For Dual Enrollment courses, teachers will add five (5) points to the final average of the grading period. *Please note a course is defined as a university/college course offered during a semester. Example: Students enrolled in Dual Enrollment English are enrolled in 2 courses at the University of Memphis. English 1010 during semester one and English 1020 during semester two.

Program Planning

Students, along with middle and high school counselors and parents, begin the development of the four-year plan of study during the 8th grade year. The plan of study will serve as a blueprint for meeting graduation requirements, post-secondary admission requirements, and individual student interests. While the plan of study is reviewed each year during the course selection process, students also have the opportunity to update their plan of study at any time by meeting with their counselor.

Course Selection

Each year, students meet with counselors to choose courses for the upcoming academic year. Course selection for rising 9^th graders occurs at the middle school. AHS counselors facilitate the process with the middle school counselors, staff, parents, and students.  Online course selection for current 9^th-11^th graders occurs during February using PowerSchool Class Registration. If a student has not registered for courses by the end of the selection period, the school will assign a schedule to him/her. 

Course Selection for Current 8th Grade Students

• The Freshman Counselor will conduct informational meetings for middle school parents and students prior to course selection.
• AMS Counselors will provide individual advising for the four-year plan of study and 9^th grade course selection.
• The Freshman Counselor will be available for individual meetings at the middle school if additional support is needed.
• Online course requests will be completed using PowerSchool Class Registration.

Course Selection for Current 9th, 10th and 11th Grade Students

• Online course selection for current 9^th, 10^th, 11^th graders will occur during February using PowerSchool Class Registration.

Student Course Load

• Students must be enrolled in courses that will produce at least five (5) credits toward graduation each school year.
• Each student will accrue between 23 and 28 credits by the end of their senior year.
• The Tennessee Department of Education requires all seniors to enroll in a full load of credit-bearing courses.

Course Selection Changes

Course selection should be made with careful consideration during the course selection period. Course changes are discouraged except as recommended by teachers for placement reasons, or if a specific prerequisite is not met for the scheduled course.

A student will remain enrolled in an Advanced Placement, Dual Enrollment or Honors course unless the parent/guardian submits a written request for removal within thirty (30) days from the first day of school.

Honors AP

A student will remain enrolled in an Honors/AP course unless the parent/guardian submits a written request for removal within thirty (30) days from the first day of school Students may also be removed from advanced courses if the student’s teacher determines that the student should be removed based on performance after thirty (30) days of instruction and the Principal approves the request to remove the student.

Course Placement

The faculty and staff of Arlington High School believe a student’s academic success is directly related to correct placement in courses. Incorrect placement may result in poor performance and frustration for the student. As a result, Arlington High School requires that students have verification of prerequisite requirements for ALL Advanced Placement, Dual Credit, Dual Enrollment or Honors courses selected.

A parent who wishes to override a staff-recommended course placement must complete the Parent Override Form and meet with a member of the AHS Administrative team prior to the end of the school year. Parent overrides will not be considered after this deadline. Parents and students are highly cautioned in the use of the override forms.

Problems with a Course

A student who is experiencing problems in a course will not be removed from the course outside the policies previously stated. When problems develop, the following procedures should be followed:

1. The student should consult the teacher for ways to improve.
2. The student is expected to engage in the solutions offered by the course instructor.
3. If the problem still exists, the parent should talk to the teacher. Conversation can occur via email or phone, but the best communication is face to face.
4. If the problem continues to exist, the parent can request a parent conference that includes the teacher, the student, the parent(s), and the grade level counselor. The team will form a plan of action.

An Area of Focus is designed to peak a student's interest.  High school is a time to explore - to see what you like  but to also identify the subjects you don't like.  Students must choose a Focus Area that will allow them to concentrate on a particular subject beyond the core requirements. 

Advanced Placement (AP) *

Career and Technical Education (CTE)

• BioSTEM
• Business Management 
• Coding
• Criminal Justice & Corrections
• Cybersecurity
• Entrepreneurship
• Human & Social Science
• Information Technology
• JROTC
• Machining Technology
• Mechatronics
• Nursing Services
• STEM
• Therapeutic Services
• Welding

Fine Arts*

Humanities*

Math and Science*

*A total of 3 credits above the required graduation requirements will satisfy the requirements for this focus area

To progress from one grade level to the next, Arlington High School students must pass their grade-level English course, as well as their concurrent math course, each year of high school. Grade classifications are as follows:

• 9th Grade: Less than five (5) credits, enrolled in English 9, and a math course
• 10th Grade: Earned five (5) credits and passed both English 9 and a math course
• 11th Grade: Earned ten (10) credits and passed both English 10 and two math courses
• 12th Grade: Earned fourteen (14) and passed both English 11 and three math courses

*In accordance to the Tennessee State Department of Education requirement, a student classified as a 12^th  grader must be enrolled in a full schedule of credit bearing courses his/her senior year.

At Arlington High School, grade point averages (GPA) are calculated using the state’s uniform grading scale and in alignment with school board policy. This ensures a fair and consistent assessment of student performance across all courses.

Visit the link to learn more about GPA calculation at Arlington High School.

Board Policy 4.6000 Grading Systems

We believe ALL students should have access to rigorous and relevant early postsecondary opportunities.

Early postsecondary opportunities (EPSO) allow students to:

• Earn postsecondary credits while in high school.
• Become familiar with postsecondary expectations.
• Develop confidence and skills for success in postsecondary.
• Make informed postsecondary and career decisions.
• Decrease the time and cost of completing a certificate or degree.

Learn more about EPSO opportunities at AHS.

University of Memphis

• ACT Composite: 19
• English score: 18, Math score: 18, Engineering Math score: 24
• Index Score of 100 or higher = (GPA x 100) + ACT Composite

University of Tennessee at Martin

• Cumulative 3.0 unweighted high school GPA 
• Maintain a 2.75 college GPA to remain eligible
• Transcript and ACT score

 Southwest TN Community College & TCAT

• A transcript and ACT scores are required

The AHS Dual Enrollment Coordinator submits all official transcripts to the University of Memphis, UT Martin, Southwest TN Community College, or TCAT.

Dual Enrollment Cost

The Dual Enrollment Grant is funded by the Tennessee Lottery and administered by the Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation (TSAC). For continued grant eligibility during second semester, students must maintain a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA. If a student falls below the GPA requirement first semester, additional fees vary per post secondary institution. Cost of Dual Enrollment courses is dependent upon previous enrollment in dual courses.

Dual Enrollment Process

Step 1: Complete Course Selection worksheet and select courses in Power School during online course selection.

Step 2: Complete Dual Enrollment Contract and application process. ACT scores must be attached to Dual Enrollment contract.

• TNReady End of Course Exams are required by the State Board of Education for students enrolled in English I, English II, Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, U.S. History, and Biology. The results of these examinations will be factored as a percentage of the student’s second semester average.
• Advanced Placement Exams are required for students enrolled in AP courses. All students enrolled in an AP course must pay the fee of approximately $100 per course to the AP Coordinator and participate in the College Board AP testing program in May. The entire AP Exam fee balance must be paid on student schedule pick-up day. Nonpayment by this date will result in the AP course being dropped. 
• National Industry Certification Exams are encouraged for students enrolled in CTE programs of study offering postsecondary credits. Students must meet a cut score on the industry certification exam for postsecondary credit to be awarded. 
• ACT 11th Grade Assessment is required for every junior by the State Board of Education. To receive a regular high school diploma, all students enrolled in a Tennessee public high school during their eleventh (11th) grade year must take either the ACT or SAT. 
• United States Civics Test is required at completion of the United States Government or AP Government courses

Minimum Graduation Requirements

Board Policy 4.605 Graduation Requirements

Before graduation, every student shall [1] achieve the specified twenty-two (22) units of credit; [2] take the ACT, SAT, or other eleventh (11^th) grade post-secondary readiness assessment, as determined by the Tennessee Commissioner of Education, unless the student qualifies for a limited medical exemption as defined by the Tennessee Department of Education; and [3] have a satisfactory record of attendance and conduct.

Beginning with students who enroll in ninth (9^th) grade in the 2024-2025 school year, or any subsequent school year, earn at least one (1) computer science credit in high school increasing graduation requirements to twenty-three (23) units of credit.

English

• 4 credits

Math

• 4 credits
• Including Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II and a fourth, higher level math course

Science

• 3 credits
• Including Biology, Chemistry or Physics, and a third lab course

Social Studies

• 3 credits
• Includes one credit in U.S. History & Geography (Standard, Honors, AP, or Dual Enrollment), one credit in World History & Geography (Standard, Honors, or AP) or AP European History or AP Human Geography, and 1/2 credit from U.S. Government and Civics (Standard or AP), and 1/2 credit Economics (Standard or AP).

Wellness

• 1 credit

Physical Education

• 0.5 credit
• The Physical Education requirement may be met by substituting a documented and equivalent time of physical activity in JROTC, marching band, cheerleading, dance team, or TSSAA interscholastic athletics.

Personal Finance

• 0.5 credit

World Language

• 2 credits
• Two credits must be obtained in the same language.

Fine Arts

• 1 credit

Focus Area

• 3 credits

High School Courses Taken in Middle School

Students who have taken the equivalent of a high school level course in middle school may earn high school credit for graduation as explained in ACS Policy 4.604. The credit will be placed on the student’s transcript and calculated in the high school GPA. Students shall be given a semester exam for the course as required for students in grades 9-12 who earn credit for graduation. Students must earn the prescribed credits in grades 8-12 in order to meet Tennessee graduation requirements.

Arlington High School offers a variety of diploma options and recognitions to meet the diverse needs and goals of our students, including honors, standard, special education diplomas and more. Each pathway is designed to ensure every student is prepared for their future success.

Click the link to explore the specific diploma types and requirements.

Board Policy 4.608 High School Diplomas

Arlington High School uses a laude system to honor students achieving high academic distinction. This system celebrates exceptional performance with designations such as cum laude, magna cum laude, and summa cum laude.

Visit the link to learn more about the criteria for each recognition level.

ACS Board Policy 4.605 Graduation Requirements

Tennessee Secondary Sports Athletic Association- To be eligible to participate in athletic contests during any school year, the student must earn five credits the preceding school year. All credits must be earned by the first day of the beginning of the school year. Academic eligibility for a student is based on the requirements of the school the student was attending at the conclusion of the previous school year.

NCAA Eligibility- Students planning to participate in NCAA sports at a Division I or II School, must register with NCAA Eligibility Center and have their academic and amateurism status certified. To play sports at a Division I or II School, students must graduate from high school and meet ALL the following requirements:

Division I

• Complete 16 NCAA core courses
• Earn at least 2.3 GPA in the NCAA core courses
• Earn an ACT sum score or SAT combined score that matches the core course GPA on the Division I sliding scale

Division II

• Complete 16 NCAA core courses
• Earn at least a 2.0 GPA in the NCAA core courses
• Earn an ACT sum score of 68 or an SAT combined score of 820

In compliance with Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Arlington High School seeks to provide the least restrictive environment (LRE) for all students with disabilities. According to a student’s individual education plan (IEP), a student is offered the chance to be included with their non-disabled peers. AHS offers a continuum of services that are available for each student based on the IEP team decision either in the general education and/or special education setting. Academic support can come from the following areas- consultation, co-teaching, learning lab, and functional skills. The focus is on providing each student the assistance he or she needs to learn.

Learn about the diploma options available for students with disabilities, determined collaboratively by their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) team.

The required credits may be earned either through the state-approved standards or through alternate academics’ diploma modified course requirements approved by the State Board.  A student who earns an alternate academic diploma shall continue to be eligible for special education services under IDEA until he or she receives a regular high school diploma or through the school year in which the student turns twenty-two (22).