A Complete List of all High School Classes

Whether you’re just starting high school or are further along in your education, you might be wondering what classes to take. After all, your chosen curriculum can affect your ability to discover your talents, succeed on the SAT and other standardized tests, and even get into your dream college.

Below is a complete list of courses found at high schools across the U.S. While your school might not offer all or even most of these classes, perusing this list can give you a sense of what to expect when the time comes to design your curriculum.

Designing Your High School Curriculum

The most competitive colleges seek out well-rounded students who undertake challenging high school curricula. To boost your odds of getting accepted at your school of choice, be sure to take classes every year in English, math, science, social studies, and a foreign language. Additionally, high school students should sign up for honors and AP classes when available and pursue electives about which they’re passionate. According to the Princeton Review website, peppering your schedule with electives is a great way to identify new talents and areas of interest.

Dealing With Limited Class Offerings

Of course, your high school is unlikely to offer all the courses on our list. Limited resources and funding mean that most schools have to pick and choose which classes to offer. However, if you have good grades and room in your schedule, you might be able to pursue a subject that interests you through an independent study. Additionally, some students opt to take classes not available through their high schools at a local community college.

If your high school has limited class offerings, don’t panic. According to an article from Yale’s Admissions department, colleges only evaluate students’ course selections based on the options available to them. In other words, you won’t be penalized for neglecting to take advantage of opportunities your high school didn’t provide.