Academics

Starting in the Fall of 2024, students at SAVHS will need 47 credits to meet graduation requirements in eight different areas:

1 credit in personal finance
8 credits in English/Language Arts
6 credits in Mathematics, including Algebra II or equivalent
7 credits in Social Studies, including Global Studies & Economics, US History, Human Geography, and Government and Politics.
1 credit each in Health and Physical education (2 total)
6 credits in Science, including a full year of Biology and a full year of Physics or Chemistry
2 credits in fine arts. Either visual or performing arts will meet this requirement.
15 elective credits in coursework of their choice.

Additionally, the district is also making one of the following a requirement for graduation:

Courses awarding college credit to high school students such as AP, CIS, or PSEO
An internship or work-study
A SANB and/or 916 CTE course
Complete a staff-supervised senior capstone

Grading/weighted grading

Weighted grades apply to all Advanced Placement (AP) and College in the Schools (CIS) courses taken at SAVHS. Students that complete credits through PSEO will not earn weighted grades.

Grade	Regular	Weighted
A	4.0	4.5
A-	3.667	4.125
B+	3.33	3.75
B	3.0	3.375
B-	2.667	3.0
C+	2.33	2.625
C	2.0	2.25
C-	1.667	1.875
D+	1.33	1.50
D	1.0	1.125
D-	.667	.750

If a student does not achieve a passing grade

Students that do not achieve a passing grade in a required class have the following options available:

Repeat the class in a subsequent semester.
Enroll in the Alternative Learning Program or Summer School-see a Counselor for details and enrollment paperwork..

Students that do not achieve a passing grade in an elective class can make up the class in a subsequent semester. Check with a counselor to ensure that you are still on track to graduate.

Online grade access via Skyward

Students will be expected to periodically review their academic progress via Skyward which is accessible from any inter-connected computer, tablet, or smart phone. It is the responsibility of the student to check grades and speak with teachers about academic progress. If a student would like academic support, speak to a school counselor for options.

Learn how to access Skyward

Four-year planning at SAVHS

Tabs

Grade 9

This is the beginning of high school transcript - all grades earned will be included in a student's GPA.

The best way to help pay for college is to get good grades.
- Develop good study habits and time management skills.
- Become involved in the school through athletics, activities, clubs, etc.
- Become involved in your community through church, volunteering, club sports, scouts, etc.
Understand what are the graduation requirements and map out a plan of classes to take throughout high school.
Think about interests and how to incorporate them into different careers.
Explore several different careers and figure out a plan to make it in those careers.
Consider taking AP classes as a sophomore, if ready.
Take class registration seriously and put some thought when choosing classes. Discuss options with parents/guardians and teachers.

Grade 10

Review your ninth-grade year and reflect on what went well and what needs improvement.
Maintain a strong GPA.
Make up any required classes from ninth-grade.
Think about ways to get involved in leadership positions within school and community activities.
Start thinking a little more seriously about possible career options and explore what different colleges have to offer.
Job shadow or intern with friends and family to see what different jobs look like on a daily basis.
Consider getting a job if you are able to manage time with school and other activities.
Consider all options for junior year classes- and also fulfilling all high school requirements.
Consider taking the PSAT.
Visit some colleges over the summer.
Explore ways to improve leadership skills over through employment, summer camps, etc.

Grade 11

Most important year of high school.
Make up any non-passing classes that were taken during 10th grade.
Visit colleges and make multiple visits to colleges of interest – guided groups tours, individualized tours, overnight visits, sporting events, etc.
Attend the College Fair.
Take advantage of college representatives that visit SAVHS.
Compile a list of schools of interest in applying to, and research application requirements.
Consider taking the PSAT.
Try to narrow in on strongest areas of interest for college majors and careers. This may change over time, but having an idea of some sort of direction helps the overall process. It’s ok to be unsure but allow for a few options of interest.
Prepare for the ACT and take it multiple times- maintaining good grades throughout high school and achieving a high ACT score is the best way to help pay for college.
Maintain a strong GPA – this is the last year of grades that will show up on a transcript once applying for college.
Brainstorm college application essay topics and begin outlining possible essays.
Meet with a counselor to talk about the college search and upcoming senior year.