Course Selection Information

MHS Course Selection Information for 2023–2024

Registration Timeline

  • November 21–22: Discussion Days - Teachers shared recommendations with students.
  • November 22–30: Teachers provided recommendations for students in PS.
  • November 28–December 2: 8th grade presentations regarding pre-scheduling.
  • December 1–January 2: Parents/students pre-select courses in the parent portal.
  • December 12–16: Registration lessons to grades 9–11.
  • January 2–February 15: Students meet with their counselor to verify courses for 2023–2024.
  • March 17: Course verifications available for review in PowerSchool.
  • May 15: Course verifications available for review in PowerSchool.
  • July 20: The last day to make changes to courses for 2023–2024.

Why does course selection matter?

  • Opportunity to explore areas of interest
  • Foundation for post-secondary plans
  • Provides student with a competitive transcript for colleges

How do I make the right choice?

Graduation Requirements

  • Class of 2022 and beyond Requirements 
  • History/Social Studies credits must include VA/US History and VA/US Government
  • All students must pass a credentialing test, participate in a high quality work-based learning experience or take at least one advanced, IB or AP course.
  • All students must complete an elective sequence.
  • All students must complete a virtual course (earned via Econ and Personal Finance).
  • All students must complete First Aid/CPR Training (via 9th grade Health and PE).
  • All students must complete a portfolio.

Core Class Levels (English, Math, Science, and History)

Standard Level

  • Standard GPA Weighting (A = 4.0)
  • Least rigorous option for core courses
  • Preparation for SOL test

Advanced Level

  • Weighted with a 0.5 numerical advantage (A = 4.5)
  • More rigorous than standard level
  • Requires more time to complete readings and homework than standard level  

Dual Enrollment (DE) - Senior Year

  • Weighted with a 1.0 numerical advantage (A = 5.0)
  • Only two options for High School credit: EPF through Longwood (summer) and English 12 (full-year)
  • Community college credit upon completion of the class
  • Transferability of credit will depend on college of choice
  • Curriculum is more rigorous than advanced level

Advanced Placement (A = 5.0)

  • Weighted with a 1.0 numerical advantage
  • Taught at college-level
  • Requires extensive time to complete assignments
  • Students have option to take the AP test for potential college credit dependent on college of choice
  • Curriculum is content-specific and tests relate to specific content learned in class

Full IB Diploma Program

  • Considered most rigorous program offered Hanover County due to a regimented combination of college-level coursework with additional requirements outside of class
  • Two-year program spanning junior and senior year
  • Includes challenging college-level curriculum in various subjects, including one and two-year courses
  • Requires Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) project that will be completed outside of the classroom
  • Requires the Extended Essay (a 4,000-word research paper) written over 18 months
  • Utilize this IB Diploma Program tracking tool to plan out your IB Diploma requirements
  • To be eligible, students must complete four years of a single language before junior year and must complete Pre-Calculus before senior year
  • Students take IB exams for potential college credit dependent on college of choice

MHS Elective Options (offerings may change depending on staffing and interest)

Classes may require prerequisites or application. Please see the program of studies and course offerings by grade level (linked above) or your school counselor for a full listing of available courses, descriptions, and requirements. 

Course Weights and GPA

For classes with weighted credit in graduating classes 2020 and thereafter, students in Advanced Placement, Dual Enrollment, and International Baccalaureate courses receive weighted credit. A numerical advantage of 1.0 is assigned when calculating students’ grade(s) for these courses, in accordance with the procedure for computing class rank. Students in advanced courses also receive weighted credit. A numerical advantage of 0.5 is assigned when calculating students’ grade(s) for these courses, in accordance with the procedure for computing class rank. The program of studies and student schedules will clearly reflect which courses carry weighted credit. Appropriate school publications, including the program of studies, will state the criteria for placement in courses that carry weighted credit.

*Please refer to the policy manual for more detailed information regarding quality points and weighted credit.

Course Pre-Selection in PowerSchool Directions

  1. Log into the PowerSchool Parent Portal
  2. Click on “Class Registration” on the left
  3. Click on the pencil icon next to each content area
  4. Select the course you would like to take and hit “Okay”
  5. Once all courses have been selected, hit “Submit”
  6. Review course selections by hitting the “Class Registration” button again

Find more detailed directions see our parent portal document

Tips for High School Success

  • Find an organizational tool that works for you (agenda, planner, Google calendar, etc.)
  • Perfect your time management skills before 9th grade
  • Establish a study routine
  • Do your homework
  • Learn to advocate
  • Get involved in athletics, clubs, or other organizations to make connections and enhance your high school experience


Contact your counselor for additional questions and information. 

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