Scheduling Information
Scheduling courses for the following year is an important part of your high school experience. Proper course selection can help you reduce stress when planning for the future. Please utilize the resources below to assist in the course selection process.
If you have a specific scheduling question or concern, please contact your school counselor.
Please visit the Interactive Scheduling Video for a step-by-step walkthrough on scheduling.
Refer to the Scheduling Presentation for all related links.
Factors To Consider When Scheduling
Current 8th Graders
Understanding High School
The transition from middle school to high school can be met with a lot of different emotions, from excitement to feeling anxious. Below is a brief overview of some of the biggest differences between middle and high school.
Schedule
Daily Schedule
Your daily schedule will be broken up into 7 separate class periods. Each period will be a different class and there will be 5 minutes between classes.
Yearly Schedule
- Courses will either be a semester or year long.
- A semester course with either be 1st or 2nd semester.
- A year long course will meet both 1st and 2nd semester.
W Hour
W Hour is a roughly 20 minute block of time between 3rd and 4th hour.
This block of time is used for students to meet with specific teachers to make up missing tests, complete missing work, or gain extra support with concepts.
What is a Credit
What is a Credit
- A credit is what is earned upon successful completion of a course.
- Courses are worth 0.5 or 1.0 credits.
- 0.5 credits will be earned for completing a semester course.
- 1.0 credit will be earned when completing a year long course.
How Many Credits for Graduation?
Total: 23 Credits
- English - 4 Credits
- Math - 3 Credits
- Science - 3 Credits
- Social Studies - 3 Credits
- PhyEd - 1.5 Credits
- Health - 0.5 Credits
- Financial Lit - 0.5 Credits
- Electives - 7.5 Credits
Electives & Alternates
Electives
An elective is a course you choose. They are not required. Electives can come from all departments.
Electives help students explore their interests, experience different areas of education, and increase your skills and knowledge!
As you progress through high school, more and more electives will be available.
Alternates
Alternates are courses you select when scheduling that IF a course you requested does NOT run or does NOT fit in your schedule you can still take a course you would like.
When selecting courses for the following year, it is important to also select alternates.
Freshmen Requirements
Grade 9 Required Courses:
- English: 1 Credit
- English 1 or English 1 Honors
- Math: 1 Credit
- Algebra or Geometry
- Science: 1 Credit
- Physical Science or Biology
- Social Studies: 1 Credit
- World Cultures or AP World History
- PhyEd: 0.5 or 1 Credit
- Team Sports, Individual Sports, Strength & Conditioning
- Health: 0.5 Credits
- Electives: 1 Credit Minimum
Graduation Requirements:
Total: 23 Credits
English | 4 Credits |
Math | 3 Credits |
Science | 3 Credits |
Social Studies | 3 Credits |
PhyEd | 1.5 Credits |
Health | 0.5 Credits |
Financial Lit | 0.5 Credits |
Electives | 7.5 Credits |
Sequencing
Which required course should I take?
English
English 1
The vast majority of freshmen will take English 1 to meet the freshmen requirement.
English 1 is a foundational course designed to meet the needs of most of the freshmen students.
Unless your current English teacher recommends you take English 1 Honors, English 1 should be your selection.
English 1 Honors
English 1 Honors focuses on all of the skills listed in the English 1 course description, but students can expect a faster pace with more challenging texts and rigorous expectations. Honors courses are specifically focused on preparing students for post secondary academic expectations.
Math
Algebra
Algebra is the correct course for the vast majority of freshmen.
If math is an area of concern, there are options to support your math skill such as math lab. Math lab cannot be scheduled but may be recommended during freshmen year.
Geometry
Geometry is only offered to students who are currently in 8th grade Algebra. Geometry is for students who have mastered Algebra skills in 8th grade.
Science
Physical Science
Physical Science will be the correct placement for the vast majority of freshmen students. Physical science is a foundational course in which skills must be mastered for upper level science courses.
Taking Physical Science does not eliminate the possibility of taking upper level science courses later.
Biology
Biology is offered for students who are strong in their science skills and for those seeking advanced level science courses later in their high school career.
Please speak with your current science teacher to evaluate your skills and if Biology may be a good fit.
Social Studies
World Cultures
World Cultures is the course that will be best suited for the vast majority of freshmen. The pacing and content of the course helps students understand the global nature of our times.
Emphasis is on the development of various regions of the world.
AP World History
AP World History is a college level course with college level pacing. The course is rigorous and fast paced. AP World History prepares students to take the AP examination.
Please contact your current social studies teacher if you are interested in AP World History.
Health
**Please Request Health when entering course requests for next year "
If you are planning on taking health during the summer, please still request health. If you register for and pass health during the summer, health will be removed from your schedule and an alternate will be put in its place.
Health during the academic year
Health is a required course for freshmen and meets a graduation requirement. Most freshmen will take health during the academic year.
Health during the summer
Taking health during the summer between 8th grade and freshmen year is a popular choice among many students. This allows for more flexibility with courses your freshmen year.
Please Note: registration for summer school health is on a first come first serve basis and fills up quickly. Information on summer school registration will be provided during the Spring semester.
Sample Freshmen Schedule
Below is a Sample Freshmen schedule. You can choose to select courses that fit your own academic needs, skills and interests.
You must select:
- 6 classes minimum (one study hall per semester) OR
- 7 classes maximum (no study hall)
Semester 1 - 3 Credits
- English 1
- Algebra
- Study Hall
- World Cultures
- Physical Science
- Band
- Strength & Conditioning
Total Freshmen Credits - 6
Semester 2 - 3 Credits
- English 1
- Algebra
- Health
- World Cultures
- Physical Science
- Band
- Study Hall
Total Freshmen Credits - 6
Current Freshmen
Class of 2025
Sophomore Requirements
Grade 10 Required Courses:
- English: 1 Credit
- English 2 or English 2 Honors
- Math: 1 Credit
- Geometry or Applied Geometry or Algebra 2/Trig
- Science: 1 Credit
- Biology or Chemistry
- Social Studies: 1 Credit
- US History or AP US History
- PhyEd: 0.5 or 1 Credit
- Team Sports, Individual Sports, Strength & Conditioning
- Electives: 1.5 Credits Minimum
Graduation Requirements:
Total: 23 Credits
English | 4 Credits |
Math | 3 Credits |
Science | 3 Credits |
Social Studies | 3 Credits |
PhyEd | 1.5 Credits |
Health | 0.5 Credits |
Financial Lit | 0.5 Credits |
Electives | 7.5 Credits |
Sequencing
Which required course should I take?
English
English 2 vs English 2 Honors
The vast majority of students will take English 2 to meet the sophomore level requirement.
If you are currently in English 1 Honors or your English skills are particularly strong, English 2 Honors may be an appropriate fit.
Please contact your current English teacher with specific questions related to your skills.
English 2 Honors: English 2 Honors covers the same themes and skills of English 2, but
students can expect a faster pace with more challenging texts and rigorous expectations.
Students in the honors section may also participate in Great World Texts, sponsored by
the Humanities program at UW-Madison, joining schools across the state in reading a
world literature text and attending a conference at UW-Madison to demonstrate their work
and to hear guest speakers (past speakers have included Nobel prize laureates,
professional authors, politicians, and more!). Honors courses are specifically focused on
preparing students for post secondary academic expectations.
Math
Science
Biology vs Chemistry vs Other
The science option for sophomores will largely be based on what class was completed during Freshmen year.
If you completed Physical Science as a Freshmen you will take Biology as a Sophomore.
If you completed Biology as a Freshmen your options are greater as a Sophomore. Generally, students who completed Biology as a Freshmen will take Chemistry as a Sophomore.
Science Electives
Every high school student is required to take 3 credits of science. As a Sophomore, you are able to take additional Science courses if you choose. Science options open for Sophomores are:
- Animal Science
- Astronomy
- Engineering 1/2
- Exploring Conservation
- Food Science
- Horticulture 1/2
- Medical Terminology
Social Studies
US History vs AP US History
The vast majority of students will take US History to meet the Sophomore level requirement.
If you are currently in AP World Cultures or would like to challenge yourself AP US History may be a good fit.
Please contact your current Social Studies teacher regarding AP placement.
Social Studies Electives
Every high school student is required to take 3 credits of Social Studies. As a Sophomore, you are able to take additional Social Studies courses if you choose. Social Studies options open for Sophomores are:
- AP Modern European History
- Area Studies of Wisconsin
- Geography
Electives
Your sophomore year is a great opportunity to explore special interests while still completing the required courses. Taking a wide variety of classes across the curriculum is a great way to figure out post secondary plans.
When choosing electives, consider your short and long term goals, learning style, and interests. Be sure to refer to the course guide for course descriptions and prerequisites.
Please consider reviewing or starting a 4 Year Plan of Study
Sample Sophomore Schedule
Below is a Sample Sophomore schedule. You can choose to select courses that fit your own academic needs, skills and interests.
You must select:
- 6 classes minimum (one study hall per semester) OR
- 7 classes maximum (no study hall)
Semester 1 - 3 Credits
- English 2
- Geometry
- Study Hall
- US History
- Biology
- Choir
- Team Sports
Total Sophomore Credits - 6
Semester 2 - 3 Credits
- English 2
- Geometry
- Marketing Essentials
- US History
- Biology
- Choir
- Study Hall
Total Sophomore Credits - 6
Current Sophomores
Junior year is often described as the "hardest." However, it is important to maintain a healthy balance of coursework and personal experiences. Consider your own organization, dedication, and work ethic when choosing courses for your Junior year.
Junior Requirements
Grade 11 Required Courses:
- English: 1 Credit
- English 3 or English 3 Honors
- Math: 1 Credit
- Math option based on skill and previous course
- Science: 1 Credit
- Science option based on skill and previous course
- Social Studies: 1 Credit
- Government & Politics AND Social Studies Elective OR
- AP Government & Politics
- PhyEd: 0.5 or 1 Credit
- Team Sports, Individual Sports, Strength & Conditioning
- Financial Literacy: 0.5 credit
- Electives: 1.5 Credits Minimum
Graduation Requirements:
Total: 23 Credits
English | 4 Credits |
Math | 3 Credits |
Science | 3 Credits |
Social Studies | 3 Credits |
PhyEd | 1.5 Credits |
Health | 0.5 Credits |
Financial Lit | 0.5 Credits |
Electives | 7.5 Credits |
Sequencing
Which required course should I take?
English
English 3
The vast majority of students will take English 3 to meet the junior level requirement.
If you are currently in English 2 Honors or your English skills are particularly strong, English 3 Honors may be an appropriate fit.
Please contact your current English teacher with specific questions related to your skills.
English 3 Honors
English 3 Honors focuses on all of the skills listed in the English 3 course description, but students can expect a faster pace with more challenging texts and rigorous expectations. Honors courses are specifically focused on preparing students for post secondary academic expectations.
English Electives
All juniors must take English 3 or English 3 Honors.
Juniors have the opportunity to choose an English class as one of their elective courses. Below are courses offered that will also satisfy an English requirement:
- Creative Writing 1
- Creative Writing 2
- Digital Narrative
- Oral Interpersonal Communication
- UWO Fundamentals of Speech
- UWO Theater Appreciation
Math
Science
After completing Physical Science and Biology, students are required to complete a 3rd science credit. Students may meet this requirement with an approved science equivalent course. Please see the list below for courses that meet this requirement.
Please reference the course guide and input from your current science teacher or counselor on an appropriate 3rd year science course
- Animal Science
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Astronomy
- Chemistry
- Engineering 1/2
- Environmental Issues
- Exploring Conservation
- Food Science
- Horticulture 1/2
- Geology
- Medical Terminology
- Physics
- Veterinary Science
- CAPP and eAcademy Options
Social Studies
Government and Politics
Students are required to take Government and Politics or AP Government and Politics to meet graduation requirements.
Government and Politics is a one semester course and students are required to take an additional Social Studies course to meet 3 total social studies credits.
AP Government and Politics
AP U.S. Government and Politics is an intensive study of the formal and informal structures of government and the processes of the American political system, with an emphasis on policy making and implementation. This course prepares students to take the AP examination in spring. 1.0 credit (.5 credit satisfies the Social Studies requirement and the other .5 credit counts as the elective for Social Studies).
Social Studies Electives
All juniors must take Government and Politics or AP Government and Politics.
Juniors have the opportunity to choose a social studies class as one of their elective courses. Below are courses offered that will also satisfy a social studies requirement:
- Area Studies of Wisconsin
- Contemporary Issues
- Diversity Studies
- Economics
- Geography
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Sports and History
Financial Lit
Electives
Your Junior year is a great opportunity to explore special interests while still completing the required courses. Taking a wide variety of classes across the curriculum is a great way to figure out post secondary plans.
When choosing electives, consider your short and long term goals, learning style, and interests. Be sure to refer to the course guide for course descriptions and prerequisites.
Please consider reviewing or starting a 4 Year Plan of Study
Sample Junior Schedule
Below is a Sample Junior schedule. You can choose to select courses that fit your own academic needs, skills and interests.
You must select:
- 6 classes minimum (one study hall per semester) OR
- 7 classes maximum (no study hall)
Semester 1 - 3 Credits
- English 3
- Intro to Algebra 2
- Study Hall
- Government & Politics
- Chemistry
- Accounting
- Strength & Conditioning
Total Junior Credits - 6
Semester 2 - 3 Credits
- English 3
- Intro to Algebra 2
- Consumer Finance
- Psychology
- Chemistry
- Accounting
- Study Hall
Total Junior Credits - 6
Current Juniors
Class of 2023
Senior Requirements
It is crucial to review your credit status as you select your courses for senior year. Make sure that you will meet all of the graduation requirements by the end of your senior year! You can find the graduation requirements listed on page 1 of the OASD High School Course Guide or listed on the right. You can access your transcript (complete record of grades) by logging into Infinite Campus and then selecting “Unofficial Transcript” under “Reports”.
** Seniors must take a minimum of 5 classes per semester (credit status permitting)! Seniors can have up to 2 study halls or 2 senior privilege hours per semester.
Graduation Requirements:
Total: 23 Credits
English | 4 Credits |
Math | 3 Credits |
Science | 3 Credits |
Social Studies | 3 Credits |
PhyEd | 1.5 Credits |
Health | 0.5 Credits |
Financial Lit | 0.5 Credits |
Electives | 7.5 Credits |
Subject Specifics
English
Please refer to the list below to review your English options for senior year. Most senior English classes are only one semester (0.5 credit), so remember that you will likely need to choose TWO semesters of English for your senior year to fulfill the 1.0 credit requirement of senior English.
- AP English Literature
- Creative Writing 1
- Creative Writing 2
- Digital Narrative: Storytelling in the Modern Age
- English 4
- Myths and Legends
- Oral Interpersonal Communication
- Pre-College English
- Sports Literature
- UW College English
- UW Fundamentals of Speech
- UW Theater Appreciation
- Written Communication
Math
If you are planning to apply to a four year college/university after high school, you need to make sure you have 3.0 credits (3 full years) of math, but you need to make sure you take Algebra 2/Trigonometry before graduating. While Intro to Algebra 2 counts as towards your 3.0 credits of math required for graduation, you still need to take Algebra 2/Trigonometry if you are planning to apply to a four year college/university.
Here is the “typical” high school math sequencing:
- Algebra
- Geometry
- Algebra 2/Trigonometry
Taking four years of math during high school is strongly encouraged if you are applying for a college or technical college after high school. Both options will require a placement test and taking a year off from math is not a good idea as you will need to continue with math during college.
Science
If you are planning to apply to a four year college/university after high school, you need to make sure you have 3.0 credits (3 full years) of “laboratory science”. While many courses count towards fulfilling your high school science graduation requirements, only the following classes are considered lab sciences (and therefore fulfill admission requirements for four year colleges/universities):
- Physical Science
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Geology
- Physics
- UW Biology
- UW Chemistry
- UW Physics
Sample Senior Schedule
Below is a Sample Senior schedule. You can choose to select courses that fit your own academic needs, skills and interests.
You must select:
- 5 classes minimum (two study halls per semester) OR
- 7 classes maximum (no study hall)
Semester 1 - 2.5 Credits
- Pre-College English
- Algebra 2/Trig
- Study Hall
- Physics
- Study Hall
- Choir
- Strength & Conditioning
Total Senior Credits - 5
Semester 2 - 2.5 Credits
- Pre-College English
- Algebra 2/Trig
- Study Hall
- Physics
- Study Hall
- Choir
- Senior Foods
Total Senior Credits - 5
Scheduling Specifics For All Grades
Course Numbers, Names & Alternates
When entering course requests into Infinite Campus it is VERY important to understand which course(s) you are entering. You can search for courses based on Course Name or Course Number. When selecting a year long course, you MUST enter both 4 digit courses.
Please follow the chart below for specifics:
Course Number | Meaning | Example | Outcome |
3 Digits | Semester Course | 954 | Health one semester |
4 Digits | Year Long Course | 1121/1122 | English 1st & 2nd Semester |
Z prior to Number | Zero Hour Course | Z9441 | Zero Hour Strength & Conditioning 1st Semester |
E prior to Number | eAcademy Course | E497 | eAcademy Criminology one semester |
G prior to Number | Global Academy Course | G1131/G1132 | Global Academy English 1 Honors |
ALTERNATES:
In the event that a course you request does not run, or that a few courses conflict with one another based on the time it is being offered during the day, it is very important that you enter alternate course requests. We will use these courses as back-up courses as needed.
Driver Education
Driver Education Info
Driver Education: 9 Weeks
Fee: $425 - Includes cost of Classroom and Behind the Wheel
Classroom Driver Education is the first phase in the licensing process. It meets every day for one quarter. The primary emphasis is traffic safety.
Students study:
- factors influencing driver attitudes and behavior
- contributing factors in motor vehicle crashes
- traffic laws and legal responsibilities
- the responsibilities of motor vehicle ownership
There is an attendance requirement according to state statute.
Students are eligible for their temporary license at age 15 (a change from the previous law of 15 1/2). Therefore, students are eligible for the classroom at 14 1/2. Getting a driver’s license is an exciting part of the high school experience. However, driving a car is an adult privilege with adult responsibilities. Every student reaches this level of maturity at a different age. Parents know best when their child is ready to begin the licensing process.
For more information, please contact Stacie Brethouwer at stacie.brethouwer@oshkosh.k12.
How to request driver education
STUDENTS ARE NOT AUTOMATICALLY ENROLLED IN DRIVER EDUCATION
- Students must enter 974DE in Infinite Campus to request Driver Education.
- Students will be placed in the appropriate quarter (1,2,3,4) based on their birthdate.
- Students must pay the required fee prior to starting the course.
- Student do NOT earn high school credit for taking Driver Education
Study Hall
Study Halls are a great way to build in study/work time during your school day.
Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors can take 1 study hall per semester
Seniors have the ability to take 2 study halls per semester if they have met all graduation requirements.
In order to select a study hall, please follow the directions below:
- To select only one study hall - select 999
- To select a study hall all year - select 999Y
Zero Hour
Specialized Programs
- Academy for Global Studies
- eAcademy
- Off Site College Credit Programs & School 2 Work
- Youth Apprenticeship
Academy for Global Studies
What is the Academy for Global Studies
The Academy for Global Studies is a rigorous magnet school that accepts applications for a limited number of enrollment spots within Oshkosh West High School.
The aim of the program is to prepare students for their role as emerging global citizens.
Visit the Academy for Global Studies webpage to learn more!
How to request the Academy for Global Studies
Please be sure to select courses associated with the Academy for Global Studies (courses will be identified with a G in front of the course number).
Please refer to the Academy Global Studies website for additional information and application material.
eAcademy
What is eAcademy
The Oshkosh Area School District eAcademy is an online program that offers a variety of classes for students. The OASD eAcademy utilizes new and emerging technologies to provide students with a flexible pathway to achieve student success within a 21st century learning environment. Classes use high quality online, blended, and hybrid learning resources. The goal of the OASD eAcademy is to provide another option for students to receive a high quality Oshkosh education through personalized digital learning. eAcademy is partnered with the Wisconsin eSchool Network, which is a collaborative network of online programs throughout the state of Wisconsin. OASD students may choose a partial or full online schedule via eAcademy.
Is eAcademy for me
Students enrolled in online education tend to be self-motivated, confident, and critical thinkers.
- They are proactive in communication with teachers and mentors and maintain excellent daily attendance online.
- Students are self-directed and have the ability to manage time effectively.
- Students should be comfortable using the Internet for research and have basic computer skills to navigate online.
eAacademy Requirements
eAcademy students are expected to:
- Log in and engage in coursework for 50 minutes each day.
- Use school email to communicate with instructor.
- Complete online orientation.
- Complete all online assessments and classes as directed by due dates.
- Follow all OASD eAcademy policies as stated in eAcademy Handbook.
- Adhere to OASD policies for scheduling/drop/add classes.
- Maintain computer access at school or outside of school
How do I enroll in eAcademy
Please be sure to select courses with an "E" in front of the course number if you would like to be in an eAcadmey course.
- Students may select OASD taught courses in the OASD Course Guide.
- Additional Network courses are available through counselors.
- Approved eAcademy courses (both OASD and Network) will be scheduled into a student’s schedule as 8th hour.
Off Site College Credit Programs & School 2 Work
OASD School2Work (S2W) Program
What is School 2 Work
Reimagine your senior year and jumpstart your career in manufacturing with an immersive, paid School2Work experience. The Oshkosh Area School District's School2Work (S2W) program - in partnership with area manufacturing companies - provides an opportunity for high school seniors to earn their high school diploma while immersed in a paid capstone manufacturing experience. Simply put, S2W students spend their senior year:
- Taking classes that meet their high school credit requirements but that have been reimagined and are taught through a manufacturing lens, AND,
- Attending technical courses at Fox Valley Technical College at the Advanced Manufacturing and Technical Center, AND,
- Getting paid to work for an area manufacturing company for four hours during the school day
For more information, please visit the S2W website
Off Site College Credit Programs
UWO Early College Credit Program
The Early College Credit Program permits eligible junior or senior students enrolled full-
time in public school to attend any Wisconsin institution of higher education for the purpose of taking one or more dual credit courses during or after school hours (school year only) up to a maximum of eighteen (18) credits during high school. UWO has additional criteria for admittance.
Eligibility criteria for UW-Oshkosh:
- Rank in the upper 25 percent of your class OR
- Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 on a 4.0 scale OR
- Currently rank in the upper 50 percent of the class AND have an ACT score of 24 or higher.
The school district grants .25 high school credit for each semester credit offered by a post-secondary course. All dual credit courses are computed into your grade point average. (A 3-credit UWO course equals .75 high school credit.)
FVTC Start College Now
Eligibility criteria for Fox Valley Technical Collage (FVTC):
- Minimum Cumulative GPA of 1.67 AND
- Be a student in good standing:
- Adhere to the student code of conduct.
- Adhere to attendance and tardiness policies.
- No outstanding fees/fines.
- No un-served detentions.
- No significant disciplinary infractions.
Requesting off site college credit programs
Students must notify their high school counselor of their intention of enrolling in a Early College Credit Program or Start College Now courses, in writing, no later than March 1 for the fall semester, and no later than October 1 for the spring semester. All Early College Credit Program or Start College Now Program courses must be pre-approved and registered through your counselor. In cases where the Oshkosh Area School District offers a comparable course (80% match) at the high school, the course must be taken at the high school.
Youth Apprenticeship
What is Youth Apprenticeship
Juniors and seniors who are in good standing and have taken at least one class in the career area they are applying to are eligible for the Youth Apprenticeship program. Youth Apprenticeship is a state sponsored program that allows students to “try out” the career they are interested in within a real world work environment. To successfully complete the program, students must work at least 450 hours in a calendar year at their job setting and complete two semesters of related coursework. Students have a teacher mentor and receive credit for their work related experience. Graduates receive a state certificate of occupational proficiency. For a listing of Youth Apprenticeship program areas click HERE
How to request Youth Apprenticeship
How To Enter Requests In Infinite Campus
Step 1
- Login to Infinite Campus
- On the left toolbar, click MORE
- Click on the tab that says “Course Registration”
- Select the correct enrollment year (for example "2023-2024")
Step 2
- Click on “Add Course”
- Enter a course name or number for a filtered list
- Click on the course to request
- Click “Request this Course”
- For year long courses, you must select both semesters
- Ex. English 1, request 1121 and 1122
- Click on “Request as an Alternate” if the course is an alternate
- Return to the Add Course screen by clicking Back
Step 3
- Repeat the process until your requests are full
- Minimum Units Freshmen - Junior = 84 Units
- Minimum Units Senior = 72 Units
- Do Not Worry About Progress Bar
- Some courses may be filled in under “required courses.” These cannot be changed.
- When you are finished entering your courses, just closeout, all work is automatically saved.