Students are given course registration information during the second semester and will meet with teachers to determine recommended core courses for the following year. Students are required to meet with their counselor. Subjects are then scheduled according to the spaces available and the times the courses are offered. 

Schedules will be made available over the summer. To make schedule changes before school starts, an appointment can be made by calling the Counseling Office at (860)739-6946 x 5580 or by emailing your school counselor. 

During the school year, changes are made after the completion of the quarter and are pending based on space availability and parent-teacher collaboration. A class drop will not be allowed if it causes the student to drop below the minimum credits required by the school or impacts graduation status. A student can withdraw from a course without penalty until the end of Quarter 1 for both full year and Semester 1 courses, and Quarter 3 for second semester courses. When there is a change in level, the grade will be calculated at the quarter completion and adjusted with the appropriate weight before being entered into the new class placement. 

•  Elective schedule changes will be allowed throughout the summer. New classes will not be added after this time. 
•  Course withdrawals or level changes are teacher initiated and require the completion of the course change form.
• Changes based on instructor or time preference are not permitted. 
• Students who drop a class after Quarter 1/Quarter 3 (for second semester classes) will receive a WF (Withdraw Failing) on their record. Waiving the WF requires teacher and administrative approval. 
• Transcripts will be re-sent to colleges whenever a change is made to a senior’s schedule.
• All students in grades 9-11 must maintain 6.5 credits and students in grade 12 must maintain 6.0 credits as scheduling allows. A class drop will not be allowed if it causes the student to go below the minimum required credits.
• Override requests for the following school year are considered until the last day of the preceding school year.

*A W/F (Withdraw Failing) carries the same consequence as a failing grade for academic GPA and athletic eligibility.

Independent Studies, Aides, Classroom Assistants
Students who wish to enroll in an Independent Study course or receive credit for any class not listed in the Program of Studies must complete an Independent Study Request Form signed by the student, the student’s parent/guardian, the overseeing teacher, the department CIL, and the student’s counselor. The form must be submitted to the principal for approval and will not be added to a student’s schedule until that is completed. Independent study classes, aides, and assistants will be graded P/F unless otherwise approved by the principal.

Home Schooling
Students who have been homeschooled and wish to enroll at East Lyme High School must present their previous plan of study (approved by the local area superintendent) and portfolios of all student work to receive credit and for future class placement. The appropriate subject area Curriculum Instructional Leader will review portfolios and assessment tests (ELHS Mid-Term and Final Exams) will be administered when appropriate. Credit will be granted based on work accomplished and mastery demonstrated. Appropriate placement will be made based on these assessments and other relevant factors such as a student’s age and prior educational history. Grades will not be assigned for any home- schooling experiences.

Homebound Tutoring
Homebound Tutoring students who are absent from school for an extended period (more than ten school days) may be eligible for homebound tutoring with appropriate medical documentation. Long-term homebound tutoring is reviewed on a case-by-case basis. This service is available at no cost to the parents or students provided they meet the following specific requirements:

• Authorized medical note
• Student Study Team (SST) Review
• Principal’s approval

Parental Overrides
If a parent and student choose to appeal the recommendation of a teacher for level placement in a course, they must follow the outlined procedure:

• Turn in a Course Change Form with all necessary signatures by the last day of school of the preceding year.
• If a student/parent overrides a class against a faculty recommendation, parents and students understand that a future level change may not be possible.

*No student can have more than TWO parent overrides per academic year. *

Transfer Students
Transfer students from other school systems will receive full credit for required courses only if the completed work is comparable to East Lyme High School requirements. Credits for elective courses will be reviewed on an individual basis. No credit will be given for religion/theology courses. Students who transfer into the school receive a weighted GPA after completing four semesters.

February
Rising Vikings Night
Program of Studies becomes available.
Teachers input course recommendations.
Students meet with teachers to review recommendations.
March
ELHS Counselors work with ELMS and Salem Staff to provide transition programming and facilitate elective course selection and teacher recommendations.
Students electronically select electives.
Spring Semester
ELHS Counselors meet with students to review course selections.
Summer Break
Schedules made available online.

Class of 2027 and Beyond

*Humanities electives include courses in English, Social Studies, or Fine Arts. 1.0 of the 2.0 World Language ELHS requirement can be used towards Humanities requirement.
*STEM electives could include additional Math, Science, Business Education, Family Consumer Science, Technology Education and/or Career and Technical Education classes

Class work, homework, class participation, and test marks are included in the computation of the student’s grades. The passing mark in all subjects at East Lyme high School is 60. Grades are reported quarterly by means of the report card. Class participation is a valued component of a student’s education at ELHS and will be clearly defined in each teacher’s documented class expectations.

Letter grades recorded on the report card reflect the following figures:

Both an unweighted and weighted GPA are calculated for each student upon completion of four semesters and after each subsequent semester. The unweighted, cumulative GPA is a simple average of all courses on a 4.0 scale. The weighted GPA is based on grades earned in leveled classes only (see grid here).

East Lyme High School publishes both an unweighted and weighted GPA and does not calculate class rank. The above graphic represents individual students’ overall level of academic performance in relation to their class.

Transfer students from other school systems will receive full credit for required courses only if the completed work is comparable to East Lyme High School requirements. Credits for elective courses will be reviewed on an individual basis. No credit will be given for religion/theology courses.

Students who transfer into the school receive a weighted GPA after completing four semesters.

As a school community, we have embedded assessment of our Vision of the Graduate competencies into preexisting school assignments to capture student mastery of these critical skills without putting an additional burden of work on our students. Thus, throughout their high school career, students are guaranteed to participate in these experiences through their classes, allowing them to demonstrate mastery within their core academic and elective coursework.

Over four years at ELHS, students must upload two artifacts each semester demonstrating progress towards mastery of the Vision of the Graduate (VOG) competencies. These artifacts will be uploaded by students with guidance from their Advisory teachers. By the beginning of the second semester of their senior year, they will have uploaded fourteen artifacts. In addition, during the second semester of their senior year, students will complete a reflection detailing how these fourteen artifacts demonstrate mastery of the Vison of the Graduate competencies. Upon completing this reflection, students will earn their Viking Voyage credit and fulfill this graduation requirement. Progress toward completion of the Viking Voyage program will be reported out to student families on bi-annual semester grade reports. 

The school year is divided into four quarters for the purpose of issuing grades. Report cards are prepared shortly after the closure of each marking period. Report cards are available on Infinite Campus. Hard copy report cards are available from the Registrar by request. The grade for each quarter is determined independently of the preceding quarter, but the midyear and final averages are cumulative once the course has been completed. Additional reports may be issued at any time during a quarter. Grades for Honor Roll are based on the unweighted GPA.

The Honor Roll is computed at the end of each quarter based on quarter grades in all subjects. High honors require a 3.75 average consisting of As and Bs only. Honors require a 3.0 average with no Ds or Fs.

Promotion is based on the cumulative total of credits earned as follows:

 

Special Education programs support those students identified through the Planning and Placement Team (PPT) process as having a disability defined by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Special Education programs help students access the regular education curriculum while supporting each student’s individual needs as identified in the student's Individual Education Plan (IEP). Students receiving special education services are determined to be eligible for services until exit criteria is met or as determined by the PPT process. Special Education programs at East Lyme High School assist students in recognizing their unique individual abilities and learning styles, encourage each student to become independent life-long learners, and assists each student’s transition from East Lyme High School to higher education and/or career opportunities.

Skill Building/Specialty Programs, Credits by arrangement
Resource room and specialty programs are available to students identified as having special needs. Course content and credit are determined by the needs of the student. Skill building and specialty program courses help prepare students for success in high school and for post-secondary education and/or employment. Students may obtain information about special education programs, eligibility, or the referral process from their school counselor.

East Lyme High School is proud to participate in the College Board’s Advanced Placement (AP) Program, a program that offers students the opportunity to complete college-level studies during high school. The primary goals of the AP program are to strengthen the secondary experience of students who are ready for college-level work and to provide administrative support for granting credit or placement to those students in their freshman year of college.

East Lyme High School encourages students to challenge their expectations in all academic areas. Advanced Placement courses are a tangible way for students to meet their higher educational goals. Advanced Placement courses are student self-selected. While teachers will recommend students for these courses, the final decision remains with students, and their parents provided the student has passed prerequisites for the course. A non- recommended course requires an override form.

The College Board maintains that the full experience includes the AP exam in each course. To meet that standard, East Lyme High School will award AP credit only to students completing the course and the AP exam. The cost of the exam is the student’s responsibility. A contract outlining the AP policy and costs, signed by the student and parent, will be sent home prior to the start of the course.

Students should expect summer readings prior to the start of an AP course. East Lyme High School believes that the level of commitment to AP demands a tremendous amount of work from students. In order to keep the best interests of the students’ paramount, it is the usual policy that students should not take more than three AP courses in one academic year, with a max of four AP courses. For more than four AP courses in one year, principal permission is required.

It should also be noted that the AP program benefits extend far beyond the direct outcomes of the primary goals. In giving students an opportunity to experience the academic rigors of college, AP inspires confidence, a sense of responsibility and self-reliance, and provides an academic bridge to ease the transition from secondary school to college.

East Lyme High School offers a wide range of Advanced Placement courses. In terms of AP exams offered at ELHS each spring, the only exams offered and proctored are the exams associated with the AP courses provided during the current school year. The exam only option, for students who wish to self-study for an AP exam, is not offered at ELHS. ELHS does not proctor exams for students who are not currently enrolled at East Lyme High School.

Students who drop an AP course will not be allowed to take the AP exam in that subject area. A revised copy of the grade 12 transcript and accompanying letter will be sent to their prospective colleges.

Dropping the class after quarter 1 may result in a WF. Waiving the WF requires teacher and administrative approval; the Course Change form must be completed and signed.

What are Career Concentrations?

Career Concentrations at East Lyme High School allow students who are interested in a particular career path to receive a certificate of accomplishment for successfully completing courses that help prepare them for a related career field.

Successful completion of a Career Concentration is also recorded on the student’s official transcript.

Why Career Concentrations?

⭐ Learn more about an area to see if you like it!

⭐ Build your resume and help potential employers or admissions

representatives understand the depth of your interest.

⭐ Be better prepared to enter a career.

⭐ Be better prepared for courses at a technical school or college.

Program Requirements

Each concentration has a minimum credit requirement that consists of both required courses and elective courses.

Students must:

✔ Take the correct sequence of courses as outlined below.

✔ Earn a ‘C’ or better in each concentration class. Grades are checked at

the end of Quarter3.

✔ Complete the application on Google Classroom in your senior year

(code: v6cf64c) - please do NOT enter the Google Classroom until your senior year.

For more information, see your school counselor or talk to a classroom teacher in one of the concentrations.

*LTI/CWE - Learning through Interest/Cooperative Work Experience as approved by school counselor and cooperating teacher.

East Lyme High School, in partnership with other schools and colleges, offers students the opportunity to earn college credits by taking high school courses. Details about courses that are part of the partnership programs will be made available by the classroom teacher where appropriate. Potential partnership programs include UConn Early College Experience (ECE), Eastern Connecticut Early College Experience (ECE), College Career Pathway (CCP) program with CT State Community College, the Three Rivers High School Partnership Program, and the New London Scholars Program (Connecticut College).

University of Connecticut - Early College Experience (ECE) UConn Early College Experience provides academically motivated students the opportunity to take university courses while still in high school. These challenging courses allow students to preview college work, build confidence in their readiness for college, and earn college credits that provide both an academic and financial head start toward a college degree. UConn ECE instructors are high school teachers, certified as adjunct professors by UCONN. UConn ECE courses are considered dual enrollment courses and foster independent learning, creativity, and critical thinking –all important for success in college. East Lyme High School offers UConn ECE courses in English, Math, Science, World Language, Fine Art, and CTE. To support rigorous learning, the University of Connecticut offers academics resources, including library and online classroom access to all UCONN ECE students. UConn ECE students must successfully complete the course with a grade of C or better to receive university credit on a UConn transcript. University credits are transferable to many colleges and universities. For a complete list of transfer options, navigate to:

Eceapps.uconn.edu/credit_transfer_database/

*Students are charged a nominal per credit fee. For complete program information visit: www.ece.uconn.edu.

*Students are charged a nominal per credit fee for Eastern Connecticut Early College Experience courses.

College Career Pathways (CCP) This dual enrollment program sponsored through the Connecticut State Department of Education and CT State Community College, allows East Lyme students in grades 9-12 the opportunity to earn college credit while enrolled in courses at the high school at no cost. These courses are taught by high school teachers who have been approved as adjunct instructors by CT State Community College. Upon graduation, students can request an official CT State transcript to be sent to their attending college. Students are under no obligation to attend CT State Community College.

Three Rivers High School Partnership Program Currently available for eligible high school juniors and seniors who wish to study subjects not offered in high school. Eligible students will attend classes at the CT State Community College Three Rivers campus and will be funded for one college course per semester on a space available basis. Special fees may apply and are the student’s responsibility. Each high school has a limited amount of space available.

New London Scholars Program (Connecticut College) Nominated seniors may enroll at Connecticut College in an entry level academic course. Upon completion, students can obtain a college transcript from Connecticut College at no cost.

The East Lyme High School Pathways Program is not a single entity; the programming involves a variety of components. The goals of the Pathways Program at ELHS are to advance student learning with community-based experiences, increase capacity in the Career and Technical Education programming, and support students in their post-secondary learning and career choices. If you would like further information or have any questions, please contact David Fasulo at david.fasulo@elpsk12.org.

Students are required to earn 1 credit of English each year for a total of 4 credits.

Grade 9 - One of the following courses is REQUIRED:

English 9 Adv CCP or English 9 CCP

In addition to the required course, freshmen may take the following electives:

Advanced Literacy

Creative Writing I

Creative Writing II /ECSU ECE ENG 201 (Creative Writing for Non-Majors)

(prerequisite: successful completion of Creative Writing I)

Journalism I (first semester only)

Journalism II (prerequisite: successful completion of Journalism I)

Grade 10 - One of the following courses is REQUIRED:

English 10 Honors, English 10 Adv CCP or English 10 CCP

In addition to the required course, sophomores may take any of the following electives after meeting the prerequisite:

Advanced Literacy

AP Seminar

Creative Writing I

Creative Writing II /ECSU ECE ENG 201 (Creative Writing for Non-Majors)

(prerequisite: successful completion of Creative Writing I)

Journalism I (first semester only)

Journalism II (prerequisite: successful completion of Journalism I)

Principles of Public Speaking/UCONN ECE COMM 1100

Grade 11 – One of the following courses is REQUIRED:

AP English 11, English 11H/ECSU ENG 125, English 11 Adv CCP or English 11 CCP

In addition to the required course, juniors may take any of the following electives after meeting the prerequisite:

Advanced Literacy

AP Seminar

Creative Writing I

Creative Writing II /ECSU ECE ENG 201 (Creative Writing for Non-Majors)

(prerequisite: successful completion of Creative Writing I)

Digital Journalism III Honors (prerequisite: successful completion of Journalism I and II)

Film Studies I

Film Studies II (prerequisite: successful completion of Film Studies I)

Journalism I (first semester only)

Journalism II (prerequisite: successful completion of Journalism I)

Principles of Public Speaking/UCONN ECE COMM 1100

Print Journalism III Honors (prerequisite: successful completion of Journalism I and II)

Grade 12 – One of the following courses is REQUIRED:

AP English 12, English 12/UCONN ECE ENGL 1007 (Seminar & Studio in Academic Writing & Multimodal Composition) , English 12/UCONN ECE ENGL 1004 (Introduction to Academic Writing), English 12 Adv CCP or English 12 CCP

In addition to the required course, seniors may take any of the following electives after meeting the prerequisite:

Advanced Literacy

Creative Writing I

Creative Writing II /ECSU ECE ENG 201 (Creative Writing for Non-Majors)

(prerequisite: successful completion of Creative Writing I)

Digital Journalism III Honors (prerequisite: successful completion of Journalism I and II)

Digital Journalism IV Honors (prerequisite: successful completion of Digital Journalism III

Honors)

Film Studies I

Film Studies II (prerequisite: successful completion of Film Studies I)

Journalism I (first semester only)

Journalism II (prerequisite: successful completion of Journalism I)

Principles of Public Speaking/UCONN ECE COMM 1100

Print Journalism III Honors (prerequisite: successful completion of Journalism I and II)

Print Journalism IV Honors (prerequisite: successful completion of Print Journalism III

Honors)

Senior Academy

Students are required to earn 3.5 credits in Social Studies to fulfill the graduation requirement.

Grade 9 - One of the following courses is REQUIRED:

 Ancient World or Modern World

 Grade 10 - The following course is REQUIRED:

 American History I (1865-1945)

Grade 11 - One of the following courses is REQUIRED:

 American History II (1945-Present)(.5 credit) or AP United States History*

One of the following courses is REQUIRED to fulfill a .5 Civics Social Studies graduation requirement:

American Civics (.5 credit) - this course is open to juniors and seniors and can be taken either year, however, it is strongly recommendedthat the course be taken during junior year.

AP United States Government and Politics* – this course is only open to seniors.

All students are REQUIRED to take a .5 credit Social Studies elective of their choice to fulfill a graduation requirement. 

* Successful completion of either AP United States History or AP United States Government and Politics fulfills both the corresponding .5 credit Social Studies content requirement and the .5 credit Social Studies elective requirement.

In addition to the required courses, juniors and seniors may take any of the following electives after meeting the prerequisite. Applicable grades are listed.