Course Request Process

Each year, students select the courses they’d like to take for the next school year. The course request process helps students explore their interests, plan their path toward graduation, and prepare for college, career, and life beyond high school.

The process differs for returning students and incoming freshmen. Current students make their requests through SchooLinks after meeting with their counselors, while incoming freshmen complete the process through Course Request Night.

This process helps us plan schedules and staffing, balance class sizes, and make sure every student has access to the courses they need to meet graduation requirements and pursue their interests. It is important for students to choose thoughtfully and meet all deadlines. Course requests are not schedules; student schedules are released in August.

Current Students (Grades 9-11)

Starting in November, current students work with their counselor to plan for the next school year. Together, they review graduation requirements, explore interests, and submit course requests. Course requests are how students select the classes they would like to take for the upcoming school year. While we do our best to honor student choices, requests are balanced with the courses required to stay on track for graduation and course availability.

Course Request Timeline for Current Students
Counselor Educational Planning Sessions	Counselors meet with students in Grades 9–11 to review the course request process, graduation requirements, college and career readiness expectations, course offerings, and procedures for submitting course requests. Course request information is shared during these sessions.
Freshman Course Requests	Counselors meet with freshmen in small groups to review and discuss course requests. Before these meetings, students should review their choices with a parent/guardian and enter requests in Course Planner in SchooLinks.
Sophomore / Junior Individual Conferences	Counselors meet individually with Grade 10 and 11 students to review graduation progress, course requests (including level placements), and how courses align with academic and career goals. Students should discuss requests with a parent/guardian and enter them in Course Planner in SchooLinks before their meeting.
Course Change Requests Deadline	Course change requests will not be accepted after the deadline.
Summer School Registration	Starting mid-January, all students can register for Summer School. Students recommended to take Summer School will be notified in May. Students must inform their counselor of the course(s) they wish to take. Enrollment is subject to availability.
Student Schedule Release	Students can view schedules in Home Access Center (HAC) in August. Schedules will not be mailed home. If there are errors, contact your counselor. Requests to change schedules due to preferences or course level changes will not be accepted.

Incoming Freshmen (Current 8th Graders)

Incoming freshmen and their families attend Course Request Night to learn about electives, summer school options, and course requirements. During this event, counselors provide an overview of the course request process, and students submit their freshman year course requests using an online form.

Before attending, students should review course options with a parent or guardian and record their choices on the Course Request Worksheet for Incoming Freshmen. Course requests are entered online during Course Request Night. While ETHS makes every effort to honor student preferences, placement in specific courses cannot be guaranteed.

Course Request Timeline for Incoming Freshmen
Course Request Night	Incoming freshmen and their families attend Course Request Night to learn about electives, summer school options, and course requirements. Counselors provide an overview of the course request process, and students submit their freshman year course requests using an online form.
Summer School Registration	Registration for Summer School opens in January for all students, including incoming freshmen.
Placement	All incoming freshmen complete placement testing as part of enrollment. Course placements are determined by ETHS. Academic placement for incoming freshmen is determined by: Placement test results Recommendations from Grade 8 teachers Grades or other measures of academic progress Current course enrollment For more information, visit Course Placement ->
Course Change Requests Deadline	Course change requests will not be accepted after the deadline.
Course Request Confirmation	In May, families will receive updated course request information to reflect any academic placement changes based upon updated test scores or other adjustments following the initial placement process.
Student Schedule Release	Students who have completed the ETHS registration process, including proof of residency and submission of health documents, can access their schedules at Freshman Orientation.

Course Planning Resources for Students and Families

Below you will find key tools and information to help students and families prepare for the course request process. Use them to explore course options, plan thoughtfully, discuss choices at home, and prepare to make requests.

Course Catalog ->	Complete list of all courses offered at ETHS, including descriptions and prerequisites.
Career Pathways Guide ->	Explore programs and course sequences aligned with different career interests.
Career Programs & Certifications ->	Information on specialized programs and certifications available to ETHS students.
Course Levels ->	Overview and explanations of course levels (e.g. AP, Honors).
Course Sequences ->	Recommended order for courses in core subjects to support graduation and post-high school readiness.
Graduation Requirements ->	Overview of the credits and courses required for each grade level to stay on track for graduation.
Four-Year Course Planning Worksheet ->	Tool to help map out courses for high school and plan for future goals.
Parent/Guardian: How to Log In to SchooLinks ->	Step-by-step instructions to help parents/guardians access SchooLinks.

Additional Resources

Course Catalog

Course Sequences

Graduation Requirements

Contact Information

Counselors' Office
E125

Stephanie Rodriguez
Counseling Secretary
Phone: (847) 424-7920
Email: rodriguezs @eths202.org

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