The courses listed in the Program of Studies will not necessarily be the same as the final course offerings during the 2008-2009 school year. The number of students registered for a course, scheduling priorities and personnel will determine final course offerings. Counselors are available to students and parents throughout the course selection process.
Amanda Anderson – Seniors, A-K
Amy Desmond - Seniors, L-Z
Jeff Steffenson – Grades 9-11, A-K
Fran Roby – Grades 9-11, L-Z
Auditing a Class
Sometimes a student may need to take a course for review or to strengthen his/her skills in order to progress through the sequence in an academic area. This can be done through auditing a class. Although a student receives a grade that is reflected on his/her permanent record, he/she does not receive credit for the audited class. The grade is not computed into a student’s cumulative grade point average. The student should make arrangements to audit a class by contacting his/her counselor.
(Back to top)Course Change PolicyStudents register for courses in the spring of each year and it is important for students to select courses carefully. Course requests are carefully reviewed by each academic department after semester two grades have been posted. Students who do not meet the necessary course prerequisite will be placed in the appropriate level or may be asked to make an alternate course choice. Administration will place a student in a course necessary to fulfill graduation requirements if an alternate selection is not chosen. The administration reserves the right to cancel any course with insufficient numbers or where changes in personnel are required.
Changes prior to the start of school:
In late summer students are required to attend one of the two Round-up days during which they will review their preliminary schedule. There is no fee assessed to change course selections at this time. All changes are subject to class space availablility.
After the start of school:
Based on the recommendation of your guidance counselor and appropriate department chair, a course change may be approved after the start of the school year.
- All changes must be made by the date set by administration, usually the end of the first week of school.
- A change request form must be completed.
- All changes are subject to available class space.
- All changes are subject to a $20 fee.
- All change requests must be made with the appropriate guidance counselor.
Level Changes
Students are placed in the course level most appropriate to their academic ability. Each department allows a four week period at the beginning of first semester to confirm a student is in the most appropriate course level. In some cases a level change adjustment may become necessary to insure the best possible academic experience for a student.
Level changes may be initiated by the student or teacher. Students are encouraged to speak with the instructor of the course if they feel they need a level change. The teacher will speak with the student’s academic counselor, their department chair and a parent. If a change is warranted, the department chair will confirm the change with the academic counselor.
Every effort is made not to disrupt the entire student schedule, however, it may be necessary to adjust one or more additional courses to accommodate a level change.
Post Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO)
Students wishing to take college courses while in high school may want to consider PSEO. Juniors and seniors are allowed to apply for PSEO part time. Several guidelines and requirements have been set for BSM students to participate in this program. Detailed information regarding BSM’s PSEO policy can be obtained from the PSEO coordinator in the guidance office.
Shortage of Credits
Students are required to be making satisfactory progress toward graduation in order to be allowed to continue enrollment at Benilde-St. Margaret's School.
If a student fails a course and is subsequently short the required number of credits toward graduation, it is the responsibility of the student and his/her parents to make arrangements to make up the failed course and the loss of credit. They may do so by enrolling in additional courses at BSM or possibly through a local high school or community college summer or evening program which has been approved by the BSM department chair.
Study Abroad
Students choosing to spend one or more semesters studying abroad will need to see their counselor to discuss arrangements. Issues concerning transfer of grades, and credits earned through studying abroad will be discussed. Prior to leaving, the student must have written consent from the principal. Students should be aware that the Benilde-St. Margaret’s School and Minnesota State graduation requirements will not be waived and will need to be completed in order for the student to graduate.
Withdrawals from a Course
Withdraw Procedure
After approved schedule changes have been made, withdrawals from a course are strongly discouraged. A student may withdraw from a course during the first six weeks of the semester if consent is obtained from the student’s parent/guardian, his/her counselor, and the teacher of the course. If a student withdraws from a course within the six-week period, a “W” is placed on the transcript. After the first six weeks of the semester, no withdrawals will be permitted except for serious and prolonged illness or other unavoidable emergencies. Students who withdraw from a class after the first six weeks of the semester will receive an “F” on their permanent record.
Withdrawal from a Yearlong Course
When enrolling in a yearlong course, students should expect to remain in the course for both semesters. When applying to colleges, students are required to list their course of studies. A college will look for successful completion of a yearlong course. A grade issued for only one semester of a yearlong course may be a red flag to a college admissions office. Any student wishing to withdraw from a yearlong course must receive permission from the instructor of the course.
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College Admission Requirements
Colleges have a wide range of admission requirements. For specific requirements, students should contact the admissions office at the colleges or universities they are interested in attending.
Students planning to attend college should have the following courses:
English 4 years
Social Studies 3 years
Math 3-4 years
Science 3-4 years
World Language 3 years
The principle factors that colleges consider in making admission decisions include the following:
1. The courses a student has taken.
2. High school GPA (grade point average).
3. ACT and/or SAT test scores.
The traditional college preparatory program includes four years of English, three or four years of math, three or four years of science, three years of social studies, and two to four years of a world language. Very selective colleges are interested in the pattern of high school courses taken by their applicants. Students interested in these schools should take the most rigorous courses available and should take all the science, math, English, social studies, and world language available.
NCAA Eligibility Requirements
Students wishing to participate in inter-collegiate athletics on a Division I or Division II level must abide by NCAA guidelines. Students must register and be certified by the NCAA Eligibility Center. Students should be aware that there are some courses offered at Benilde-St. Margaret’s School do not meet NCAA core course guidelines. To locate the list of current courses offered at BSM which are approved or denied by the NCAA, go to their Web site: www.ncaaclearinghouse.net. Click on: Prospective Student Athletes; Click on: List of Approved Core Courses; BSM’s school code is 242202.
The NCAA requires all tests scores be reported directly from the test site.
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Four-Year Plan
Students and parents are encouraged to use this outline to form a four-year high school program. Disciplines in bold are required. To take advantage of the full four-year curriculum offered at BSM and prepare for many college requirements, disciplines in italics are recommended.
Freshmen-Minimum Credit Requirement = 13 Typical Credits = 15
|
First Semester |
Credits |
|
Second Semester |
Credits |
|
Theology 9/Phy Ed 9 |
1.5 |
|
Theology 9/Phy Ed 9 |
1.5 |
|
English 9 |
1 |
|
English 9 |
1 |
|
Mathematics |
1 |
|
Mathematics |
1 |
|
Science: Physical Science |
1 |
|
Science: Physical Science |
1 |
|
Health OR Art OR Music |
1 |
|
Health OR Art OR Music |
1 |
|
World Language |
1 |
|
World Language |
1 |
|
Elective |
1 |
|
Elective |
1 |
|
Total Credits per Semester |
6.5 to 7.5 |
|
Total Credits per Semester |
6.5 to 7.5 |
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