Planning your high school course load? Our blog presents a complete list of all high school classes to help you map your academic journey. We cover a wide range of subjects, including mathematics, sciences, humanities, and electives, providing valuable insights into each course’s benefits and relevance. Discover how to create a well-rounded transcript that showcases your strengths and interests. Whether you’re aiming for a specific college or exploring your passions, our blog will guide you in selecting the right combination of high school classes to maximize your educational experience and prepare for future success.
All the high school classes, here in one place!
The high school courses you choose for your academic curriculum can bring out the best in you, especially if you choose the subjects wisely. To help you out, we have procured a complete list of classes available at all high schools across the United States.
The Complete List of High School Classes
Computer Science/Information Technology
- Animation
- App development
- Audio Production
- Computer programming
- Computer Repair
- Film production
- Graphic design
- Media technology
- Music Production
- Typing
- Video game development
- Web design
- Web programming
- Word processing
English
- American literature
- British Literature
- Contemporary literature
- Creative writing
- Communication skills
- Debate
- English language and composition
- English literature and composition
- Humanities
- Journalism
- Literary analysis
- Modern literature
- Poetry
- Popular literature
- Rhetoric
- Technical writing
- Works of Shakespeare
- World literature
- Written and oral communication
Business
- Accounting
- Business law
- Business management
- Consumer education
- Entrepreneurial skills
- Introduction to business
- Marketing
- Personal Finance
Family and Consumer Science
- Chemistry of foods
- CPR training
- Culinary arts
- Early childhood development
- Early childhood education
- Family studies
- Fashion and retail merchandising
- Fashion Construction
- Home economics
- Interior design
- Nutrition
Math
- Algebra 1
- Algebra 2
- Calculus
- Computer math
- Consumer math
- Fundamentals of math
- Geometry
- Integrated math
- Math applications
- Multivariable calculus
- Practical math
- Pre-algebra
- Pre-calculus
- Probability
- Quantitative literacy
- Statistics
- Trigonometry
Foreign Language
- American Sign Language
- Ancient Greek
- Arabic
- Chinese
- French
- German
- Hebrew
- Italian
- Japanese
- Korean
- Latin
- Portuguese
- Russian
- Spanish
Performing Arts
- Choir
- Concert band
- Dance
- Drama
- Guitar
- Jazz band
- Marching band
- Music theory
- Orchestra
- Percussion
- Piano
- Theater technology
- World music
Science
- Agriculture
- Astronomy
- Biology
- Botany
- Chemistry
- Earth science
- Electronics
- Environmental science
- Environmental studies
- Forensic science
- Geology
- Marine biology
- Oceanography
- Physical science
- Physics
- Zoology
Physical Education
- Aerobics
- Dance
- Gymnastics
- Health
- Lifeguard training
- Pilates
- Racket sports
- Specialized sports
- Swimming
- Weight training
- Yoga
Visual Arts
- 3-D art
- Art history
- Ceramics
- Digital media
- Drawing
- Film production
- Jewelry design
- Painting
- Photography
- Printmaking
- Sculpture
Social Studies
- Cultural anthropology
- Current events
- European history
- Geography
- Global studies
- Human geography
- International relations
- Law
- Macroeconomics
- Microeconomics
- Modern world studies
- Physical anthropology
- Political Studies
- Psychology
- Religious studies
- Sociology
- US Government
- US History
- Women’s studies
- World History
- World Politics
- World religions
Vocational Education
- Auto body repair
- Auto mechanics
- Building Construction
- Computer-aided drafting
- Cosmetology
- Criminal justice
- Driver education
- Electronics
- FFA (Future Farmers of America)
- Fire Science
- Heating and cooling systems
- Hospitality and tourism
- JROTC (Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps)
- Metalworking
- Networking
- Plumbing
- Production technology
- Refrigeration fundamentals
- Robotics
- Woodworking
The list of high school classes is currently being offered by various schools all over the nation. Therefore, it would be wise to look at these high school courses if you consider college admissions in the future. This will assist you in identifying the subjects that will best showcase your abilities and enable you to accomplish your life’s goals.
Advanced Placement High School Classes
AP high school courses are also necessary, especially for senior high school students getting ready for college. If you’re looking to get into the school of your choice, impress them by taking AP exams.
Even though the test won’t affect your chances of getting admitted, the score can give you a boost and tons of other benefits. Some of these include scholarships, college credits, and being academically competitive.
Below is the complete list of AP high school classes you can take:
AP Capstones
- AP Research
- AP Seminar
English
- AP English Language and Composition
- AP English Literature and Composition
History & Social Science
- AP Comparative government and politics
- AP European history
- AP Human Geography
- AP Macroeconomics
- AP Microeconomics
- AP Psychology
- AP United States Government and Politics
- AP United States History
- AP World History
- Math & Computer Science
- AP Calculus AB
- AP Calculus BC
- AP Computer Science A
- AP Computer Science Principles
- AP Statistics
Arts
- AP Art history
- AP Music theory
- AP Studio art: 2-D design
- AP Studio art: 3-D design
- AP Studio art: drawing
World Languages and Cultures
- AP Chinese Language and Culture
- AP French Language and Culture
- AP German Language and Culture
- AP Italian Language and Culture
- AP Japanese Language and Culture
- AP Latin
- AP Spanish Language and Culture
- AP Spanish Literature and Culture
Sciences
- AP Biology
- AP Chemistry
- AP Environmental Science
- AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism
- AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based
- AP Physics 2: Algebra-Based
Creating Your Unique Curriculum with the High School Classes Available
There’s no right or wrong in terms of choosing high school courses for your curriculum. It depends on your preference, such as what you want to learn and your passion. However, remember that colleges and universities will always seek students who are competitive in their academic performance.
If you want a bigger chance of getting into your dream college, you should take certain high school classes that your target school will want to see on your transcript. Some examples of high school courses are English, Math, Science, Social Studies, Foreign Languages, Arts, and Advanced College Courses.
Most high school students take electives, or classes they can take outside their regular curriculum. These subjects can help you become one step ahead when you apply for college.
What if Your School Has Limited High School Classes?
Not all high schools will offer the list of high school classes above. There are many circumstances where schools have to pick and choose the subjects they can offer for many reasons. Some examples of why school district offerings differ are the need for more funding and more resources, a shortage of counseling staff, and even low student interest.
So even if your school doesn’t have the subjects you want, you can still try to choose the high school classes available that interest you. After that, take the rest at a local community college for independent study purposes.
In addition, you don’t need to worry if your high school only has limited courses. Suppose you couldn’t select an elective or AP course because your school doesn’t have it. While some colleges require high school electives, others don’t. However, one thing remains true: colleges find core high school classes more important than electives. Focus on maintaining a good GPA and demonstrate your strengths outside the classroom as well.
Honors & AP Courses Take Your High School Classes to a Higher Level
Tons of high school classes are challenging and require much preparation. But the best thing about it is that it gives you more opportunities when you apply for college. It also prepares you for challenges as you enter your chosen college or university.
Taking AP high school courses and honors will give you the boost you need, and these are what admission officers will want to see when you apply. Furthermore, they are more interesting subjects and provide more in-depth knowledge. Some benefits include the following:
A Different Approach Academically
Honors classes are designed to cover the same classes as your core ones. But they’re much deeper and more expansive. On the other hand, AP courses are designed to prepare students for college since these are high school courses that develop their skills, which will be used once they reach this stage. But both honors and AP courses can introduce you to a new world where you find new ideas and exciting topics. You will likely find your passion, which may become your primary skill as you find your career.
Build Valuable Skills
If you want to succeed in college, you must have the skills to become a great student. Honors and AP high school courses can give you the necessary skills that are useful once you start college. Some of these skills are the following:
- Self-management skills
- Assertiveness
- Collaboration skills
- Communication skills
- Critical-thinking skills
- Independent work skills
- Creative thinking
Look for ways to hone and showcase these skills through your academic work!
Preparation for College
Colleges love it when you take extra steps to prove your worth as you take more AP high school classes and honors. The level of courses you take is one of the first things the admission officers are looking for.
Furthermore, AP exams, honors, and even IB programs can give you college credits. It shows that you’re competitive when it comes to your academic achievements, and this is what makes you stand out when you apply for college.
Challenge Yourself with the Right High School Classes
As a student or a parent thinking about the future, it’s best to prepare yourself for what’s to come. Life can be very stressful already, especially when considering taking elective classes your school doesn’t offer.
Fortunately, Empowerly is here to help you out. We provide consultation to students or parents who want to choose the right path regarding academic performance, from preparation for your high school endeavors to the college application process.
