Complete List of High School Classes 2026-2027 by Subject

You'll make hundreds of choices in high school, but few matter more than the classes you take.

Most states require 20 to 24 credits to graduate, yet competitive colleges expect you to go further. Your transcript tells them how you challenge yourself, where your strengths lie, and what you care about.

In this guide, you'll see every major high school class offered in 2026–2027 and learn how to build a schedule that sets you apart.

Now, here's something most students don't realize about 2026: with a growing list of selective colleges reinstating standardized test requirements and placing renewed emphasis on transcript rigor, the classes you choose carry more weight than ever. Picture this — two students with identical GPAs, but one took the most rigorous courses available and the other coasted. The takeaway? Admissions officers can tell the difference, and your course selection is one of the clearest signals you send.

High school offerings vary by district, so no single school provides every course. To give you the clearest picture, we've grouped classes into subject areas:

• Core requirements,
• Electives,
• Advanced Placement (AP),
• Vocational programs

Use this list as a planning guide, because not every class will be open at your school, but you'll see which combinations strengthen your academic record for college admissions.

Every school district organizes courses differently, but most fall into the same categories. Core subjects like English, math, science, and history usually form the foundation, while electives and AP classes give you room to explore interests and show rigor.

Below, you'll find the major categories of high school classes for 2026–2027, along with examples of what each includes.

Technology is one of the fastest-growing fields, and colleges notice when you challenge yourself with these courses.

Computer science classes strengthen problem-solving, logic, and technical skills that apply across majors. They also open doors to careers in software, engineering, and data analysis.

If your school offers these options, consider adding one or two to show you're ready for advanced study. Students who find these courses exciting and want to build practical, career-ready skills can explore programs such as the Data Analytics & Data Engineering Bootcamp, which helps learners connect classroom knowledge with real-world data applications.

Common Computer Science and Information Technology classes include:

• Animation
• App development
• Artificial intelligence and machine learning
• Audio production
• Computer programming
• Computer repair
• Cybersecurity
• Data science
• Film production
• Graphic design
• Media technology
• Music production
• Typing
• Video game development
• Web design
• Web programming
• Word processing

Strong writing and communication skills matter for every major and career. English classes help you analyze texts, build arguments, and express ideas clearly. Colleges want to see steady progress here, ideally with advanced options like AP English in later years.

Common English classes include:

• 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 courses give you practical skills in finance, marketing, and management. They're useful whether you want to run a company one day or simply understand money better. Taking these classes shows initiative and career awareness, qualities that admissions officers respect.

Common Business classes include:

• Accounting
• Business law
• Business management
• Consumer education
• Entrepreneurial skills
• Introduction to business
• Marketing
• Personal finance

These courses blend academics with life skills. From nutrition to early childhood education, they prepare you for careers in health, design, and human services.

Colleges may not weigh them as heavily as core classes, but they still round out your transcript and highlight personal interests.

Common Family and Consumer Science classes include:

• 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 shows your ability to think logically and solve complex problems. If you want to strengthen specific skills or explore topics beyond your school curriculum, an online math program can offer flexible, structured support. Selective colleges often expect four full years, including higher-level classes like calculus or statistics. Choose the sequence that challenges you while keeping grades strong.

Common Math classes include:

• 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

Colleges strongly prefer at least two years of the same foreign language. Advanced study shows commitment, global awareness, and cultural literacy. If your school offers less common options, taking them can make your application stand out.

Common Foreign Language classes include:

• American Sign Language
• Ancient Greek
• Arabic
• Chinese
• French
• German
• Hebrew
• Italian
• Japanese
• Korean
• Latin
• Portuguese
• Russian
• Spanish

Performing arts classes build confidence, teamwork, and creativity. They also highlight your interests beyond academics, especially if you pursue music or theater consistently. Colleges appreciate students who balance rigor with artistic passions.

Common Performing Arts classes include:

• Choir
• Concert band
• Dance
• Drama
• Guitar
• Jazz band
• Marching band
• Music theory
• Orchestra
• Percussion
• Piano
• Theater technology
• World music

Science courses develop curiosity and analytical thinking. Colleges usually want three to four years, including biology, chemistry, and physics. Advanced electives like marine biology or forensic science can add depth if you're aiming for a STEM path.

Common Science classes include:

• Agriculture
• Astronomy
• Biology
• Botany
• Chemistry
• Earth science
• Electronics
• Environmental science
• Environmental studies
• Forensic science
• Geology
• Marine biology
• Oceanography
• Physical science
• Physics
• Zoology

Physical education isn't just about sports — it's about health and discipline. These classes teach teamwork, resilience, and personal wellness. Colleges focus more on academics, but a balanced transcript still matters.

Common Physical Education classes include:

• Aerobics
• Dance
• Gymnastics
• Health
• Lifeguard training
• Pilates
• Racket sports
• Specialized sports
• Swimming
• Weight training
• Yoga

Visual arts give you space to think creatively and develop design skills. A strong portfolio from these classes can help with college applications if you're pursuing art, architecture, or related fields. Even if not, they enrich your transcript by showing range.

Common Visual Arts classes include:

• 3-D art
• Art history
• Ceramics
• Digital media
• Drawing
• Film production
• Jewelry design
• Painting
• Photography
• Printmaking
• Sculpture

Social studies classes teach you to analyze society, history, and government. Colleges expect at least three years, often including U.S. and world history. Advanced electives show readiness for majors in law, politics, and international relations.

Common Social Studies classes include:

• 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
• U.S. Government
• U.S. History
• Women's studies
• World History
• World politics
• World religions

Vocational programs provide hands-on training for technical careers. They're especially helpful if you want to explore trades or applied sciences before college. Adding one shows practical skills alongside your academic courses.

Common Vocational Education classes include:

• 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

AP classes are one of the strongest signals of academic rigor on your transcript. They show colleges that you're willing to challenge yourself with college-level material while still in high school. Even earning a "B" in an AP course can sometimes carry more weight than an "A" in a regular class, because it demonstrates effort and resilience.

Taking AP exams can also earn you college credit, advanced placement, or scholarship opportunities. Scores of 3 or higher are often accepted by universities, saving you both time and tuition costs. The more AP courses you can balance successfully, the more competitive your application becomes.

Here's the complete list of AP courses currently available:

• AP Research
• AP Seminar

• AP English Language and Composition
• AP English Literature and Composition

• AP African American Studies
• 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

• AP Calculus AB
• AP Calculus BC
• AP Computer Science A
• AP Computer Science Principles
• AP Precalculus
• AP Statistics

• AP Art History
• AP Music Theory
• AP Studio Art: 2-D Design
• AP Studio Art: 3-D Design
• AP Studio Art: Drawing

• 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

• AP Biology
• AP Chemistry
• AP Environmental Science
• AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism
• AP Physics C: Mechanics
• AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based
• AP Physics 2: Algebra-Based

The right number of AP courses depends on your goals and the type of colleges you're targeting. There isn't a single "magic number," but admissions officers look at how much you challenged yourself compared to what your school offers.

• Highly selective colleges (Ivy League, Stanford, MIT): 7 to 12 APs across four years, with most in core subjects.
• Selective colleges (top 50 schools): 5 to 7 APs, showing rigor without overloading.
• Less selective or regional universities: 2 to 4 APs are usually plenty to demonstrate college readiness.

If your school offers limited AP options, don't worry — colleges review your transcript in context. What matters most is that you pushed yourself within your school's opportunities while keeping grades strong.

Every transcript tells a story. Colleges want to see not just what classes you took, but why you chose them and how they fit your goals.

A strong high school schedule blends core requirements, electives, and advanced courses in a way that highlights your interests and shows steady growth.

Nearly every college expects four years of English, at least three years of math (preferably four), three years of science, and three years of social studies.

For a foreign language, you can expect two years minimum, with three or four preferred at selective schools.

If your school offers honors, AP, or IB courses, aim to include them in subjects you're strongest in. For example, if you excel in math, consider AP Calculus or Statistics by junior or senior year. If writing is your strength, AP English Literature or AP U.S. History may be better fits. This strategy shows both rigor and alignment with your talents.

Electives aren't just "extras" — they can highlight your individuality. A student interested in medicine might take anatomy or nutrition, while someone leaning toward politics could choose debate or international relations.

When electives connect with your extracurriculars (like robotics with an engineering club), they reinforce your story to admissions committees.

Look up the recommended high school curriculum for your target colleges. For example, top engineering schools often prefer students who took physics, calculus, and computer science in high school.

Liberal arts colleges may value foreign language depth and strong writing courses. Matching your schedule to these expectations puts you ahead.

Rigor is important, but balance is also important. Taking more APs than you can handle may hurt your GPA, which is often weighted more heavily than class titles. Choose the toughest courses you can succeed in, not every advanced option offered. Colleges value consistency and strong grades more than burnout.

Admissions officers like to see your schedule get stronger each year. Freshman year might be mostly standard classes, but by junior year, you should be stepping into advanced math, AP science, or upper-level electives. This upward trend demonstrates maturity and readiness for college-level work.

If your school doesn't offer a course you want, you can look beyond campus. Community college classes, online accredited courses, or summer pre-college programs are all valid ways to expand your learning. Many universities appreciate students who go out of their way to seek challenge.

Building a strong curriculum isn't about copying someone else's path. It's about knowing your strengths, aligning them with your goals, and showing colleges that you've used high school to push yourself in smart, intentional ways.

Want to know what a strong, well-paced schedule actually looks like year by year? Here's the deal — while every student's path is different, a thoughtful four-year arc shows colleges steady growth and increasing rigor. Use this sample plan as a template, then adapt it to your school's offerings and your own strengths.

Freshman year — build your foundation. The goal is to establish strong study habits and solid grades in core subjects:

• English 9 (Honors if available)
• Algebra 1 or Geometry
• Biology or Physical Science
• World History or Geography
• Foreign Language 1
• Elective (an area of genuine interest)

Sophomore year — add controlled rigor. Begin layering in honors or your first AP where you're strongest:

• English 10 (Honors)
• Geometry or Algebra 2
• Chemistry
• World or U.S. History (AP if ready)
• Foreign Language 2
• Elective or first AP (often AP Human Geography or AP Computer Science Principles)

Junior year — peak rigor. This is the most scrutinized year for admissions, so step up where you can sustain strong grades:

• AP English Language or Honors English 11
• Algebra 2 or Pre-Calculus
• Physics or AP science in your strength area
• AP U.S. History or another AP social science
• Foreign Language 3
• One to two additional APs aligned with your intended major

Senior year — finish strong, don't coast. Colleges see your senior schedule, and a rigorous final year matters:

• AP English Literature or a college-level writing course
• Calculus (AB or BC) or AP Statistics
• An advanced AP science or elective in your field
• AP Government, Economics, or another social science
• Foreign Language 4 (if continuing)
• A capstone elective, dual-enrollment course, or independent study

The takeaway? Notice how the rigor builds each year while keeping a sustainable load. Don't try to cram every AP into one semester. A steady upward trend — paired with grades you can actually maintain — tells a far stronger story than a single overloaded year followed by burnout.

Not every high school can offer dozens of AP courses or niche electives. Some districts face budget cuts, staffing shortages, or limited student demand for advanced subjects.

Colleges know this, and they review your transcript in the context of what your school provides.

Still, you have options to build a strong academic profile even if your school's course catalog is small.

Here's how:

Many community colleges allow high school students to take courses for credit. Dual enrollment can fill gaps, like calculus, psychology, or foreign languages, and those credits often transfer to universities. It's also a way to prove you can succeed in a real college classroom.

Accredited online programs like Johns Hopkins CTY, Stanford Online High School, or state-run virtual schools provide rigorous classes outside your campus.

MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) through platforms like edX or Coursera can also strengthen your knowledge, though they typically don't count for credit.

Many universities run summer programs for high school students. These allow you to study advanced topics, meet professors, and sometimes earn credit. For example, MIT, Columbia, and UC Berkeley all offer summer courses in STEM, business, and the humanities. Including these on your application signals academic initiative.

Explore our Summer Program page to find anything relatable.

If a class isn't offered, ask whether you can design an independent study with a teacher. For instance, you could expand on AP Biology with a research project or build a directed reading course in philosophy. These experiences demonstrate initiative and intellectual curiosity.

If none of these options are available, concentrate on excelling in the core classes you do have.

Strong grades, leadership in extracurriculars, and personal projects — like research, creative writing, or coding — can all supplement your academic record.

Colleges don't penalize you for circumstances beyond your control, but they do notice how you use what's available.

Your school's limitations don't have to limit you. By seeking opportunities outside the classroom and showing creativity in building your education, you can still create a transcript that impresses admissions officers.

Picture this: an admissions officer reads your application and sees a student who says they want to study engineering — but whose transcript shows no physics, no calculus, and no computer science. Want to know what that signals? A mismatch between stated goals and actual preparation. Here's the deal: aligning your courses with your intended major is one of the most powerful ways to strengthen your story.

For starters, here's how to match your coursework to popular major paths:

• Engineering or Computer Science: Prioritize the full math sequence through calculus, plus physics and any computer science courses (AP Computer Science A is especially valuable). Robotics or engineering electives reinforce the narrative.
• Pre-Med or Biology: Load up on lab sciences — biology, chemistry, and ideally AP Biology and AP Chemistry. Anatomy, physiology, and statistics also help, since data literacy matters in modern medicine.
• Business or Economics: Take the strongest math you can manage (calculus and statistics both help), plus AP Macroeconomics and Microeconomics. Accounting, personal finance, and entrepreneurship electives show genuine interest.
• Humanities, English, or Pre-Law: Emphasize writing-intensive courses, AP English Language and Literature, history APs, and debate or rhetoric. These build the analytical writing skills these majors demand.
• Arts, Design, or Architecture: Build a strong portfolio through visual arts courses, AP Studio Art, and design electives. For architecture specifically, pair art with math and physics.
• Social Sciences (Psychology, Political Science, Sociology): AP Psychology, AP Government, AP U.S. and World History, and statistics all build relevant foundations.

The takeaway? You don't need to have your entire future figured out — interests change, and that's normal. But when your course choices visibly connect to the major or field you express interest in, your application reads as intentional and prepared. Even if you're undecided, a balanced, rigorous core keeps every door open.

Honors and AP courses are designed to challenge you, prepare you for college-level work, and show admissions officers that you're willing to stretch yourself. The more rigor you can handle while maintaining strong grades, the stronger your transcript becomes.

Taking AP or honors classes can give you a meaningful boost in the application process. Colleges value rigor because it shows resilience, self-discipline, and intellectual curiosity.

AP exams can also earn you credit or advanced placement, reducing tuition costs or letting you dive into higher-level classes sooner.

Honors courses typically follow the same subjects as core classes but move faster and cover material in greater depth. They encourage more critical reading, analytical writing, and independent thinking.

AP classes, meanwhile, are designed to mirror introductory college courses. They require extensive preparation and often include national exams in May.

Both formats push you out of your comfort zone, exposing you to new ideas and higher expectations. Over time, this rigor can reveal passions that shape your future academic or career direction.

Honors and AP courses don't just teach content — they build essential skills. These include:

• Self-management and organization
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Clear communication
• Critical thinking and analysis
• Independent research and writing
• Creative problem-solving

These skills are exactly what you'll need to thrive in college. Admissions officers know that students who have succeeded in AP and honors classes are more likely to succeed once enrolled. That's why they weigh these courses so heavily in their review.

The level of your classes is one of the first things admissions officers review. They look not only at your grades but at the rigor behind them.

A student who earned mostly A's in standard classes may look less prepared than one who took harder courses and earned a mix of A's and B's. Colleges understand this trade-off and often reward students who pursue rigor responsibly.

AP exams, honors classes, and IB programs also provide the chance to earn college credit. A strong AP score could save you thousands of dollars and allow you to explore more advanced topics earlier in college. It's a practical advantage that extends far beyond the application process.

Succeeding in high school isn't just about the courses you pick — it's about how you manage them. Strong habits make a heavy workload less stressful and help you perform at your best.

Here are seven strategies top students rely on.

Organization is the foundation of academic success.

1. Use a planner, wall calendar, or digital app to track assignments, exams, and activities.
2. Break major projects into smaller steps with clear deadlines so they feel manageable.
3. Set weekly goals to stay on top of long-term assignments.

By keeping everything visible and structured, you'll avoid the stress of last-minute cramming.

The way you study matters as much as how often you study. Short, focused sessions of 25 to 40 minutes are more effective than hours of distracted reading.

Use active learning techniques: make flashcards, write summaries in your own words, or teach the material to a classmate.

Rotate subjects to keep your mind sharp, and schedule regular review sessions so information sticks long-term.

Active participation shows teachers you care about learning and keeps you engaged.

Ask questions when concepts aren't clear, contribute to discussions, and take thoughtful notes.

Even if you're quiet by nature, setting a goal to ask one question or share one idea in each class can build confidence.

Over time, this habit makes a big difference in how much you retain.

Struggling with a concept doesn't mean you can't master it. Reach out to your teacher during office hours, ask for clarification after class, or join a study group. Many schools also have peer tutoring programs or online resources. Getting help early prevents small gaps in understanding from turning into bigger problems down the line.

Time management is the skill that keeps everything else in balance.

1. Prioritize your tasks using a daily or weekly to-do list.
2. Tackle the most difficult subjects when your energy is highest, usually earlier in the day.
3. Avoid procrastination by breaking tasks into small, achievable steps.

Good time management makes space for academics, extracurriculars, and downtime.

Your mind performs best when your body is healthy. Aim for at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night, eat balanced meals, and exercise regularly. Even short walks or stretches between study sessions can help you reset.

Take care of your mental health too — schedule breaks, talk to someone you trust when stressed, and make time for hobbies you enjoy.

It will make your high school era more memorable.

Build positive relationships with teachers by showing respect, participating in class, and seeking feedback. These connections often lead to strong recommendation letters for college.

Cultivate friendships with peers who motivate you, whether through study groups, clubs, or shared activities.

A strong network will encourage you through challenges and celebrate your successes.

AP courses can shape your transcript in ways regular classes can't. They carry more rigor, open opportunities for college credit, and show admissions officers that you're serious about academics.

Below are the key differences, explained in detail, so you'll have a better understanding.

AP courses are designed to match the content and pace of first-year college classes. Instead of simply reviewing material, you'll be expected to read critically, write persuasively, and think independently.

Teachers often move faster and assign more complex projects than in regular classes. By handling this workload, you practice the skills needed for success in higher education.

Many students find the transition to college smoother because they already know what college-level rigor feels like.

One of the biggest advantages of AP classes is the chance to earn credit before college.

Many universities grant credit or advanced placement for exam scores of 3, 4, or 5. This means you might skip introductory courses and move directly into advanced classes.

The benefits go beyond academics: saving tuition money, opening space in your schedule to double major, or graduating earlier. Policies vary, so always check your target colleges' AP credit guidelines.

An applicant who takes several APs often stands out compared to one who only completes standard courses, even if their GPAs are similar. AP classes signal determination, resilience, and readiness for college-level work.

While you don't need to take every AP offered, choosing APs in your strongest subjects shows both academic ambition and self-awareness.

AP courses push you to analyze evidence, compare perspectives, and solve complex problems. For example, AP U.S. History requires evaluating primary sources, while AP Calculus demands applying concepts to new situations.

These problem-solving habits carry into college and beyond. Employers also value these skills because they demonstrate adaptability and independence.

AP classes allow you to go deeper into areas you love. If you're a future engineer, AP Physics or AP Calculus gives you a head start.

If you're drawn to the humanities, AP English or AP World History builds analytical and writing skills.

Mastery in a subject area can shape your future academic path, making you more confident when declaring a major in college.

Success in AP classes doesn't come without effort. The workload requires time management, self-discipline, and persistence.

Completing a difficult AP course, even with a tough exam, can boost your confidence. You'll know you can handle challenges and recover from setbacks, qualities that matter as much as grades.

Many students describe AP courses as a turning point where they became stronger learners.

AP courses give you access to perspectives that might not appear in regular classes. You might study global politics, advanced environmental science, or a new language at a higher level.

Exposure to these ideas broadens your worldview and sparks curiosity that lasts beyond high school. This exploration helps you become not just a stronger applicant, but also a more thoughtful and well-rounded student.

AP courses prepare you for college, highlight your academic strengths, and help you grow as a thinker. If your school offers them, aim to take AP classes that align with your strengths and future goals.

Most high schools require students to take six to seven classes each semester. Graduation requirements vary by state but usually include 20 to 24 total credits across four years.

Credits are divided among English, math, science, social studies, foreign language, physical education, and electives. If you aim for selective colleges, plan for four years in core subjects rather than just the minimum.

Typical science courses include biology, chemistry, and physics. Many schools also offer electives such as environmental science, astronomy, marine biology, or forensic science.

At the advanced level, you might see AP Biology, AP Chemistry, or AP Physics. Colleges usually expect at least three years of lab science, but four years — including advanced courses — strengthens your application, especially for STEM majors.

That depends on your college and career goals. Most students should prioritize four years of English, math through at least Algebra II (preferably calculus or statistics), three to four years of science, and three to four years of social studies. Add at least two years of the same foreign language.

Beyond this, choose electives and APs that connect to your interests. For example, a future engineer should add computer science or physics, while a future writer might focus on creative writing or journalism.

Requirements vary by state, but most include:

• English: 4 years
• Math: 3 years (often Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II)
• Science: 3 years with lab courses
• Social Studies: 3 years, including U.S. history and government
• Foreign Language: 2 years of the same language (recommended, not always required)
• Physical Education/Health: 1 to 2 years
• Electives: additional credits to reach the total graduation requirement

Selective colleges may go beyond these basics, so research what your target schools recommend.

The College Board has expanded its AP catalog in recent years. AP Precalculus launched as a full AP course and has quickly become one of the most popular math options. AP African American Studies is the newest social science offering, available after a multi-year pilot. The College Board has also announced development of future AP courses in business and cybersecurity-adjacent fields, so check with your counselor for the latest offerings at your school.

Honors classes show rigor and often earn a GPA boost, but AP classes generally carry more weight because they culminate in a standardized national exam and can earn college credit. That said, a strong honors course is far better than an AP course you can't handle. The best choice is the most rigorous option in which you can realistically earn an A or B.

A balanced transcript with core classes, electives, and advanced options tells colleges who you are as a learner. It shows where you've challenged yourself, where your strengths lie, and how prepared you'll be when you arrive on campus.

If you're aiming for selective schools, every choice matters. The right mix of APs, honors, and electives can help you stand out in a competitive pool. Even if your school has limited options, there are ways to build rigor and demonstrate initiative through dual enrollment, online classes, or summer programs.

That's where Empowerly can guide you. Our counselors help students design high school schedules that align with admissions goals and highlight their strengths. With the right plan, you'll feel confident that your transcript tells the strongest possible story.

Book your FREE consultation today.