Core Course of Study
The Core Course of Study is the heart of the New Hampshire Scholars initiative. It offers a roadmap of rigorous study to prepare students for the demands of college and work. Included are minimum course requirements across key subject areas to provide a sound footing for future learning.
“The best preparation is for students to challenge themselves while they’re in high school… I would rather see somebody with a B in a very hard course than with an A in an easy course.”
Tapping into the Core
Students receive a 4-Year Course Planner to review with their guidance counselor. They can choose to participate by signing the New Hampshire Scholars pledge, which is part of the planner. A parent or guardian also signs before students return the planner to their counselor.
In addition to the Core Course of Study outlined below, students can further challenge themselves through Academic and Career Pathways. Pathways in STEM (science, technology, engineering, math), Arts, STEAM (STEM + Arts), and Careers give students extra credentials and opportunities.
Requirements for Success
Students must complete each course for credit for it to count toward recognition as a New Hampshire Scholar. The goal is for students to challenge themselves and do as well as possible in each course.
Core Course Requirements
Following are the New Hampshire Scholars Core Course requirements in each subject area. We encourage students to prepare for the Core Course of Study while still in middle school. Completing a foreign language course and Algebra I will let you hit the ground running in 9th grade.
ENGLISH
COURSES:
English I, English II, English III, English IV
YEARS: 4
SCIENCE
COURSES:
Including 3 years of labs chosen from Biology, Chemistry, Physics, etc.
YEARS: 3
MATH
COURSES:
Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, and one other
YEARS: 4
Languages
COURSES:
Two years of the same language other than English
YEARS: 2
Social Studies/Social Sciences
COURSES:
Chosen from U.S. History, World History, World Geography, Economics, Government, Psychology, and others as approved by individual schools
YEARS: 3.5
Note that specific courses needed to complete the requirements are determined by individual schools or districts. See your guidance office for more information.