1. JMHS Curriculum

2. Current Graduation Requirements
24 Total Credits
4 English credits
4 Math credits
3 Science credits
4 Social Studies credits PE
Health
Fine Art (Art, Band, Choir, Music Appreciation, etc)
Career Cluster (4 electives from one career concentration)
2 Personalized Electives (Any two electives of your choice.)
* Note: 2 Years of one world language is required for college bound students

3. Grade 12 – Required Core Classes
English 12 or English 101
Math IV TR, Transition Math, College Algebra or College Trigonmetry
The only online senior math credits available are AP Calculus and AP Statistics. Online college courses will not count as your final high school math credit.
Civics or AP Government
Chemistry or Physical Science (can take 11th or 12th grade)

4. NCAA Eligibility
Students who plan to play college sports must meet certain GPA and required course criteria. For example, College Transition Math does not count as a math class under NCAA criteria. You can find these at sports.

5. PEP – Personalized Education Plan
You will track your progress toward graduation using your PEP. Each year you will record the courses you have completed and plan for the following year. It is important to keep an accurate record of credits earned in order to stay on track to graduation.
Use your PEP to assist you in choosing classes related to your career interests.

6. Grade 12 – PEP Notes
Any course highlighted on your PEP form is required for graduation. Be certain to sign-up for these classes at arena scheduling.
Note – Some students only lack core courses for graduation, thus nothing will be highlighted.

7. What is a course catalog?
A course catalog is a catalog listing the courses, and their descriptions, offered by a school.
The JMHS course catalog can be found online at jmhscounseling.weebly.com under Academic Counseling.
You can request a paper copy of the course catalog from the guidance office.

8. What is an elective?
An elective is any course that is not listed as a specific graduation requirement. For example, cluster classes are electives. However, Health and PE are not electives because they are specifically listed as gradation requirements.

9. College Credit Opportunities
Advanced Placement Classes: These courses provide students with the opportunity to complete college level classes while they are still in High School. Students must pass the AP exam to claim credit.
JMHS AP Classes: Biology, English Language, English Literature, Psychology, US History
Dual Credit Classes: These are courses where students can enroll in a college course and simultaneously earn college credit and high school credit for the course.
JMHS Dual Credit Opportunities: To claim college credits, students must pay $75 for these classes. You do not have to claim college credit to take the courses. It is important to remember that dual credit courses begin your college transcripts and GPAs.
-From NRCTC: Civics, College Algebra, French, Trigonometry
-From WVU Tech: English 12

10. WV Virtual School
Students can take courses from WV Virtual School beginning in 10th grade. Students should be self-motivated and be able to direct their own learning to fulfill course requirements and achieve academic success. Specific technology skills, learning styles, study habits, and communication skills are indicators of success in virtual courses.
To view the course options visit

11. Career Clusters MCTC Clusters Agribusiness Biomedical Business
Carpentry
Early Childhood Education
Health Sciences
Nursing
Public Law and Safety
NON CTE Clusters: James Monroe High School has developed a large number of choices for Non-CTE Clusters. These may be found on the James Monroe High School Counseling website or stop by and discuss your career interests with your school counselor. Essentially, career clusters exist to help individuals complete four classes in their career interest to ensure they will be college and/or career ready.

12. Planning for Careers and College
Colleges, Employers and Scholarship Donors are looking for strong transcripts and resumes. It is more important to take advanced classes than it is to have a high GPA. Inflating your GPA by taking easy courses will not help you get ahead.
Attendance is a key factor in building a strong resume.
Community Service is an important component of your resume. Start earning hours now. Visit jmhscounseling.weebly.com for volunteer opportunities.

13. PROMISE SCHOLARSHIP Begin working toward the PROMISE Scholarship now!
A low GPA in 9th or 10th grade can keep you from receiving the scholarship.
Requirements: 3.0 GPA (Overall and Core)
ACT Composite Score: ACT Sub-Scores: 20+ in each subject
SAT Total score 1100.Math 520. Evidence Based Reading and Writing 530
Remember: Credits earned in middle school (typically Spanish or Math I) are part of your JMHS GPA. Therefore, they will be part of the GPA calculated to determine PROMISE eligibility.

14. Academic, Emotional and Social Counseling
For assistance with any of your academic, emotional or social needs see the guidance office.
Mrs. Dransfield and Mrs. Jones are here to assist you with your entire high school experience. See them with any questions you may have.

15. School Counseling Office
Mrs. Dransfield or Mrs. Jones to make an appointment to discuss any questions or concerns.
Mrs. Dransfield:
Mrs. Jones:
Visit the JMHS School Counseling website at jmhscounseling.weebly.com for more information from the school counseling office about curriculum, scholarships, career counseling, upcoming events and more.
Receive announcements from the guidance department by texting @jmhsguid to