Waukee Community School District high schools utilize a 4×4 block schedule, an academic structure designed to broaden students’ educational experiences by allowing them to enroll in a wider variety of courses. This guide provides essential information to help students and parents navigate course registration and graduation requirements at WCSD.
Key Information for Course Registration
When planning your high school courses, keep the following points in mind to ensure a smooth registration process and successful academic path:
- Course Load for Underclassmen: If you are in 9th or 10th grade, aim to enroll in four classes each term to maximize your learning opportunities and stay on track for graduation.
- Prerequisites Matter: Always check and understand the prerequisites for any course you wish to register for. Meeting prerequisites ensures you have the necessary foundation for success in the course.
- College Entrance Requirements: If you plan to attend college after high school, carefully examine the entrance requirements of various post-secondary institutions you are interested in. Different colleges may have specific course requirements for admission.
- Iowa Regent University Minimums: For students considering Iowa State University, the University of Northern Iowa, or the University of Iowa, be sure to review the minimum course requirements for admission to these Regent Universities. Meeting these requirements can improve your chances of automatic admission.
- Graduation Credit Requirements: To graduate from a WCSD high school, you need to earn a minimum of 53 credits, as set by the Waukee School Board. A single credit is earned by achieving a passing grade in a term (9 weeks) of a course.
| WCSD Graduation Requirements | Credits | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| English | 8 | Speech Required |
| Math | 6 | |
| Science | 6 | |
| Social Studies | 6 | Must include US History (2) & Government |
| Financial Literacy | 1 | |
| Health | 1 | |
| Physical Education | 4 | *One credit each year |
| Electives | 21 | Includes Additional Core |
| Total Credits | 53 | ***World Language NOT required to graduate |
Understanding Course Formats
WCSD offers various course formats to cater to different learning styles and scheduling needs:
- Skinny Course: These courses are designed to fit into a semester and run for 45 minutes (half a block). They are specifically developed for certain subjects to meet particular scheduling demands.
- Virtual Course: Virtual courses are conducted entirely online, offering flexibility in learning. Students enrolled in virtual courses are not required to attend classes in person on campus.
- Hybrid Course: Hybrid courses blend traditional face-to-face classroom instruction with online learning components. This format provides a balance of direct interaction with teachers and the flexibility of online learning platforms. Students in hybrid courses must meet both in-classroom and online requirements.
Regent Admission Index (RAI) Explained
The Regent Admission Index (RAI) is a formula used by Iowa Regent Universities to assess applicants for admission. If a course description includes “RAI,” it means the course is considered in the RAI calculation. Iowa high school graduates need to achieve an RAI score of at least 245 and fulfill the minimum required high school courses to be automatically admitted as freshmen to Iowa State University, the University of Northern Iowa, and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at the University of Iowa. You can find lists of RAI-approved courses for each Iowa high school at the RAI Core Course Lists. Students scoring below 245 may still be considered for admission on an individual review basis.
The RAI formula is based on factors that are strong indicators of college success: ACT or SAT scores, high school GPA, and the number of RAI-approved core courses completed.
Calculating Your RAI Score
Here is the detailed RAI formula:
(3 x ACT composite score) + (30 x Cumulative GPA) + (5 x Number of years of RAI-approved high school courses completed in the core subject areas) = RAI score
I’m Going into 10th Grade. What Should I Register for?
Course Recommendations for 10th Grade Students
| SUBJECT | CURRENT COURSE → REGISTER FOR THIS | NOTES TO CONSIDER |
|---|---|---|
| Math | Basic Algebra I → Algebra I Algebra I → Basic or Formal Geometry Formal Geometry → Algebra II or Foundations of Algebra II Algebra II → Trig or Prob/Stats or AP Stats or Finite Math |
Consult your current math teacher and/or school counselor for personalized recommendations. Taking one math course per year is generally sufficient, but you can enroll in more if desired. |
| Science | Physical Science → Modern Bio or Honors Bio | Seek advice from your current science teacher and/or school counselor to determine the most suitable science course for your academic path. |
| Social Studies | Modern World History → Nothing Required for 10th Grade | While not mandatory for 10th grade, courses like Recent U.S. History and Contemporary Affairs are available as electives if you wish to further explore social studies. |
| English | English I → English II Honors English I → Honors English II Speech if still needed |
If you are considering moving to a different level of English (either higher or lower), discuss your options with your current English teacher and school counselor. |
| World Language | Level 1 → Level 2* (Not Required) Level 2 → Level 3* (Not Required) |
Your current world language teacher can provide valuable advice on whether continuing with world language classes aligns with your academic goals. Note that world language is not a WCSD graduation requirement. |
| PE/Health | PE 9th → PE (Choose one from guide) Health 9th → No additional Health Required |
Physical Education is required for 10th grade. 9th grade Health fulfills the high school health graduation requirement. |
| Electives | Students may be taking a variety of Electives in 9th grade. These count for HS credit. Do no repeat a class you earned/will earn credit for in 9th Grade. | Carefully review the prerequisites for elective courses before making your selections to ensure you meet the necessary requirements and are prepared for the course content. |
I’m Going into 11th Grade. What Should I Register for?
Course Recommendations for 11th Grade Students
| SUBJECT | CURRENT COURSE → REGISTER FOR THIS | NOTES TO CONSIDER |
|---|---|---|
| Math | Algebra I → Basic of Formal Geometry Basic Geometry → Foundations of Algebra or Consumer or Formal Geometry Formal Geometry →Algebra II or Foundations of Algebra II Algebra II → Trig or Prob/Stats or Finite Math or AP Stats Prob/Stats → Trig or Finite or AP Stats Trig → Prob/Stats or Finite or PreCalc or AP Stats Pre-Calculus → AP Calculus or AP Stats |
Consult with your current math teacher and/or counselor for tailored advice on your math course progression. Trigonometry (Trig) and Probability and Statistics (Prob/Stats) are not mandatory but may be beneficial depending on your future plans. Algebra II is generally the highest math level required for college entrance, but higher levels can enhance your application. |
| Science | Modern Biology → Chemistry or Ecology or Astronomy or Geology Honors Biology → Chemistry Chemistry → AP Biology or AP Chemistry or AP Physics |
Seek guidance from your current science teacher and/or counselor to choose the most appropriate science courses. Consider your interests and potential college majors when selecting science courses for 11th grade. |
| Social Studies | You may or may not have taken Social Studies in 10th Grade → U.S. History or AP U.S. History | You have the option to take additional Social Studies courses in 11th grade, even if you took one in 10th grade. U.S. History is a common choice for 11th graders. |
| English | English II → English III Honors English II → AP Lang Speech if still needed |
Discuss any level changes (moving up or down in English level) with your current English teacher and counselor to ensure it aligns with your academic progress and goals. |
| World Language | Level 1 → Level 2* (Not Required) Level 2 → Level 3* (Not Required) Level 3 → Level 4* (Not Required) |
Your world language teacher can offer advice on continuing world language studies. Remember that world language is not a graduation requirement for WCSD, but may be beneficial for college applications or personal enrichment. |
| PE/Health | PE → PE (choose one from guide) Health required before graduation |
Students must enroll in Physical Education in 11th grade. You are permitted to repeat a PE course if you wish to further explore a particular activity or simply enjoy the physical activity. Ensure you have met the Health requirement for graduation if not already completed. |
| Electives | Students may be taking a variety of electives in 10th grade. Do not repeat a class you earned/will earn credit for in 9th or 10th grade | When selecting electives, always pay close attention to any listed prerequisites. Choosing electives that align with your interests and future aspirations can enhance your high school experience and college applications. |
I’m Going into 12th Grade. What Should I Register for?
Course Recommendations for 12th Grade Students
| SUBJECT | CURRENT COURSE → REGISTER FOR THIS | NOTES TO CONSIDER
