Course Selection Information

Course Selection Process for the 2025-2026 School Year

Each January, students at Cottonwood High School begin selecting their classes for the following academic year. This is a critical step to ensure students are on track for graduation and prepared for their future, whether that involves college, careers, or other aspirations.

CHS Counselors play an essential role in guiding students through this process. Counselors visit students in their English or Social Studies classes to provide key information about choosing the right courses. It is highly recommended that students review their options with a parent or guardian to make thoughtful decisions about their academic path.

Below is the timeline and detailed process for selecting courses for the 2025-2026 academic year:

Timeline for Course Selection

Step 1: Initial Course Selection (January 23-24)

• Who: All 9th-11th grade students
• Where: Social Studies classes
• What to Expect:
  • Counselors will visit Social Studies classes to distribute the following:
    • Course Selection Cards
    • Progress Toward Graduation (PTG) Reports
    • Grade-specific instructions
  • Students will receive guidance on:
    • How to fill out the Course Selection Card
    • Identifying required courses for graduation using the PTG Report
    • Choosing core and elective classes that align with their goals
  • During the last 10 minutes of class, counselors will meet individually with students to address questions about PTGs and graduation requirements.
  • Students will enter their course selections into Focus during Homeroom the week of January 27th.
• Absent Students:
  • For students who miss class, Course Selection Cards and PTG Reports will be returned to the counselor’s office and provided to homeroom teachers the following week.
  • Absent students must complete the selection process in their homeroom.

Step 2: Review and Lock-In (January 29-30)

• Who: 9th and 10th grade students
• Where: History classes
• What to Expect:
  • Students will review their course selections with counselors.
  • Final course requests will be locked in Focus (the school’s course management system).

Step 3: Finalization for Juniors (February 12-13)

• Who: 11th grade students
• Where: History classes
• What to Expect:
  • Counselors will meet with juniors to finalize their course schedules for their senior year.

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Additional Notes

• Selecting the right classes is a collaborative effort between students, counselors, and families.
• Consider your academic goals, graduation requirements, and future plans when making decisions.
• If you have questions at any point during the process, don’t hesitate to reach out to your assigned counselor for support.

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This structured process ensures every student is prepared for success in the upcoming school year and beyond.