Freshman Course Selection

List of 8 items.

• Religion

  All students will take freshman Religion and are required to attend the Freshman Retreat. More information on the Freshman Retreat can be found here.
  
  In order to graduate, each student must take four years of Religion. The four year sequence is described in the catalogue here.

• English

  All freshmen are required to take either freshman English or Honors English.
  
  Students accepted into Honors English must have above average test scores in both seventh and eighth grade testing across the board and grades commensurate with such scores, most often straight "A’s" in both seventh and eighth grades. To apply for Honors English, check the box marked "Honors English" on the course selection form. For more information on Honors English, please read this letter  from Mr. Bill Pierce, the chair of Gonzaga's English Department.
  
  The four year sequence is described in the catalog here.
  

• Math

  Most freshmen will take Algebra I. If an incoming freshman has already taken Algebra I or Geometry, please check the box on the form for advanced math. A placement test, which will be administered on Saturday, June 1, must be taken to qualify for advanced study. 
  
  In order to graduate, each student is required to complete one year of Mathematics beyond Algebra 2 and Trigonometry during his four years. Students may opt for advanced level courses. Click here to read the course catalogue, which includes more information about the sequence and departmental permission.

• Social Studies

  All freshmen will take World Cultures.
  
  In order to graduate, each student must complete four years of Social Studies.
  
  The four year sequence is described in the catalog here.

• Science

  Honors biology is open to selected students in freshman year. Only those students who scored at or above the 85th percentile on the Basic Battery of the HSPT will be allowed to enroll in Honors Biology as a freshman. Ninth graders enrolled in Honors Biology may not simultaneously take Fine Arts in the 9th grade.

  
  

  Students who are not enrolled in the Honors Biology class in their first year should register for one of the Fine Arts classes. These students will take Biology as a sophomore.
  
  

  In order to graduate, each student must complete three years of lab science over his four years. Students must take Biology and Chemistry before they can take Physics, science electives, or AP classes.
  
  More information on the courses can be found in the catalog here.

• Language

  Freshmen will take first-year French, Spanish, Latin, or Chinese. On the form, please choose at least two in order of your preference. Space in French I and Chinese I is limited.

   

  If the student has already studied a full year of language, then he should check the box marked advanced level. A placement test, administered on Saturday, June 1, must be taken to qualify for advanced study.

   

  In order to graduate, each student must complete the third level in one foreign language by the end of his four years. Additionally, each student must complete a total of three years of language study in no more than two languages.
  
  

  More information on the courses can be found in the catalog here.

• Fine Arts

  A student must take one year of Fine Arts during 9th or 10th grade. This requirement can be fulfilled by taking one of Band, Choral Arts, Piano, or Arts Basics. Students selecting Band, Choral Arts, or Piano will be asked to audition (for more information about auditions, please click here). 
  
  A student who takes Fine Arts during 9th grade may not simultaneously take Honors Biology in 9th grade.

  
  

  More information on the courses can be found in the catalog here.

• Physical Ed.

  Each student must complete one year of physical education in 9th grade.
  
  

  More information on this course can be found in the catalog here.