High School Subjects

Classes Teens Take in High School

Here is a look at the core subjects your teen will take in high school. All schools vary, but this list shows the general idea of what your teen will be taking so you have an idea of what classes he should have when you talk to your teen about them.

English/Language Arts
Most states require 3-4 years of English/Language Arts. They usually can be taken at a basic level or at an honors level, the three main areas covered in high school are:

• Literature
• Writing/composition
• Speech

Math
Most states require 3-4 years of Math coursework in high school. They usually can be taken at a basic level or at an honors level, the four main areas covered in high school are:

• Algebra
• Geometry
• Algebra II
• Trigonometry and/or calculus
• Statistics

Science
Most states require 3-4 years of Science coursework in high school. They usually can be taken at a basic level or at an honors level and are often available to take more in an advanced class. The four main areas covered in high school are:

• biology, usually has advanced classes
• chemistry, usually has advanced classes
• physics, usually has advanced classes
• earth/space sciences

Social Studies
Most states require 3-4 years of Social Studies coursework in high school. They usually can be taken at a basic level or at an honors level and are often available to take more in an advanced class. The four main areas covered in high school are:

• U.S. history
• U.S. government
• Economics
• World history
• Geography

Foreign Languages
Many schools across the United States require 1 year of Foreign Language coursework in high school. The three main languages offered in high school are:

• Spanish
• French
• German

Other classes include the arts, computer applications, physical education and trade field study.