Skip to main content
Class Compass
Reading level
Language

Planning guide

Four years, one plan you can adjust

Nothing here is a rule — it's the sequence most North Dakota counselors sketch out on the first pass. Use it as a starting point, then check it against your school's catalog.

  1. 01

    9th grade

    Build the base

    • Lock in English, math, science and PE/Health requirements early.
    • Start a world language now so you can reach level III or IV later.
    • Try one elective purely because it sounds interesting.
  2. 02

    10th grade

    Test your interests

    • Add a second lab science and keep the math sequence moving.
    • Pick up an honors course in the subject you're strongest in.
    • Explore a CTE pathway before committing to it junior year.
  3. 03

    11th grade

    Go deeper

    • This is the year colleges look at most closely — stretch, but stay realistic.
    • One or two AP or dual credit courses beats five you can't sustain.
    • Confirm you're on track for every North Dakota graduation requirement.
  4. 04

    12th grade

    Finish and specialize

    • Complete civics, economics and any remaining credits first.
    • Use free periods for dual credit, internships or a capstone.
    • Avoid an empty senior schedule — it still shows on transcripts.

Catalog words, decoded

Credit
One credit usually equals a full year of one class period. Semester courses are 0.5.
Prerequisite
A course you must pass first. Ask about waivers if you learned the material elsewhere.
Honors
Same subject, faster pace and more writing or problem sets. Often weighted in GPA.
AP
College-level curriculum with a May exam. A qualifying score can earn college credit.
Dual Credit
Taught for both high school and college credit through a North Dakota partner college.
Endorsement / Pathway
A themed cluster of courses — like health science or agriculture — noted on your transcript.

North Dakota graduation requirements

22 credits — 4 English, 3 math, 3 science, 3 social studies, 1 PE/health, 1 fine arts or CTE, plus electives

Specific school districts may add requirements beyond the state minimum. Always verify your course plan with your school counselor before registering.

Open the catalog