In this article:
Curriculum overview | Diving into each subject | Elective courses | AP & Honors | Classroom technology | Extracurricular activities
What does the high school core curriculum include?
by Kendall Upton
Staff Writer
As a prospective secondary education teacher or curriculum specialist, you may be wondering exactly what classes you may teach once you start your career and what is contained within the curriculum of those classes. The answer depends on several factors, but where you intend to teach may have the most impact.
Simply put, states determine the minimum graduation and curriculum requirements for high school students within their jurisdiction. On top of that, school districts or individual schools may set additional requirements for their students. School districts can also have drastically different budgets, meaning some schools may offer additional classes to their students—whether or not they are required—which provides more diverse teaching opportunities for educators.
While schools, districts and states all have varying standards, there are some general principles you can expect to find in virtually every secondary school curriculum. Though the number of classes a student must take in each subject may differ, the core subjects remain consistent. In any case, a teacher’s job is to engage their students with the curriculum through a balance of standardized course materials and the teacher’s personal touch.
The philosophy behind the curriculum
The answer to who determines a high school’s curriculum and how that curriculum is developed is a complicated one, but the U.S. Department of Education sums it up well:
“Education is primarily a State and local responsibility in the United States. It is States and communities, as well as public and private organizations of all kinds, that establish schools and colleges, develop curricula and determine requirements for enrollment and graduation.”
Indeed, it is the synthesis of state laws, educational organizations, districts and individual schools—and the educators within them—which all contribute to the creation of a given curriculum.
The role of the states
States decide which classes students must take to graduate, but they can also have a hand in what those classes must cover by establishing certain learning objectives for different grade levels. For example, Washington state’s high school social studies learning standards state that by the end of 9th/10th grade, students will:
- “Define the characteristics of each of the major world regions.”
- “Explain the causes and effects of voluntary and involuntary migration in the world.”
- “Create maps that employ geospatial and related technologies to display and explain the spatial patterns of culture and environment.”
- “Explain relationships between the locations of places and regions, and their political, cultural and economic dynamics, using maps, satellite images, photographs and other representations.”
These are merely a sample of those learning standards, but they provide a foundation for what specific curriculums should achieve.
The role of districts, schools and educators
Secondary school curriculums are written by many kinds of institutions, including universities, curriculum development companies, state organizations or even local health departments.
Districts and schools then decide which curriculums to adopt for their students. One common way this happens is through some sort of curriculum and instruction committee, which is usually comprised of district teachers, administrators and even parents in the community. These groups discuss and vote on which curriculums and course materials to adopt and implement in their school(s). These decisions must usually be approved by multiple groups, including a district school board.
From there, the classroom teacher is at the helm of curricular instruction. The curriculum (such as one laid out in a textbook) provides the framework, but the teacher generally decides what activities and lessons to do with their students to engage them with the course material. Curating lesson plans that meet the diverse needs and learning styles of different students can be a challenge, but teachers must be up to the task.
A deep dive into the core subjects
The four primary subjects that make up the high school core curriculum are English (sometimes referred to as English language arts or simply language arts), math, science and social studies. High school students are almost always required to also take a certain number of classes in the arts, physical education and foreign languages.
High schools in the U.S. serve our oldest secondary students in grades nine through 12. This aligns approximately to the ages of 14 through 18. Since many students may choose to go to college after graduation, high school curriculums are often designed with postsecondary studies in mind. Whether or not their students choose to move on to college, the academic performance of their students (which is typically measured through state-issued standardized tests) is incredibly important to high schools as it can affect their funding.
High school English curriculum / language arts
Almost all states require four full years of English classes for high schoolers. English classes at the high school level usually covers classic and period literature, drama, research, grammar and writing.
High school English classes often consist of reading, discussing and writing about several novels, plays or other books throughout the year, among other language-based activities.
English classes are unique in that students aren’t taught “right” answers versus “wrong” answers the way they are in, say, mathematics. Rather, English teachers get to teach students how to look at questions from multiple perspectives, or perhaps even arrive at several conclusions. Students must learn how to defend their ideas as they become more effective at oral and written communication.
| Pros of teaching English | Cons of teaching English |
|---|---|
| You get to expose students to new ideas, cultures and histories through literature | Adapting to diverse reading levels in one classroom can be a challenge |
| You get to teach students skills that will directly transfer into their adult lives, such as research, analysis, problem-solving and open-mindedness | Grading long papers and essays can be time-consuming |
| English teachers show students how to look at multiple perspectives instead of finding a “right” or “wrong” answer | It may not be as exciting—for you and the students—teaching more tedious subjects like grammar and punctuation |
| Teaching English means you are constantly learning as well | English teachers may have to teach other topics that don’t fit neatly into other classes, such as test preparation, writing college admissions essays, building a resume, etc. |
High school math curriculum
High school math classes typically include algebra, geometry and trigonometry. More advanced students may take classes in pre-calculus, calculus or statistics. High schoolers typically need to take three or four years of math depending on their state’s laws.
Math is, in many ways, the antithesis to English classes—in mathematics, there is usually one right answer and a process to get there. Math is concrete and objective, so math teachers don’t usually have to put as much effort into coming up with creative ways to deliver the course content. Being a math teacher can be difficult in its own ways, however. Math is notorious for being a subject that people struggle with, which means it’s up to math teachers to figure out how to make breakthroughs with their students which can be especially challenging in a classroom of students with varying abilities. In addition, it’s important that math teachers show real-world applications of math to engage students and demonstrate its relevancy.
| Pros of teaching math | Cons of teaching math |
|---|---|
| The curriculum is typically straightforward and scaffolds on itself easily | Many students find math very challenging, so it’s up to the teacher to help students work through their anxieties |
| Grading tests is relatively quick (no essays!) | At the high school level, most parents aren’t able to help their kids with homework anymore |
| Because math can be so challenging for some students, it can be extra gratifying when you help students finally “get it” | Grading tests are relatively quick (no essays!) |
High school science curriculum
Three years of high school science is the most common requirement from states. High school classes cover topics such as biology, chemistry and physics. Some schools may also offer classes in environmental science, astronomy and more.
Science teachers show students how our physical world works—and how we know—but they also provide opportunities for students to discover these ideas for themselves. Through the scientific method, science teachers help students understand how to ask questions, make hypotheses, test their ideas and draw reasonable conclusions. All of these are skills which are imperative for adulthood, regardless of whether they are testing out a scientific theory or debunking misinformation.
| Pros of teaching science | Cons of teaching science |
|---|---|
| You get to guide students through exciting hands-on experiments and lab activities | Some students and parents’ personal beliefs may conflict with the course material |
| It can be gratifying to spark students’ curiosity and see them make discoveries | Science experiments can be dangerous—it’s imperative you make sure students take every proper safety precaution to avoid accidents |
| You get to show students how to use various tools and technologies | Some students’ and parents’ personal beliefs may conflict with the course material |
High school social studies curriculum
Most states require three years of social studies in high school, which typically encompasses courses in world history, U.S. history, economics, government and civics.
Social studies classes enlighten students about our world, its societies, cultures and our shared and unshared histories. Social studies teachers must present what we know while simultaneously encouraging students to think critically and draw their own conclusions about historical events, politics and the like.
Social studies teachers can usually get pretty creative when it comes to crafting lesson plans and activities that convey the course content. Teaching social studies can be difficult, however, when sensitive topics such as disturbing historical events come up. Social studies teachers must know how to provide the facts, put things in a modern context and mediate potentially tense classroom discussions.
| Pros of teaching social studies | Cons of teaching social studies |
|---|---|
| There is a lot of room for integrating fun projects and activities into the curriculum | It can be challenging making history relevant to today’s youth |
| There are not usually any statewide standardized tests for social studies, so it’s not something teachers have to prep students for | You’ll likely have to teach students about upsetting historical events and sensitive topics that still have effects today |
| As a social studies teacher, you may get to facilitate discussions (or even debates) on civic matters and expose students to politics and current events | History is not always certain—it can be frustrating for teachers (and students) when the “facts” can’t always be proven |
Physical education / Health
Physical education (PE) courses get high school students moving and active, and also teach them best practices in living healthy lifestyles. Beyond exercise-based activities and games, PE classes typically cover topics in nutrition, anatomy, physiology and sexual health and education. High school students are usually required to take one or two PE classes before they graduate.
Many PE teachers gravitate towards the subject because they have a natural interest in fitness and sports. It can also be relatively low-stress compared to other teaching roles that hinge on standardized testing, but it also presents unique challenges not found in other subjects.
| Pros of teaching physical education | Cons of teaching physical education |
|---|---|
| Students may be more engaged with the course content because it includes a lot of fun physical activities and games | Teaching units on sexual education can be awkward and uncomfortable for students, causing them to disengage |
| You get to move around more, play games and be more physically active than most teachers | Working outdoors can be challenging in climates with more extreme temperatures |
| You get to directly see students improve their physical health and build confidence in their abilities | Some students may view PE as an easy class to slack off in and refuse to participate |
World languages
Foreign language courses are another common high school curriculum requirement. Spanish is by far the most widely offered foreign language class for high schoolers in the U.S., but other common languages include French, German, Japanese, Chinese and American Sign Language (ASL). Two years of a foreign language is a typical requirement.
World language teachers get to see their students acquire a new language and become more cosmopolitan citizens of the world. They also get to immerse their students in the culture(s) of the language they teach, which can pave the way for fun cultural activities and celebrations.
One thing that is important for any language teacher is the ability to instill confidence in your students and encourage them to make mistakes. This is especially true for speaking skills, which can make some students clam up for fear of sounding bad. In truth, learning a language requires stumbling through sentences and making a lot of errors in order to get better.
| Pros of teaching world languages | Cons of teaching world languages |
|---|---|
| There are a lot of creative methods and activities to teach a language | Students often find that learning pronunciation and grammar can be challenging and tedious |
| In addition to the language itself, language teachers also get to teach about the culture(s) associated with that language | You need to be fluent in the language that you teach, which can take a lot of time and practice |
| Students get to pick which language they want to learn, so they may be more enthusiastic about the content | World language teachers must encourage their students and build their confidence so that they feel comfortable speaking |
High school arts curriculum
Arts classes at the high school level can include numerous different courses such as band, orchestra, choir, drawing and painting, drama, ceramics, music theory, photography and others, depending on what a school offers. Only about half of U.S. states require high schoolers to take art classes, but school districts often still make this a requirement even if their state does not.
Being an art teacher can look very different depending on what you teach. Arts classes can generally be split into two categories: performance arts (e.g. band, choir, orchestra, etc.) and visual arts (drawing and painting, photography, etc.). The band director, therefore, is going to have a vastly different curriculum compared to the ceramics teacher, and each kind of art class is going to have its own set of challenges and rewards.
| Pros of teaching the arts | Cons of teaching the arts |
|---|---|
| Grades in arts classes are mostly based on the student’s effort, which can make grading relatively fast and easy | Arts classes may be prone to a lack of funding compared to other subjects |
| In addition to the language itself, language teachers also get to teach about the culture(s) associated with that language | Arts classes may require stocking, cleaning and maintaining a lot of tools and materials |
| Students usually opt into the arts classes they want to take, so they may be more engaged | Parents may not be as responsive to helping struggling students because they don’t consider the class as important |
Elective courses: going beyond the core
High schools in the U.S. usually offer multiple elective courses that may not fall neatly into any of the other categories above. Many high schoolers in the U.S. are required to fill up their schedule with a certain number of elective courses. Funding—as well as the availability of educators who are qualified to teach these specialized classes—can drastically impact which and how many elective courses a school offers.
Teaching an elective course can provide a level of freedom and flexibility not as easily found in other subjects. Because these kinds of classes don’t have standardized exams or as many rigid learning objectives, teachers may have much more sway over the curriculum.
Although it’s not always the case, many teachers choose to teach in both the core curriculum and elective classes. A high school English teacher, for example, may also be qualified to teach the school’s journalism elective, or a physics teacher may teach the school’s robotics course.
Here are just some of the many different elective courses that high schools may offer that you could teach:
Note: Keep in mind that you may need additional education and/or credentials to teach any of these subjects.
Life skills and their crucial role
Another upside to teaching elective courses is you get to teach students real-world skills that apply directly to their adult lives or to a specific vocation. Many of these skills are incredibly hands-on by their nature, which can be both fun to teach and easier to keep kids engaged.
Many high school teachers—whether they teach a core subject or an elective class—say that this is one of the many joys of teaching high school teenagers. You get to see them mature and help equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in college, in a career and adulthood beyond.
Teaching life skills may be a little more straightforward for teachers of elective classes since these classes are often designed with specific skills and competencies in mind (how to change the oil in a car in automotive technology, for example), especially when compared to a broader subject like English which may do better at nurturing soft skills like communication and critical thinking.
Advanced Placement (AP) and honors courses: teaching high achievers
Many high schools offer higher-level classes for more academically advanced students. These are often called “honors” classes. By providing the same class (e.g. 10th-grade biology) in more than one format (i.e. “regular” and honors), schools can provide a learning experience that takes students’ different abilities into account. As a secondary school teacher, you may be able to teach a mixture of regular and honors courses, if that interests you.
High school also introduces Advanced Placement (AP) classes, though they may not be offered everywhere. These are similar to honors classes, but the difference is that students take an AP exam administered by the College Board at the end of the year. If a student scores high enough, this high school class can be counted for college credit. It’s no surprise, therefore, that AP classes are often considered even more rigorous than honors classes. Some common AP classes offered at high schools include AP U.S. History, AP Calculus, AP Biology and more.
Some teachers enjoy teaching honors or AP classes because students in these classes tend to be more academically motivated.
Some teachers enjoy teaching honors or AP classes because students in these classes tend to be more academically motivated, but the academic rigor of these courses can also be stressful for students and may require some more support from their teachers as a result. This can be even more true for students who want to do well so that they can be admitted to prestigious colleges and universities after graduation. When all is said and done, teachers of higher-level courses often get to experience the reward of seeing their students excel and perform their very best.
Embracing modern classroom innovations
Teaching has changed a lot over the last decade or two, and particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Technology in the classroom is one of these major evolutions. Teachers today are learning how to use various software programs, tools and equipment that are becoming the norm in many modern high school classrooms around the world. Some examples include:
Distance learning also exploded in the last few years as a result of COVID-19. With students forced to learn from home, teachers had to quickly adapt to distance learning technology which was entirely new territory for many. Because these changes happened virtually overnight, many educators were left in the dark on how to effectively use these tools for the long term. Many teachers, therefore, are still skeptical of the efficacy of online learning.
Even though schools have reopened and generally returned to normal, online learning may be around for the long haul. Many classrooms have even kept certain aspects of online learning around (live polling software, for example, to quickly check student understanding). Educators today should be prepared to learn and embrace new classroom technology for its potential to improve student engagement and overall learning, especially as these technologies continue to be studied and enhanced over time.
Extra-curricular activities: teaching beyond the classroom
Part of what makes high school such an impactful time in a teenager’s life is all the learning and experiences that occur outside the classroom. Clubs, sports, events and more are an essential part of the tapestry of the high school curriculum. They help to provide a more holistic education that nurtures soft skills and leadership qualities in students which may not be as easily developed within standard classroom instruction.
High school teachers usually have the chance to guide students in these extracurricular activities, either as a club adviser, coach, events coordinator or something else. Many high schools even have a leadership class for student government appointees to organize and coordinate things like school assemblies, celebrations and initiatives.
If you’re interested in leading an extracurricular group, there’s probably at least one club or sport that can pique your interest. Leading a group can be a great way to foster existing relationships with students and meet other students you wouldn’t normally teach. As a bonus, teachers who take on these extra roles are also usually compensated for doing so.
Wrapping it up
It’s no secret that teaching is one of those careers that is full of both great challenges and extraordinary joys. If you feel that the teaching profession is your calling, it’s a good idea to figure out what subject(s) you want to teach so you can plan your education accordingly. With so many options for high school teachers, there’s bound to be something that gets you excited to teach future generations.
The first step to becoming a teacher is to be a student yourself—start searching for education degree programs today so that you can learn how to be a life-changing teacher fit for the 21st century.
Updated: December 13, 2023
