Essex High School (EHS) provides a rigorous and varied curriculum in order to support every student with access to state graduation requirements and to support students in pursuing individual interests. 

Courses listed in this Program of Studies may change due to insufficient enrollment, budgetary constraints, staffing changes, or other factors, including changes in state and national curriculum.

The academic year includes four quarters, each approximately nine weeks in length. Students may register for up to 8 EHS credits of coursework per year within the EHS school day.  Students may earn .5 credit, 1 credit, 1.5 credit, or 2 credits per course depending on the course length in the school year and the seat time in the course. 

Advisory and FLEX are opportunities for small group, personalized learning for our students. Both Advisory and FLEX are very important to our community.

Advisory is a key time for us to incorporate Social Emotional Learning, Flexible Pathways, Personalized Learning Plans, and Community Building and build our foundation for Restorative Practices. Advisory also provides an opportunity for students to build connections with a small group and an educator. 

FLEX is a key time for students to get additional academic support or enrichment in a small group setting with EHS teachers and staff. FLEX aligns with our Professional Learning Community goals and is important for students seeking additional support from their teachers. Students have an opportunity each week to sign up for academic support or enrichment. 

Advisory/FLEX Balance in Calendar
The first two weeks of school will be Advisory, and after, we transition to a balance of Advisory and FLEX. We take teacher and student feedback into account when adjusting the balance of Advisory and FLEX. FLEX refers to Academic Support or Enrichment. There may be times throughout the year that the schedule might change due to school-wide events. We will do our best to let everyone know in advance.

Full time students are enrolled for a minimum of 6 blocks of class during each semester.  Students who are enrolled in 5 blocks of class and with one of those courses also including an additional split-block lab will be considered full time.  A student in this allowed exception will be enrolled in a class for 5 blocks plus a split block lab. Pre-approved alternative credit options each count as .5 credit. Part-time students are not eligible to participate in co-curricular activities including athletics, cannot receive Latin Honor designation at graduation, and are not eligible for Honor Roll. Part-time status may affect certain Federal/State benefits and insurance coverage. Approval for exceptions must be obtained from the administration. 

Each student at EHS will develop a personalized learning plan (PLP) in collaboration with teachers, advisors, counselors, and parents/guardians. This formal plan and process involves self-assessment by the student to set and achieve learning goals based on personal, academic, and career interests. EWSD has chosen Bulb Digital Portfolios (goes off site) for PLPs for grades 6 - 12.

Grades 9 and 10 serve as the foundation of the EHS program allowing students the opportunity to explore courses of interest and begin to build flexible multiple pathways. Incoming 9th grade students are required to enroll in four core courses (Math, English, Social Studies and Science) and may choose to take additional electives, including courses that meet graduation requirements.

Students are encouraged, but not required, to schedule at least one study hall in 9th grade and to enroll in Computers and Careers in either 9th or 10th grade.

A typical student’s first two years at EHS include the following courses:

Some courses are designed around student interest, such as electives. Required courses may be offered in varying “levels”. All of the course levels are rigorous. The 100 level courses are foundational and provide additional support built into the class for students in accessing concepts, content, and new skills. The 200-300 level courses provide additional independence for students who feel they are ready. The 200-300 level courses will provide scaffolding when it is needed for students, but it will not routinely be built into the lesson plan as it will for 100 level courses.

Students who intend to participate in sports at a Division I or Division II college must register with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Initial-Eligibility Center during 11th or 12th grade. In this program of studies the NCAA logo following a course title will indicate that the course is accepted for eligibility by the NCAA.

For information about NCAA eligibility requirements and EHS courses accepted by NCAA visit
NCAA Website and meet with your school counselor.