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High School/Middle School Course Selection Process Information

Students in classrooms learning in science with beakers, writing and in Innovation Center

As we begin planning for the 2026–2027 school year, we would like to share important information regarding the course selection process at Fairview High School and Lewis F. Mayer Middle School.

Families of students currently in Grades 6-11 should carefully read the information below. If you have any questions, please contact the High School/Middle School Guidance Office.

You can also click here for more information about courses and scheduling at Fairview High School and Mayer Middle School. 

Students Currently in Grades 8-11:

Dear Parents and Guardians of Students in Grades 8–11,


As we begin planning for the 2026–2027 school year, we would like to share important information regarding the course selection process at Fairview High School.

Students will complete course requests during the school day on January 23 with the support of staff.

Current 8th grade students will select their high school courses in their Social Studies classes. Students currently in grades 9, 10, and 11 will participate in a scheduled homeroom session at 1:24 PM, which allows time for students who attend Polaris Career Center to return to campus. Homeroom lists will be posted throughout the building by the end of the week.

Parents and students are strongly encouraged to review the 2026–2027 Fairview High School Program of Studies, which is available on the district website, prior to course selection. This resource provides detailed descriptions of course offerings and graduation pathways.

Please note that all course selections are requests only and do not guarantee placement. Final schedules are developed based on total student requests, staffing availability, and the master schedule. As a result, all course offerings are subject to change.

Teachers and counselors are currently reviewing academic data and will be making recommendations for advanced coursework. Advanced placement is determined using a point-based system, with the following criteria:

English Language Arts (4 of 6 points needed)

  • Reading MAP score at or above the 85th percentile (1)
  • Class attendance at or above 90% (1)
  • Course grade of 90% or higher (1)
  • Historical OST score:
    • Accomplished (1)
    • Advanced (2)

Social Studies (2 of 3 points needed)

  • Reading MAP score at or above the 85th percentile (1)
  • Class attendance at or above 90% (1)
  • Course grade of 90% or higher (1)

Mathematics (4 of 6 points needed)

  • Math MAP score at or above the 85th percentile
  • Class attendance at or above 90%
  • Course grade of 90% or higher
  • Historical OST score:
    • Accomplished (1)
    • Advanced (2)

Science (2 of 3 points needed)

  • Math MAP score at or above the 85th percentile
  • Class attendance at or above 90%
  • Course grade of 90% or higher

In early May, families will receive an email outlining the course requests submitted by their student. Parents and students will have the opportunity to request changes between that notification and May 15, 2026.

Thank you for your continued partnership as we support students in planning a successful and meaningful high school experience.

Sincerely,

Chris Vicha

Click here to download this letter as a PDF

Students currently in Grades 6 and 7:

Dear Parents and Guardians of Current 6th and 7th Grade Students,

As we begin planning for the 2026–2027 school year, we would like to share an overview of the upcoming course scheduling process at Mayer Middle School.

Over the past few weeks, Mrs. Cory, our middle school counselor, has been visiting classrooms to discuss scheduling and the course options available to students next year. Students will submit their course requests during the school day on January 23 with the support of their teachers. Current 6th grade students will complete this process in their science classes, and current 7th grade students will do so in their social studies classes. All requests will be entered through students’ SchooLinks accounts.

Please note that all course selections are requests only and do not guarantee placement. Course offerings and schedules are finalized based on total requests, staffing availability, and the master schedule; therefore, offerings are subject to change.

Students entering 7th grade will request English, Math, Science, PLTW, Art, Physical Education (including Health), and a music elective. Students interested in beginning a world language may request Spanish A or French A. 

Students entering 8th grade will request English, Math, Science, Social Studies, Career Exploration, PLTW, Art, and a music elective. Students continuing a world language should request the appropriate Level B course. 

Any remaining space in a student’s schedule may be filled with a study hall. Our goal is to minimize study halls by encouraging students to take advantage of our many music offerings, including performance-based ensembles and Music Appreciation.

Teachers are currently reviewing academic data and performance and will be making recommendations for advanced coursework. Placement in advanced courses is based on a point system, with 4 total points required in each subject area:

Math (4 points needed)

  • 85th percentile or above on MAP (1)
  • Grade of 90% or higher in previous course (2)
  • Grade of 89.99%–90% in previous course (1)
  • Gifted Identification (2)
  • Accomplished on previous EOC (2)
  • Advanced on previous EOC (4)

English Language Arts (4 points needed)

  • 85th percentile or above on MAP (1)
  • Grade of 90% or higher in previous course (2)
  • Grade of 89.99%–90% in previous course (1)
  • Accomplished on previous EOC (2)
  • Advanced on previous EOC (4)
  • Gifted Identification (4)

Science (4 points needed)

  • 85th percentile or above on MAP (1)
  • Grade of 90% or higher in previous course (2)
  • Grade of 89.99%–90% in previous course (1)
  • Accomplished on previous EOC (2)
  • Advanced on previous EOC (4)
  • Gifted Identification (4)

Social Studies (4 points needed)

  • 85th percentile or above on MAP (1)
  • Grade of 90% or higher in previous course (2)
  • Grade of 89.99%–90% in previous course (1)
  • Accomplished on previous EOC (2)
  • Advanced on previous EOC (4)
  • Gifted Identification (4)

In early May, parents will receive an email summarizing the course requests submitted by their student. Families may request changes between that notification and May 15, 2026.

Thank you for your continued partnership as we support students in making thoughtful academic choices for the upcoming school year.

Sincerely,

Chris Vicha

Click here to download this letter as a PDF