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Every high school student in the Independence School District is enrolled in the Freshman Academy to build an academic foundation before continuing on their path toward college and career success in one of the five ISD Career Academies.

Students take eight courses each semester. All ninth grade students will take courses in English, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies along with Career Exploration and Personal Finance. Many freshman also take Health and a Physical Education course, which are required for graduation. PE Courses available to students in ninth grade include:

  • Personal Fitness & Wellness
  • Team Sports
  • Strength Training & Conditioning

Students may select electives for any remaining credits in their schedule.

Elective Options:

Arts and Education Courses

  • Basic Photography (0.5 credit)
  • Introduction to Journalism (0.5 credit)
  • Introduction to Social & Online Media (0.5 credit)
  • Introduction to Theatre Design & Production (0.5 credit)
  • Introduction to Visual Arts (0.5 credit)
  • Professions in Education (0.5 credit)
  • Office Productivity Suite (0.5 credit)

Business Academy Courses

  • Introduction to Business & Management (0.5 credit)
  • Office Productivity Suite (0.5 credit)
  • Introduction to Hospitality & Culinary (0.5 credit)
  • Introduction to Visual Arts (0.5 credit)
  • Interior Design (0.5 credit)

Industrial Technology Academy Courses

  • Foundations of Wood (1 credit)
  • General Metals (1 credit)
  • Introduction to Engineering Design (1 credit)
  • Introduction to Visual Arts (0.5 credit)

Public Services Academy Courses

  • Competitive Debate I (1 credit)
  • Introduction to Public Services (0.5 credit)
  • JROTC Leadership Development I (1 credit)
  • JROTC Health & Wellness (0.5 credit)

STEM Academy Courses

  • Computer Science Essentials (1 credit)
  • Introduction to Engineering Design (1 credit)
  • Introduction to Health Services (0.5 credit)
  • Principles of Biomedical Science (1 credit)
  • Medical Terminology (0.5 credit)

Global Courses

  • Acting I (0.5 credit)
  • Competitive Drama I (1 credit)
  • Introduction to Theatre Design & Production (0.5 credit)
  • Introduction Visual Arts (0.5 credit)
  • Basic Photography (0.5 credit)
  • French I (1 credit)
  • German I (1 credit)
  • Spanish I (or Spanish II if Spanish I credit earned in middle school) (1 credit)
  • Spanish for Native Speakers (WCHS & VHS) (1 credit)
  • Concert Orchestra (1 credit)
  • Philharmonic Orchestra (1 credit)
  • Symphonic Orchestra (1 credit)
  • Marching Band (0.5 credit)
  • Concert Band (0.5 credit)
  • Symphonic Band (0.5 credit)
  • Freshmen Women’s Choir (1 credit)
  • Men’s Choir (1 credit)
  • Music Appreciation (0.5 credit)
  • Health (0.5 credit)
  • Personal Fitness & Wellness (0.5 credit)
  • Strength Training & Conditioning (1 credit)
  • Team Sports (0.5 credit)