Jal, New Mexico

Jal High School Curriculum

JHS requires 23 units (credits) to graduate. Fifteen units are required subjects and eight are electives. Students must also pass all parts of the New Mexico High School Competency Exam that is first given to students in their sophomore year.

 

Requirements:

Four (4) units of English, with major emphasis on grammar and literature:

  • English I
  • English II
  • English III
  • English IV (may substitute with Comp. & Rhet. and Comp. & Lit)
  • Composition & Rhetoric (ITV)
  • Composition & Literature (ITV)

 

Three (3) units in Mathematics:

  • Math Concepts & Applications
  • Algebra I* (required for graduation)
  • Algebra II*
  • Geometry*
  • Advanced Math*

*Recommended for students who plan to attend college.

 

Three (3) units of Science:

  • General Science
  • Biology I
  • Biology II
  • Chemistry
  • Anatomy
  • Physics

One lab science must be completed for graduation.

 

Three (3) units of Social Studies:

  • New Mexico History (1/2 credit required for graduation)
  • Geography
  • Government & Economics
  • U.S. History to 1877 (ITV)
  • U.S. History from 1877 (ITV)
  • Principles of Economics (ITV)

 

One (1) unit of Physical Fitness.

 

One (1) unit of Communication Skills, with major emphasis on writing and speaking:

  • Communications
  • Interpersonal Communications (ITV)
  • Public Speaking (ITV)

 

One (1) unit of Health.

  • (1/2 credit required for graduation)

 

One (1) unit of Service Credit (Juniors)

  • During 6th period, Juniors are bused to the Elementary School for reading activities with K-2nd Grade Students.

 

Electives:

Eight (8) required for graduation:

  • Foreign Languages
    • Spanish I
    • Beginning Spanish (ITV)
  • Fine Arts
    • Music/Band
    • Music Appreciation (ITV)
    • Art Appreciation (ITV)
  • Vocational Education
    • Wood Shop
    • Metal Shop
  • Computer Science
    • Word Processing
    • Keyboarding
    • Accounting
    • Advanced Computer Software (Windows Applications)
  • Behavioral Sciences
    • Introduction to Psychology (ITV)
    • General Sociology (ITV)
  • Physical Education
  • Speech
  • Annual Staff

All courses with (ITV) after their title are "Dual Credit" courses offered in partnership with New Mexico Junior College. Students not only receive their high school units towards graduation, but also earn three (3) college credit hours per course upon successful completion. Along with the curriculum above, some students may wish to participate in the ACT Academy program offered by NMJC.*

ACT Academy Courses:

  • Automotive Technology
  • Cosmetology
  • Health Occupations
  • First Aid
  • Welding
  • Criminal Justice

*All ACT Academy students are bused to the campus of NMJC from their perspective high schools. No driving is allowed by a high school student. All students need to have passed English II and have enough credits to be declared a Junior. NMJC has strict attendance policies as well as discipline policies. There will be no smoking allowed on campus for ACT Academy students. Students need to enroll for the fall and spring semesters. If a student fails the first semester, he or she will not be allowed to return in the Spring. There are minimal expenses for some of the classes, although all the tuition, books, and supplies needed for hands-on studies in the class will be supplied. The students who pass their classes with a "C" average or better and do not have ten or more absences will receive dual credit, meaning they will receive their high school credits along with college credit. To receive credit for college they may have no more than ten absences.