The academics program at Archbishop Rummel High School is thoroughly designed and coordinated to meet the individual needs and developmental levels of all students.
For four-year students (grades 9-12), the school offers three curriculum tracks: Honors, Academic, and Core.
For five-year students (grades 8-12), there are four curriculum tracks: Honors, Academic 1, Academic 2, and Core.
Placement into a curriculum track is based on standardized test scores, academic record, and the recommendations of teachers and guidance counselors. A student may also be placed out of track into a different level (higher or lower) for one or more courses in which the student shows exceptional ability or developmental need. The academic assistant principal makes all final decisions regarding academic placement.
Honors Track
The Honors program is designed to challenge students who excel academically, are intellectually curious, demonstrate high verbal and math abilities, and enjoy problem-solving. Students may be placed in the Honors track as new students to the school, based on standardized test scores and previous academic record. Other students who are recommended by their teachers and guidance counselors may be promoted to the Honors track.
To graduate with an Honors diploma, a student must successfully complete all Honors-level courses for the sophomore, junior, and senior years. At the junior and senior level, Honors students may select between Honors and AP variants for certain required courses and electives. To remain in the Honors track, a student must fulfill all these requirements:
- cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 or higher
- no semester grade at D or below in any course
- placement in all Honors or Advanced Placement courses in English, mathematics, science, social studies, and foreign language, plus any additional Honors-required courses
- no violation of the Academic Honesty and Integrity Policy
Academic Track (4-year program)
The Academic track is designed to meet the curriculum needs for students who generally succeed in school, who are not yet ready for accelerated or highly challenging courses, and who are able to learn at a typical high-school pace.
Academic Tracks 1 and 2 (5-year program)
For students in a 5-year program and not in the Honors or Core track, there are two levels of Academic track available. The Academic 1 track allows 8th-graders to start taking high-school level courses for credit in English, reading, mathematics, science, and social studies. Upon successful completion of those courses, Academic 1 track students begin their 9th-grade year taking sophomore courses. This track allows students to take more electives over the course of their high-school career.
The Academic 2 track places 8th-graders at 8th-grade level courses, which serve as grammar-school review before students take on true high-school level courses as sophomores.
Core Track
The Core track has been carefully designed for students who struggle academically and need significantly differentiated instruction. A student is placed into the Core track based on a combination of standardized test scores, academic record, and professional evaluation such as that of a guidance counselor, child psychologist, or other specialist.
Resource Program
In addition to the Core track, Archbishop Rummel High School also offers a Resource program. The Resource program assists students who have a documented learning disability or medical condition that qualifies them for special services. Students that are first admitted to the school and qualify through Jefferson Parish Public School Board are mainstreamed in Core-level courses in all but one of their classes. For one of their class periods, students in Resource receive remediation or tutoring in any areas that they are having difficulty. Services are also available before and after school and during lunch.
Scheduling of Courses
Incoming Students: The Placement Committee uses standardized test scores, academic record, and teacher recommendations to determine a student’s track placement. Many students are placed on a single track for all courses, while some with diverging abilities may be placed into courses at different levels (for example, higher level for a strong subject and lower levels for all other courses).
Returning Students: Current students register for the upcoming school year in January. In March, students sign up for the next year’s courses, in coordination with their teachers, parents, and guidance counselor. At that time, students choose their electives and discuss any changes in track placement. The academic assistant principal makes the final decision on course and track placement for students.
Honors and Advanced Placement (AP) Courses: Honors courses are offered in English, mathematics, social studies, science, foreign language, and computer education. Students placed in the Honors track are allowed to continue enrolling in Honors courses as long as they maintain an “A” or “B” average. Students with grades of “C” may be allowed to continue enrolling in Honors courses only on the approval of their guidance counselor and the academic assistant principal, in consultation with parents.
These Advanced Placement (AP) courses are offered to juniors and seniors:
American Government
American History
Art
English Language and Composition
English Literature and Composition
Calculus
Computer Science
Latin
Spanish
Statistics
All AP students are required to take the AP exam at the end of the course.
Curriculum Grids
