High school proposes new electives, AB schedule and an AP business course as course selection guide is drafted
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Summary
Haverford High School administrators presented a draft course selection guide that would keep electives on an alternate‑day AB schedule and add new science electives plus an AP business offering. The board was briefed on the timeline for student course requests and the plan to return for formal approval in a future meeting.
High school leaders presented a draft of the 2026–27 course selection guide during the Nov. 10 work session and described both structural changes and new course proposals intended to broaden student choice.
Schedule and process Administrators described an AB alternate‑day schedule that keeps elective and quarter classes available across the full semester; the board approved the AB schedule earlier this year and high school staff said the arrangement broadened access, especially for music and support students. The guide will be published for review and the district plans an elective fair in January followed by student course requests in February and scheduling for incoming eighth‑grade students in March.
New courses and electives Administrators proposed new or adjusted offerings including: • AP Business (new AP offering paired with personal finance); • Expanded AP Seminar availability and AP Research as a pathway to an AP capstone; • New science electives: Best Buddies science (peer support / community service focus), Botany, Identifying and Debunking Myths in Science, and additional marine/environmental options; • Changes to choral offerings with a reorganized Concert Chorale (grades 10–12) and a proposed freshman chorus section.
Administrators said the course proposals grew from curriculum audit cycles and student surveys; they emphasized that no elective removals were planned and that many proposals reflect teacher interest and student demand. The board and staff noted the value of curriculum audits in producing courses aligned with student interest and broader inclusion goals.
Next steps The board was asked to review the draft guide; administration expects to bring the finalized guide to the board for approval in the coming months and to return with any textbook or resource requests that result from new courses.