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Academics and pathways info Richmond Hill High School

Welcome to Richmond Hill High School's Academics and Pathways Information page. Below you will find lots of great information about RHHS, our programs and course registration information. Please browse through the links and if you have questions, please don't hesitate to reach out through email or by phone.

RHHS Administrators

  • Bivins Miller, Principal
  • Kristin Blanton, Assistant Principal/Athletic Director
  • Stacy Bennett, Assistant Principal/Athletic Director
  • Sonya Compton, Assistant Principal
  • Patrick Means, Assistant Principal
  • Jonathan Lea, Assistant Principal
  • Jennifer Hewitt, Assistant Principal
  • Merry Tanner, Assistant Principal

RHHS Counselors

  • Amber Crews
  • Emily Neff
  • Tam Daniels
  • Debbie Kilpatrick
  • Dinah Miles
  • Deanna Appleton
  • Megan McDonough
  • Kelly Michaud (Military/Family Life Counselor)

The Richmond Hill High School Academic Guide is an excellent source of information containing graduation requirements, a graduation credit checklist, course sequence guides, pathway offerings, course information and other student and parent academic resources. Click the link below to access this resource.

RHHS Schedule

RHHS operates on a 4 x 4 block schedule (90 minutes each block with 4 classes each semester). Semesters run August through December and January through May

Most classes are semester-long though some are year-long (referred to as A/B courses and meet every other day)

  • Allow for year-long instruction in the most critical academic areas in 9th grade - All 9th grade students will have their math and ELA classes on a year-long schedule regardless of level.
  • Allow for instructional support models to be implemented in academic classes (ex: math supports)
  • Allow for more AP course offerings (AP testing only occurs in May)

Course Registration Process

8th grade teachers will complete academic course recommendations according to RHHS/RHMS guidelines - parents and students will review, select electives and submit back to the 8th grade homeroom teacher

Students who opt to take an AP (Advanced Placement) course must complete the AP Contract by clicking the link below.

Registration advice

Transitioning from the middle school to high school is a major adjustment for all students

  • Get off to a strong academic start
  • Consider the impact of jumping to AP or Honors courses and how grades earned may impact HOPE GPA and future eligibility (HOPE GPA Requirement - 3.0)
  • Make a plan for course progressions during all 4 years
  • Students must register for at least one ELA, Math, Science, and Social Studies class each year
  • Attempt to align course requests with college or career expectations
  • Consider the impact extracurriculars and athletics will have on available study time
  • Understand that freshmen frequently will not be placed in all of their elective choices - with 32 credit opportunities over 4 years, they will have plenty of time to take the courses they want

The graphics below are examples of typical course sequences in each subject area.

Grade Point Average (GPA)

GPA is determined by quality points. A=4; B=3; C=2; F=0

RHHS reports only unweighted grades for GPA. Colleges and universities will assign weights to student grades according to their own scales. (Honors classes are typically not weighted by colleges.)

RHHS weights student grades solely for the calculation of valedictorian and salutatorian. AP and Dual Enrollment courses receive 1 additional point and Honors courses receive an additional .5

Weighted GPA is not accurate until completion of senior year and is not used for any other purpose than determining valedictorian and salutatorian. The class rank noted on a student transcript is not accurate until just before graduation.

RHHS Grade Distribution

All RHHS courses grade according to the following breakdown:

  • 70% - Summative Assessments (Tests, Projects, Research Papers, etc.)
  • 30% - Formative Assessments (Daily, Quizzes, Homework, etc.)

End of Course Tests

End of course tests (EOC's) are state mandated and are administered at the end of certain courses. The score on the EOC is 20%** of the final grade in that course for the 23-24 school year.

EOC's are administered in the following courses:

  • Algebra 1 (9th grade course)
  • American Literature
  • Biology
  • US History

**EOC weights are subject to change.

Chromebooks

Students at RHHS will be loaned a Chromebook that they will use for their academics. There is a form for students and parents to sign and return prior to the start of the school year, and students will have this Chromebook all four years at RHHS. Look for more information about Chromebook distribution prior to the start of the new school year.

How can I get help with my classes?

  • Tutorial with teachers- All teachers have scheduled times/days for tutorials. Students have an opportunity to get additional assistance if needed. In addition, there is a different content area teacher in room 904 each day available for extra help after school Monday through Thursday.
  • Support classes in Math - an elective math class designed to assist students who may struggle in math

How do I stay on track to graduate in four years?

  • 6 credits required to promote from 9th grade to 10th grade
  • 12 credits required to promote from 10th to 11th
  • 18 credits required to promote from 11th to 12th
  • 24 credits needed to graduate (see Academic Guide for required courses)

Should I choose AP or Dual Enrollment?

  • 9th grade students/parents need to begin deciding ultimate goals for high school and beyond
  • Most competitive universities expect students to take as many AP courses as possible when compared to the total number of AP courses offered at RHHS
  • Dual Enrollment allows students the opportunity to receive college and high school credit at the same time

How can I help my student start strong?

  • Sign up for PowerSchool Parent Portal access to view your child's grades and attendance
  • Get to know your child's teachers. Communication is vital!
  • Make sure you are receiving and reading the weekly Parent Newsletter (News You Can Use) from Mr. Miller.

Senior Words of Wisdom to Upcoming 9th Grade Students

  • Be prepared to study. Get help if you've never had to study before. Don't be afraid to stay for tutoring.
  • Challenge yourself with rigor courses as much as possible.
  • Get involved! Participate in extracurricular activities whenever possible. In a school this big, there will be others who share similar interests. Plus, colleges love to see students involved in activities outside of school.
  • Don't be intimidated by the size of RHHS -- it's big but not scary.
  • Stay out of social drama -- focus on academics because that's why you're here.

Click below for information about CTAE pathways, Fine Arts electives, and other extracurricular activities offered at RHHS. Contact the faculty sponsor or coach to inquire more about specific clubs or sports.