Program of Study

Excellence is the norm at GC.

Our curriculum is defined, yet flexible. Students can choose a path that allows them to experience all facets of a college preparatory education or focus in a certain area. With 20 Advanced Placement (AP) courses, 32 International Baccalaureate (IB) courses, 40 Honors courses, and 5 STEM courses, the possibilities are endless. Students have opportunities to travel the world and participate in student-exchange, service trips, and spring break adventures that introduce them to the outside world.

When a Good Counsel student graduates, he or she is prepared for the challenges of college, with skills that are relevant and necessary in every field.

Minimum Requirements for Graduation

• English – 4 years
• Religion – 4 years
• Mathematics – 4 years
• Social Studies – 3 years
• Science – 3 years
• World Language – 3 years
• Computer Studies – 1 year
• Fine Arts – 1 year
• Physical Education – 1 ½ years
• Retreats – Required freshman, sophomore, and junior year–optional senior year
• Xaverian Service – Approved community service is required at each grade level Freshmen: 10 hours | Sophomores: 20 hours | Juniors: 30 hours | Seniors: 40 hours

Full-year courses are worth 1 credit | Semester courses are worth ½ credit

COURSE LEVELS AND PLACEMENT

To ensure that our students are placed in the appropriate level class during his or her freshman year, we use the results of the high school placement tests (HSPT) and a math placement test administered by our Math Department. Class levels for freshman are College Preparatory and Honors. Subjects offered at these levels are English, mathematics, world languages, science, history, and religious studies. Fine arts courses are not leveled in the freshmen year.

We work with students in the first several weeks of the school year, and throughout their experience, to ensure that they are challenged but not overwhelmed as they make the adjustment to life at Our Lady of Good Counsel High School.