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2026-2027 Program of Studies

Overview

The Township High School District 113 Program of Studies offers students and families a wide range of courses designed to help each learner chart a personalized path toward their goals. Within this guide, you’ll find key information such as our course catalog, graduation requirements, accelerated learning options, grading guidelines, and other academic resources that support student success.

District 113 continually reviews and updates its curriculum to ensure it aligns with the evolving needs of our students. Each year, new courses are carefully developed and considered through a thoughtful, collaborative process. Once adopted, these courses are evaluated using established criteria to measure their effectiveness and guide ongoing curriculum refinement and future planning.

Township High School District 113 offers a comprehensive and diverse academic program designed to support students’ interests, growth, and future goals. Our departments and courses provide rigorous, engaging coursework that meets state standards while fostering creativity, critical thinking, and real-world skills. Each department is committed to delivering high-quality instruction and meaningful learning experiences that empower students to explore their passions and achieve success during high school and beyond.

This section provides families, students, and staff with clear guidance on some of Township High School District 113’s academic policies and procedures. Here you will find information on course enrollment options, grading practices, academic supports, graduation requirements, and student records. These policies are designed to ensure transparency, promote equitable opportunities, and support each student’s growth throughout their high school experience. We encourage students and families to review these guidelines carefully and reach out to teachers, counselors, or administrators with any questions as they navigate their academic journey.

This section provides families, students, and staff with clear guidance on some of Township High School District 113’s academic policies and procedures. Here you will find information on course enrollment options, grading practices, academic supports, graduation requirements, and student records. These policies are designed to ensure transparency, promote equitable opportunities, and support each student’s growth throughout their high school experience. We encourage students and families to review these guidelines carefully and reach out to teachers, counselors, or administrators with any questions as they navigate their academic journey.

To graduate from high school, unless otherwise exempted, each student is responsible for:

  1. Completing all District graduation requirements that are in addition to the State requirements.
  2. Completing all courses as provided in the School Code, 105 ILCS 5/27-22.
  3. Completing all minimum requirements for graduation as specified in State law.
  4. Passing an examination on patriotism and principles of representative government, proper use of the flag, methods of voting, and the Pledge of Allegiance.
  5. Participating in State assessments that are required for graduation by State law.
  6. Filing one of the following: (1) a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) with the U.S. Dept. of Education, (2) an application for State financial aid, or (3) an Ill. State Board of Education (ISBE) waiver form indicating that the student understands what these aid opportunities are and has chosen not to file an application. If the student is not at least 18 years of age or legally emancipated, the student’s parent/guardian must file one of these documents on the student’s behalf.

A student is exempt from this requirement if: (1) the student is unable to file a financial aid application or an ISBE waiver due to extenuating circumstances, (2) the Building Principal attests the District made a good faith effort to assist the student or the student’s parent/guardian with filing a financial aid application or an ISBE waiver form, and (3) the student has met all other graduation requirements.

The Superintendent or designee is responsible for:

  1. Maintaining a description of all course offerings that comply with the above graduation requirements.
  2. Notifying students and their parents/guardians of graduation requirements.
  3. Developing the criteria for #4 above.
  4. Complying with State law requirements for students who transfer during their senior year because their parent(s)/guardian(s) are on active military duty. This includes making reasonable adjustments to ensure graduation if possible, or efforts to ensure that the original (transferor) school district issues the student a diploma.
  5. Taking all other actions needed or necessary to implement this policy.

The Dual Language Seal at Highland Park High School is a recognition that is designed to signal to universities and employers that students with this Seal are biliterate, bilingual, and bicultural, have completed content area coursework in both Spanish and English, and have met requirements that far exceed the Illinois State Seal of Biliteracy.

For the graduates from the dual language program, students must meet the following requirements.

  • Students have earned the Illinois State Seal of Biliteracy
  • Students have taken four years of Spanish language courses: Spanish Language Arts I, Spanish Language Arts II Honors, AP Spanish Language and Culture, AP Spanish Literature, and Spanish Seminar Honors.
  • Students have taken four years of English language courses.
  • Students have taken four semesters of Dual Language Content courses. 
  • Students will complete a portfolio that demonstrates cultural proficiency in both Spanish and English.
  • Students will participate in approved cultural and community experiences, which are embedded in the curriculum for the Spanish language courses.
 

District 113 is a member district of the Lake County Tech Campus, a career and technical education facility located in Grayslake, Illinois. Lake Country Tech Campus serves students from 22 member high schools in Lake and McHenry counties. It offers hands-on programs designed to prepare high school juniors and seniors for careers or further college study, and many courses offer dual credit opportunities with the College of Lake County (CLC). Lake County Tech Campus offers many programs, several of which are approved to offer students the Illinois College and Career Pathways Endorsement (CCPE) if they fulfill all of the requirements. Students who attend Lake County Tech Campus programs will spend part of their day at the Tech Campus campus and take coursework toward a specialty area, and may earn industry credentials in the program.

 

Developing biliteracy—the ability to read and write proficiently in two languages—is an invaluable asset for future career and post-secondary readiness. In an increasingly globalized world, biliterate individuals stand out to universities and employers because they possess superior cognitive skills, such as enhanced problem-solving and multitasking abilities, and they demonstrate cultural competence. This proficiency opens doors to a wider range of careers, including roles in international business, diplomacy, healthcare, technology, and education, often leading to higher earning potential. Ultimately, biliteracy moves students beyond basic communication to a deeper level of engagement with diverse knowledge and professional opportunities, making them highly versatile and competitive candidates in any future endeavor.

 

Highland Park and Deerfield High Schools offer a comprehensive network of student support services designed to foster both classroom success and personal well-being. The schools feature a diverse range of academic resources that focus on peer tutoring, language and media skill development, executive function coaching, and tailored learning accommodations. Balancing these educational tools are robust counseling resources that support students' holistic needs, providing vital social-emotional guidance, individual psychological and social work services, drop-in support, and targeted intervention teams to ensure every student has a strong foundation for personal and post-secondary growth. See below for these support services.