Course Selection
At Downers Grove North, we’re committed to ensuring that every student is supported in their educational journey and that includes in the course selection process.
Every year, students will have an individual registration appointment during the school day with their counselor. We encourage students and families to review and discuss all of the options available. In August, all students will receive their schedule.
Discover Your Path
At DGN, we help students plan courses that align with their post-secondary goals. Our Family-Friendly Pathways highlight courses and experiences that support each student’s unique path.
Academic Planning
Timeline
Incoming Students
Incoming Students
Even though you are currently in 8th grade, starting to think about high school now will help in making the most out of your 8th grade school year. We look forward to welcoming you to DGN! In order to ensure a successful transition, several activities will occur this year to help each student have as smooth of a transition to high school as possible. Keep visiting this site throughout the school year to gather information about your transition to high school.
Timeline
- January 26, 2026 - Future Trojan Night
- January 31, 2026 - Course Selection
- July 2026 - Enrollment
- August 11, 2026 - Student Orientation
- August 17, 2026 - First Day of School
Resources
9th Grade
9th Grade: Transition from 9th to 10th Grade
- 22 total credits: 4 credits (English), 3 credits (Math) 3 credits (Social Studies), 2 credits (Science), 4 credits (PE/Health/Dr. Ed) .5 credit (Fine Arts) .5 credit (Career and Technical Education) .5 credit (Consumer Education)
- Evaluate academic progress during 9th grade.
- 10th graders will take English, US History, Chemistry (in some cases Earth and Space Science), Math, Health one semester and either Drivers Ed. or PE the other semester
- Explore the electives in Career & Technical Education and Fine Arts
Resources
10th Grade
10th Grade: Transition from 10th to 11th Grade
- 22 total credits: 4 credits (English) 3 credits (Math) 3 credits (Social Studies) 2 credits (Science) 4 credits (PE/Health/Dr. Ed) .5 credit (Fine Arts) .5 credit (Career & Technical Education) .5 credit (Consumer Education)
- For athletes planning on continuing athletic careers past high school – be aware of requirements for NCAA eligibility
- Work Co-Op program, Technology Center of Dupage, or Introduction to Teaching are options to attain real life career and work place skills.
Resources
11th Grade
11th Grade: Transition from 11th-12th Grade
-
Check graduation requirements are being met by the courses selected
-
22 total credits: 4 credits (English) 3 credits (Math) 3 credits (Social Studies) 2 credits (Science) 4 credits (PE/Health/Dr. Ed) .5 credit (Fine Arts) .5 credit (Career & Technical Education) .5 credit (Consumer Education)
-
Consider post high school requirements. Many colleges and universities recommend 4 yrs. of math as well as 3 yrs. of Science – some colleges and specific programs recommend Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Some require 2 yrs. of a World Language. Check admission criteria for college and universities you are interested in applying to in the fall.
-
Colleges and universities expect to see strong academic schedules for seniors.
Resources
12th Grade
12th Grade
Commitment - Taking Action to Make it Happen
- Enroll in a solid academic course load. Take Honors and AP classes when possible.
- Realize that attendance and tardies still matter. Colleges and future employers will often evaluate your commitment and dedication based on number of absences as well as grades.
- Check credits for graduation.
- Retake the SAT/ACT in September/October, if necessary.
- Be ready to apply to 3-6 colleges no later than November.
- Submit college applications a minimum of two weeks in advance of deadlines. Make copies of all application materials for your records.
- Re-visit or visit colleges as needed. Do not make a college decision without first visiting the campus.
- Complete FAFSA forms, or, if necessary, the Alternate Application for IL Financial Aid, after October 1st, preferable no later than November 15.
- Students planning on joining the military must take an ASVAB test.
- Research scholarship opportunities. Apply for scholarships.
- By May 1st, make your final college choice and give an admission deposit to the one school you will attend. Decline in writing the offers from all other schools.
- Complete the appropriate paperwork for your chosen school--housing, extra financial aid forms, etc.
- Write thank you notes to individuals who wrote letters of recommendation for you.
- Finish your 12th grade with the same commitment you have shown in previous years.
Resources
Grading
Weighted Grading System
District 99 uses a weighted grade system for assigning point values to grades earned in selected courses. The criteria for a course to be weighted are 1) those courses in selected disciplines where section grouping is used to challenge the students by accelerating the learning rate and increasing the amount of content in the discipline; and 2) those courses in selected disciplines where course content is similar or equal to the content in university level courses.
Grades of A, B, C, and D are awarded an additional point in courses identified as having weighted grades. The grading scale for courses with weighted grades are as follows: A = five points, B = four points, C = three points, D = two points.
The following courses have a weighted grade option. If a student would like to take the following courses as weighted, they must indicate this to the teacher: A Cappella Choir, Symphonic Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, Advanced Journalism Honors.
The following courses are designated as grade weighted:
| Courses | Courses Continued |
|---|---|
|
AP Art History |
AP Studio Art: 3D Design (Ceramics) |
|
AP Biology |
AP Studio Art: 3D Design (Jewelry & Metalwork) |
|
AP Calculus AB |
AP U.S. Government & Politics |
|
AP Calculus BC |
AP U.S. History |
|
AP Chemistry |
Anatomy & Physiology |
|
AP Computer Science |
Architectural Drawing 1 Honors |
|
AP English Language & Composition |
Architectural Drawing 2 Honors |
|
AP English Literature & Composition |
Biology Honors |
|
AP Environmental Science |
Chemistry Honors |
|
AP European History |
Civil Engineering & Architecture (PLTW) |
|
AP French Language & Culture |
Earth & Space Science Honors |
|
AP German Language & Culture |
Engineering Design & Development (PLTW) |
|
AP Microeconomics |
English & Communication I and II Honors |
|
AP Macroeconomics |
French III Honors |
|
AP Music Theory |
French V Honors |
|
AP Physics C: Mechanics |
German III Honors |
|
AP Physics C: Mechanics, Electricity & Magnetism |
Managerial Accounting Honors |
|
AP Psychology |
Math 2 Honors |
|
AP Spanish Language & Culture |
Math 3 Honors |
|
AP Statistics |
Physics Honors |
|
AP Studio Art: Drawing & Painting |
Precalculus 400 Honors |
|
AP Studio Art: 2D Design (Digital Photography) |
Principles of Engineering (PLTW) |
|
AP Studio Art: 2D Design (Computer Design) |
Spanish III Honors |
|
Spanish V Honors |
Pass-Fail Course Grading Option
Rather than receiving a traditional grade, students may choose the pass-fail grade option in Keyboarding Technology, all music courses, PE for eligible varsity athletes and Seminar. The following conditions will apply to a student seeking pass-fail grading:
- A student must declare in writing, accompanying the parent's signature, his/her desire to be graded on a pass- fail basis by no later than Monday of the fourth week of each semester. The deadline for students enrolled in Keyboarding Technology opposite lunch is the end of the ninth week. Otherwise, traditional grading procedures will be utilized.
- The pass-fail grade will be recorded on the student’s report card at the semester as well as on the student’s transcript.
- Pass-fail option courses may be counted as credit for graduation but will not count in calculating GPA.
- A student who elects the pass-fail option is expected to meet the same course requirements and will be evaluated by the same procedures as are other students.
Changing Your Schedule
Course changes will only be made enrollment process error, failure in a prerequisite course, successful completion of summer school course or scheduling conflicts. Once the school year begins, a student must initiate the formal drop process in order to have a class removed from their schedule. Course drops cannot be initiated until the end of the 4th week of any given semester. A student will not be allowed to drop a course, if, in doing so, he or she would fall below the 6 credit class minimum requirement.