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Parent Information |
Parents are encouraged to contact the Administration for any concerns or issues not answered on these pages.
Waltham High School, in Waltham, Massachusetts,
offers great curricular breadth with a wide range of electives. The curriculum
is enriched by a caring, highly qualified faculty, a vibrant music and
arts program and a competitive athletic program. The music/choral and
drama departments have been recognized for outstanding achievements in
state and nationally. The Robotics Team is award-winning in state and
national competition. The Athletic Department offers 28 teams that have
achieved league, district, and state championships, and the TV studio
provides a wide range of student produced programs on its own access channel.
Waltham High School operates on a self-selected model. Based on teacher
recommendations and past academic performance, students may choose from
four academic levels: Advanced Placement, Honors, College Preparatory
I and College Preparatory II.
Waltham is consistently higher than the state average in Massachusetts
Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) scores and ranks in the top 7 of
all 38 cities in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in combined MCAS scores.
Curriculum
Core academic subjects are offered in English, mathematics, history and
social science, science, and foreign languages, along with elective courses
in art, music, drama, dance, family and consumer science, journalism,
screen-writing, technology, graphics, media/television, physical education
and health.
Career and Technical Education (CTE) Vocational Programs are offered in
automotive technology, collision technology, carpentry and cabinetmaking,
electrical, electronics, metal fabrication, graphic communications, and
child care. Vocational students take academic subjects with the general
school population.
A Sheltered English Immersion (SEI/ESL) program is provided in English,
math and science for students who are English language deficient.
Schedule
Waltham High School has a partially rotating schedule with six periods
per day. Each period is 57 minutes in length. Major subjects meet four
times per week, electives meet two or four times per week. Freshman and
sophomore English and math meet six times per week. Honors lab sciences
meet six times per week. All courses are year long. Students are required
to carry a minimum of five major subjects throughout the school year and
have a full schedule of classes each day with no study halls.
Graduation Requirements
In order to earn a Waltham High School diploma, a student must accrue
a minimum of 120 credits. Required courses include: 4 years of English,
3 years of Math, World History, US History I, US History II, 3 years of
Science (2 lab science), 4 years of Physical Education, 5 credits in both
the fine arts and practical arts, and 2 years of a single foreign language
for all college prep students.
Program of Studies
Advanced Placement: College level courses that cover more material in
greater depth than honors level courses. AP courses are approved by the
College Board and are offered in:
• English
• US History
• Economics
• Government & Politics
• Calculus
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics
Honors: Rigorous, challenging, in-depth courses requiring
extensive work outside the classroom.
College Preparatory I (CI): Fast pace and greater expectations for depth
of understanding and independent work.
College Preparatory II (CII): Preparation for students who plan to continue
their education beyond high school.
The school calendar and information about the Waltham High School Advisory Council.
If you are interested in Academics, Career and Tech Ed, Athletics, or Art topics, the links are available for you to investigate.
School Resource Officers and Mediation Specialists can be reached via phone or email.
Health Services and Facilities personnel can be reached via phone or email.