"What Am I Doing to Learn as Much as I Can?"
It is ultimately your responsibility to learn, but we are here to help.
- Establish realistic, specific, small goals that will help you reach your big goals. "I will do my homework or look over the day's learning each night 7pm-9pm" "I will write assignments, tests, and due dates in my calendar book before I leave the classroom each period."
- Recognize your strengths and weaknesses. Look for ways to capitalize on your strengths and overcome your weaknesses. "I always get sleepy during 1st period, so I will look for ways to keep from nodding off in class." "I'm much better at studying for my test when I'm listening to music instead of watching TV."
- Know what your current grade is. Pay attention to how your teachers calculate grades. Don't blow off the quiz that counts 20%. Understand how to read your transcript and calculate your Grade Point Average (GPA). Know how many credits you need to move from one grade to the next.
- When what you're doing isn't working, get some help. Meet with your counselor regularly.
Arrange a Student/Teacher/Parent Conference
You and/or your parents may arrange a conference with your teachers by contacting your guidance counselor.
Parent-Teacher Communication
Parents and students are encouraged to call or email teachers when questions and/or concerns arise. Teacher extensions and email addresses can be found by clicking on the subject area on the left side of this page or by calling the Front Office (919-560-3956, press 0(zero)).
Academics
Northern High School provides a comprehensive instructional program which balances offerings in academic, vocational, and performing arts courses. Our goal at Northern is to set high expectations for all students and to prepare them to think creatively and responsibly in a rapidly changing world.
We organize instruction around a four period day. We employ a wide variety of instructional strategies to address a variety of learning styles and needs. We are constantly striving to update our technological capabilities.
Grading Scale System
Durham Public Schools uses a 10-point grading scale system.
A (90-100) Excellent
B (80-89) Good
C (70-79) Average
D (60-69) Poor
F (Below 60) Failing
Credits for Promotion
For every course you pass, you earn 1 credit.
9th grade students must earn 6 credits to be promoted to the 10th grade.
Students must earn 12 credits to be promoted to the 11th grade.
Students must earn 20 credits to be promoted to the 12th grade.
Students must earn 28 credits for graduation.
If you exceed 10 absences in a semester course, you may lose credit for that particular course. You may need to request a waiver of the minimum attendance requirement by appeal to the attendance committee.
Calculating Your GPA
The non-weighted conversion table shown is mandated by the State of North Carolina - Standardized Transcript.
90-100 = 4.00
80-89 = 3.00
70-79 = 2.00
60-69 = 1.00
< 60 = 0.00
Advanced Placement Classes at Northern
Advanced Placement classes raise the bar. They are designed for students who want to take more rigorous classes, earn college credit and placement, and show admissions offices they are ready to attend their university. AP classes are taught by dedicated, knowledgeable faculty who must be approved by the College Board. At Northern, we offer:
Art
Biology
Calculus AB
Calculus BC
Chemistry
Comparative Government
Computer Science
English Language
English Literature
Environmental Science
European History
French
Government & Politics
Human Geography
Music Theory
Physics
Spanish
Statistics
Studio Art
US Government
US History
Specialty Course Offerings
Along with a rigorous list of comprehensive high school courses, including over 20 Advanced Placement class selections, Northern also offers these specialty courses. Not all courses are available at all grade levels. Some require a pre-requisite course. Please contact our Student Services Office for more information.
Career and Technical Education
Culinary Arts
Child Development and Early Childhood I &II
Agriculture Science and Sustainability
Fire Academy
Public Safety
Environmental and Natural Resources
Automotive Technology
Business Marketing
Sports and Entertainment Marketing
Entrepreneurship
Personal Finance
Science Education
Astronomy
Forensic Science
Mathematics/Computer Education
Computer Programming
Computer Gaming and Gaming Design
Health and Physical Education
Outdoor Education
Sports Medicine
First Aid
Anatomy and Physiology
English and Literature
Mythology
Creative Writing
Contemporary Literature
Social Studies
Law and Justice
Philosophy
International Relations
World Languages
Spanish
French
Visual and Performing Arts
Intensive Beginning Art
Studio Art
Jazz and Percussion Ensembles
Separate Ladies' and Men's Chorus
Technical Theater
Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC)