High School Curriculum

The Cottage School High School curriculum follows the State of Georgia academic graduation requirements. Besides the four core academic subject areas of Mathematics, English, Social Studies and Science, both Spanish and French are offered as foreign languages. TCS places emphasis on organization, time management, study skills, and preparation for a successful future.

A total of 22 Carnegie Units is required for graduation.

Diploma Core Curriculum Requirements:

Courses & Units

  • ENGLISH – 4
  • *MATH – 3
  • SOCIAL STUDIES (Poli Sci/Econ/World History/US History) – 3
  • SCIENCE (Physical Science, Biology, 1 additional Science unit) – 3
  • CAREER DEVELOPMENT (must include Group Dynamics Personal Finance, Word processing/computer, Co-Op, Vocational Training, Self-Advocacy) – 3
  • HEALTH AND PERSONAL FITNESS – 1
  • FINE ARTS – 1

ELECTIVE CREDITS: Balance of requisites to equal 22 Carnegie Units

College Prep Core Curriculum Requirements:

Courses & Units

  • ENGLISH – 4
  • *MATH (Algebra 1A & 1B, Algebra I & II, Geometry, Advanced Math, Calculus or Algebra III)** – 4 (3)
  • SOCIAL STUDIES  – 3
  • FOREIGN LANGUAGE – 2
  • PHYSICAL SCIENCE, 1; LAB SCIENCES, 2 - 3
  • FINE ARTS – 1
  • HEALTH AND PERSONAL FITNESS – 1
  • FINE ARTS – 1
  • ELECTIVES (to include Group Dynamics .5; Personal Finance .5; Word processing/computer .5)

Balance of requisites to equal 22 Carnegie Units

* Most colleges require 3 Carnegie Units in Math;
**Georgia state colleges require 4 Carnegie Units in Math for Hope Scholarship Eligibility

Post-Secondary Plan

The academic curriculum prepares students for post-secondary options, based on the individual needs of the students. These options may include college preparatory, technical, or vocational education–or apprenticeship training for a specialized career. An integral component of this preparation, as well as a graduation requirement that must be met by the Spring of the senior year, is the completion of an accepted post-secondary plan.

The awarding of the diploma is contingent upon finalization of this plan by any of the following:

  • Letter of acceptance, on file, with the Academic Counselor to a two or four-year college or university;
  • Letter of acceptance, on file, with the Academic Counselor to a Technical College or Vocational Program;
  • Letter of induction to any branch of the military, on file, with the Academic Counselor indicating the date of induction;
  • A letter of acceptance, on file, with the Academic Counselor indicating; acceptance into a training or apprenticeship program by a company or business.

Grading Scale:

Grades earned reflect the performance of each student, assessed by a documented compilation of scores from exams, assignments, long-term projects and daily evaluation. The scale for determining the letter grade is as follows:

A = 90-100
B = 80-89
C = 70-79
F = 0-69

Electives/Exploratories

Students choose from a wide variety of electives and exploratories, giving them the opportunity to pursue personal interests and explore new opportunities. These courses include Co-op work experiences, Promotional Art, Drama, Culinary Arts, Yearbook, Forensics, Computer Exploration, Carpentry, Multicultural Art, Photography, Ethics/Debate, Driver’s Education, Aviation/Space, Cheerleading, Mountain Biking, Jewelry-Making, Fencing, Bowling, Basketball, Baseball, Soccer, Cross Country, Swimming, Personal Fitness, and Volleyball.