High School Academics

The heart of the Hunter College High School experience is the extraordinary sequence of academic courses taken by students in grades 7-12.  Each academic department has created an overview of their program here, including co-curricular opportunities sponsored by the department.  To the right side of this text, you will find a Search our Curriculum box where you can explore the specific courses offered in each department.  While not all courses are offered every semester, the information provided to students during the course registration period in early spring indicates anticipated each year's specific offerings.

The seventh grade year is one of adjustment to the academic standards of HCHS.  Students are programmed for a wide variety of courses and programs to prepare them for high school work.  Seventh grade orientation materials explain the process for selecting which foreign language to pursue and how to take placement exams in foreign languages and mathematics if the student expects an accelerated placement.  Incoming 7th graders are also given an opportunity to audition for the music performance groups.  After satisfactorily passing the grade seven academic program, students will begin working towards a Hunter College High School diploma, comprising work taken in grades eight and above.

A student earns a Hunter College High School diploma following the successful completion of all the following course requirements:

List of 14 items.

  • Art

    Grade 8, 9 (2 semesters)
  • Music

    Grade 8, 9 (2 semesters)
  • Art or Music

    Grade 10 (1 semester)
  • Foreign Language

    Grades 8, 9, 10 in target language (3 years)
    Accelerants must continue in target language through 11th grade
  • English

    Grades 8, 9, 10, 11 (4 years)
  • Communication/Theatre

    Grade 8 (1 semester)
  • Mathematics

    Grade 8, 9, 10, 11 (4 years)
    Accelerants must continue to study mathematics through 11th grade
  • Computer Science

    Grade 9 (1 semester) (Starting with the Class of 2020)
  • Social Studies

    Global I, II, III, IV, V (5 semesters) + US History I, II, III (3 semesters)
  • Physical Education

    Grade 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 (5 years)
  • Health

    Grade 8 & 10 + CPR in 9th grade (3 semesters)
  • Science

    Grade 8 & 10 + CPR in 9th grade (3 semesters)
  • Electives

    5 full year courses, or the equivalent (2 semester-length courses can replace a full-year course)
  • Community Service

    75 hours (at least 50 hours must happen outside of HCCS)