Walnut Hills High School, a classical six-year college preparatory high school, is dedicated to the pursuit of academic excellence in a culturally diverse community. Academic ability, a respect for learning, and a will to achieve are tools for the student body and faculty alike. Analytical and creative thinking skills equip students to draw upon the knowledge of the past, to weigh the questions of the present, and to envision the possibilities of the future. Involvement in extra-curricular and co-curricular activities provides additional opportunities for pursuing intellectual, social and athletic goals. We believe that intellectual achievement is intrinsically valuable in a democratic atmosphere of mutual respect, social equality, and personal responsibility.

OBJECTIVES

1. To offer rigorous college preparatory courses, as well as college level courses, enabling students to graduate with advanced standing.

2. To set and maintain high academic standards while providing each student with the opportunity for

a structured, yet individualized, six-year sequence of courses, thereby enhancing the intellectual maturation process.

3. To maintain an atmosphere of mutual respect in our culturally diverse community and thereby promote a responsible exchange of ideas among students and other members of the Walnut Hills High School community.

4. To bring together capable students and teachers, dedicated to intellectual achievement, with the principles of mutual respect, and for the development of good citizenship.

5. To continue to serve as a model of excellence in the educational community in its traditional role as a unique college preparatory secondary school.

6. To encourage teachers to pursue additional enrichment opportunities and to support those endeavors financially with the continued help of the Walnut Hills High School Association (Parent Board) and Alumni Foundation and/or other sources of support.

7. To maintain policies favorable to creative teaching techniques and to the development of improved pedagogy, consistent with our motto Sursum ad summum “Rise to the Highest,” including the opportunity to use textbooks and other curricular materials uniquely applicable to the special nature of the Walnut Hills High School program.

8. To create a positive school climate in which administrators, counselors, and faculty exhibit compassion and respect for the needs of others in the Walnut Hills High School community, and to respond to those needs in an informed and timely fashion.

9. To encourage teachers, counselors, and administrators to provide an atmosphere conducive to the emotional growth and well being of the whole person. Support services will be available to help students cope with the problems and challenges of living in an increasingly complex and swiftly changing society.

10. To transmit our diverse cultural heritage to our students for posterity, and to equip students with the necessary skills for a lifelong pursuit of learning.

11. To prepare students for contemporary life by stressing civic training, social responsibility and community service.

12. To develop leaders with a desire to serve the common good.

13. To encourage involvement of students, faculty, parents, alumni, and community in the support of Walnut Hills High School.

INTRODUCTION

The guidance staff is committed to working directly with students and parents. The goal is to provide a smooth transition from junior high to senior high school and ultimately, to college.

According to the National Association of College Admission Counselors, the most important thing the prospective college student can do in high school is to make decisions which maximize future possibilities. With that goal in mind, students must challenge themselves academically and personally. These challenges must not be equated solely with achieving high grades. Students should experience subjects in-depth by selecting a well-rounded curriculum that includes advanced courses in all academic areas of study. When possible, students should elect to study a subject for four years and option for “AA” or “AP” selections.

In addition to academic pursuits, we believe in developing the whole person by encouraging participation in extra-curricular activities. Walnut Hills provides opportunities in art, music, drama, athletics, and a large number of clubs and organizations. We also believe that volunteering in the community and/or having a part time job provide valuable experiences while enhancing options for the future.

This guide for students and parents presents requirements for graduation, course descriptions, and other information useful for planning a program of study at Walnut Hills High School. Each student is advised to use this information to create a schedule well suited to personal interests and plans for college. Above all, students must prepare for a future that involves change. A program balanced with a variety of academic pursuits should assist students in preparing for the unknown demands of the future. Optioning and scheduling require thoughtful decisions. The allocation of class time is determined by student demand as indicated by the options. Requests for changes in programs must be considered as they affect the total school organization. If problems arise, students and parents should confer with counselors.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR COLLEGE ACCEPTANCE

When students are planning their freshman courses and high school program, they should be aware of the admissions and scholarship criteria employed by colleges. Thoughtful planning will enable students to present colleges with a positive portrayal of themselves.

The most challenging job for college admissions committees is selecting a well-balanced class for each school year. Admissions officers view the high school transcript as crucial, because it documents a student’s academic progress throughout high school. Colleges prefer consistently high academic achievement or an improvement in grades throughout one’s high school career. Admissions officers not only examine a student’s grade point average, but also pay particular attention to the specific courses selected by the candidate. Another related indicator of student success is class rank. Some colleges and universities mandate that candidates rank in the top ten or fifteen percent of their class. Many colleges are flexible in judging the class rank of a student from a competitive school like Walnut Hills, since 95% of the students attend college immediately upon graduation from high school.

Scores obtained on college-entrance examinations are additional indicators of potential success in higher education. Since many colleges require certain minimum scores for admission, students should take these exams and take them seriously. In the tenth grade Walnut Hills students take the PSAT and the PLAN (pre-ACT). In the eleventh grade Walnut Hills students take the PSAT exam in October. By the end of the junior year students should have taken the SAT, ACT, and selected SAT Subject Tests if required by schools to which the student is applying.

In addition to the academic profile of a student, colleges express interest in a student’s activities, volunteer community involvement and/or work experience. Participation in an activity for several consecutive years often indicates an in-depth commitment to a program and may be viewed more positively than engaging in many activities over short periods of time. Admission officers highly regard continuity of activities.

HISTORY OF WALNUT HILLS HIGH SCHOOL

Walnut Hills High School first opened in 1895 as the third public high school in Cincinnati. Today, Walnut Hills is a nationally recognized college preparatory school for grades 7-12 with an enrollment of 1900 pupils and a professional staff of over 120.

From the beginning, the curriculum of Walnut Hills High School has reflected a well-balanced course selection with emphasis on the influence of the classical past. A curriculum guide from 1896 included courses in astronomy, German, Greek, logic, philosophy, political science, and geology. Today, the curricular offerings continue to reflect our classical heritage not only by specific courses but also by presenting balanced opportunities in academics, arts and athletics.

By the second decade of the school’s history, a trend appeared which determined the future direction of the school. Most of the graduates were continuing their education by entering colleges and universities. In 1915, for example, 60% of the graduates opted for higher education. In consideration of this development, Randall Condon, Superintendent of Schools, proposed that Walnut Hills become a classical, college preparatory high school. By 1918 the administration was committed to making Walnut Hills comparable, in every respect, to the best college preparatory schools in the nation. The program became so popular that the old building became inadequate, and on September 8, 1931, the present building on Victory Parkway was officially dedicated. The inspiration for the design was the Jeffersonian style of architecture at Monticello and the University of Virginia. It was quite appropriate that, given the purpose of Walnut Hills High School, the architecture should have reflected the classical ethos.

Throughout its history Walnut Hills has determined to maintain its academic integrity. In 1935, 1972 and again in 1996, the Board of Education reaffirmed the status of the school as a six-year program specialized for college preparation. As early as 1926 a systematic method of pupil selection was adopted. Today, an entrance test remains as the criteria for admission. Through this admissions policy, Walnut Hills has attracted a diverse student body with representation from a variety of ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds.

Throughout its history the popularity of Walnut Hills has necessitated additions to the building. In 1960 the annex added seventeen classrooms, and in 1976 a fine arts complex was dedicated. In 1999 a thirty classroom arts and science center replaced the annex. This facility has world-class laboratories, spacious art studios, and an expanded level of technology. A highlight of the facility is an outdoor learning center with five bio-beds with plantings representing different geographic areas and a two level aquatic pool. The outside of the center also features a sculpture garden to display artwork. Our Alumni Foundation with the 16,000 alumni financed this twelve million dollar project.

Today, Walnut Hills remains proud of its past and present accomplishments. Currently, the National Merit/National Achievement semi-finalists number 17 and 20 students. These students received letters of commendation for placing among the top 5%. The passing rate on the Ohio Proficiency Test is 100%. Walnut Hills offers more College Board Advanced Placement courses than any other school in the nation. The last four classes have received over $50 million in scholarship offers while participating in the most extensive extracurricular program in Cincinnati. Walnut Hills continues to present educational challenges that prepare students for college entrance.

In addition to intellectual achievement, Walnut Hills brings together capable students and faculty dedicated to the principles of mutual and collective respect and to the development of good citizenship. In today’s society we anticipate that students may change careers six or seven times throughout their lives. Walnut Hills, must, therefore, prepare students for change. By devotion to a strong academic college preparatory program that maintains roots in the classical tradition while exposing students to the most advanced technology and challenging courses, Walnut Hills will continue to prepare students to be lifelong learners who adapt to the conditions of a rapidly changing world. As we enter the year 2006, Walnut Hills truly epitomizes its motto, Sursum ad summum – “Rise to the Highest.”

I. WHHS GRADUATION AND COURSE REQUIREMENTS

A. GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS*

1. 22 units earned in grades 9-12 (23 recommended).

2. Minimum completion of 18 academic courses in grades 9-12.

B. SPECIFIC COURSE REQUIREMENTS

1. Art: Art 7-8. One semester is required in grades 7-8. One Fine Art credit is required in

Grades 9-12.

2. English: English 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12.

3. Health: Health 7 (1 sem) and Senior High Health (1 sem) in grades 10, 11, or 12.

4. Latin: Latin I, Latin II, and Latin III are required for students who enter at grade 7 or 8. Latin IV is required if no further language study is planned.

5. Modern Foreign Language: Two years of study in a foreign language are required for students who enter at grade 9 or later or for those who have not completed Latin IV. A combination of three years of modern foreign language is recommended for students who enter at grade 7.

6. Mathematics: Pre-Algebra, Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II are required. In addition, Pre-Calculus is recommended. Three years are required during grades 9-12. Those planning to enter scientific, engineering, health-related, technical fields and business administration are expected to complete four years of Math in grades 9-12.

7. Music: A semester course of vocal or instrumental music in grades 7 or 8. One Fine Art credit is required in grade 9-12.

8. Physical Education: PE 7, PE 8, and two semesters in grades 9-12.

9. Science: Science 7, Science 8, Biology (grade 9 or 10), Chemistry (grade 10 or 11) and a third year science elective are required. Physics is highly recommended for those planning to enter scientific, engineering, health-related, or other technical fields.

10. Social Studies: Social Studies 7, American History 8, Modern History 9, United States History and Government 10 and one full year of a Social Studies elective are required.

11. Speech and Theatre: Time to Speak, an oral communications course, is required in grades 11 or 12. This course does not fulfill the Fine Arts requirement.

Students are strongly encouraged to schedule Computer Applications in grades 9-12.

*These graduation requirements are designed to provide preparation for undergraduate degree programs. Students and parents, however, are encouraged to investigate specific college program requirements early enough to plan an appropriate combination of high school courses.

SEE WALNUT HILLS HIGH SCHOOL ACADEMIC GRID ON LAST PAGE OF THIS GUIDE.

II. DIPLOMA WITH HONORS

An honors diploma will be awarded to the student who completes this college preparatory curriculum and meets eight of the following nine criteria:

1. Earn four units of English.

2. Earn three units of mathematics that include Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry.

3. Earn three units of science that include instructional emphasis on the physical, life, and earth and space sciences.

4. Earn three units of social studies.

5. Earn three units of one foreign language or two units each of two foreign languages.

6. Earn one unit of fine arts.

7. Earn either one unit of business/technology and two additional units in (1) through (6) or above or earn three additional units in (1) through (6) above.

8. Maintain an overall high school grade point average of at least 3.5 on a four-point scale up to the last grading period of the senior year.

9. Obtain a composite score of 27 on the American College Test (ACT) or the equivalent on the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT).

A. COURSE COMPLETION CRITERIA

1. Carnegie units are earned for all courses in grades 9 – 12.

2. Credit is awarded for a course in which the pupil has earned a final grade of “D” or better in each semester.

Examinations are required at the end of each semester in all subjects. The exam weight is 25% of each semester grade.

B. ELIGIBILITY TO CONTINUE AT WALNUT

College-bound students should make no less than a “C” in any subject. Students are expected to maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.0 and have good citizenship. Students who fail a

semester of three or more subjects within a school year must attend another school the following year. Students who fail one or two subjects will be required to attend summer school and attain a grade of “C” or better or will need to repeat the courses the following year. Seniors who fail one or two subjects expected for graduation will be permitted to repeat the courses in summer school in order to receive an August diploma.

C. GRADING PRACTICES

1. Honor Roll Eligibility

“A” Honors reflects a 4.0 or better GPA. “A” Average is 3.51 – 3.99 GPA, “B” Average is a GPA of 3.00 – 3.5. A grade of “D” or “F” in any subject will prohibit eligibility for the Honor Roll.

2. Honors Program for Eighth and Ninth Grades:

The top 75 to 80 students based on grades earned will be invited to participate in the Honors Program for the following year. Final selections will be made in June by

Dr. Rhodes once grades from the recently completed courses are known.

3. Academic Honesty

It is essential that Walnut students embrace honesty and integrity in all academic endeavors. Sursum ad summum, “Rise to the Highest,” and respect for the academic work and ideas of others leave no room for cheating or plagiarism of any kind at Walnut Hills. As stated in the student/parent handbook and CPS Districtwide Code of Conduct: “A student must not use, submit or attempt to obtain data or answers dishonestly, by deceit or by means other than those authorized by the teacher. These are examples of acts of cheating/plagiarism: any inappropriate copying, literary theft, falsification, counterfeiting, piracy, fraud, or unsupervised possession of any federal, state or district mandated test(s). Plagiarism includes, but is not limited to copying word for word from references such as books, magazines, research materials or the

Internet.

4. Grading Policy

Grades at Walnut Hills are earned by the student, determined by the teacher, and are considered final. Any concerns about grades should be brought directly to the teacher.

III. OTHER REGULATIONS

A. No fewer than five academic subjects (i.e. courses in the areas of English, mathematics, foreign language, science, and social studies) may be carried by any student in any year.

Art History AP and Music Theory AP may be applied toward this requirement.

B. In order to schedule more than five academic subjects in grades 9-12, students must have at least a “B” Average (3.0) in academic subjects, or, for compelling circumstances, must have approval of the counselor.

C. The Modern Foreign Language requirement must be fulfilled in the same language.

D. Advanced Placement Program – admission by application and approval only. The AP exam administered by ETS in the spring is required for course completion. (Fee per exam is $82). Students should not schedule more than 3 AA and/or AP subjects in one year unless high academic achievement has been demonstrated (“A” average) and, after consultation with the counselor, approval has been granted. Approved students who begin AA/AP courses cannot be withdrawn before the end of the first marking period, unless an error in placement has been made. A double ** will note weighted courses.

E. Course choices are considered final once courses begin.

F. Student options are generally limited to six periods of instruction to address accreditation standards and teacher contract limits for class size. Music may be a seventh class.

G. Although the school acknowledges the personal and economic value of employment or childcare experience for adolescents, such opportunities should be scheduled after the normal school day. Students should not work more than twelve hours a week. Consistent with the college preparatory nature of the school, program changes are considered as they affect the total school organization.

H. For eligibility to play high school sports, OHSA (Ohio High School Athletic Association) guidelines require students to pass a minimum of five classes (excluding physical education) in the quarter preceding the sport.

IV. GRADE CALCULATION, G.P.A. AND CLASS RANK

Calculation of grade points for regular and weighted courses are shown below:

Regular courses: A = 4, B = 3, C = 2, D = 1

AA, Honors, & AP courses: A = 6, B = 4.5, C = 3, D = 1.5

Both cumulative weighted and unweighted G.P.A. are calculated only from semester grades. Both are shown on the transcript along with weighted class rank at the end of the fifth, sixth and seventh semesters of senior high studies. Weighted courses will have a double asterisk by the number of units (**).

V. NEW COURSES

Students may petition for the addition of new courses to the Curriculum Guide. A brief description of proposed course content and a suggested course title must be signed by a minimum of 25 students who are eligible to take the course. The feasibility of scheduling the course will be evaluated with the appropriate department and Instructional Leadership Team. This would need to be done by the month of December.

ART

The Art Department offers a wide range of opportunities from beginning levels to advanced studio art courses. One semester is required in grade 7 or 8, and one Fine Art credit must be completed in grades 9 – 12. Studio Art AP is available for the most accomplished students in the senior high.

JUNIOR ART 7 Code: 02A71000

This is a diversified creative art program based on breadth more than depth. Students are introduced to the tools and techniques necessary to express ideas in visual form. The course involves pupils in exploratory creative expression; both two and three dimensional, including environmental design, art appreciation and art history. As students exhibit competencies, there is opportunity for individualized pursuit of special interests. Approximately $20 will be required to purchase materials for projects.

Open to: Grade 7 Term: 1 sem

Prerequisite: None

JUNIOR ART 8 Code: 02A81000

See “Junior Art 7.” This course is adjusted for pupils one year older. Approximately $20 will be required to purchase materials for projects.

Open to: Grade 8 (not open to students who Term: 1 sem

successfully complete Jr. Art 7)

Prerequisite: None

JUNIOR ART 9 Code: 02A91000

See “Junior Art 7.” This course is adjusted for pupils two years older who will work with projects in various media emphasizing the elements and principles of art. The level of difficulty is greater to match the maturity of the students. Approximately $20 will be required to purchase materials for projects.

Open to: Grade 9 (not open to students who Term: 1 sem

successfully complete Jr. Art 7 and 8) Credit: 0.5 unit

Prerequisite: None (Non-Academic Credit)

ART X: Textile and Fiber Design Code: 02B31000

Exploration in basic design is followed by applied techniques on textiles and in fibers, including printing, batik, tie-dye, weaving, macramé, and stitchery. The value and use of textiles in our environment will be discussed. Filmstrips, slides, and films are used extensively. Approximately $50 will be required to purchase materials for projects.

Open to: Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 Term: 1 sem

Prerequisite: Art 7, 8, or 9 Credit: 0.5 unit

(Non-Academic Credit)

ART XX: Beginning Drawing and Painting Code: 02C31000

This concentrated study of drawing and painting stresses composition and design. Drawing includes traditional techniques in contour and basic figure sketching in a variety of drawing media. Painting emphasizes techniques and styles in watercolor and acrylics. Students will be required to purchase certain materials necessary for student projects. It is anticipated that such purchases will not exceed $50.

Open to: Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 Term: 1 sem

Grades 8 with Teacher Approval Credit: 0.5 unit

Prerequisite: Art 7, 8, or 9 (Non-Academic Credit)

ART XXX: Sculpture Code: 02D31000

This course explores three-dimensional problems, with emphasis on mass, volume, space, and surface media, including: paper, foil, clay, wood, glass, plaster, plastic, and “found” objects. Techniques differ according to limitations of media, but they include basic ideas of subtractive and additive procedure in assembling, casting, modeling, etc. This course revolves around art history, art appreciation, art criticism, and art aesthetics as well as the studio experience. (Students will be required to purchase materials for projects). It is anticipated that such purchases will not exceed $50.

Open to: Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 Term: 1 sem

Prerequisite: Art 7, 8, or 9 Credit: 0.5 unit

(Non-Academic Credit)

ART 1: Studio Art I Code: 02E3100Y

This course is an intermediate studio course for students who wish to refine their artistic skills in drawing, painting, design, printmaking, and sculpture. Students will be taught advanced artistic techniques and the use of professional artist’s materials. In addition to the studio experience, students will have an opportunity to expand their comprehension of art concepts, artistic technique and art media through a study of art historical themes and art critical dialogue. Students will be required to purchase certain materials for student projects. It is anticipated that such purchases will not exceed $50.

Open to: Grades 9, 10, 11, 12