"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.

9^th grade students must earn 6 credits to be promoted to the 10^th grade.

Students must earn 12 credits to be promoted to the 11^th grade.

Students must earn 20 credits to be promoted to the 12^th 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.

 For more information, go to http://www.dpsnc.net/pages/Durham_Public_Schools/Parent_Resources/10-pt_Grading_Scale. 

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:

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

--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)

AIR FORCE JUNIOR ROTC REFERENCE GUIDE