There are various academic paths that a student may follow both within the high school and upon graduation. Within the high school, most classes are heterogeneously grouped by subject area, with prerequisites for enrollment. For example, in order to enroll in College Chemistry, students must have successfully completed College Biology and Algebra I. Students are encouraged to enroll in a variety of courses in various subject areas and to gain exposure to as many different courses as possible.

The courses listed above are the ideal. Students need to build a program based on their individual abilities, standardized test scores, teacher recommendations, their work ethic, and parental input. Bearing in mind that all high school graduates can attend a community college, students should be aware that the more they deviate from the above courses, the more they limit their post-secondary college options.

As the SHS school profile reflects, most of the graduates of our high school attend college. Doing well in a challenging course load and obtaining good SAT scores, while being involved in the school community and getting good recommendations will provide students with a wide variety of college options upon graduation.

Upon graduation, students have a variety of paths they can pursue. These include:

	4 YEAR COLLEGE
	2 YEAR COLLEGE
	EMPLOYMENT
	MILITARY

Those who anticipate enrolling in college after graduation should refer to the SHS College Handbook for advice.

Thinking about the military? Be aware that:

• You need the results of the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) in order to enlist

• All juniors take this test for its help in career planning

• The test results are good for two years

• Representatives from the military spend time in guidance regularly

• If students and/or parents wish to meet with a representative, guidance will be happy to arrange this

• Parents should ALWAYS speak with the recruiter prior to enlistment

• Students should get written verification of their understandings relative to enlistment PRIOR TO enlisting.

Full-time employment is another option for SHS graduates. Seniors should seek jobs with firms that will train them. Working for large companies frequently provides this opportunity. Students might also consider attending a short-term training program (for example, schooling to become a masseuse or a certified nursing assistant) so that they have job skills that can command respectable salaries.

Guidance can help you locate these schools and can work with students and parents in search of jobs. Clearly, in today's world, salary, job satisfaction, and financial reward goes hand-in-hand.

You should be aware that according to the US Census Bureau (March, 2001), the average income based one educational level is as follows:
 

Since students may work for up to fifty years, you should be aware that the difference between the average earning potential of a high school drop-out and a person with a four year college degree is $1,139,150. This is a significant amount of money. Since we are all going to work, you might as well earn as much as possible and to do that YOU NEED EDUCATION!

Guidance has a career center that is available to students, parents, and the community.  It is comprised of numerous books, videos, and general career and college information.  Additionally, it is equipped with three computers and a printer to allow the opportunity to research various career and college options using the internet and to assist  students as they apply to college and for scholarship assistance using the internet.