The Complete List of High School Classes

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Are you wondering which classes to take in high school? Do you want to find out what courses may be offered for each subject?

We've compiled a complete list of high school classes for you to see all the possible course options high school students may have. We'll cover everything from science and math to electives and the humanities.

How to Use This List

This list was created by researching the classes offered at numerous high schools, both public and private, across the country. Classes are alphabetically organized by subject. While there is a separate section for AP classes at the bottom of the list, other varying levels of difficulty for the same class, such as "honors" or "introductory", were not included in order to make reading the list easier.

This list's purpose is to show you all the possible class options you may have as a high school student. You can use it as a starting point for doing a more in-depth study of your own school's course offerings.

Read through the list below, making note of any courses that you may want to take in the future, then look to see if your school offers them. To find out which classes your own high school offers, look through your school's course catalog, check the school website, or speak with your academic adviser.

What If Your School Doesn't Offer One of the Classes Listed Below?

It would be impossible for any single school to offer every course in this list; there are simply too many. Schools decide which classes to offer based on multiple factors, including student interest, school location, and teacher expertise.

If you are interested in one of the courses listed below but don't see it offered in your school's course catalog, first talk to your guidance counselor or the department head. Your school may, in fact, offer the course, but under a different name. If there is no comparable course and you are really interested in the subject, you may be able to do an independent study or take the course at a local community college for credit. Ask your guidance counselor for more information on pursuing this option.

Complete List of High School Classes

Business

Accounting
Business law
Business management
Consumer education
Entrepreneurial skills
Introduction to business
Marketing
Personal finance

Computer Science/Information Technology

Animation
App development
Audio production
Computer programming
Computer repair
Film production
Graphic design
Media technology
Music production
Typing
Video game development
Web design
Web programming
Word processing

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English

American literature
British literature
Contemporary literature
Creative writing
Communication skills
Debate
English language and composition
English literature and composition
Humanities
Journalism
Literary analysis
Modern literature
Poetry
Popular literature
Rhetoric
Technical writing
Works of Shakespeare
World literature
Written and oral communication

Family and Consumer Science

Chemistry of foods
CPR training
Culinary arts
Early childhood development
Early childhood education
Family studies
Fashion and retail merchandising
Fashion construction
Home economics
Interior design
Nutrition

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Foreign Language

American Sign Language
Ancient Greek
Arabic
Chinese
French
German
Hebrew
Italian
Japanese
Korean
Latin
Portuguese
Russian
Spanish

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Math

Algebra 1
Algebra 2
Calculus
Computer math
Consumer math
Fundamentals of math
Geometry
Integrated math
Math applications
Multivariable calculus
Practical math
Pre-algebra
Pre-calculus
Probability
Quantitative literacy
Statistics
Trigonometry

Performing Arts

Choir
Concert band
Dance
Drama
Guitar
Jazz band
Marching band
Music theory
Orchestra
Percussion
Piano
Theater technology
World music

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Physical Education

Aerobics
Dance
Gymnastics
Health
Lifeguard training
Pilates
Racket sports
Specialized sports
Swimming
Weight training
Yoga

Science

Agriculture
Astronomy
Biology
Botany
Chemistry
Earth science
Electronics
Environmental science
Environmental studies
Forensic science
Geology
Marine biology
Oceanography
Physical science
Physics
Zoology

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Social Studies

Cultural anthropology
Current events
European history
Geography
Global studies
Human geography
International relations
Law
Macroeconomics
Microeconomics
Modern world studies
Physical anthropology
Political studies
Psychology
Religious studies
Sociology
US government
US history
Women's studies
World history
World politics
World religions

Visual Arts

3-D art
Art history
Ceramics
Digital media
Drawing
Film production
Jewelry design
Painting
Photography
Printmaking
Sculpture

Vocational Education

Auto body repair
Auto mechanics
Building construction
Computer-aided drafting
Cosmetology
Criminal justice
Driver education
Electronics
FFA (Future Farmers of America)
Fire science
Heating and cooling systems
Hospitality and tourism
JROTC (Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps)
Metalworking
Networking
Plumbing
Production technology
Refrigeration fundamentals
Robotics
Woodworking

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Advanced Placement Classes

AP Capstones

AP Research
AP Seminar

Arts

AP Art history
AP Music theory
AP Studio art: 2-D design
AP Studio art: 3-D design
AP Studio art: drawing

English

AP English Language and Composition
AP English Literature and Composition

History & Social Science

AP Comparative government and politics
AP European history
AP Human Geography
AP Macroeconomics
AP Microeconomics
AP Psychology
AP United States Government and Politics
AP United States History
AP World History
Math & Computer Science
AP Calculus AB
AP Calculus BC
AP Computer Science A
AP Computer Science Principles
AP Statistics

Sciences

AP Biology
AP Chemistry
AP Environmental Science
AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism
AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based
AP Physics 2: Algebra-Based

World Languages and Cultures

AP Chinese Language and Culture
AP French Language and Culture
AP German Language and Culture
AP Italian Language and Culture
AP Japanese Language and Culture
AP Latin
AP Spanish Language and Culture
AP Spanish Literature and Culture

What's Next?

Now that you know all the possible high school classes out there, which ones should you take? Read our guide to get expert advice on the classes you should take in high school.

Wondering which classes you will need to take in order to graduate high school and get accepted into college? Check out our guide on the standard high school curriculum, as well as the classes college admissions officers are looking for.

Trying to decide whether to take the ACT or the SAT? Read our guide to figure out which test will get you a better score!

Have friends who also need help with test prep? Share this article!

Christine Sarikas

About the Author

Christine graduated from Michigan State University with degrees in Environmental Biology and Geography and received her Master's from Duke University. In high school she scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT and was named a National Merit Finalist. She has taught English and biology in several countries.

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