For graduation, students must earn at least 100 credits and fulfill minimum course course distribution requirements. All students must enroll in 6 full courses each semester of every year.

Courses are offered in

• English;
• Fine and Performing Arts (visual arts, music, theatre);
• Foreign Languages (Mandarin Chinese, French, Latin and Spanish);
• Mathematics;
• Physical Education;
• Science, Health, and Engineering;
• Social Studies.

Most major courses are taught on two levels of achievement: honors and college preparatory. Advanced placement courses include:

English, Studio Art, French, Latin, Spanish, Calculus, Computer Science, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science, Psychology, and Neuroanatomy, American History, European History, Economics.

Over one-third of Belmont High School Students enroll in advanced placement courses.

BHS Program of Studies

BHS Course Outlines

Independent Study is a unique program that Belmont High School offers for 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students. Sophomores and juniors are limited to one independent study course per semester. Seniors may undertake up to two independent study courses per semester. Ninth graders may not enroll in Independent Study.

This program broadens the curriculum by offering students an opportunity to pursue an area of academic interest under the guidance of an advisor who has special skills in that field. Independent Study projects may not replicate the existing curriculum at Belmont High School. Specialized topics contained within existing courses may be pursued at the advanced level after the student has taken the appropriate prerequisites. Note: office work no longer receives Independent Study credit. Students may earn community service hours for this work.

It is important that students understand the workload for an independent study course is equal to a course offered at the high school. Students take responsibility for their own learning in an independent study course.

Home instruction is available to those students who, because of illness, are unable to attend school for over 14 days.

Minuteman High School offers Belmont High School students several different opportunities.

• Students may enroll at both Minuteman and Belmont High School, taking some courses at Belmont High School and, for a fee, taking others at Minuteman. Students pursuing this dual enrollment option typically still receive Belmont High School diplomas.
• Students who are 18 and wish to accelerate their high school career may transfer their credits from Belmont High School to Minuteman, enroll in some semester courses at Minuteman, finish their high school career and receive a Minuteman diploma. There is no fee for this program. See your guidance counselor for details.
• Students entering 10th grade who are considering transferring to Minuteman may enroll in a one-semester morning exploratory program at Minuteman. Students earn BHS credit towards graduation for their exploratory work at Minuteman. If a student decides to transfer to Minuteman, s/he transfers to Minuteman commencing with second semester of sophomore year. Participation in this program requires the approval of the parent/guardian, and the approval of administrators at both schools.