Course Selection 2025-2026

• Courses – All students are required to take seven courses per semester. Seniors with four or more AP/College/Honors courses may take six.Online Personal Finance may be requested as an eighth-course.
• Modern & Classical Languages – Students are required to take the same world/classical language for two consecutive years during their freshman and sophomore years. The third-year requirement may be in the same language, or students may take a different language.
• Physical Education Courses – All physical education courses, except for Health & Wellness beginning with the Class of 2026, are excluded from the cumulative grade percent. Students may earn credit for participating in an STA-sponsored sport. The Class of 2026-2028 may apply for an independent study credit.
• Prerequisites – See individual course descriptions. Current courses are evaluated on first-semester grades and will be reevaluated at the end of the second semester. If a student does not meet the prerequisite at registration time, they must select the course they do qualify for at that time. If a student meets the prerequisite at the end of the school year (semester 2), they will need to contact the Principal for Academic Affairs no later than June 15 to request a course change. Requests are not guaranteed and are based on space availability. Prerequisite percentages listed for previous coursework are actual percentages shown in the STA Parent Portal (the additional five-point weight for an honors/AP/college course will not be included).
• Course Limitations & Rigor – Students may take a a maximum of three AP courses in their junior year (sophomores with below a 92.0 cumulative grade percent may enroll in one AP course as juniors). Seniors may take a maximum of four AP courses. This allows for a balance of rigor and is communicated to colleges as students are reviewed in the context of our school. If a student wishes to request an additional AP course, she must appeal to the Principal for Academic Affairs and the College Counseling Department.
• Weighted Courses – Honors/College/AP courses are weighted in the cumulative grade percent. Students must earn 77.0% or higher to receive the additional five bonus points for a weighted course. Advanced courses are not weighted.
• AP Exams & Dual Enrollment – To enroll for college credit the student (grade 10 and above) must have an 87.0 cumulative grade percent. Tuition/Fees are the responsibility of the family. The AP exam cost estimate is $100 each. AP exam registration occurs in the early fall of the course year with no late registration or refunds available. College dual enrollment course tuition varies by institution with an estimated $75-$98 per credit hour. Matriculation fees may apply. Students must be enrolled in the AP course at STA to register for an AP exam.
• Course Correction Requests – This process begins in August prior to the start of classes. More information is shared closer to the date. Students who need to drop an Advanced/AP/Honors/College Dual Credit course for an on level high school course or one of these corrections:
  • Schedule is missing a required course
  • A prerequisite is not met
  • Duplicate courses
• Summer Courses – All STA summer courses for credit are calculated in the cumulative percent. Summer course registration begins in February and is separate from annual course registration. Additional tuition and fees apply.

Advanced Placement (AP) by the College Board.  AP exams occur each May on national test dates. Exam registration occurs in Aug/Sept. There is an additional exam fee billed with fall tuition. Check each college’s website to determine what score is needed to earn credit. All AP courses are weighted in the student’s cumulative GPA with a 77 or higher in the course.

Dual Enrollment – Courses with “College” in the title – 87. Cumulative GPA required. Students may register for college credit through our partnerships with Rockhurst University and Saint Louis University. Additional registration forms and fees are paid directly to the University by their required deadlines. College credits are then transferable to most institutions across the U.S.; however, transfer is not guaranteed. All AP courses are weighted in the student’s cumulative GPA with a 77 or higher in the course. For specific course names and credits click here.

Rockhurst University partner courses: all College III & IV French, Latin, and Spanish courses [grades 10-12 & second semester grade 9], College Composition [grade 12], AP Psychology [grades 11-12]

Saint Louis University partner courses: AP Biology and AP Calculus [grades 11-12], College Pre-Calculus [grades 10-12], College World Religions [grade 12]

AP Biology, AP Calculus AB, AP Psychology – option of AP exam or college dual enrollment credit.

As an institution, St. Teresa’s Academy values the expertise of the teacher and the enlightenment of students. In regard to curricular materials and classroom discussion and activities, exposing students to a wide variety of academic ideas, cultural perspectives and moral beliefs remains a top priority. When creating and implementing curriculum, teachers consider course description and rationale, making choices consistent with the STA Handbook’s Philosophy and Core Values, and reflecting the school’s initiatives regarding inclusion and diversity.

1. Should a student or parent question curricular material, that individual should complete this form, detailing his or her objections. The teacher or the Director of STEAM Projects and Education will then schedule a meeting, inviting the parents and any other applicable parties to attend. During that discussion, the teacher and Director of STEAM Projects and Education will address specific concerns and articulate the rationale for teaching the material.
2. If the individual is not satisfied after the initial meeting, additional dialogue will follow with the Principal for Academic Affairs. At that point, the latter will have the discretion to offer an academic alternative for that student.