High School Program
Grades 9–12 Designed for Growth, Challenge, and Purpose
The St Paul High School program helps students build academic skills, discover interests, strengthen character, and prepare for college, career, and vocation.
High school is a season of preparation and discovery. At SPHS, students move through a four-year program that balances academic challenge, personal support, Lutheran faith formation, and opportunities for leadership, service, arts, and athletics.
Students are encouraged to take ownership of their learning, develop strong habits, and make thoughtful choices about their future. Faculty and advisors walk alongside students and families throughout the high school journey.
Grade by Grade
A four-year journey of growth.
Each year of high school builds on the last, balancing academic challenge, personal support, and Lutheran faith formation.
Foundation
Freshmen build high school habits, strengthen core academic skills, join the school community, and begin thinking about interests and goals.
- Core academic foundation
- Study habits and organization
- Community and belonging
- Introduction to service and student life
Exploration
Sophomores deepen academic skills, explore electives, consider advanced coursework, and begin more intentional college and career conversations.
- Expanded course planning
- Elective exploration
- Early college and career conversations
- Leadership and service growth
Challenge
Juniors take on greater academic challenge, prepare for standardized testing, explore colleges, and clarify future pathways.
- AP and honors opportunities
- College research
- Testing preparation
- Career and vocation exploration
Launch
Seniors complete graduation requirements, submit college applications, pursue leadership, and prepare for life after SPHS.
- College applications
- Senior leadership
- Graduation requirements
- Transition planning
Graduation Requirements
A balanced path to graduation.
Students complete a balanced set of graduation requirements designed to prepare them for college, career, and faithful service. Course planning is reviewed with students and families each year to ensure students remain on track for graduation and future goals.
| Subject | Credits |
|---|---|
| English | 4.0 |
| Mathematics | 3.0 |
| Science | 3.0 |
| Social Studies | 3.0 |
| Theology | 4.0 |
| World Language | 2.0 |
| Fine Arts | 1.0 |
| Physical Education & Wellness | 1.0 |
| Electives | 3.0 |
| Total Credits | 24.0 |
AP & Honors
Advanced coursework for motivated students.
Students seeking additional academic challenge may pursue AP and honors courses in selected subject areas. These courses are designed for students who are ready for deeper study, stronger independent work habits, and college-level expectations. Course availability may vary by academic year based on enrollment, faculty, and student demand.
- AP English Literature and Composition
- AP English Language and Composition
- AP Calculus AB
- AP Statistics
- AP Biology
- AP Chemistry
- AP U.S. History
- AP Government and Politics
- AP Psychology
- AP Computer Science Principles
- Honors Algebra II
- Honors Precalculus
- Honors Biology
- Honors Chemistry
- Honors World Literature
- Honors American Literature
- Honors Theology Seminar
- Honors Global Studies
Service
40 hours of service before graduation.
Service is an important part of Lutheran education at St Paul High School. Students are expected to complete 40 hours of service before graduation. Through service, students practice compassion, responsibility, leadership, and care for their neighbors.
Beyond the Classroom
Clubs, arts, and athletics.
Learning at SPHS extends beyond the classroom. Students are encouraged to participate in clubs, fine arts, athletics, chapel, service, and leadership opportunities that help them develop confidence and belonging.
Clubs & Organizations
Students can explore leadership, service, academic interests, and community activities through student organizations.
Fine Arts
Visual and performing arts help students develop creativity, discipline, and expression.
Athletics
Athletic teams encourage teamwork, resilience, leadership, and school spirit.
Student Support
Help when students need it.
Academic Advising
Students receive guidance on course planning, graduation progress, and academic goals.
Teacher Support
Small classes allow teachers to provide feedback, encouragement, and extra help when needed.
College Planning
Students receive age-appropriate guidance for college exploration, applications, and future pathways.
Ready to learn more about grades 9–12?
Start an inquiry and our admissions team will share more about the St Paul High School experience.