The administration, faculty, and staff of St. Mary's Central High School face the challenge of responding to the needs of a diverse student population. The decisions and choices students make with parents and counselors will have a profound and long lasting effect on their future. Each student will develop a program of study with courses according to individual interests, abilities, and goals. Each year students will review and adjust their program of study, using input from parents, teachers, counselors, and other resources. Students are encouraged to use career information in the counselor's office to aid in developing their program of study. Information on careers, vocational-technical schools, scholarships, college entrance requirements, and other related data are available from the counselor.

Parental involvement is critical to the success of the student's program of study. It is the responsibility of each student to read carefully all of the registration materials, requirements for graduation, and college admission requirements, and to be willing to live with the choices made for the year. Parents are encouraged to support the student and school by providing a proper study atmosphere at home and maintaining good communication with school officials and teachers.

There are several criteria to consider when making course choices. When selecting classes for next year, consider the following:

• Course prerequisite
• Graduation requirements
• Career plans
• Interests and abilities
• Educational goals
• Academic strengths
• Time commitment to co-curricular activities
• Post-secondary technical requirements