Curriculum Guide
Thurston High School is a caring community dedicated to preparing graduates for a successful future by connecting, engaging, and supporting all learners to thrive. The purpose of this curriculum guide is to provide students and parents with a brief description of all required and elective course offerings at THS. Please use this guide to make choices that reflect student interests, future goals, and ambitions. Students are encouraged to be informed and make wise choices about their high school education.
This Curriculum Guide is a unique collection of engaging, relevant, and inspiring opportunities. As you browse our guide, imagine yourself, or your student, discussing dystopian literature, analyzing atmospheric elements of weather, singing in our High Energy choir, completing a Robotics competition with cutting edge technology, conversing in Español, solving trigonometric identities and equations, and working out in a competitive, weight-training class; and that’s just first semester.
Each Spring, students are to select classes for the entire year. Students in grades 9-11 must be scheduled for a full schedule (8 classes per semester). Any schedule with fewer than eight (8) classes (per semester) must be approved by an administrator.
Choosing your classes is a big deal. Use this course guide to start designing your high school pathway and beyond!
You can download a printable copy of the latest THS Curriculum Guide.
Language Arts
Language Arts is the cornerstone of a student's education, explicitly designed to build lifelong literacy, critical thinking, and effective communication skills. It trains students to articulate ideas persuasively, analyze complex texts, and write with purpose across various academic and professional formats.
Mathematics
A high school math curriculum builds quantitative literacy, analytical problem-solving, and logical reasoning. Most colleges require 3 to 4 years of math (typically Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II) to prepare students for STEM fields, personal finance management, and competitive admissions.
Science
Science is a key pillar of our school curriculum because it cultivates critical thinking, drives innovation, and builds the scientific literacy needed to navigate a technology-driven world. It transforms natural curiosity into structured problem-solving skills, preparing students for both everyday life and future careers.
Social Studies
Social studies helps students develop the critical thinking, civic literacy, and analytical skills necessary for active participation in a democratic society. By exploring history, civics, geography, and economics, students learn to evaluate complex global issues, understand diverse perspectives, and make informed, ethical decisions
Physical Education
Physical Education (PE) classes build lifelong habits for health and wellness. PE moves beyond traditional team sports to offer specialized pathways like cardio-conditioning, strength training, dance, and stress management, empowering students to tailor their fitness to their personal lifestyles.
Health
Health classes in high schools are foundational for student well-being. They equip teens with essential life skills, including mental health management, nutrition, physical literacy, and substance abuse prevention. These courses typically fulfill core graduation requirements while fostering safe decision-making and overall personal growth.
World Languages
World languages and cultures curricula cultivate linguistic proficiency and global citizenship. They build critical cognitive skills, promote empathy, and directly enhance college admissions, as many four-year universities require 2 to 3 years of study. They also prepare students for an interconnected international marketplace
Visual Arts
The visual arts build foundational 21st-century skills, teaching students creative problem-solving, visual literacy, and inventiveness. A strong curriculum guide empowers students to translate complex personal ideas into tangible media while gaining essential historical, cultural, and technical knowledge that supports well-rounded academic achievement.
Performing Arts
In a high school curriculum, the performing arts—such as theatre, music, and dance—cultivate essential cognitive and emotional skills. They build confidence, foster collaboration, and promote empathy by allowing students to explore diverse perspectives, ultimately enhancing both academic performance and personal development.
CTE Courses
Career and Technical Education (CTE) embraces education, passion, and curiosity to fuel the future for Oregon students. CTE programs use 21st century technology to support students in acquiring technical skills, professional practices, customer service experience, and academic knowledge critical for career success in high-wage, in-demand careers.
Transition Services
High school transition services are coordinated, personalized programs mandated for students with disabilities (usually by age 16) to prepare for life after graduation. They focus on three core pillars: education/training, employment, and independent living skills, such as budgeting, self-advocacy, and career exploration.
Leadership Courses
Leadership courses in high school provide foundational life skills, significantly boosting students' emotional intelligence, problem-solving abilities, and resilience. These programs prepare teens for university and the workforce by teaching practical skills like communication, time management, and conflict resolution.
Meet With A Counselor
Still got questions? Don't worry. Our THS Counselors have all the answers about the best courses to help you get started with your own pathway, apply for college or get an internship. Start planning your career path today.