FAQs
Have questions about starting school this Fall? Explore the topics below whether you're an incoming freshmen or transfer student.
- Course Placement (incoming freshmen only)
- Challenge Exams (incoming freshmen only)
- Academic and College Counseling
- Course Selection (incoming freshmen only))
- Magnet Programs
- Summer Assignments
- Summer School
- Textbooks
Course Placement (incoming freshmen only)
Q: What if I did not take the HSPT?
A: Students who did not take the HSPT will be placed into standard freshman college prep courses, English 1, Algebra 1, and Conceptual Physics. Students who wish to challenge the Algebra 1 and Conceptual Physics placement will need to take the Challenge Exams for Math and Science in April and/or May.
Q. I want to take English I Honors and was not placed in the class.
A. Placement in Honors English 1 was based on the results of the HSPT and this placement is final. Students interested in English Honors are eligible to take English 2 Honors in sophomore year by earning a minimum A- in the 1st semester and 3rd quarter of English 1.
Q. I took Algebra 1 in middle school and was placed in Algebra 1 again for 9th grade.
A. It is normal for students to take Algebra 1 in both 8th and 9th grades. Students were initially placed in Algebra 1A, Algebra 1, or Algebra 1 Honors based on the HSPT. To reiterate, however, having a strong Algebra 1 foundation is important for success in high school math, and, consequently, many JSerra freshmen take Algebra 1 in high school after taking it in 8th grade. If you are currently taking a high school level Algebra 1 or Geometry class, you will want to take the Math Challenge Exam on April 30 or May 2 for placement in a higher-level math course.
Q. What is the pathway for Math at JSerra?
A. Here are the basic pathways for students at JSerra. Honors or AP classes are available for math levels from Algebra 1 to Calculus. Students must meet all pre-requisites to be eligible to enroll in the class.
| Grade 9 | Grade 10 | Grade 11 | Grade 12 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Algebra 1 | Geometry* | Algebra 2/Trig | Pre-Calculus or math elective |
| Geometry | Algebra 2/Trig | Pre-Calculus | Calculus or math elective |
| #Algebra 2/Trig | Pre-Calculus | Calculus | Advanced mathematics |
Honors options are available to students who qualify. For more information on how to qualify, please visit our Math Course Catalog.
*To advance, Geometry may be taken during the summer following the completion of Algebra 1.
#You must have a high school level Geometry course on your transcript to advance to Algebra 2/Trig.
Q. What is the pathway for Science at JSerra?
A. Here are the basic pathways for students at JSerra. Honors or AP classes are available for all science levels except Conceptual Physics. Students must meet all pre-requisites to be eligible to enroll in the class. Students have been placed into their freshman science class based on their HSPT scores.
| Grade 9 | Grade 10 | Grade 11 | Grade 12 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conceptual Physics | Biology | Chemistry or Conceptual Chemistry | Science elective |
| Biology | Science elective | Chemistry | Physics |
| Biology | Chemistry | Physics | Science elective |
Honors options are available to students who qualify. For more information on how to qualify, please visit our Science Course Catalog.
Q. What is the pathway for Social Studies at JSerra?
A. Here are the basic pathways for students at JSerra. All students are required to take Social Studies in 11th and 12th grades. One additional year of Social Studies is required during either freshman or sophomore year. Students also have the option to take Social Studies both freshman and sophomore year. Honors or AP classes are available for all Social Studies classes except for Ancient World History. Students must meet all pre-requisites to be eligible to enroll in the AP/Honors classes. Students have been given their options for freshman year Social Studies classes based on the results of their HSPT.
| Grade 9 | Grade 10 | Grade 11 | Grade 12 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ancient World History | World History, World History Honors MUN or AP European History | US History | American Gov and Economics |
| World History or World History Honors/MUN | AP European History | US History | American Gov and Economics |
| No History | World History, World History Honors MUN or AP European History | US History | American Gov and Economics |
| World History or World History Honors/MUN | No History | US History | American Gov and Economics |
Q. What is the difference between Theology 1 Foundations and Theology 1?
A. Theology 1 Foundations is designed for students who have not had prior instruction in Catholic theology. Theology 1 is designed for students with a background in Catholic theology. Please check the Theology Course Catalog for course descriptions. Students are eligible for Theology 2 Honors with a minimum A- in the 1st semester and 3rd quarter of Theology 1, Theology 1 Foundations, or Intro to Catholic Principles.
Q. How do I take World Language Honors?
A. World Language Honors is not available for the first level of all languages except for Spanish. Honors level World Language begins with level two except for American Sign Language (ASL) as JSerra does not offer honors-level ASL courses. Prior to selecting your World Language course, please review the list of skillsets necessary for the upper division levels of language provided by our World Language Department for Spanish 1 Honors or the second level of your chosen language. Students must have mastery of these skills to be successful in the class. If you feel you will test higher than level two of your language or if you would like to test for American Sign Language, please contact World Language Department Chair, Mr. Tom Smith (tsmith@jserra.org), for information about testing into higher levels of World Language. All students will be required to select an alternate World Language course since there may be space limitations.
Q. How do I become eligible for honors classes my sophomore year?
A. Course pre-requisites for all classes can be found in the online Course Catalog. Students are encouraged to understand the requirements for the Honors and AP classes available at JSerra.
Challenge Exams (incoming freshmen only)
Challenge Exams are scheduled for April 30 and May 2-4. All Covid protocols in place at the time of testing will be observed. Results of the Challenge Exams will be emailed to families after May 9. The Counseling Department will automatically make any schedule changes to your courses based on these results. Should you decide to decline a placement, please email askcounseling@jserra.org.
You must register for the exams in your Applicant Portal account. Please bring a few pencils to the exams and report in front of Busch Hall least 5 minutes prior to the start of the exam(s).
Watch the Info Video
What's on the Exams?
Please click on the exams below to obtain more detailed information on exam topics.
MATH
Math Challenge Exam: April 30 at 9:00 a.m. or May 2 at 3:30 p.m.
If you are currently enrolled in a high school level Algebra or Geometry course, you should register to take the Math Challenge Exam on your Applicant Portal. Students should bring pencils and a calculator (graphing calculator is acceptable). For more information regarding the Math Challenge Exam, please contact the Department Chair, Mrs. Denise Pascoe, at dpascoe@jserra.org.
The exam will last approximately 1 1/2 hours. You will not lose your initial placement based on your performance on this exam. The Challenge Exam only places students in a higher level of math.
| Test Section Mastery | JSerra Placement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Algebra 1 | Geometry | |
| Geometry only | Algebra 1 or Algebra 1 Honors based upon HSPT scores | No need to retake Geometry if Geometry was taken in middle school |
| Algebra 1 and Geometry only | Algebra 2 | |
| Algebra 1 and Advanced Algebra Concepts only | Geometry Honors | |
| Algebra 1, Geometry, and Advanced Algebra Concepts | Algebra 2 Honors |
*Algebra 1A / Algebra 1 / Algebra 1 Honors will all be placed based on HSPT scores.
Here are the main algebra and geometry concepts covered in the exam:
- Number Sense
- Factoring — all types
- Laws of exponents
- Fractional exponents
- Multiplying Polynomials
- Solving Quadratics
- Graphing Quadratics
- Systems of Equations
- Ratio & Proportion
- Pythagorean Theorem
- Simplifying imaginary and complex numbers
- Linear Equations - slope, coordinate system
- Completing the square
- Simplifying polynomials with fractions
- Simplifying radicals
- Simplifying rational expressions
- Absolute value
- Simplifying rational expressions
- Lateral area
- Perpendicular lines
There are many resources available for students to review the above concepts. Sites such as Khan Academy are useful, student textbooks and prior notes are also helpful. We do not provide review materials as we want to assess students on the above concepts rather than give a practice test directly related to the Challenge Exam.
SCIENCE
Science Challenge Exam: April 30 at 11:00 a.m or May 3 at 3:30 p.m.
If you were placed into Conceptual Physics and would like to take Biology, or if you were placed into Biology and would like to take Biology Honors, you should register for the Science Challenge Exam on your Applicant Portal. For more information regarding the Science Challenge Exam, please contact the Department Chair, Mr. Dana Darling, at ddarling@jserra.org. The exam should take about one hour. The exam is based on middle school science content, and we do not provide a study guide. Please bring several pencils and report in front of Busch Hall at least 5 minutes prior to the start of the exam.
List of topics
- Life Science
- Prokaryotes/Eukaryotes
- Compare and Contrast
- Cell structure and function
- Plant vs Animal
- Organelles
- Nucleus
- Plasma Membrane
- Mitochondria (mDNA)
- Chloroplast (cDNA)
- Vacuoles
- Cell Cycle, Interphase, Mitosis, Cytokinesis
- Asexual reproduction
- Sexual reproduction
- Stages of Mitosis
- DNA vs RNA
- Mendel Basic Genetics
- Punnett Square
- Dominant, Recessive Alleles/Genes
- Chemistry/Physical Science
- Atom
- Subatomic particles
- Charges/location within the atom
- Chemical reactions
- Physical vs chemical reaction
- Properties of Water
- Math: Ability to read and interpret graphs
WORLD LANGUAGE
World Language Challenge Exam: April 30 at 11:00 A.m. or May 4 at 3:30 p.m.
If you are currently enrolled in a high school level World Language course or are proficient in a World Language, you will want to take the World Language Challenge Exam. For more information regarding the World Language Challenge Exam, please contact the department chair, Mr. Tom Smith, at tsmith@jserra.org. The exam should take about one hour. Register for the World Language (language specific) Challenge Exam on your Applicant Portal. Please bring several pencils and report to the Quad at least 5 minutes prior to the start of the exam.
SPANISH 1H OR HIGHER
- Placement results: students will be placed in different levels based on their test results.
- Spanish 2 - 85%
- Spanish 2H - 90% including competencies in past tense and evidence of writing competency in the essay.
- Spanish 3 or higher - Meeting with department chair in addition to challenge exam
- Based on first semester Spanish 1 and selected parts of second semester for higher placement
- Textbook: Realidades next year Auténtico (same book)
- Ser
- Days of the week
- Describing people
- Gustar
- Definite vs. Indefinite articles
- Adjective agreement
- Family members
- Possession with tener/de/possessive adjectives
- Dates and the calendar
- Present tense regular
- Frequencies and adverbs
- Telling time
FRENCH 2 OR HIGHER
Students are required to take the Challenge Exam. Students need to be assessed by the instructor for the speaking portion of the exam. To arrange a speaking assessment appointment, please email Cherie Atigetchi at catigetchi@jserra.org.
- Test content: The placement test will assess students' vocabulary, grammar, reading, and writing skills. The test will cover the following topics:
- Introduction of self
- Family members and their professions
- Date and time
- Locations
- Purchasing clothes
- Weather and season
- Hobbies
- Question format: Multiple-choice questions for vocabulary and grammar, short answer questions for reading comprehension and writing in French.
MANDARIN 2 OR HIGHER
- Placement results: students will be placed in different levels based on their test results.
- Mandarin 1 - 0-50%
- Mandarin 2 - 50-70%
- Mandarin 3 H - 70-100%
- Textbooks: All test content will be based on the Mandarin class textbooks: Integrated Chinese Level 1, Part 1 and Level 1, Part 2.
- Characters: All of the questions are written in simplified characters. Only selected words will be provided with Pinyin.
- Test content: The placement test will assess students' vocabulary, grammar, reading, and writing skills. The test will cover the following topics:
- Self-introduction (name, nationality, age)
- Family members and their professions
- Date and time (birthdays)
- Hobbies
- Weekend plans
- Visiting friends (invite the guests to come in and offer beverages)
- Making appointments on the phone
- Expressions regarding learning Chinese
- Purchasing clothes and shoes: size, color, price
- Means of transportation
- Weather and season
- Question format: Multiple-choice questions for vocabulary and grammar, short answer questions for reading and writing (in simplified Chinese characters).
AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE 2 OR HIGHER
Students interested in placing in ASL 2 or higher must contact World Language Department Chair, Mr. Tom Smith at tsmith@jserra.org to arrange for testing.
- Placement results: students will be placed in different levels based on their test results.
- ASL 2 -70% or higher
- ASL 3 - 80% and must be evaluated by instructor
- ASL 4 - 90% and must be evaluated by the instructor. Prior ASL 3 completion and recommendation from current ASL instructor.
- Content is based on first and second semester ASL 1 up to Unit 6
- Textbook: Signing Naturally
- Test content:
- Fingerspelling of Alphabet A - Z
- Number signing from 0-100
- Colors
- Introduction of self
- Wh-Word questions beginning and ending a conversation
- Understanding of deaf profiles and cultures
- Identify family members or people
- Spatial agreement-orienting signing
- Transportation
- Chores, errands, and activities
- Place of residence
- Basic use of ASL grammatical sentences
Academic and College Counseling
Counselors are available on a rotating basis during the summer. Please email askcounseling@jserra.org with any questions and the counselor on duty will respond via email within two business days.
Q. Who is my Academic and College Counselor?
A. Your Academic and College Counselor will be assigned based on your last name and you will stay with your assigned counselor all four years of high school. You will be able to personally meet your counselor during Freshman Orientation Day. Your counselor is available to assist you with all aspects of your freshman experience. Check-in meetings with your counselor will be scheduled during the first semester of your freshman year.
Q. What do I do if I need to speak to a counselor before August?
A. There are small group Question and Answer sessions scheduled throughout April and June 7. Please register for the Q&A session through your Applicant Portal as capacity is limited to 60 families. If you have any questions or concerns, please email askcounseling@jserra.org and the counselor on duty will respond to your questions within two business days.
Q. Once school starts and I need to see my counselor, what do I do?
A. Students needing to see their counselor should visit their counselor's office in the Counseling Center. If their counselor is occupied, the student can sign-up for an appointment using the clipboard outside of their counselor's office and they will call you in as soon as possible.
Course Selection (incoming freshmen only))
Welcome Class of 2026!
There are seven periods in the school day. The required freshman classes include:
- Theology
- English
- Mathematics
- Science
- World Language
- First Year Seminar / Health (Summer School option)
- Social Studies or elective (one year of Social Studies is required either freshman or sophomore year)
All families are required to attend or view the Counseling Department Course Selection Webinar on March 30 at 5:30 p.m. Registration is required.
Families unable to attend the webinar will need the view the webinar available on the Admitted Student website after April 5. There is no advantage to completing your course selection early, as class scheduling will not begin until after the course selection period has closed on June 7th.
The online Class of 2026 Incoming Freshman Course Selection Form will be available beginning April 5, and will close on June 7th at 5:00 p.m. Should you need assistance with course selection, the Counseling Department is offering small group Question and Answer sessions in April. Please register on your Applicant Portal for a Q&A session if you have any questions, as capacity will be limited to 60 families. An additional session will be held on June 7 at 3:00 p.m.
- April 5 - 3:30 p.m.
- April 7 - 3:30 p.m.
- April 11 - 3:30 p.m.
- April 25 - 3:30 p.m.
- April 28 - 3:30 p.m.
If you need to make a change to your original completed course selection form, please submit the Class of 2026 2022-2023 Course Change Request Form by June 7 at 5:00 p.m.
Magnet Programs
Q. What is a magnet program?
A. Magnet programs are designed to prepare students for curriculum in college specific to their discipline and introduce them to potential future careers in their field. An additional fee is required for participation in a magnet program.
Q. I have applied for a magnet program. When will I be notified of a magnet program decision?
A. Magnet placement decisions are communicated by the Magnet Directors and Mr. Pat Reidy for the Humanities Program.
Q. How do I apply for a magnet program?
A. Applications for the magnet programs are available here.
Q. Can I apply for a magnet program after freshman year?
A. Magnet Programs will accept sophomore transfers as space allows. For specific information, please contact the applicable Magnet Chair.
Q. Can I do a sport or be a part of SERP and participate in a magnet program?
A. Yes. Students will need to take First Year Seminar in Summer School prior to 9th grade. Participation in a magnet and either SERP or a sport often requires the student to attend Summer School as part of their course of study.
Summer Assignments
Freshman classes do not require summer assignments except for English 1 Honors, Algebra 2/Trig, and Algebra 2/Trig Honors. Students testing into Algebra 2/Trig, and Algebra 2/Trig Honors will receive email notification of the summer assignment.
Transfer students should check back in June under the Parent Student Den for a page called "Summer Assignments." This page will list every course that requires an assignment to be turned in on the first day of school.
Summer School
We highly recommend that incoming freshmen take advantage of the summer to take two courses designed to help them start their freshman year successfully:
- First-Year Seminar (FYS). This is a required course for all freshmen. The First-Year Seminar course is built to ensure a meaningful transition into high school. Students will learn about JSerra, improve their academic skills, seek out campus resources, and build relationships.
- Health. A requirement for graduation, this course covers a vast array of health-related topics including personal health, family and social health, individual growth and development, etc. Students will gain knowledge in these areas through the use of reading materials, lectures, research papers, and technology integrated instruction. Students receive five credits for this course.
Register here for summer First-Year Seminar or First-Year Seminar and Health.