Course Planning
- Plan Your Path
- 4-Year Course Plan
- Pathway Guidebook
- Curriculum Guide
- College & Career Pathway Endorsements
- Transitional English & Math
- Course Request Process
Plan Your Path
Plan Your Path: From Passion to Profession
Build a four-year plan that connects your interests and career goals to courses and experiences that prepare you for life after high school — whether that’s enrollment, enlistment, or employment.
Why a Personal 4-Year Course Plan Matters
Every course you choose shapes your future. A thoughtful four-year plan aligns your interests, goals, and career pathway with classes and experiences that prepare you for life after graduation.
Connect with Your School Counselor and Teachers
Your counselor and teachers are your partners in planning. Meet with them each year, or whenever your goals change, to align your coursework and pathway, review graduation and college admission requirements, and schedule experiences such as dual credit, Advanced Placement (AP), or Transitional English and Math to ensure you are college and career ready by graduation.
4-Year Course Plan
Pathway Guidebook
Our Passion to Profession - Your Pathway to the Future guide empowers students to take charge of their educational journey. By utilizing the results from the Maia Interest Profiler and Personality Assessment, students can identify their strengths and interests and align them with District 211 coursework. This personalized approach helps students create a personal 4-Year Course Plan tailored to their future goals, whether that's enrollment, enlistment or employment. Explore your pathway today and take the first step toward a successful future!
Curriculum Guide
The Curriculum Guide helps students plan a personalized high school course path across the wide range of classes offered in High School District 211. It includes course descriptions, levels, prerequisites, credit values, and graduation requirements, along with information about grading, student services, summer school, and other academic opportunities.
Students are encouraged to plan their courses with the support of parents, counselors, and teachers. Course availability may vary by school and is subject to enrollment.
Visit the main Curriculum Guide page to view the Curriculum Guidebook and explore course options.
College & Career Pathway Endorsements
District 211 students can earn an Illinois State Board of Education–recognized College and Career Pathway Endorsement (CCPE) by completing purposeful coursework and experiences in a specific career area. Each pathway helps students move from Passion to Profession while demonstrating college and career readiness and preparing for enlistment, enrollment, or employment after graduation. Explore the ISBE-approved pathways available in District 211 below, and meet with your counselor or teachers to learn more.
Arts and Communications
Health Sciences and Technology
Education and Training
Finance and Business Services
Manufacturing, Engineering, Technology, and Trades (METT)
Why CCPEs Matter
Earn Early College Credit:
Pathways include dual credit or advanced coursework—saving you time and money toward a college degree.
Gain Real Experience:
Through work experiences and team-based challenges, you’ll apply classroom learning to authentic situations that build confidence and essential employability skills.
Discover Your Passion:
By connecting what they love with what they learn, students can explore career interests early and make informed decisions about their future.
Build Essential Skills:
Students develop communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and technical skills that prepare them for any career path.
Stand Out to Colleges and Employers:
An endorsement highlights a student’s commitment, readiness, and real-world experience. Colleges and employers see evidence of career exploration, early success, and professional growth.
How to Earn a CCPE
Each pathway follows a career-focused sequence of courses and experiences designed to prepare students for college, career, or military service. Students should meet with their school counselor to review specific pathway options and course sequences.
To earn an endorsement, students must complete:
- The Interest Profiler in MaiaLearning and add a career to their plan by sophomore year
- A Personal 4-Year Course Plan and review and update each year
- Two years of pathway coursework, including at least 6 hours of early college credit
- Two Team-Based Challenges and hands-on learning experiences
- 60 hours of an approved Career Development Experience
- Demonstrated college readiness in reading and math by high school graduation
Value of Earning a College and Career Pathway Endorsement
College and Career Pathway Endorsements provide more than recognition—they open doors to real opportunities. Across Illinois, colleges, universities, and industry partners are offering currency, or incentives, to students who complete the endorsement.
Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois
Applicants who have earned or are on track to earn a CCPE are automatically advanced in the selection process for this prestigious teaching scholarship, which provides up to $7,500 per year, mentoring, and job placement support.
Minority Teachers of Illinois Scholarship
CCPE graduates pursuing education degrees are eligible for this scholarship, providing up to $7,500 per year, beginning as early as freshman year of college.
Northern Illinois University (NIU)
- NIU’s College of Education automatically advances students with the Education CCPE as finalists for select scholarships and invites them to join the Educate and Engage program for early classroom experience.
- NIU also invites CCPE graduates to apply for its Research Rookies and University Honors Programs:
- Research Rookies: CCPE students receive priority matching with faculty mentors.
- University Honors Program: A CCPE counts as one of four co-curricular requirements toward full Honors Program distinction.
Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA) + EdSystems Partnership
Students earning a Manufacturing, Engineering, Technology, and Trades (METT) CCPE may qualify for a $500 scholarship, sponsored by IMA and GCAMP, if they plan to continue education or employment in manufacturing, welding, or engineering.
College of Lake County
One-time $500 scholarship for CCPE earners. (College of Lake County)
McHenry County College
CCPE Scholarship — Students who earned a CCPE in certain fields (Manufacturing, Health Sciences, or Education) can receive $1,000. (McHenry County College) - Must be a recent Illinois high school graduate (within ~18 months), plan to enroll full-time at MCC, and pursue a degree/certificate/transfer in the same field as the endorsement.
Transitional English & Math
Ever wondered what “Transitional” Math or English means? You’re not alone! These courses were created to help students confidently step into college-level classes without the stress of placement tests.
Here’s what you need to know:
Not Dual Credit:
These classes don’t count for college credit while you’re in high school.
College Ready Recognition:
When you successfully complete a Transitional Math or English course with a C- or higher, you’ll be officially recognized as college ready at all Illinois community colleges and participating four-year universities.
Skip the Placement Test:
You’ll go straight into credit-bearing college classes—no extra testing required!
Portable Credits:
Your “college-ready” status follows you anywhere in Illinois that participates in the statewide portability agreement.
To learn more about Transitional Math and English, review the information below—they explain how these courses can help you save time, skip placement tests, and start college strong! Meet with your teachers or school counselor to determine which path is best for you!
