Class of 2030
Life at SHS
Welcome to Somerville High School! SHS offers students a wide range of academic, arts, world language, athletics, and career-focused opportunities designed to help them discover their passions and prepare for the future. With challenging coursework, dedicated support services, vibrant extracurricular programs, and nationally recognized Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways, SHS empowers every student to build a meaningful and successful high school experience.
Academic Quick Links
8th Grade Transition to High School
As rising 8th grade students prepare to enter high school, they are beginning an exciting new chapter in their academic journey. This is their first opportunity to actively shape their high school experience by selecting courses that reflect their interests, strengths, and future goals. Thoughtful course selection helps students build a strong foundation for success in high school, college, and career pathways.
Each year, SHS holds various events for incoming students, including High School Course Scheduling Info Night for students and families. The event helps new students understand the best approach to designing a successful four-year high school experience.
For complete details on available courses, view the SHS Program of Studies.
Core Classes
All 9th graders take the same core classes, but some have different levels to choose with help from teachers and counselors:
- English (Honors or College Prep)
- Biology (Honors or College Prep)
- World History (with Honors option)
- Math (usually Algebra 1 or Geometry—the math teacher will help decide the best fit)
Students may also be able to take both Algebra and Geometry in some cases after talking with the math teacher.]
World Language Options
The Spanish teacher will recommend the best placement for you in Spanish (1, 2, 3, or sometimes 4). Students can also choose to start a new language:
- French 1
- Italian 1
- Portuguese 1
Students who already speak Spanish, French, Italian, or Portuguese at home may take a placement test to find the right class level for you.
Arts & Music Choices
Explore creativity in high school! Ninth graders can choose from classes like:
- Ceramics
- Drawing and Design
- Cartooning and Animation
- Digital Art
- Photography
- Fashion Art
Students can also join music classes like Band, Chorus, or Orchestra. Participants in All City Middle School Ensembles may be able to join Honors-level ensembles with teacher approval. Some advanced music classes require prior experience or auditions (like Jazz Band).
Physical Education & Health
All students take at least one PE or Health class each year to support physical and mental wellness.
Career Exploration (CTE Exploratory)
For those interested in the school’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, students rotate through different CTE offerings throughout the year. Explore different careers before deciding to apply to a CTE program in 10th grade. It’s all about trying things out without making a long-term commitment!
Important Support for Students
Students, families, teachers, and counselors work together at each K–8 school to select courses for high school. Students with an IEP will participate in a transition meeting to help plan classes and ongoing support for high school. For English learners, students meet with counselors and teachers at the end of 8th grade to decide the best class placement in high school. Rising 8th Grade Student Course Selection Worksheet
Counselors then enter course requests into the Aspen X2 system. All requests must be submitted by March 2, 2026, at 3:00 PM. From March 2 through April 3, counselors finalize student schedules for the start of high school. In August, students and families can view their finalized high school schedules in Aspen X2.
Getting to School
Bus lines frequently used by SHS students
Upcoming Events for Incoming Freshmen
Upcoming Event Title
Date and info