The state of Maryland requires all students to complete 3 credits in science, aligned to NGSS, for high school graduation.  Additionally, all students must meet the graduation requirement relative to a state assessment in science.  Current WCPS students have several ways to meet this requirement:

• Pass any administration of the Biology HSA prior to May, 2017 or
• Take the Biology HSA in May, 2017 (no minimum score required) or
• Take the Maryland Integrated Science Assessment (MISA) if/when assigned in the 2017-18, 18-19, 19-20, or 20-21 school years (no minimum score required)
• Pass MISA in adminstrations after May 2021 

All WCPS high school students in grades 10-12 who have not met the assessment requirement by spring 2020 will take MISA in January or May 2020.  Current Grade 9 students will take MISA at the end of 10th grade.

More information on MISA is available here:  http://marylandpublicschools.org/about/Pages/DAAIT/Assessment/MISA/index.aspx

High School students in Wicomico County have a variety of Science courses from which to choose.  Note that some courses have prerequisites - see the Course Catalog for details.  Also note that all courses may not be available at every school.  Course availability is determined by enrollment requests and availability of space and faculty.

Current Science Course Offerings
Environmental Science
Honors Environmental Science
Biology
Honors Biology
Physical Science
Honors Chemistry
Honors Physics
Advanced Placement Environmental Science
Advanced Placement Biology
Advanced Placement Chemistry
Advanced Placement Physics I
Advanced Placement Physics II
Honors Anatomy and Physiology (1/2 credit)
Honors Astronomy (1/2 credit - only available at Parkside High School)

WCPS Science Staff are currently reviewing the NGSS and proposed changes to Maryland's science assessment. This may result in changes to the above listed courses.

Dual Enrollment

WCPS is pleased to offer students the opportunity to enroll in college science courses as part of our dual enrollment program.  Students who enroll in and successfully complete these courses will earn high school and college credit.  Note that receiving college credits does not guarantee that every college a student may later attend will accept the credits.  Please contact your guidance counselor for more information and pre-enrollment requirements.

The table below indicates WCPS Science courses and their dual enrollment equivalents at local institutions of higher education.  Please note that this is subject to change, consult guidance counselors prior to making enrollment decisions.

 NOTE: The above chart is subject to change, please consult the school guidance office prior to scheduling college courses for dual enrollment.