For Students who are not in the ESL program

The registrar is the primary contact for new students and their parents during the course selection process. In May, information on course selection and a tentative course list for the coming year is available for new students. The registrar makes these tentative course assignments based on the courses the student has taken in the past, the interests the student has expressed in his or her application, and recommendations from the student’s teachers. These tentative course assignments are not set in stone, and students (or parents) are welcome to be in touch with the registrar to discuss possible changes. While 9th grade course selection is fairly straightforward, new 10th, 11th, and 12th graders have more complex options and a conversation with the registrar to discuss these options is encouraged.. If a student has questions about the tentative course assignments or wants to make a change, the student (or a parent) contacts the registrar. Depending on the nature of the question or proposed change, the registrar may ask the student to be in touch with the director of studies or a department head.

In late August, each new student receives an updated copy of his or her course list and is encouraged to contact the registrar with any questions or concerns. New students and parents also have an opportunity to meet with advisors during registration weekend (immediately preceding the start of classes). Since new students and parents are very busy with non-academic issues during this weekend, however, we encourage them to try to work out most course selection issues prior to arriving at school.

Many courses require placement tests. For students who live nearby, there is an opportunity to take these tests on a Saturday in early June. Students who are unable to take the tests at this point take them during registration weekend.

For Students who are in the ESL program

During the ESL orientation, students take placement tests and then meet jointly with the registrar and the ESL program coordinator to devise a course of studies. Since most course choices for ESL students are dependent upon the results of placement tests, the only course a new ESL student selects before arriving at George School is an arts course.