HS Course Catalog
TRINITY CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
COURSE CATALOG
2025-2026
TRINITY CATHOLIC GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS:
Students must pass the following courses to successfully graduate from Trinity Catholic:4 units of English
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4 units of Religion*
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3 units of Mathematics
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3 units of Science
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3 units of Social Sciences
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1 unit of Foreign Language
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1 unit of Fine Arts
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1 unit of Physical Education
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.5 unit of Personal Finance
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.5 unit of Speech
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.5 unit of Advanced Computers
*Students are required to take Religion every semester they attend Trinity Catholic. Number of credits must equal the number of semesters enrolled at Trinity Catholic.
NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY REQUIREMENTS:
Students must:
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have attended Trinity Catholic for at least one academic semester
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have attended an accredited high school for one academic year must have completed five high school semesters with a GPA of 3.5
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must be current on service hours
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must have taken or currently enrolled in the following courses
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2 mathematics
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2 science
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1 foreign language
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1 social sciences
KANSAS BOARD OF REGENTS:
To be considered as the valedictorian or salutatorian of a class, a student must first complete the Kansas Board of Regents.
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English - 4 years
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Mathematics - 4 years: Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, and one unit of advanced mathematics (Trigonometry/Pre-Calculus or College Algebra)
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Science - 3 years: Biology, Chemistry, and Physics
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Social Studies - 3 years: World History, American History, and Government
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Foreign Language - 2 years
GPA/Grading Scale
English Language Arts/Communication:
English I: English I is a survey of high school English expectations, with an introduction to longer-form essay writing and increasingly more advanced literature including Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Students read and analyze a variety of American and British novels, short stories, and drama. The course places an emphasis on developing students’ skills in written organization and critical thinking.
English II: English II continues to develop the reading and writing skills from English I, with a particular emphasis on speaking, listening, and, in conjunction with Speech class, persuasive appeals. Students are introduced to The Odyssey and Julius Caesar to parallel their study of Ancient Greece and Rome in their World History course, as well as American literature including To Kill a Mockingbird. The course also focuses on analyzing short-form literature including short stories and poetry and includes an introduction to research writing in preparation for the junior project.
English III: English III focuses on ACT preparation through grammar review, practice tests, and daily warm-ups. An analysis of The Scarlet Letter, “The Crucible”, and Lord of the Flies is done through reading, in-depth questions, and essay writing. This course also focuses on research writing skills needed to complete the junior project which is a project completed in conjunction with the American history class.
English IV: Students will further develop their English language arts skills of reading, writing, and grammar usage in preparation for college and/or a career.
Speech: Students will deepen their communication skills with a particular focus on public speaking. With the aid of a textbook, students will study listening skills, group discussion strategies, effective organizational structures, and persuasive techniques. Coursework will include impromptu speaking, socratic seminars, an oral interpretation of a children's storybook, and speeches of introduction, demonstration and persuasion.
Fine Arts:
Art I: High School Art 1 is a course that provides an introduction to art through a multimedia experience. Students will learn and apply the elements and principles of design to produce creative art projects that reflect their understanding of these concepts.
Advanced Art: In Advanced Art students will expand on what they learned in art 1 as well as utilize the methods of art that show depth and distance. They will study many aspects of portraiture, analyzing the master’s works and using these concepts in their own work.
Band - (9th-12th grades): High school band is a performance class open to any high school student. The band performs at school concerts, as part of the pep band and at different contests. Students will perform different styles of music including marches, overtures, and pop-style music.
Choir - (9th-12th grades): Students will recognize and review various music terms and demonstrate proper singing technique. Students will sing to the glory of God and reach out to others by sharing the love of Jesus Christ through song.
Drama - (9th-12th grades): Students will learn the basics of acting through improvisation, voice, and body movement. Students will learn tech theater elements such as set design , lighting, costumes and stage makeup.
Other Requirements:
Advanced Computers: Advanced Computers is a continuation of Computer Applications. Students will explore computer skills and applications needed on a personal, school/college, and career level. Microsoft Office components Excel and PowerPoint are introduced to the students during this course. A unit on computer crimes is also covered in this class.
Personal Finance - (11th/12th grade): As a junior or senior, students will be required to take a semester of Personal Finance per Kansas State Board of Education Guidelines. This course will be offered in the fall and the spring to accommodate students’ schedules. Personal Finance is a course designed to help students understand the impact of individual choices on occupational goals and future earnings potential. Real world topics covered will include income, money management, spending and credit, as well as saving and investing. Students will simulate use of checking and saving accounts, demonstrate knowledge of finance, debt, and credit management. This course will provide a foundational understanding for making informed personal financial decisions.
Spanish I: In this course, students will first begin to develop listening and speaking skills, then read and write what they can say. Spanish 1 teaches students to greet people, describe family and friends, and talk about hobbies. Each lesson presents vocabulary, grammar and culture in context. Instruction in language structure and grammar includes the uses of present-tense verb forms, adjective agreement, and reflexive verbs.
Foreign Language:
Spanish II: Students must have completed and passed Spanish I. Students will review the material learned in Spanish I and build on it. Students learn advanced grammar, acquire spoken and written fluency and build their Spanish vocabulary constantly. Developing skills toward independent learning is encouraged.
General Electives:
Accounting - (11th-12th grades): A full introduction and practice of the accounting cycle is presented. Basic concepts covered include double-entry accounting and examination of basic financial reports such as the balance sheet, statement of owner's equity and income statement. Emphasis on cash receipts, cash disbursements, accounts receivable and accounts payable. AME Engage, an integrated and interactive online accounting software is used. Intended to be the first accounting course for students who have not taken high school accounting or have no accounting experience.
Beyond Books - (9th - 12th grades): This class focuses on more than just the story or book. As a class, we read the books together and do the research behind the book. We learn about the authors, watch documentaries, learn about the location of the story, and watch the movie with discussion comparing the book and movie. Previously this class studied units on Edgar Allan Poe, The Wizard of Oz, fairy tales, A Long Walk to Water, Greek mythology and The Alchemist. Students are only allowed to enroll in this class once throughout high school.
Debate - (9th-12th grades): This course is a single semester, being offered in the fall. Students will learn the skills of research, argumentation and public speaking so they can compete in debate competitions. This class is for self-motivated students who are eager to learn skills that will be beneficial for a lifetime. This course fulfills the Trinity Catholic Speech requirement if taken during the sophomore year.
Forensics - (9th-12th grades): This course is a single semester course, being offered in the spring. Students will prepare for competitive speech contests. This course fulfills the Trinity Catholic Speech requirement if taken during the sophomore year.
History of Rock and Roll: This class covers the history of rock music through the decades: pre-rock era, 1950s, 1960s, and the 1970s. Musical artists from each decade are discussed along with several musical examples which tests are based on. This is a year-long course; no new students are accepted in the 2nd semester.
Individual Learning - (9th - 12th grades): Enrollment in the course, will be based on students’ needs. This class will address organization and study skills.
Lifetime Sports & Fitness - (10th-12th grades): This class is designed to give upperclassmen an alternative physical education class to strength and conditioning. The students participate in lifetime fitness activities and sports. Some activities include horse-shoes, golf, bowling, tennis, volleyball, walking, cycling, football, swimming, softball and disc golf.
Multimedia Exploration - (9th-12th grades): This class will watch and read different types of media and discuss the various elements within this media, such as plot, theme, propaganda, characters, etc. Students will then write papers discussing these different media elements they viewed.
Nutrition and Wellness - (9th-12th grades): Students will learn more about the nutrients, healthy eating, and foods that benefit them personally. Building a greenhouse, growing herbs and vegetables and learning about their health benefits will be integrated in the class. Once a week, students will participate in a healthy fitness activity (stretching, walking, cycling, etc).
Podcast Broadcast: Students will host the podcast each week and will refine public speaking skills and interview skills as well as research new and interesting people to have on the show. They will learn how to produce the podcast including uploading and editing.
Stewards of Catholic Culture: The course is designed for students who wish to develop their relationship with Jesus Christ and bring the good news of Jesus Christ to their school and society. The aim of this course is to assist students in developing their relationship with Jesus by giving them dedicated time during the school day to be with Him in prayer and to improve themselves through focus on growth in virtue. From this encounter, the course will assist students in becoming missionary disciples who will share their faith with their friends and family. The course will include Bible study, peer accountability group sharing, evangelization techniques, dedicated prayer time and practical “share your faith” assignments.
Strength and Conditioning - (10th-12th grade): If students want a strength class during the school hours, this class will focus on all fitness components: strength & power, flexibility, speed, agility, etc. It is a great way to get moving throughout the school day and ready for your practices or competitions. Students will not be allowed to enroll in this class if they enroll in Celtic Hour.
Student Aide - (11th-12th grades): Students will need prior permission from a teacher to be his or her student aide. Teachers will be allowed to have one student aid except for coaches and they will be allowed to have two. Students must be responsible and trustworthy.
Yearbook - (9th-12th grades): Students will learn and apply photography, journalism, and graphic design principles in order to build the school yearbook. The idea of concisely depicting the school year in review is the basic element. Students will produce the yearbook, including theme development, photo planning and selection, layout design, story writing, and caption writing. The yearbook is composed through a computer based yearbook program and submitted for publication online. If students decide to enroll in the yearbook class, they must stay in it all year long.
Celtic Hour Strength & Conditioning: (9th-12th grades): Zero Hour - Strength & Conditioning is a high level Physical Education course, which primarily focuses on the overall physical enhancement and fitness levels through weight training. Students will learn the proper biomechanics of executing a variety of core, auxiliary, Olympic, and explosive lifts plus conditioning/speed exercises. During the course of the year, students will be exposed to a weight training routine which will prepare them to better handle everyday activities as well as excel at athletic endeavors. IT is the goal of the instructor to relay knowledge for students to develop great training habits in this life-long activity. Weight training and conditioning will not only enhance the physical nature of the student, but also provide a healthy outlet for life's everyday stresses. Expectations for this class will be extremely high and physically demanding.
Math:
Algebra I: Students will explore how to use variables and numbers with mathematical symbols to solve problems in the real number system. Topics typically include properties of real numbers, evaluating expressions, writing equations, graphing linear functions, transformations, understanding inequalities, exponents, radicals, and factoring/solving quadratics.
+Algebra II: Students will build off their knowledge of both Algebra I and Geometry. Topics include but not limited to solving/graphing linear equations/inequalities/absolute values, graphing quadratics, polynomials and radical expressions/equations, functions, exponential and logarithmic expressions, matrices, sequences and series, probability and trigonometry. Students enter into the complex number system.
+Sophomore students who are looking to enroll in Geometry and Algebra II simultaneously must get teacher approval prior to enrolling.
Applied Math: Only students with instructor’s permission may enroll in this course. Students will strengthen their skills in Algebra I covering basic math, solving equations, functions, linear equations, parallel and perpendicular lines, exponents, solving quadratics. Then we will also hit major topics in Geometry and Algebra II.
Consumer Math - (12th grade): Students will focus on the mathematics involved in making wise consumer decisions and explore the many ways in which mathematics affects their daily lives. Topics include paychecks and wages, taxes, insurance, budgets, bank accounts, calculating interest on loans/credit cards, sales tax, mortgages, and much more.
Geometry: Students will build off Algebra I and take a comprehensive look at the study of geometric concepts and applications while introducing the study of deductive proofs. Topics include points, lines, planes, angles, parallel lines, triangles, quadrilaterals, polygons, transformations, circles, solid figures, congruence/similarity, basic trigonometry, and proofs.
Trigonometry/Pre-Calculus: This course is designed to help prepare students for college level mathematics and science classes. Students will build on high level linear algebra, quadratics, higher order functions, and logarithms. Students will be introduced to trigonometry and the unit circle and statistics and probability techniques.
Physical Education:
P.E.: This course promotes healthy lifestyles through activity, sport & exercises, develops healthy, positive relationships with others, teaches “health-wellness” concepts; CPR/AED & First Aid for adults, children & infants, and human sexuality unit and health careers.
Religion:
Salvation History - (9th grade/fall semester): This course covers the history and religion of the Old Testament. The student begins with a Catholic understanding of revelation and how to approach the prayerful reading of Scripture. A review of the geography of Palestine and the Holy Land puts the student in the proper historical landscape. The significance of covenants (within the Pentateuch) and the use of biblical types and antitypes is analyzed throughout the entire Old Testament. The growth and development of the Monarchy and its relationship with the Prophets is studied. The history of the Northern and Southern Kingdoms is examined, as well as the impact of the various invading empires on the Israelite people. The meaning and growth of Messianism is developed. Some time is spent on Wisdom Literature and the Psalms. Built into the scripture course are practical applications of the curriculum, which attempt to implement Gospel values into adolescent life.
Prayer and Liturgy - (9th grade/spring semester): This course studies the various forms of prayer, liturgical expression, and sacramental celebration of our Church. It also examines the necessary and essential elements of each. The course is intended to make the student more aware of the variety of pathways to holiness offered in the Church and encourage familiarity with the ways God and individuals communicate with each other through symbols, rituals, and prayer. It also explores the meaning and rich tradition of the Church’s liturgies and the role they play in the spiritual life in the Church as well as that of the individual.
Christian Morality - (10th grade/fall semester: This course presents the student with skills for good moral decision making in the light of Revelation and reason. Morality concerns what we do with our freedom and our sense of responsibility as we respond to God’s call. The student will study the principles of moral law that the Lord left us, and how to apply said principles to present day situations as they grow up and face new challenges. Other present-day moral issues and topics are considered and evaluated in the light of Christ’s teaching.
New Testament - (10th grade/spring semester: This course covers the books within the Canon. The students are given a basic understanding of how the New Testament developed. The life and ministry of Christ is examined within the context of the living faith of the Church that nurtured the New Testament. In connecting the New Testament to the Old Testament, a student is able to see how Jesus Christ, true God and true Man, fulfilled the covenant promises and prophecies given to the Jewish people. A sample of the letters of the New Testament and the Book of Revelation are studied in order to bring out key Christological doctrines.
Church History - (11th grade/fall semester): This course covers the history of Christianity from the life of Christ up to the present day. From St. Peter to Pope Francis, the history of Christianity is presented in an objective manner. It is important for the students to understand the Church’s history, because they are its heirs. To know who we are as Christians, we must know where we came from and have an appreciation for the great men and women of the Church who have gone before us.
Faith and Reason - (11th grade/spring semester): The Apologetics course is a rational, logical, and theological exposé of our Faith. The purpose of the course is to strengthen the individual’s faith by discussing various aspects of Christian and non-Christian beliefs. By following this procedure, it is shown that many of our religious beliefs have a solid foundation in scripture, history, in the world of nature, and in our common everyday experiences. The course also looks at the faith issues that face our daily living in the 21st century.
Christian Vocations - (12th grade/fall semester): The purpose of this course is to examine the various ways in which God calls us to participate in His plan of redemption for the world. Beginning with the universal call to holiness, every Christian is called to the vocation of love. Each particular vocation considered is shown as a unique and valuable way to love God above all, and to love others as Christ loved us.
Catholic Social Teaching - (12th grade/spring semester): This course studies the major pronouncements of the Catholic Church regarding social issues and their practical applications in our contemporary society. The course is intended not only to make the students aware of the social doctrine of the Church but also to help them in a greater appreciation of love and justice for all classes within society as extolled by Jesus Christ.
Science:
Anatomy and Physiology - (11th-12th grade): Students must have completed Biology with a C. Anatomy and Physiology is an upper level science elective studying the form and function of the human body at the cellular, tissue, organ, and system level. The structures and mechanics of the following organ systems are studied: integumentary, musculoskeletal, nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, reproductive, and renal. Applications are made to disease, medical practice, aging, and bioethics. This course does NOT meet the Kansas Board of Regents requirements.
Biology: This course includes a study of living organisms and vital processes. At the same time, the student will learn and implement the principles of scientific inquiry. Themes that will be covered in this course include experimental design, ecology, biochemistry, cellular processes, genetics, evolution, vertebrate zoology, and human body systems. This course meets the Kansas Board of Regents Science requirement.
Chemistry: Students must have completed Physical Science, Biology, and completed or enrolled in Algebra II. Chemistry is the study of the composition of matter and the changes it may undergo. This course is an attempt to acquaint the student with the structure of matter and applications they have for daily life. Topics covered are: the structure of the atom, chemical formulas, equations, stoichiometry, scientific law governing the behavior of solids, liquids, and gasses and concept of bases and acids. This course meets the Kansas Board of Regents Science requirement.
Earth and Space Science And Technology - (11th/12th grades): This class explores the Earth and Space from a systems perspective and the interaction between various processes. Topics covered include: rock types, minerals, natural resources and chemistry, ancient life ecosystems, historical geology, constructive and destructive geological process, Universe formation, atmosphere, weather and climate. Students also explore current technologies that aid in the discovery of our planet, its resources and the universe. Technology topics include: GPS, space telescopes and satellite images, seismographs, and computer simulations. This course does NOT meet the Kansas Board of Regents Science requirement.
Physics - (12th grade): Students must have completed Physical Science & Biology & Chemistry; must have completed Algebra II with a B. Physics is an upper level science involved with the study of metric measurement, speed, velocity, acceleration, forces, Newton’s Laws of Motion, vectors, momentum, energy, heat, temperature, waves, sound, light, mirrors, lenses, static and current electricity. This course meets the Kansas Board of Regents Science requirement.
Physical Science: This is an introductory class for physics, chemistry, and Earth science. Students explore concepts of speed, velocity, acceleration, waves, matter, atoms, periodic table,chemical bond, reactions and vocabulary related to these concepts. The students learn standard ways of measuring physical characteristics in order to understand physics and chemistry. The content is taught by various means including: hands-on activities, simulation, videos and written assessments. This course meets the Kansas Board of Regents Science requirement.
Social Sciences:
World History: This class explores the footsteps of those who have gone before us, as they interacted with others, paving the way for future generations. Students in this class will examine the impact of people, places, accomplishments, and events in the Western World, Asia, and north/eastern Africa from the prehistoric period through the early 21st Century. In addition, the class addresses the impact of the Roman Catholic Church on Western Civilization.
American History: Welcome to the history of the United States! In this class, students will examine the people, events, accomplishments, and challenges we have faced during the journey to be the nation we are today. The course will begin with the age of exploration and colonization and will progress to the 21st Century. Students will also discuss current events, select a topic for the Junior Project, research topic, create a research paper and presentation. Finally, throughout the year, students will examine the impact of the Roman Catholic Church on the history of the United States.
American Government: This class is intended to challenge students to examine those areas which will aid them in becoming thinking, responsible, ethical, and informed citizens of the United States. Students will be required to keep up with current events, the basic overview of the US government structure, the application of the Bill of Rights, and discussion of issues being faced in society. The goal is to help students develop a positive sense of citizenship. In addition, students will be assigned a Mentor classroom at Holy Cross grade school where they will work with the grade school students once a month; they will listen to guest speakers talk about "real world" topics, such as, banking, job interview skills, baking, insurance, and proper etiquette and they will complete the "On Your Own" project.
Online Classes:
Andover eCademy Electives - (9th-12th grades): Trinity Catholic partners with Andover School District to offer students an expanded variety of electives. Andover eCademy is an on-line school program that utilizes Pearson Learning, a leader in on-line curriculum courses.
Hutchinson Community College Classes - (11th and 12th grades): HCC classes are open to juniors and seniors only. Students taking any of these classes will become enrolled students at HCC and will therefore be responsible for any enrollment requirements and fees that may apply. All college courses are dual credit and students will receive the same grade through Trinity as received from HCC.
In-Person College Courses:
College Algebra (Spring semester) - (11th/12th grade): Theory of equations, functions, inverse functions, complex numbers, determinants and matrices. Recommended for students majoring in Pre-Health, Science, Engineering, Architecture, Math, and Business.
College Composition I (Fall semester) - (12th grade):
Essentials of composition. Emphasis is placed on practice in writing expository paragraphs and themes and in using the techniques of research. Selected readings for models and criticism are used.
Course Notes: Students must earn a grade of C or better to sequence to EN102. Based on placement scores, students may be required to enroll in EN100/EN099 instead of EN101.
College Composition II (Spring semester) - (12th grade): Development of critical reading and writing skills, through the exploration of literary texts in thematic units, with additional emphasis on research and persuasive writing.
College Elements of Statistics - (11th/12th grade): Analysis of single variable and bivariable data; probability distribution; normal probability distributions; sampling distributions; statistical inference involving one and two populations; chi-square applications. Recommended for students majoring in Social Science, Allied Health, Public and Protective Services, and Library and Information Science.
College Sociology (Fall semester) - (11th-12th grades): Development and interaction of the individual in society with consideration of the culture, structures, functions of societies, social groups and institutions with emphasis on social interaction and its relation to personality and human action.
College Speech (Spring semester) - (11th-12th grades): Principles and practices of oral communication that will help the student develop skills in communication and acquire an understanding of oral communication as a vital human skill and activity.
Geriatric Aide - CNA - (11th-12th grades): This course is a single semester, being offered in the spring. Fundamental knowledge of the aging process with emphasis on meeting the physical needs requirements of geriatric residents of health care facilities including ethics, communication, normal and aging body system functions, nutrition, diseases, observation skills, documentation, personal care skills and their adequate performance.
Course Notes: Students must pass both theory and clinical portions; meets state requirements for Certified Nurse Aide state exam; 105 clock hours.
Medical Terminology - (11th-12th grades): This course is a single semester, being offered in the spring. Students will learn the elements of medical terms as part of the body systems including the importance of root words and prefixes/suffixes, basic anatomy and physiology, medical abbreviations, and various medical specialties and procedures. Speakers are brought in for various topics and field trips to medical facilities are an option. This is a 3 hour college credit course offered in person through HCC.
Course Notes: The grading scale for this course if different from other courses:
A - 94-100
B - 88-93
C - 82-87
D - 75-81
F - 0-74
On-Campus Courses:
Upon staff approval, seniors will be allowed to enroll in HCC courses on-campus. Students taking any of these classes will become enrolled students at HCC and will therefore be responsible for any enrollment requirements and fees that may apply. All college courses are dual credit and students will receive the same grade through Trinity as received from HCC.
Internships:
Upon staff approval, seniors will be allowed to intern at local businesses to gain career knowledge and experience. The guidance counselor will help coordinate this internship and will periodically check in with the business for student progress.
Vo-tech:
Trinity Catholic partners with Hutchinson Career and Technical Education Academy to provide students with courses and/or certificates in Automotive Collision & Refinishing Technology, Automotive Technology, Construction Technology, Machine & Manufacturing Technology, Welding Technology, and Engineering. Students will need to enroll in the morning classes (7:52 A.M.-10:52 A.M.).