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Honors Programs

The honors programs at Port Angeles High School offer students the opportunity to take advanced courses on campus. The goal is to stimulate a desire for excellence in academic work.

Academic Honors

The Academic Honors Program motivates students toward intellectual excellence, participation in rigorous coursework, and high academic achievement through college-preparatory programs tailored to individual interests.

Graduating seniors must meet the following criteria to receive Academic Honors:

  • Earn at least 24 credits with a minimum overall GPA of 3.5.
  • Earn at least 12 of the 24 credits on the PAHS campus, including 12 credits in English, math, science, social studies, and world language (minimum of 2 credits in each area). At least 8 of these credits must be completed during junior and senior year.
  • Meet standards on all sections of the state graduation exam.
  • Meet published entrance requirements for a Washington State public university or 4-year college by May 1 of senior year.

Transfer students must meet the same criteria, with these additions:

  • Maintain a 3.5 GPA prior to and during enrollment at PAHS.
  • Earn at least half of their credits at PAHS.
  • Exceptions may be granted at the principal’s discretion.

Department Honors

Department honors are based on first semester senior year grades. Candidates must maintain performance through second semester. Seniors must submit an application and transcript to the appropriate department chair by the 3rd Friday in February.

Art Honors

  • Submit application by end of first semester senior year.
  • Complete 3.0 credits in art (Drawing and Design, Painting, Survey of Art, Pottery) with a GPA of 3.5 or higher.
  • Create a digital portfolio of at least 10 pieces including a self-portrait, with an artist statement.

Business Honors

  • Earn 4+ credits from Business/Marketing (including Accounting or Marketing Seminar), minimum 3.5 GPA.
  • Work experience credits do not count.
  • Submit application and unofficial transcript by 3rd Friday of February.

Health Science Honors

  • Submit completed application to Skilled & Tech Department Chairperson by 3rd Friday of February.
  • Complete at least 4 credits with a 3.5 GPA, including:
    • Medical Terminology (1 cr)
    • Survey of Health Care Careers (0.5 cr)
    • Emergency Response (0.5 cr)
    • Anatomy & Physiology (1 cr)
    • Health Education (0.5 cr)
    • Sports Medicine 1 (1 cr)
    • Sports Medicine 2 (1 cr)
  • Obtain a recommendation from a Health Science teacher.

Mathematics Honors

  • Complete 4 years of math including UW Calculus (Math 124), ECC Statistics (Math 146), or AP Statistics.
  • Maintain 3.5 GPA in math.
  • At least half of math credits must be Honors, AP, or College in the High School courses.
  • Submit application and transcript by department deadline.

Music Honors

  • Earn 4+ music credits in 4 consecutive years with a GPA of 3.5+.
  • Be in a large ensemble senior year and complete a senior project.
  • Participate in one:
    • Select ensemble (e.g., Jazz Ensemble, Chamber Orchestra)
    • Crossover group (e.g., choir/band)
    • State-level performance selection

NJROTC Honors

  • Maintain 3.0 overall GPA and 3.5 GPA in JROTC.
  • Complete 3 years of JROTC.
  • Achieve rank of Chief Petty Officer or higher.
  • Have no offenses or punishments.

Science Honors

  • Complete at least 4 credits of PAHS science courses with no grade lower than A-.

Skilled & Technical Science Honors

  • Earn 4+ credits from PAHS Skilled & Technical program with combined GPA of 3.3+.
  • Participate in a co-curricular activity with prior teacher approval.
  • Submit application to department chair by the 3rd Friday of February.

Social Studies Honors

  • Complete 3 Social Studies credits on campus with no grade lower than A-.
  • Submit application and transcript to department chair by the 3rd Friday of February.

World Language Honors

  • Complete at least 4 credits in a single world language with no grade lower than A-.