• Infinite Campus
  • School Menus
  • Directory
  • News
  • District Home
    • Administration
    • Academic Information
    • Bell Schedule
    • New Ames High School
    • Staff Directory
    • Student Health
    • Student Services
    • AHS Activities
    • Parent and Student Handbook
    • Parent News
    • Student Driving and Parking
    • Transportation
    • Ames High Fact Sheet
    • Daily Announcements
    • Library
    • School Safety, Alerts, and Weather Procedures
    • Silver Cord Program
    • Transcript Request
    • Ames High School
    • Ames Middle School
    • Edwards Elementary
    • Fellows Elementary
    • Meeker Elementary
    • Mitchell Elementary
    • Sawyer Elementary
    • Northwood Preschool
1801 Ridgewood Ave.
Ames, Iowa 50010
515-817-0600
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
Back to district website
Our School
  • Administration
  • Academic Information
    • Graduation Requirements
  • Bell Schedule
  • New Ames High School
  • Staff Directory
  • Student Health
  • Student Services
    • Course Planning
    • School Guidance Counselors
    • Student and Family Advocate

  1. Home
  2. Our School
  3. Academic Information

Academic Information

Ames High School is well known in Iowa and the nation. It is fully accredited by the Iowa Department of Education.

The school is on a semi-block schedule with students attending each class for over 3.5 hours per week. Students are encouraged to take five or six academic classes per semester, with physical education being required. Instrumental and vocal music programs meet during the school day and are compatible with a student’s curriculum choices.

Grade Point Computation

Grade point average is based on cumulative grade point averages for grades 9-12. Marks for all subjects where a letter grade is given are used in computing the cumulative GPA each semester. There is no “weighting” of grades.

The following grading scale is used:

  • A = 4 quality points
  • B = 3 quality points
  • C = 2 quality points
  • D = 1 quality point
  • F = 0 quality points

4.0 is the highest achievable GPA. Ames High is recognized as an academically competitive environment with many high achieving students. Our data indicates approximately 10% of Ames High students score in the top 1% on the ITED and PLAN, and nearly 40% of our students score in the top 10% on these same standardized exams. Of the 387 students in the class of 2022, 14 were named national merit finalist, semifinalist, or commended scholar. Therefore, Ames High School does not determine class rank. If additional information is needed about a student’s high school record while still a student, contact your Guidance Counselor. If you have graduated, contact the Ames High Registrar.

Advanced Placement and Honors Courses

Advanced Placement courses are offered in Calculus AB, Physics, Chemistry, U.S. History, European History, U.S. Government, Biology, Literature/Composition, Language/ Composition and Psychology.

Honors courses are in World Studies. An Extended Learning Program is available for talented and gifted students. ELP offers differentiation opportunities that enhance the learning of all students.

Last year students took a total of 70 classes at Iowa State University and another 649 through dual enrollment classes at Ames High School online and the Story County Consortium Career Academy.

Academic Departments

Alternative Learning Program (ALP)

Ames High School’s Alternative Learning Program assists students whose academic performance is not consistent with measured abilities in content areas with instructional support, counseling, guided independent study courses and other academic credit opportunities.

At Ames High School, ALP provides several program options designed to meet the educational needs of students. Through the use of a variety of learning strategies, designed to accommodate individual needs, an academic program equivalent to that provided by the regular curriculum is available. A Personal Education Plan (PEP) is developed to accommodate each students’ individualized needs. The criteria used for students referred to ALP includes, but is not limited to:

  • excessive absences
  • low grades
  • repeated disciplinary referrals

Students meeting two of the above criteria will receive appropriate services as designated by their PEP; which may include progress monitoring, academic support, or counseling. Interested students should contact their counselor for information on how this program can assist them.

View AHS ALP Google Site

Subjects Include:

  • Algebra 1
  • Algebra 2
  • Credit Recovery
  • English 9
  • English 10
  • English 11
  • English 12
  • Geometry
  • Government
  • Independent Studies
  • Sheltered Algebra 1
  • Social-Emotional Learning
  • US History
  • World Studies
Art Education

Art education guides students as they investigate and develop an increasing visual awareness and sensitivity to surroundings, cultural and historical heritages, memory, and imagination. Teachers help them express ideas creatively, fostering reflective thinking, and developing disciplined skills to create artworks involving multiple possibilities.

Course Grade
Foundations 2-Dimensional Art 9-12
Foundations 3-Dimensional Art 9-12
Advanced 3-Dimensional Art 9-12
Drawing 1 9-12
Drawing 2, 3, 4 10-12
Painting 1 9-12
Painting 2 ,3, 4 10-12
Graphic Design 1 9-12
Graphic Design 2, 3, 4 10-12
Printmaking 1 9-12
Printmaking 2, 3, 4 10-12
Ceramics 1 9-12
Ceramics 2, 3, 4 10-12
Jewelry 1 9-12
Jewelry 2, 3, 4 10-12
Photography 1 9-10
Photography 2, 3, 4 10-12
4th Dimensional Multi-Media 1 9-12
4th Dimensional Multi-Media 2, 3, 4 10-12

*denotes year long courses; all others are a semester course

Career and Technical Education

Engaging students to develop essential agricultural, business and financial concepts and skills for citizenship, career, and lifelong learning, as well as, technical and essential skills through rigorous classroom and laboratory experiences to meet the demands of post-secondary education and the competitive workforce.

BUSINESS EDUCATION

Course Grade
*Accounting 10-12
*Entrepreneurship 10-12
Intro to Business 9-10
Personal Finance 10-12
Marketing and Selling 9-12
Business Engagement Collaborative 11-12
Microsoft Certification 9-12

HUMAN SERVICES

Course Grade
Intro to Child Development 9-12
Child Development 10-12
Intro to Human Services 9-12
Child Health Safety and Nutrition 9-12
Early Childhood Education 10-12

AGRICULTURE

Course Grade
Introduction to Agriscience  9-12
Intro to Ag, Food, & Natural Resources  9-12
Nature Resources  9-12
Animal Sciences 10-12
Advanced Animal Science 11-12
Plant Science 10-12
Advanced Plant Science 11-12
Agricultural Business Foundation 11-12
Food, Science & Safety 9-12

INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY

Course Grade
Machine Safety & Operation 9-12
*Project Design & Construction 1 10-12
*Project Design & Construction 2 11-12
Computer Drafting & Design I 9-12
Computer Drafting & Design II 10-12
*Architectural CADD 11-12
Multiple Occupation 12
Computer Applications & Entrepreneurialism 9-12

*denotes year long courses; all others are a semester course

Extended Learning Program (ELP)

The extended learning program (ELP) provides curriculum for talented and gifted students as an integral part of the K-12 experience that is differentiated in process, pace, depth, organization, and expected outcomes.

Ames High School ELP “serves students who require instruction and educational services commensurate with their abilities and beyond those provided by the regular school program.” (Iowa Code 257.44).

Students in the AHS ELP program demonstrate achievement or potential ability in the following areas:

  • general intellectual ability
  • creative thinking
  • leadership ability
  • visual and performing arts ability
  • specific ability aptitude

Opportunities for ELP students at AHS include:

  • Freshman Seminar
  • Sophomore Study Center
  • Independent Study
  • Mentorships and Internships
  • Acceleration
  • Post-Secondary Enrollment Options

Extended Learning Program Forms

ISU PSEO – First Time Form

ISU PSEO Form

Mentorship Form

Independent Study Form

English Learners (EL)

Direct services are provided for English Learners (EL) to support academic achievement and English language development. Read more about district EL services.

Course Grade
Newcomers 9-12
Beginners 9-12
Intermediate 9-12
English Language Development 9-12
Sheltered U.S. History 9-12
Sheltered World Studies 9-12
Sheltered Algebra 1 9-12
Language Arts

Language Arts engages students in the study of the arts of language through a combination of reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Throughout high school students take a combination of competition and literature courses.

Course Grade
*English 9 9
American Lit: Columbus – Present 10
Basic Composition 10
Creative Writing 10
Mythology, Fantasy, Folklore 10
Drama 9-12
Introduction to Journalism 10-12
Independent Lit. Survey 10-12
Speech I 10-12
Activism & Social Justice 11-12
Advanced Creative Writing 11-12
Composition I 11-12
Composition II 11-12
Horror Literature 11-12
Multimedia Composition 11-12
Resist. Movements in Am. History 11-12
Science-Fiction Literature 11-12
Shakespeare 11-12
World Literature 11-12
*AP Language & Composition 11-12
Advanced Journalism 11-12
*AP Literature & Composition 11-12
*SPIRIT (Yearbook) 11-12

 *denotes year long courses; all others are a semester course

Mathematics

The Math Department helps students learn and understand mathematical concepts and skills through hands-on activities and applicable learning.

Course Grade
*Algebra I 9
*Geometry 9-12
*Financial Algebra 11-12
*Algebra ll 11-12
*Advanced Algebra II 11-12
*Pre-Calculus 11-12
Statistics 11-12
*AP Calculus AB 12
Computer Science 10-12

*denotes year long courses; all others are a semester course

Music

General, vocal, and instrumental music provide experiences that are meaningful, enjoyable, and enhance all learning. Participation in the music program develops habits of the mind, including creative thinking, critical thinking, and self-regulation.

Course Grade
*Freshmen Choir 9
*Concert Choir 10-12
*Concert Chorale 11-12
*Freshman Band 9
*Concert Band 10-12
*Freshman Orchestra 9
*Orchestra 9-12

*denotes year long courses; all others are a semester course

Physical Education/Health

Through physical and health education, we believe physical, mental and emotional health are interconnected. It is important to find movement activities that you enjoy. We each have different abilities, and everyone can find enjoyment as they continue to practice for skill development and personal wellness.

Students must provide their own athletic clothing for P.E.

Course Grade
Move PE 9-12
Weights 1 9-12
Weights 2 9-12

Pass/Fail Grading

Iowa Law requires students to take Physical Education each semester in order to graduate. Unexcused Absences or failing to dress for class will result in a failing grade until the student completes P.E. make-up.

Mandatory CPR Instruction

Iowa Law requires students to take Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation in P.E. class in order to graduate.  Ames High School classes require students to meet the American Red Cross standards.

Science

We engage students in an understanding of science as inquiry, using technology and mathematics to improve investigations and communications using logic and evidence to recognize and analyze alternative explanations and models that will serve them for a lifetime of learning.

Course Grade
*Earth Science 9
*Pre AP Science 9-10
*Biology 10-12
*AP Biology 10-12
Physics/Adv. Physics 11-12
*AP Physics B 11-12
Chemistry/Adv. Chemistry 11-12
*AP Chemistry 11-12
*Health Concepts of Biology 10-12
Health 10 10
Adv. Environmental Science 11-12

*denotes year long courses; all others are a semester course

Social Studies

Our Social Studies Department engages students with historical awareness and cultural perspectives and as a result, students will be able to find their place in the traditions of history.

Course Grade
*World Studies 9
*Honors World Studies 9
*U.S. History 10
*AP U.S. History 10-12
United States Government 12
AP U.S. Government 12
Western Civilization 1 10-12
Western Civilization 2 10-12
*AP European History 10-12
World Issues 11-12
Non-Western World  11-12
Economics  11-12
Sociology  11-12

*denotes year long courses; all others are a semester course

Special Education

A continuum of special education services are provided in general education and special education classrooms. Services for entitled students are determined by the needs of the individual students and provided in the least restrictive environment.

District Special Education Information

Subject include:

  • Essential Literacy
  • Essential Math
  • Essential Science
  • Essential Social Skills
  • Essential Social Studies
  • Literacy Lab
  • Math Lab
World Languages

World languages not only serves as another way of communicating, but also as a means for students to better prepare themselves to participate as productive global citizens.

Course Grade
*French I 9-12
*French II, III, IV 10-12
*German I 9-12
*German II, III, IV 10-12
*Spanish I 9-12
*Spanish II, III, IV 10-12

 *denotes year long courses; all others are a semester course

Our School
  • Administration
  • Academic Information
    • Graduation Requirements
  • Bell Schedule
  • New Ames High School
  • Staff Directory
  • Student Health
  • Student Services
    • Course Planning
    • School Guidance Counselors
    • Student and Family Advocate

1,448

students attend Ames High

Ames High School

Visit Us

1801 Ridgewood Ave.
Ames, Iowa 50010

Get In Touch

Phone: 515-817-0600
Fax: 515-817-0627

Follow Us

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram

Website by Juicebox

Back to district website
Back to top