High School Instruction

High school is essential for shaping a student's future in academics and career paths. It builds the foundation for college readiness and offers opportunities for career exploration, guiding students in making informed decisions about their next steps.

Students can explore their interests while preparing for the future:

• High schools offer core classes as well as a variety of electives.
• Many classes provide students the opportunity to earn college credits while in high school.
• Students have an opportunity to earn an Honors, Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate diploma by taking advanced-level courses that demonstrate the ability to succeed in a rigorous curriculum.
• High schools also offer a wide range of academic clubs and co-curricular activities including music, drama and sports.

In high school, students access required coursework in Math, Language Arts, Social Studies, Science, Health, PE, Fine Arts, and Electives in the pursuit of an Oregon Diploma. Visit our Guide to Graduation to learn more about credit requirements to received a Diploma.

Learn More about Oregon State Standards

Our schools follow the Oregon State Standards for all content areas.

• English Language Art State Standards
• Math State Standards
• Science Standards
• Social Studies Standards
• Health Education Standards

Unless designated as open source, curriculum cannot be posted online due to copyright laws. Please contact your student’s teacher to review and discuss what your student is learning in class.

Our high schools offer a variety of programs to help students prepare for career and college.

• AVID

All of our high schools engage students in their college dreams through Advancement Via Individual Determination programming. Contact your local school for application information. 

• Advanced Placement

McKay, McNary, Sprague, and West high schools offer Advanced Placement (AP) programs, known for rigorous college-level curricula and advanced college credit.

AP courses help students acquire the skills and habits needed to be successful in college. AP courses improve writing skills, sharpen problem-solving abilities and develop time management skills, discipline and study habits.

• Career Technical Education (CTE)

As part of Oregon’s second-largest school district, Salem-Keizer CTE exists to help students graduate career ready. Through career and technical education, professional skills development, and rigorous coursework, students are prepared for postsecondary success. In partnership with parents, business leaders, and the community, Salem-Keizer CTE challenges all students to explore their potential, experience purposeful education, and excel in the world beyond the classroom.

• College Dual Credit

All of our High Schools offer the opportunity to earn college credit while completing high school coursework. Connect with your high school to learn more about offerings.

• International Baccalaureate

  North and South Salem High Schools are International Baccalaureate World Schools.
  • North Salem High School – Diploma Programme, Career-Related Programme
  • South Salem High School – Diploma Programme

• Music

All of our high schools provide access to Choir, Band, and Orchestra instruction. We are proud of our successful Music Program!

• Spanish Dual Language Immersion Program

Dual language education is an effective approach to develop language proficiency and literacy in multiple languages. Currently McKay, McNary, North Salem and West Salem high schools host the dual language program. For more, visit the Dual Language page.

• Visual and Performing Arts

All of our high schools provide access to visual and performing arts education. Contact your local school for more information on course offerings.

Our college and career center professionals and volunteers are eager to help students plan and prepare for college and career opportunities.

College & Career Centers Services

• College admission process
• Career exploration
• Scholarship resources and support
• College visit resources and support
• Funding higher education and financial aid
• Military enlistment
• Gap year and foreign exchange experiences
• Apprenticeship, internship and work experiences
• Resume, interview skills and work readiness
• Mentorship through ASPIRE

Visit Your School’s College & Career Center

• Early College High School
• McKay High School
• McNary High School College
• North Salem High School
• South Salem High School
• Sprague High School
• West Salem High School
• EDGE students should use their resident school page.