• High School electives are typically courses that fall outside of the main core academic subject areas (English, math, history, science and foreign language). These courses are not required, but a student chooses to take them. Electives may reflect a teen’s interests, introduce or improve skills, or be directly related to a future career. Electives do not require as much time or work as a core course, but should include educational content. If a letter grade will be given for the elective, a method of evaluation should be decided prior to the beginning of the course.