Option II allows students to obtain credit for learning experiences outside of the traditional classroom environment that meet or exceed the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards and are based on student interest or career goals. Students may apply for HVCHS credit and/or advancement of a course level through distance learning, college coursework or other coursework taken outside of HVCHS. All students who wish to pursue Option II credits must receive prior approval via the application process. The Option II application can be found here.

Please keep these important points in mind when considering an Option II course:

• All courses completed via option II will receive a grade of pass or fail on the student's HVCHS transcript.

• Courses must be pre-approved. Click here to access preapproved courses.

• Courses must be from an accredited institution.

• Courses must meet NJ Student Learning Standards. Students must show minimum proficiency (by earning a grade of 60% or higher) and may also be required to pass an HVCHS exam to earn HVCHS credit.

• A final assessment prepared by HVCHS will be required if the student has applied to take a course via Option II with the expectation of advancing a course level upon return to the regular HVCHS curriculum. The department supervisor will use the assessment to inform his/her decision about whether or not the student has been properly prepared to succeed in the next level of the HVCHS curriculum.

• Students may not take consecutive courses in a sequence and/or subject area.

• Beginning with the class of 2029, students may only earn credit for one course per sequence and/or subject area throughout their entire high school career.

• Option II courses must meet equivalent hours of instruction to HVCHS courses. A full year course equivalent (5 credits) must be a minimum of 120 hours of instruction. A half year course equivalent (2.5 credits) must be a minimum of 60 hours of instruction. Students cannot test out of the hours requirement nor can they finish early or late.

Additionally, please see subject area-specific requirements below:

• Science courses intended to fulfill a graduation requirement must include a regularly scheduled laboratory component, as outlined in the Program of Studies.

• Language Arts courses must include a regularly scheduled writing component.

• All Option II world language classes must have a speaking component built into the course. If a student is seeking credit for languages not offered at HVCHS, he/she will not take a HVCHS final exam.  Please see the Program of Studies for more information.

• All Option II Wellness applications (which are open to seniors only) must include an approved fitness location, 150 minutes of physical activity a week, and an approved coach or instructor who monitors the student’s progress.

Important points to consider before requesting to take an Option II course:

• Successful completion of an Option II course does not guarantee earning credit for the HVCHS course. For some courses, students must also pass the HVCHS assessment in the equivalent course.

• Successful completion of an Option II course does not guarantee placement in a HVCHS course. In order to sit for any necessary HVCHS assessments, earn appropriate credits, complete graduation requirements and make needed schedule changes, students should complete summer option II courses by August 15th, fall courses by January 15th and spring courses by May 16th.

• Extensions for Option II coursework will not be granted; all coursework must be completed by the posted deadline.

• Students may apply to take Option II courses in accordance with the prerequisites outlined in the program of studies.

• Option II course work cannot begin until a student has successfully completed 8th grade.

• Option II courses cannot be retaken.

• NCAA eligibility rules have changed with regards to software based credit recovery, virtual, online, independent study and correspondence courses. It is the student’s responsibility to review NCAA eligibility. More information can be found on their website.

• Please note if you are taking a course for enrichment and are not seeking high school credit for an out of district learning experience, an Option II form is not necessary.

Option II Process

1. Complete the online Option II application form by May 16th for summer work and/or the fall semester. Late applications will not be accepted. 

2. The Option II Committee will approve or reject the application. An email notification will be sent to the parent/guardian and the student. 

3. For Option II courses requiring successful completion of a district assessment, students must take the final exam specified on the designated testing date as specified on the approval form.  Students should arrive at the test site at the specified time/date with two No. 2 pencils and a valid photo identification. For summer option II courses, make-up exams, which will only be offered under extenuating circumstances, may be offered after the start of the school year which could impact student course scheduling. 

4. Upon receipt of an official transcript and successful completion of the HVCHS final exam, the transcript will be updated and, if necessary, the student’s schedule is adjusted; only if space permits.

Reasons for Requesting an Option II Course:

• To fulfill a specific graduation requirement

• To be eligible to take a specific course in September (you must include the name of the course on your application)

• To accommodate an irreconcilable conflict in your schedule

• To explore an area of interest not offered through HVCHS curriculum for credit

If you have any further questions regarding the Option II process, please contact your/your child’s school counselor.