High School Science Course Progression and Offerings

The Central Bucks School District high school science program provides students with multiple opportunities to explore the natural world while preparing for college, careers, and informed citizenship. The program offers flexible course pathways that support a range of interests, goals, and postsecondary plans.

High school science courses are aligned to the Pennsylvania STEELS Standards and emphasize scientific reasoning, problem solving, and application of knowledge. Across grades 9–12, students engage with real‑world phenomena, analyze data, develop and use models, and construct evidence‑based explanations across life, physical, earth, and environmental sciences.

The recommended course sequences below represent typical pathways through the high school science program. These pathways support both students pursuing science‑related fields and those seeking a comprehensive science education as part of a well‑rounded high school experience. Additional pathways and elective options are available based on student interests.

Students and families are encouraged to work with their current science teacher and school counselor when selecting courses to ensure appropriate placement and alignment with future plans. Course prerequisites should be reviewed when considering advanced or specialized coursework.

Pictured below are typical pathways through high school science classes, but additional pathways are possible. If you have any questions, your current science teacher or school counselor will be able to answer them for you.

Grade 9–12 Science Recommended Sequence 

Most Rigorous Sequence 

Grade 9	Grade 10	Grade 11	Grade 12
Honors Environmental Science	Biology (Honors or AP)	Chemistry (Honors or AP) and/or Physics (Honors or AP)

Honors and Academic Sequence 

Grade 9	Grade 10	Grade 11	Grade 12
Environmental Science (Honors or Academic)	Biology (Honors, Academic or Practical)	Chemistry (Honors, Academic, or Conceptual) and/or Physics (Honors or Academic)