In RISD, course selection is more than just a schedule—it’s the opportunity to design students’ future. Our district provides a vast selection of specialized paths, allowing every student to build a unique academic identity tailored to their specific passions, post-secondary, and professional goals.
To better match Dallas College’s timeline, we’re shifting course registration earlier for high school students. Future 11th and 12th graders can begin selecting courses on Nov. 9. Incoming 9th and 10th graders will select courses in the spring. This updated schedule gives families an earlier, clearer look at the opportunities available to students in RISD.
Current Lake Highlands Learning Community 5th grade students and 6-9 grade (Districtwide) are gearing up to make important decisions in January/February about what courses they will take for the 2027-28 school year, and will have access to resources to help navigate the process. This updated schedule gives families an earlier, clearer look at the opportunities available to students in RISD.
Throughout the process, your student’s campus counselor will serve as a trusted guide, helping your child choose courses that align with their interests, academic goals and plans for life after high school. Counselors are ready to partner with families to help students make informed decisions that prepare them for future success.
The big picture: Course selection deadlines and requirements vary by grade level, and families are encouraged to explore our Chart Your Course website and your student’s campus website and newsletter.
Please note: Course selection does not constitute enrollment for the 2027–28 school year. Families must complete the separate enrollment process through PowerSchool at RISD Online Enrollment. Visit the website for important deadlines, instructions and required documents.
Key details by grade level
Middle School / Junior High
- Future 6th grade: Students in the Lake Highlands learning community will get to choose regular or advanced core courses and select one elective (band, orchestra, choir & art) to take in middle school.
- Future 7th-8th grades: Choose from expanded electives like CTE introduction courses, AVID, fine arts, world languages & athletics. Future 8th graders can also choose to enroll in high school credit courses.
- Future 9th Graders: This is where their vision becomes a reality. The Personal Graduation Plan that students developed this fall is their custom four-year roadmap—a strategy that transforms their interests into professional expertise. Whether they’re diving into Arts & Humanities, launching a career through our PTECH Academies, mastering high-demand skills in a CTE pathways, or building leadership in JROTC, they aren’t just picking classes—they are choosing their trajectory.
High School
Future 9th-12th grades: Choose regular, advanced, or AP level core courses, and consider options to earn college credit or certifications.
The RISD Advantage: College & Career Ready Why wait for graduation to start an after-high school future? Our students gain a competitive edge through:
- College Credits & Degrees: Earn Associate Degrees and credits via UT Austin and Dallas College.
- Industry Certifications: Graduate with professional credentials in high-demand fields.
- Expert Coaching: Beyond their dedicated School Counselor, every high school has a College & Career Advisor to curate their portfolio and master the college application process.
Find more information at these links: PTECH Academies, CTE pathways, & JROTC
What’s next:
The Course Selection Guidance window opens
- Future 11th and 12th graders on November 9th
- for current 5th (LHLC) and current 6th – 9th in all other Learning Communities on January 11th
Final Call for Courses letters, that will give families one last chance to verify what courses their child wants, will be distributed:
- February 15th for future 9th – 12th graders
- March 5th for future 6th (LHLC) and 7th & 8th graders
Resources:
- Check out your student’s campus website and newsletters for important information and resources about pre-registration dates and resources.
- Our Chart Your Course website has junior high, middle school, & high school course catalogs as well as graduation requirements.
If you have any further questions or need more information please reach out to your student’s counselor.
