Palmerton Area High School is proposing several additions to its program of studies for the next academic year, expanding course offerings in business, mathematics, music, and technology.

The changes were presented at Tuesday’s board workshop, where administrators outlined the district’s efforts to enhance academic opportunities for students.

“This is something that starts very early, as soon as we get back to school,” Principal Paula Husar said. “It goes all the way through the holiday break. There’s a lot of work that goes into it.”

Among the proposed course additions is AP Computer Science, which will be taught by Alex Knoll.

“He will be getting trained and certified through the state to teach AP Computer Science,” Husar said.

This course brings the district’s total Advanced Placement offerings to seven.

“That’s impressive for a district this size to have seven AP courses,” she added.

Another new offering is Web Design, a course that will focus on the planning, design, and development of websites. The district is also exploring opportunities for job shadowing within local businesses.

“We feel like that’s been very successful,” Husar said.

In the mathematics department, Algebra I will undergo changes. Currently a full-year course, it will be restructured as a semester-long course for academic and college-bound students, while remaining a full-year course for essential-level students.

“We found that with a full year of math, students were taking fewer math courses throughout high school, and we want them to take more,” Husar said.

To complement this change, she added, the district is adding a new course titled Everyday Mathematics. This course will focus on real-world applications of math, particularly in finance.

“We felt like if we were going to make kids take math for their entire high school career, we needed to add another course,” Husar said.

The district is also expanding its music program with the addition of a guitar course. “This is our second new elective in two years,” she noted, referencing the previously added music theory and concert band courses.

Additional changes to graduation requirements are also on the horizon. Beginning with the class of 2027, students will be required to take at least one math course each year.

“This will help students stay engaged with math throughout high school and better prepare them for college,” Husar said.

Palmerton’s board will vote on the program of studies at an upcoming meeting.