Incoming Freshmen

Welcome to Penn High School!

3 Penn female students standing arm and arm. Discover what it Means to be a Kingsmen. Find your passion. Find your people. Find your place.

Your journey to becoming a Penn High School Kingsmen starts here!

The transition from middle school to high school is an exciting milestone! Penn High School is committed to helping incoming Freshmen and their families feel informed, confident, and prepared for a successful start to 9th grade.

Throughout the school year, Penn hosts a variety of Freshmen orientation events, open houses, and informational sessions, including Penn High School Showcase,

to introduce 8th grade students and their families to high school academics, course scheduling, graduation requirements, extracurricular opportunities, and life at Penn.

8th Grade Visits to Penn High School

Before selecting their Freshmen year courses, 8th grade students from Penn-Harris-Madison’s three middle schools (Discovery, Grissom, and Schmucker) visit Penn High School during the school day.

These visits give future Kingsmen an opportunity to explore their new school, learn about academic expectations, and begin planning their high school experience.

During their visits, students:

  • Tour Penn High School to become familiar with the building and campus.
  • Explore diploma seals and graduation options to understand the requirements for earning a high school diploma.
  • Learn about Freshmen course selection and how to choose classes that align with their interests and future goals.
  • Discover extracurricular opportunities, including athletics, clubs, fine arts, and student organizations.
  • Ask questions about the transition to high school and what to expect as a Penn Freshman.

If an in district family has a student attending another middle school and is interested in Penn High School, they can attend the annual Penn Showcase, held every year in late November/early December, or contact the Counseling Office to arrange a tour.

Penn High School Showcase: Explore All That Penn Has to Offer!

Penn Showcase gives incoming Freshmen and their families an opportunity to experience the wide range of academic programs, extracurricular activities, and educational opportunities available at Penn.

This event helps 8th grade students begin envisioning their high school experience, explore their interests, and discover the many ways to get involved as a Penn Kingsman.

The Showcase is also an opportunity for parents and students to learn more about Penn’s academic offerings and ask questions as they prepare for the transition to high school.

Learn More About the Penn High School Showcase.

Freshmen Course Scheduling & Parent Information Sessions

Penn High School has provided these resources to help students and families review course options, understand graduation requirements, and prepare for 9th grade course selection.

To assist you with scheduling, watch this video of Penn staff explaining the Graduation Pathways.

New Indiana High School Graduation Requirements

Beginning with the Class of 2029, Indiana has new high school graduation requirements designed to help students personalize their education and prepare for success after graduation.

The Indiana Department of Education’s (IDOE) new diploma requirements give students greater flexibility to select courses and educational experiences aligned with their individual interests, strengths, and future goals.

Students have opportunities to earn Readiness Seals that demonstrate additional preparation in their chosen pathway.

As incoming Freshmen begin selecting their courses at Penn High School, understanding these new graduation requirements will help students and families make informed decisions about their four-year academic plans.

Learn More About Indiana’s New High School Diploma Requirements.