Our counseling staff discusses four-year high school plans with each student enrolling at Newport Harbor High School. The Smaller Learning Community (SLC) experience begins in the Freshman year with a group of students and teachers who are together for 2 or more periods of the day surrounded with a commitment to academic success. All students will be enrolled in Science, Math, English, PE/Athletics and their elective choice plus the SLC elective course.

The Franklin community SLC elective courses are Communications/Technology, and Technology Applications for Business and Finance. The elective courses are semester-long Computer Lab courses. The two other classes most Freshman students enroll in are foreign language, or culinary arts, or an Art course as their other year-long elective. Counselors will be able to guide students through the scheduling process during registration.

During the Sophomore year, Smaller Learning Community students will continue to have a group of students and teachers who are working together for 2 or more periods of the day. World History and English will be integrated during the Sophomore year. Students may take any elective they desire, including Computer courses, continue Culinary Arts courses, Continue Art Courses or Foreign Language. Counselors will guide students through course selection and the scheduling process during registration.

Juniors and Seniors in the Smaller Learning Community will be engaged in extra-curricular experiences that relate to their community. A school-wide Mentor program and a Senior project are the principle components. Upper level students may enroll in any elective choices including AP courses.