PLEASE NOTE: THIS PAGE IS CURRENTLY UNDER CONSTRUCTION

 

Some of the information below may be outdated, as college and university admission requirements have changed since COVID.

 

Please do not rely on this page for current admission requirements. Instead, contact the college or university your student is interested in attending to confirm their most up-to-date requirements and policies.

Thank you for your patience and understanding while we work to update this information.

 

 

California High School – Simple Planning Guide

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1. Core requirements by pathway

Subject                           Min. High School Graduation                   CSU Admission            UC Admission

English                            4 years                                                         4 years                           4 years

Social Studies / History      3 years                                                         3 years                           3 years

Science                           2 years                                                         2+ years (incl. lab)                2+ years (incl. lab)

Math                                 2 years                                                             3 years (incl. Alg 2)              3 years (incl. Alg 2)

Foreign Language         0–1 year                                                      2 yrs (same language)        2+ yrs (same language)

Visual & Performing Arts       1 year (or Foreign Language)                                1 year (approved VPA)        1 year (approved VPA)

Physical Education        2 years                                                        Not required for adm.         Not required for adm.

College Prep Electives                                                              As needed to reach total credits1+ year1+ year

 

2. Suggested electives (pick based on interest)

• Foreign Language: Spanish, French, etc.

• Visual & Performing Arts: Art, Drama, Choir, Band, Music Theory

• Bible / Faith Courses: New Testament Survey, Old Testament Survey, Foundations in Christian Life

• Life Skills & Practical: Driver’s Education, Health, Personal Finance, Technology

• Physical Education: Team sports, fitness, dance

3. Parent-friendly planning tips

• Start with the end goal: Decide if your student is aiming for graduation only, CSU, or UC.

• Build a 4-year map: Make sure English, Math, Science, and Social Studies are covered every year.

• Lock in college requirements early: Add Foreign Language and VPA by 10th–11th grade for CSU/UC.

• Use electives wisely: Choose courses that match your student’s interests and future plans.

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🎓 Four‑Year High School Planning Checklist

(Covers Graduation, CSU, and UC pathways)

🟦 9th Grade (Freshman Year)

• English — Start Year 1

• Math — Algebra I or Geometry

• Science — Physical Science or Biology

• Social Studies — Geography or Intro History

• Foreign Language — Begin Year 1 (needed for CSU/UC)

• Visual/Performing Arts — Choir, Band, Art, Drama

• PE — Year 1

• Electives — Bible, Life Skills, Technology, Music

🟩 10th Grade (Sophomore Year)

• English — Year 2

• Math — Geometry or Algebra II

• Science — Biology or Chemistry

• Social Studies — World History

• Foreign Language — Year 2 (required for CSU/UC)

• PE — Year 2

• Electives — VPA, Bible, Health, Driver’s Ed

🟧 11th Grade (Junior Year)

• English — Year 3

• Math — Algebra II or Pre‑Calculus

• Science — Chemistry or Physics (lab science for CSU/UC)

• Social Studies — U.S. History

• Foreign Language — Optional Year 3 (recommended for UC)

• College‑Prep Elective — Required for CSU/UC

• Electives — VPA, Bible, Music, Technology

🟥 12th Grade (Senior Year)

• English — Year 4

• Math — Pre‑Calculus, Statistics, or Consumer Math

• Science — Advanced Science or Elective Science

• Social Studies — Government & Economics

• Foreign Language — Optional Year 4

• College‑Prep Elective — Strengthens CSU/UC applications

• Electives — Bible, Life Skills, Music, VPA

⭐ Quick Parent Tips

• Follow the “4‑4‑3‑3‑2” rule: 4 English, 4 Social Studies, 3 Math, 3 Science, 2 Foreign Language.

• Start foreign language early — CSU/UC require 2 years.

• Make VPA easy — complete the 1‑year requirement in 9th or 10th grade.

• Use electives to personalize — Bible, music, life skills, tech, or anything your student loves.

• Keep a simple yearly checklist — one page per grade keeps everything stress‑free.