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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.