Our graduation requirements represent a commitment to a diverse liberal arts education. We strive to give our students a foundation that is both broad and deep in the core academic disciplines, while giving ample opportunity for them to explore elective options that suit their own tastes and academic pursuits. These requirements are a baseline for future college success, they are not a guarantee of admission to highly selective schools. We recommend that students take a full four years of study in the five core academic disciplines whenever possible. We also believe that a student’s experiences are not purely defined by the courses they take. As we design an academic schedule with each student, we consider rigor, student ability, a student’s interest, and the overall load. The sum of the experience is greater than the sum of the individual parts. In a word, we challenge our students to challenge themselves while finding balance in their academic pursuits.
As a final note, our course catalog is constantly evolving to meet the needs of our students. It also reflects their voices and choices as they often suggest and encourage the implementation of elective course offerings.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to Fran Shaw: [email protected]
Graduation requirements consist of 24 units, distributed as follows:
English (4 Credits)
English 9
English 10 OR Honors English 10
AP English Language and Composition OR English 11
AP English Literature and Composition OR English 12
Composition (1.5 Credits, each course being 0.50 credits)
Composition 9*
Composition 10*
Composition 11*
Mathematics (3 Credits) (must complete at least 1 class above algebra 2)
Algebra 1
Geometry
Algebra 2 OR Honors Algebra 2
Advanced Functions and Modeling
Pre-Calculus OR Honors Pre-Calculus
Calculus OR AP Calculus AB
AP Calculus BC
Laboratory Science (3 Credits)
Biology (required)
Chemistry (required)
Physics
AP Biology
AP Environmental Science
AP Physics 1
Anatomy*
Geology*
Astronomy*
Social Studies (3 Credits)
Geography and Current Events
World History OR AP World History
US History OR AP US History
Economics and Government
AP Psychology
Modern Language (3 Credits)
Spanish 1
Spanish 2
Spanish 3
Spanish 4
AP Spanish Language and Culture
Art (1 Credit)
Studio Art 1*
Studio Art 2*
Painting*
Advanced Studio Art 1*
Advanced Studio Art 2*
Honors Advanced Art*
Portfolio Development*
Yearbook*
Introduction to Art History*
AP Art History
Physical Education (1 Credit)
The remaining credits are taken as electives. The electives can be AP courses, or semester courses. Each semester course earns one-half credit, and a full year course earns one credit. All classes meet 50 minutes each day on a 38-week traditional semester system. Midterms and final exams are given in all full year classes, and some semester classes.
Elective courses are based on student interests. Some examples of semester courses include, but are not limited to: World War II Literature, Banned Books, 3D Engineering and Design, Anatomy, Exercise Science and Kinesiology, Astronomy, Geology, Painting, History of International Film, Political Parties: Past and Present, Mythology, and The History of Pop Culture.
*semester class
Other Graduation Requirements
Community Service
All students in grades 7-12 are required to perform 20 hours of community service annually, either individually or in group service. These service obligations must not interfere with class time during the normal school day. Students are expected to keep track of their service hours on a form available in the office. For work to be considered community service, the student must not be paid by, nor work for, an immediate family member.
CPR and First Aid
Students are required to be certified in CPR and first aid by the time they graduate. This class is arranged on one 1 occasion on campus, or may be taken off campus arranged by the student.