Courses Required for High School Graduation and University Admission (English)
Available Translations of the Courses Required for High School Graduation and University Admission
California Education Code specifies a minimum set of courses
required for high school graduation that local school districts
have the authority to augment with additional requirements. The
California State University and the University of California have
established a uniform minimum set of courses required for freshman
admission.
Section 51225.3 states that commencing with the 1998-99 school year, all pupils receiving a diploma of graduation from high school must complete all of the following while in grades nine to twelve, inclusive:
- Courses in the subjects specified, each course having a duration
of one year, unless otherwise specified.
- Three courses in English.
- Two courses in mathematics, including one year of Algebra I beginning in 2003-04 (California Education Code Section 51224.5).
- Two courses in science, including biological and physical sciences.
- Three courses in social studies, including United States history and geography; world history, culture, and geography; a one-semester course in American government and civics, and a one-semester course in economics.
- One course in visual or performing arts or foreign language. For the purposes of satisfying the requirement specified in this subparagraph, a course in American Sign Language shall be deemed a course in foreign language.
- Two courses in physical education, unless the pupil has been exempted pursuant to the provisions of Education Code Section 51241.
- Other coursework as the governing board of the school district may by rule specify.
The governing board, with the active involvement of parents, administrators, teachers, and pupils, shall adopt alternative means for pupils to complete the prescribed course of study, which may include:
- Practical demonstration of skills and competencies,
- Supervised work experience or other outside school experience,
- Career technical education classes offered in high schools,
- Courses offered by regional occupational centers or programs,
- Interdisciplinary study,
- Independent study, and
- Credit earned at a postsecondary institution.
Requirements for graduation and specified alternative modes for completing the prescribed course of study shall be made available to pupils, parents, and the public.
California Education Code can be found in the California Law (Outside Source) library.
