High school graduation requirements and college entrance requirements are not the same. Course selection should be based on academic, career, and personal interests. Student interests and goals should guide the path through high school. College admission requirements will vary from school to school. It is recommended that students check admission requirements before applying to their college of choice. Students can always reach out to their high school counselor if they have questions about graduation requirements or the college admission process.
A-G Graduation Requirements:
Students who plan to apply to a 4-year college, or plan to continue their education right after high school graduation should plan to meet A-G requirements. These requirements are mandatory for students who apply to the CSU or UC systems and recommended for students who plan to apply to private and out-of-state colleges and universities. The minimum A-G requirements are summarized below:
General Graduation Requirements
These are the essential graduation requirements for all high school students.
A - Social Studies
6 semester courses = 30 units (Must include 1 year of US History, 1 year World History, 1 semester of Government, and 1 semester of Economics)
B - English
6 semester courses = 30 units
C - Mathematics
4 semester courses= 20 units (Algebra 1 must be completed)
D - Science
4 semester courses = 20 units (Must include 1 year of Physical Science and 1 year of Life Science)
E/F - Visual Performing Arts OR World Lang
2 semester courses= 10 units
G - Electives
18 semester courses = 90 units
Suggested Course Sequence
Grade 9
- English 9
- Math
- Biology
- Visual/Performing Art
- Career Explorations
- PE
Grade 10
- World History
- English 10
- Math
- Physical Science
- World Language 1
- PE
- CTE elective
Grade 11
- US History
- English 11
- Math
- World Language 2
- Elective
- CTE elective
Grade 12
- Economics and Government
- English 12
- Math
- Science
- Elective
- CTE elective