Each local community has a high school. Most high schools are
grades 9 to 12. Individual school districts can supplement the state high school
minimum graduation requirements. School records for transfer students will be
reviewed for applicability to California Department of Education and district
requirements.
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.
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
- 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
- Credit earned
at a postsecondary institution.