Graduation Requirements

Satisfactory completion of 232.5 credits completed in grades 9, 10, 11, and 12 (Generally 5 credits are earned for each semester course passed).

Classification: Class standing is determined by the number of semester credits completed,
grades 9-12.

• A student becomes a Sophomore when he/she has attained 60 semester credits;
• A student becomes a Junior when he/she has attained 120 semester credits;
• A student becomes a Senior when he/she has completed 170 semester credits.

LANGUAGE ARTS - 40 Credits

English 9 - 10 Credits
English 10 - 10 Credits
English 11 - 10 Credits
English 12 -10 Credits

 

SOCIAL SCIENCE - 30 Credits

World History - 10 Credits
United States History - 10 Credits
American Government - 5 Credits
Economics - 5 Credits

 

MATHEMATICS - 20 Credits

* Every student must pass Algebra or Mathematics I in order to earn a high school diploma.

** Students must complete three years of Math through Algebra II with grades of C or better to meet the CSU/UC “A - G” College Entrance Requirements.

(Students may be awarded up to 10 credits for successful completion of an approved computer science course that is classified as a CATEGORY C based on the A-G course requirements for college admissions)

 

SCIENCE - 20 Credits

Life Science - 10 Credits
Physical Science - 10 Credits

** Students must complete both a Life and Physical UC approved Lab Science with grades of C or better in order to meet the CSU/UC “A - G” College Entrance Requirements.

(Ten credits earned from the following CTE courses may be used to meet the Life Science requirement for graduation: Animal Science, Animal Care II, Vet Science, Hospital Occupations, Body Systems & Disorders, Sports Medicine I, Emergency Medical Technician, or Medical Core.)

 

PHYSICAL EDUCATION (with Hands on CPR) - 20 Credits

 

FINE ARTS, WORLD LANGUAGE, or CTE - 10 Credits
(formerly One year of Fine Art or World Language)

** Students must complete two years of the same World Language as well as one year of
a UC approved Visual and Performing Art with grades of C or better to meet CSU/UC “A - G”
College Entrance Requirements.

 

COLLEGE AND CAREER READINESS - 10 Credits
(formerly Freshmen Seminar and one semester of Health)

* Students must complete at least one year of CTE, AVID, AP, or Dual Enrollment

 

HEALTH - 2.5 Credits
(formerly a one semester 5 credit course)

* Students have the opportunity to take Health online throughout the year, including summer.

 

ELECTIVES - 80 Credits

 

TOTAL CREDITS FOR GRADUATION - 232.5 Credits
(formerly 230 total credits)

 

OUTSIDE CREDITS

• OUSD students are encouraged to challenge themselves with a rigorous academic program, which may include taking college classes through Dual Enrollment.
• Community College, Adult Education, or Private Study Credits are allowable toward meeting graduation requirements.
• Petition for outside credits must be approved in advance by the school of residence and site administration.
• Courses taken must meet California Academic State Standards and CSU/UC “A-G” College Entrance Requirements.
• Only credits from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education will be accepted.
• A maximum of 10 credits are allowed in grades 9-12 for Private Study P.E. (e.g., pre-olympic gymnastics, figure skating, etc.).
• A maximum of 10 credits of Special Studies (e.g. Chinese School or Study Abroad Courses) are allowable toward meeting graduation requirements.

 

NON-ACADEMIC CONTENT (e.g., Teacher’s Assistant/Office Assistant)

• 10 elective credits allowable toward meeting graduation requirements
• Requires parent permission