Annually, Amador unveils a comprehensive course selection spreadsheet, presenting all available options for Amador students as they transition into their next grade level.
Navigating the intricacies of earning high school and college credits can be confusing for many; this article aims to provide clarity on the distinctions.
Grades:
- To earn high school credits, a minimum grade of D- is required.
- College credits necessitate a minimum of a C-.
History Requirements:
- High school necessitates 3 ½ years of history, comprising specific segments like global or ethnic studies, world history, US history, civics, and economics.
- For college credit, 2 years of either world or US history are sufficient.
Mathematics Requirements:
- High school graduation requires 2 years of mathematics, including at least 1 year in algebra or its equivalent.
- College admission typically mandates 3 years of mathematics, covering algebra 1, geometry, algebra 2, and Pre-Calculus.
Science Requirements:
- High school mandates 1 year each of life and physical science, while 3 years are recommended for college admission.
Language Requirements:
- High school credit requires 2 years of LOTE (language other than English), with 3 years recommended for college admission.
Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA):
- 1 year of VAPA is essential for high school graduation and college credit.
Total Credits for High School Graduation:
- A total of 230 credits is necessary for high school graduation; with proper planning, students can opt for a 5-period day in their senior year.
Other need-to-know information:
- SAT/ACT scores are not mandatory for college acceptance into the majority of California’s public universities.
- One year of physical education can be excluded if students participate in sports and submit an application to opt out.
- A total of 20 service hours is needed to pass high school. These can be completed at any time, even freshman year.
- Use your resources. Amador’s counseling website hosts a wide array of resources, such as this blank 4 year plan template.
This breakdown aims to simplify the understanding of requirements for earning both high school and college credits. For any questions or concerns, feel free to visit the Amador counseling website or reach out personally to your high school counselor; they are more than happy to answer any and all questions.
