Graduation Requirements & Grading

A. History

2 Years Required

CVCHS Courses: World History,  AP European History,  US History,  AP United States History, US Government, AP Government, and Politics United States

UC/CSU:  Two years of history / social science, including one year of World History, Cultures or Geography; and one year of US History or one-half year of US History and one-half year of American Government/Civics.

B. English

4 Years Required

CVCHS Courses: English 1,  English 2,  English 3,  English 3 Honors, Expository Reading & Writing Course (ERWC), AP English Language and Composition, AP English Literature and Composition          

UC/CSU:  Four years of college-preparatory English that include frequent writing, from brainstorming to final paper, as well as reading of classic and modern literature. No more than one year of ESL-type courses can be used to meet this requirement.

C. Mathematics

3 Years Required but 4 Years Recommended

CVCHS Courses: Algebra 1,  Geometry 1,  Algebra 2,  Algebra 2/Trigonometry, Advanced Algebra w/Financial Applications, Statistics, AP Statistics, Pre-Calculus Honors, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Computer Science A

UC/CSU:  Three years including the topics covered in elementary and advanced algebra and two- and three-dimensional geometry. A geometry course or an integrated math course with a sufficient amount of geometry content must be completed. Approved integrated math courses may be used to fulfill part or all of this requirement, as may math courses taken in the seventh and eight grades if the high school accepts them as equivalent to its own courses.

D. Science

3 Years Required but 4 Years Recommended

CVCHS Courses: At least two courses: Biology, Chemistry/Chemistry Honors, or Physics.

Additional CVCHS Courses for 3rd and 4th year science: Marine Biology, Anatomy & Physiology, AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Physics 1, AP Environmental Science, AP Computer Science Principles, Astronomy, Geology, Medical Career Academy PLTW Electives, Engineering Academy PLTW Electives, Sports Medicine.

UC/CSU:  Two years of college-preparatory science, including or integrating topics that provide fundamental knowledge in two of these three subjects: biology, chemistry, or physics. One year of approved interdisciplinary or earth and space sciences coursework can meet one year of the requirement. Computer Science, Engineering, Applied Science courses can be used in area D as an additional science (i.e., third year and beyond).

E. LOTE (Language Other Than English)

2 Years Required but 2 Years Recommended

CVCHS Courses: Spanish 1, Spanish 2, Spanish 3, AP Spanish 4 Language and Culture, AP Spanish 5 Literature and Culture, French 1,  French 2,  French 3, AP French 4 Language and Culture, Honors French 5, American Sign Language 1, American Sign Language 2, American Sign Language 3.  

UC/CSU:  Two years, or equivalent to the 2nd level of high school instruction, of the same language other than English is required. Three years/third level of high school instruction recommended. Courses should emphasize speaking and understanding, and include instruction in grammar, vocabulary, reading, composition and culture. American Sign Language and classical languages, such as Latin and Greek, are acceptable. Courses taken in the seventh and eight grades may be used to fulfill part or all of this requirement if the high school accepts them as equivalent to its own courses.

F. VAPA (Visual & Performing Arts)

1 Year Required

CVCHS Courses: Advanced Animation, Advanced Drama, Advanced Game Design, AP Art 2D & Design, AP Art History, Art 1, Art 2, Art & Animation, Art Design 1, Ceramics 1, Ceramics 2, Computer Graphic Arts, Computer Programming & Video Game Design, Concert Choir, Concert Choir Advanced, Drama 1, Film Studies, Jazz Band, Orchestra, Photography, Photography Advanced, Symphonic Band, Treble Choir, Video Production, Wind Ensemble

UC/CSU:  One yearlong course of visual and performing arts chosen from the following disciplines: dance, music, theater, visual arts or interdisciplinary arts - or two one-semester courses from the same discipline is also acceptable. 

G. College Preparatory Electives

Any extra A-F = G

1 Year Required College Prep Course

CVCHS Courses: AP Psychology, AP Microeconomics, Microeconomics, Associated Student Body Leadership, Automotive Engineering, Creative Writing, International Cuisine, Psychology, Sociology, Nutrition & Food Science, Video Gaming 2, Yearbook

Additional CVCHS courses that fulfill this requirement: Any of the above A-F level courses BEYOND the initial requirement (example = 2nd year of a VAPA course or a 4th year of science).

UC/CSU:  One yearlong course of visual and performing arts chosen from the following disciplines: dance, music, theater, visual arts or interdisciplinary arts - or two one-semester courses from the same discipline is also acceptable.