Graduation Requirements & Grading

Graduation Requirements Aligned with A-G Standards

At CVCHS, we are dedicated to preparing our students for future success by aligning our graduation requirements with the California University System A-G standards. In order to obtain a high school diploma, students must fulfill a total of 230 credits across different subject areas.

Key Requirements:

Credits: A minimum of 230 credits is required for graduation.
Grade Requirement: Students must earn a grade of C or better in all required courses to meet graduation criteria.

Grading Scale

Percentage	Grade
90 - 100%	A
80 - 89%	B
70 - 79%	C
69% and below	F

Graduation Requirements

All courses must be passed with a “C” grade (70%) or higher to earn credits.

Subject	Courses
History	30 credits - Required courses include: World or AP European History, US History or US History AP, and Economics/Government or AP Economics/AP Government
English	40 credits - Required courses include: English 1, English 2, English 3 or AP English Language, and ERWC or AP English Literature.
Math	30 credits - Students must pass three years of math courses that would make them eligible to meet the "C" requirement in the A-G requirements. In addition, all students must be enrolled in a quantitative reasoning course each year they attend CVCHS*
Science	30 credits - Students must take Biology and either Chemistry or Physics.
World Languages	20 credits - Students must complete two years of the same language at CVCHS.
Visual & Performing Arts	10 credits
College Prep Electives	10 credits - This elective course must meet the "G" requirement as an A-G approved course, or must meet one of the "A-F" requirements.
Electives**	40 credits
Physical Education	20 credits

* Current courses that meet this requirement include, but are not limited to, Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II. Quantitative reasoning courses will be defined in the CVCHS Course Catalog and the Student and Parent Handbook. Since this requirement is not currently in effect, this information will be added.

** Elective courses will be in the following areas: Physical Education, A-G courses, Career Technical Education (“CTE”) courses, seminar/advisory, support and study skills courses, or courses that are required as described in a student’s IEP.

A-G

UC & CSU Requirements

UC & CSU Requirements

a - g subject requirements	uc/csu admission requirements	cvchs a - g courses
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: ERWC 9, ERWC 10, ERWC 11, English 3 Honors, Expository Reading & Writing Course (ERWC), The Hero's Journey, Science Fiction & Fantasy, 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, 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.