Graduation Requirements
EC 51225.3 states that all pupils receiving a diploma of graduation from a California high school must have completed all of the following courses, while in grades nine to twelve, inclusive::
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- Three courses in English
- Two courses in mathematics, including one year of Algebra I (EC Section 51224.5)
- 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, foreign language, or commencing with the 2012-13 school year, career technical education. For the purpose of satisfying the minimum course requirement, 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 EC Section51241
(a) History / Social Science – Two years, including one year of world history, cultures, and historical geography and one year of us history or one-half year of us history and one-half year of civics or American government.
(b) English – Four years of college preparatory English that include frequent and regular writing, and reading of classic and modern literature.
(c) Mathematics – Three years of college preparatory mathematics that include the topics covered in elementary and advanced algebra and two- and three-dimensional geometry.
(d) Laboratory Science – Two years of laboratory science providing fundamental knowledge in at least two of these three disciplines: biology, chemistry, and physics.
(e) Language Other Than English – Two years of the same language other than English.
(f) Visual & Performing Arts – One year, including dance, drama/theater, music, or visual art.
(g) College Preparatory Elective – One year (two semesters), chosen from additional "a-f" courses beyond those used to satisfy the requirements above, or courses that have been approved solely for use as "g" electives.