Graduation Requirements

In an effort to increase the college and career readiness of our students, PUHSD, revised the graduation requirements to align to college entrance requirements (A-G Courses) and provide students with exposure and opportunities to explore careers through our Career Technical Education (CTE) offerings.

In the 21st century workplace, finding and keeping a job that pays well requires higher-order thinking skills. In order to acquire those skills, students must take a rigorous course of study in high school, and be college and/or career-ready upon graduation.

Research highlights the benefits of post-secondary education for individuals and for society including, on average, higher earnings, lower unemployment rates, decreased poverty, healthier lifestyles, greater civic engagement, reduced reliance on public assistance, and an increased tax base.

We want all of our graduates to have the most opportunities to pursue which ever path is best for them, whether that be college, workforce, technical school, or military.

Career readiness means that students will have the opportunity to gain sufficient skills and knowledge to pursue a career after they graduate from PUHSD. In order to accomplish this goal, PUHSD offers a wide variety of Career Technical Education (CTE) courses. CTE is a program of study that involves a multiyear sequence of courses (often referred to as a pathway) that integrates core academic knowledge with technical and occupational knowledge to provide students with a pathway to postsecondary education and careers.  Each of PUHSD schools offer a number of courses in various career pathways and industry sectors. 

CTE pathways are comprised of 2-4 courses.  Students begin at the introductory course and work their way through the final course which is called a "capstone". Once a student completes the all of the required courses in a pathway, they are considered a "Pathway Completer".  Along with completing the courses work, our CTE students are given an industry level exam which can earn them a certificarte in that industry sector.

PUHSD students are expected to complete at least one pathway before graduating.  Students must minimally pass at least 2 CTE courses to graduate.

College readiness refers to the student's meeting the college entrance requirements for incoming freshmen by meeting the A-G requirements. A-G requirements are a collection of 15 courses required by the California State University system. In the 21st century workplace, finding and keeping a job that pays well requires higher-order thinking skills developed in these A-G courses.

PUHSD has incorporated both A-G courses and California's College & Career Indicators into its graduation requirements, prioritizing the courses students need to ensure they are college-prepared and career-ready by graduation.

English (40 credits / 4 years)

English 9, 10, 11,12  

Mathematics (30 credits / 3 years)

Integrated 1 required - 3rd year may be CTE-related course meeting math standards

Students will be enrolled in an A-G math course through their Junior Year.

Science (20 credits)

10 in Life Science & 10 in Physical Science

Social Science (30 credits)

World History, U.S. History & Government/Economics

PE (20 credits)

Life Skills for Wellness (10 credits)

Incorporates CA health standards

Visual & Performing Arts (10 credits)

World Language (10 credits)

Electives (90 credits)

20 credits must be earned through one of the following options:

Completion of two CTE courses

Two AP/IB courses

Two Dual Enrollment courses 

Technology requirements are embedded in the students' coursework.