Graduation Requirements
Why Change?
In an effort to increase the college and career readiness of our students, PUHSD, along with other high school districts across California, is re-evaluating our curriculum, graduation requirements, and equity of access across all student populations.
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.
For these reasons, on November 12, 2019, the PUHSD Board of Trustees unanimously approved Board Policy 6146.1 - High School Graduation Requirements, thereby closely aligning our graduation requirements with the California State University (CSU) A-G expectations. These new requirements will begin with the graduating class of 2025.
What's Changing?
Beginning with the Class of 2025, graduation requirements will ensure on-track a-g expectations and/or college and career readiness. This will include the following changes:
New math requirement: 30 credits of Mathematics, up from 20 credits
New world language requirement: 10 credits of World Language and 10 credits of Visual and Performing Arts.
New PE requirement: 20 credits of Physical Education
New Life Skills & Wellness requirement: 10 credits of Life Skills & Wellness in the 11th or 12th grades, meeting the state health standards
New Electives total: 80 credits reduced from 100 credits
Twenty credits earned through one of the following options:
Completion of a Career Technical Education pathway
Two AP/IB courses
Two Dual Enrollment courses
What is A-G?
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.
Timeline to Implement
Beginning with the Class of 2025, PUHSD’s on-track graduation requirements will be closely aligned with California State University (CSU) A-G expectations.
Students must earn a grade of "C-" or better in A-G courses to be UC and CSU eligible.
Students will meet the California Department of Education requirements and satisfy additional district graduation requirements.
Required Courses
for the Class of 2025
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
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.