High School PlanningHigh School Planning

Are You Thinking About Your Child’s Future?

GETTING READY FOR HSGETTING READY FOR HS

Graduation requirementsTypical 9th grade schedule Preparing for CollegePost High School Options

CVMS CounselorsCVMS Counselors

Toni Zurcher (A – H)

Lisa Curry (I – Mf)

Karen Infantino (Mg – Z)

To Graduate…..To Graduate…..

Students must pass all required subjects Earn 230 credits Pass Algebra I (both semesters) Pass CAHSEE (High School Exit Exam,

first taken in grade 10)

CreditsCredits

Each semester class = 5 credits (10 at Academies) If you take 6 classes per semester (traditional

schedule at TPHS), you will earn 30 credits per semester/60 per year. (At academies, students complete 40 credits per semester/ 80 per year)

You must earn a total of 230 credits to graduate from high school

Graduation Graduation Subject RequirementsSubject Requirements

Obviously, students can’t get a diploma by taking 230 credits in PE alone (although they would be in great shape!), so there are certain required courses.

This is important! “D” is passing for a diploma, but not for college acceptance

Graduation Graduation Subject Requirements….Subject Requirements….

Four years of English (40 credits)Three years of Math (30 credits)History – 3 years to include World History,

US History and Govt./Economics (30 credits)

Science – 1 year of Biological; 1 Year of Physical (20 credits)

PE – 20 credits required

More graduation More graduation subject requirements…subject requirements…

Health – integrated into PECareer Technology – 10 credits from

Business, Technology, etcVisual and Performing Arts – 10 credits,

from drama, music, art, danceElectives – 70 credits

The Four Systems of Higher The Four Systems of Higher Education in CaliforniaEducation in California

California State University (CSU)

University of California (UC)

Private and Independent Colleges

Community Colleges

California State University (CSU)California State University (CSU)

Selection: Top 33% of high school graduates.

Students: Over 400,000Campuses: 23

University of California (UC)University of California (UC)

Selection: Top 12.5% CA high school students.

Students: Over 200,000Campuses: 10 (UC San Francisco offers

graduate coursework only).

Private and Independent Private and Independent Colleges and UniversitiesColleges and Universities

75 + in California have similar admissions requirements to CSU and UC systems

Offer grants and scholarships

Small classes

UC/CSU A-G Subject Admission UC/CSU A-G Subject Admission RequirementsRequirements

The California State University system and University of California system have the same subject requirements. They differ in other ways, such as GPA and SAT score expectations.

All students are encouraged to attempt to meet these a-g subject requirements.

Students must earn at least a “C” to meet admission requirements.

A-G Subject RequirementsA-G Subject Requirements a. History 2 Years to include US History and World History (both

are grad requirements) b. English 4 Years (also a grad requirement) c. Math 3 Years to include Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II (4th

year recommended) d. Lab Science 2 Years (3 recommended: Biology, Chemistry,

Physics) e. World language 2 years required, 3 years highly recommended f. Visual and Performing Art 1 year g. College prep elective 1 year (any extra year of above subjects,

such as an English elective like Journalism, and extra science, etc.)

College TestingCollege TestingSAT Reasoning Test: Includes 3 sections:

Critical Reading, Math and WritingACT: Includes 5 sections: English, Math,

Reading, Scientific Reasoning and an optional writing section.

SAT Subject Tests: One-hour test in specific subject area (UC’s and some private colleges require these).

Community CollegeCommunity College

Any CA resident 18 years or older can attend a 2 year community college.

Community colleges save $ (big bucks) and are a wonderful option.

Students can sign guaranteed admissions agreements to transfer from community colleges to 4-year universities.

Community Colleges offer Associate degree programs and Occupational programs.

Private Career and Technical Private Career and Technical SchoolsSchools

Examples: Automotive mechanics, technology, computer science, cosmetology.

Length of course varies from a few weeks to two years.

Similar training may be available at a community college.

Typical 9Typical 9thth grade schedule at grade schedule at Torrey PinesTorrey Pines

English 9 or English 9 HonorsMath (Algebra 1b, Algebra I, Geometry/Geom

Hon, or Algebra II HonScience (Earth Space P, Biology P, Marine Bio

etc.)World Language or a Visual Performing ArtYear 1 PECareer Technology (CTE)

Typical ninth grade schedule at Typical ninth grade schedule at Canyon Crest Academy:Canyon Crest Academy:

English 9 English 9 Geometry Geometry

Science Science Elective Elective

Elective Elective Elective Elective

Year One PE

Year One PE

PE elective

PE Elective

Fall Term Spring Term Fall Term Spring Term 11stst Quarter = 1 Quarter = 1stst Semester 2nd Quarter = 2 Semester 2nd Quarter = 2ndnd Semester 3 Semester 3rdrd Quarter = 1 Quarter = 1stst Semester 4 Semester 4thth Quarter = 2 Quarter = 2ndnd Semester Semester

Things to considerThings to consider

College prep classes that will count for UC/CSU usually have a “P” in the title.

Not all honors classes give weighted credit. Only those classes that are given weighted credit by the UC are given weighted for our GPA calculation

More Honors InfoMore Honors Info

When considering whether to enroll in an honors class, consider….

Is my child highly interested and motivated to excel in this subject?

Does my child have a high likelihood of earning an “A” or at least a “B”?

Can my child handle the rigor of this class along with all his other time commitments?

Advanced Placement CoursesAdvanced Placement CoursesThe Advanced Placement (AP) Program

allows students to take college level courses while still in high school.

AP classes are given weighted credit for GPA calculation.

Students can accrue college credits while in high school.

Note that 9th graders will not be enrolling in AP classes.

High School SelectionHigh School Selection All 8th – 11th grade students must declare a high

school choice on the web by February 7, 2011 at 4:00 pm. (Selection window opens January 10, 2011 at 8:00 am).

Acceptance to the Academies is by lottery (if necessary) on February 24, 2011.

To make an informed decision, please attend the Choice night at any school you are considering. See the District Website for information.

Beyond High SchoolBeyond High School We recommend that students plan coursework to prepare

for college entrance.

Many required subjects for Graduation overlap with college entrance requirements.

Students may consider taking a foreign language in middle school but should begin by 9th grade.

Students should work towards achieving balance between academics, extracurricular activities and other commitments.

Beyond High School cont.Beyond High School cont.

Families can start saving for college. Consider opening a college savings account if you have not already.

Parents can help their kids find ways to earn money (like yard work, babysitting, odd jobs) so they can start saving part of their earnings for college.

Visit college campuses. Talk to neighbors, relatives or friends with students in college to learn about their experiences.

When your child is in high school, attend college information presentations.

Some cool web sitesSome cool web sites For district and school info, start at www.sduhsd.net – look

at individual school info or district links.

To explore colleges in California, try California Colleges, which has a wealth of college planning information. www.californaicolleges.edu

For career and college info, go to http://connection.naviance.com/cvms