Academics
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Our goal is to ensure that every PUSD student graduates prepared to succeed in college and/or a career. This section provides information and resources to help ensure your child graduates from high school ready to enter college or the workforce. |
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Graduation Requirements
All PUSD seniors must meet the following minimum high school graduation requriements to be eligible for graduation. A more detailed description is available here.
- English - 40 units
- History/Social Science - 30 units
- Mathematics - 30 units
- Science - 30 units
- Physical Education - 20-40 units
- Foreign Language - 10 units
- Visual & Performing Arts - 10 units
- Electives - 50 units
- Total - 220 units
- CAHSEE - Score 350 or higher on each section
CAHSEE
The primary purpose of the California High School Exit Examination (CAHSEE) is to significantly improve pupil achievement in public high schools and to ensure that pupils who graduate from public high schools can demonstrate grade level competency in reading, writing, and mathematics. The primary purpose of the CAHSEE is to significantly improve pupil achievement in public high schools and to ensure that pupils who graduate from public high schools can demonstrate grade level competency in reading, writing, and mathematics. All California public school students must pass the CAHSEE, as well as all other state and local requirements, in order to receive a high school diploma.
The CAHSEE has two parts: English-language arts (ELA) and mathematics. The ELA part addresses state content standards through grade ten. In reading, this includes vocabulary, decoding, comprehension, and analysis of information and literary texts. In writing, this covers writing strategies, applications, and the conventions of English (e.g. grammar, spelling, and punctuation). The mathematics part of the CAHSEE addresses state standards in grades six and seven and Algebra I. The exam includes statistics, data analysis and probability, number sense, measurement and geometry, mathematical reasoning, and algebra. Students are also asked to demonstrate a strong foundation in computation and arithmetic, including working with decimals, fractions, and percents.
The CAHSEE requirement can be satisfied by passing the exam or, for students with disabilities, receiving a local waiver pursuant to Education Code Section 60851(c).
“A-G” College Preparation Requirements
Students wishing to attend a California State University or University of California college right out of high school must complete the 15-unit comprehensive pattern of college preparatory study called the A-G requirements. These classes must all be passed with a grade of "C" or higher. The specific requirements are summarized below. Additional details are also available.
- English - 4 years required
- History/Social Science - 2 years required
- Mathematics--3 years required, 4 recommended. (Must be Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II)
- Laboratory Science- 2 years required, 3 recommended.
- Foreign Language- 2 years of the same language, 3 recommended.
- Visual and Performing Arts- 1 year required.
- College Preparatory Electives- 1 year required. Additional classes in the above A-F requirement will satisfy this area.
- For UC admission, students must pass these courses with a minimum grade of "C," and should have a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- For Cal State admission, students must pass these courses with a minimum grade of "C," and should have a GPA of 2.0 or higher.
In addition to taking the A-G requirements, students must also take a college entrance test called the SAT or ACT test to be eligible to apply for the California State University. Additionally, students applying to a UC school must also take the SAT Subject test. For more college planning information, visit www.californiacolleges.edu.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
The California Student Aid Commission works to make education beyond high school financially accessible to all Californians. Whether you’re planning to go to college or get career training, there’s money available to help you pay for it. For more information about Cal Grants and other student aid programs, their requirements and how to apply for them, visit the California Student Aid Commission.
Career Preparation
PUSD supports and provides a wide variety of technical education and career development programs as post-high school options for students. Visit your counselor or career center to explore the range of job training and work opportunities available after high school. Additional resources are available on the California Department of Education website.
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