Irvine High School Courses: 2026-27 Course Map and Rules

The 2026-27 Irvine High School Course of Study is not posted on the school’s main website. It is published separately on a district Google Sites page, and the subject pages on the main website mirror the same content. After organization, it includes 228 courses: 25 AP, 8 honors, 1 enhanced, 47 career technical education courses, and 15 dual enrollment courses offered with Irvine Valley College (IVC). This page first explains the course selection rules and then presents the full course map. The rules are where families most often make mistakes.

Course Selection Rules

Minimum credits	Students must take at least 30 credits each semester; grade 9 students must take a full 60 credits.
Maximum credits	The maximum is 60 credits per school year. Credits beyond that must come from Credit Plus courses (marked CR+ on the schedule), which are mainly physical education and visual and performing arts.
Elective room in grade 9	Academic courses for grade 9 students typically total 50 credits, which leaves only 10 credits for electives that are not Credit Plus courses.
Prerequisites for science electives	Science electives require students to have completed or be concurrently enrolled in Physics in the Universe or AP Physics 1, and to have completed Living Earth and Chemistry of the Earth.
Teacher recommendation	Core courses in English, mathematics, science, and social science are pre-entered on the course request form by current teachers; students choose their electives and alternates. Course requests are used to plan teacher staffing and the number of sections, so a submitted request is treated as a commitment.
Level changes	Moving from an AP or honors course to a college preparatory course (for example, from AP US History to US History) requires joining a waitlist; the school reviews these requests through the end of the second week of school.
Outside courses	Taking a course at an accredited high school outside the district requires prior approval from the principal or designee through the Request for Alternative Course Credit form. The limit is 10 credits per school year and 40 credits across four years of high school, and these courses receive no honors weighting.
Repeating a course	Both grades from a repeated course remain on the transcript. When the original grade was C or higher, both grades count toward the school GPA; the University of California does not accept repeat grades for courses originally passed with a C or higher.
Reasons not accepted for schedule changes	Schedule changes are not granted for the following reasons: to change teachers, to change class periods, to open a free period, to drop half of a year-long course, or when dropping a course would leave a gap in the middle of the schedule.

2026-27 Add/Drop Deadlines

District-wide rule: courses may be added through the end of the second week of school; a course dropped before the first progress report leaves no record; after that, a drop is recorded as W on the transcript through the last day of the quarter; no drops are allowed after the end of the first quarter (fall semester) or the third quarter (spring semester).. Fall semester: End of the second week of school Deadline to add a course; 9/18 first progress report Deadline to drop with no record; 10/23 first-quarter grade submission date Deadline to drop with a W; no drops after this date. Spring semester: End of the second week of school Deadline to add a course; 2/19 third progress report Deadline to drop with no record; 3/26 third-quarter grade submission date Deadline to drop with a W; no drops after this date.

Graduation Requirements (225 Credits Beginning with the Class of 2027)

Subject	Credits
English	40
Mathematics (must include Math 2 or Math 2 Solid)	30
Science (must include Living Earth, Chemistry of the Earth, and Physics)	30
Social Science (must include World History, US History, and American Government & Economics)	30
World Languages / Visual and Performing Arts / Career Technical Education (one of the three)	10
Physical Education	20
Health	5
Electives	60

Graduation credit requires a grade of D- or higher; the University of California and California State University A-G requirements require C- or higher.. The credit totals on the school's department pages differ from the table in the Course of Study; for example, the science page lists 20 credits and the social science page lists 35. Confirm the current version with a counselor before selecting courses.. Students who apply to graduate one semester early must develop a plan with a counselor and sign an Early Graduation Contract before the end of grade 11.

Course Levels by Subject

In the pathways below, CP refers to College Prep (standard courses that are neither honors nor AP), Honors refers to honors sections, and AP refers to Advanced Placement courses. Note in particular that honors English and honors science courses at Irvine High School are not weighted.

English

Grade 9: English 1 or Honors English 1; the honors course is not weighted
Grade 10: English 2 or Honors English 2; the honors course is not weighted
Grade 11: English 3 or AP English Language; the AP course is weighted
Grade 12: English 4, Film and Literature, or AP English Literature

Social Science (Class of 2029 and later)

Grade 9: Modern World History or AP World History
Grade 10: US History or AP US History
Grade 11: Ethnic Studies with Economics, or Ethnic Studies with AP Macroeconomics
Grade 12: American Government or AP Government & Politics

Social Science (Classes of 2026 to 2028)

For the Classes of 2026, 2027, and 2028: no social science in grade 9 (Honors Modern World History was discontinued after the 2024-25 school year)
Grade 10: Modern World History or AP World History
Grade 11: US History or AP US History
Grade 12: American Government & Economics or AP Government & Politics

Science (standard sequence)

Grade 9: Living Earth
Grade 10: Chemistry of the Earth
Grade 11: Physics in the Universe
Grade 12: science electives, including Anatomy & Physiology and Marine Science

Science (most rigorous sequence)

Grade 9: Honors Living Earth, by middle school teacher recommendation; not weighted
Grade 10: Honors Chemistry of the Earth; not weighted
Grade 11: AP Physics 1; weighted
Grade 12: AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Environmental Science, or AP Physics 2

The social science pathway moves one year earlier beginning with the Class of 2029: students take Modern World History or AP World History in grade 9, US History or AP US History in grade 10, and Ethnic Studies with Economics or AP Macroeconomics in grade 11. As a result, beginning with the Class of 2029, Irvine High School students have an AP option in grade 9, which is uncommon in the Irvine Unified School District.

Entry requirements for AP science courses:

Course	Entry requirements
AP Physics 1	Offered in grades 11-12; the accelerated version of the physics year in the required three-year science sequence.
AP Biology	Offered in grade 12. Students must have completed or be concurrently enrolled in Physics in the Universe or AP Physics 1.
AP Chemistry	Offered in grade 12. Students must have completed or be concurrently enrolled in Physics in the Universe or AP Physics 1.
AP Environmental Science	Offered in grade 12. Students must have completed or be concurrently enrolled in Physics in the Universe or AP Physics 1.
AP Physics 2	Offered in grade 12. Students must have completed or be concurrently enrolled in Physics in the Universe or AP Physics 1.

Mathematics courses are covered on a separate page: Math Pathways. For world languages, the school offers Spanish, French, and Korean on campus, and advancing to the next level requires a grade of 70% or higher in the previous course. Chinese and American Sign Language are not offered on campus and are available through Irvine Valley College dual enrollment courses. The specific arrangements are as follows:

Spanish 1-3, Honors Spanish 4 (weighted), AP Spanish Language (weighted)
Spanish for Native Speakers 1-2, with level 2 weighted, followed by AP Spanish Language
French 1-3, Honors French 4 (weighted), AP French (weighted)
Korean 1-3, Honors Korean 4 / 5 (both weighted; there is no AP Korean exam)
Chinese: not offered on campus; available through Irvine Valley College dual enrollment courses CHI 1 and CHI 2, equivalent to two and three years of high school world language, respectively
American Sign Language: available through Irvine Valley College dual enrollment courses ASL 21 and ASL 22

Advancing to the next level of a world language requires 70% or higher in the previous course. Students who complete level 4 or an AP course may apply for the State Seal of Biliteracy. Credit from outside language schools is limited to 10 credits per school year, is recorded as pass/fail only, and the course must be on the district's approved list..

Full Course Map

Expand each subject to view its courses. Each course shows its level, grade levels, prerequisites, and UC A-G category. Dark labels mark AP courses, yellow labels mark honors or enhanced courses, and blue labels mark community college dual enrollment courses. Course names follow the school’s official English names so they can be matched against the school’s course request form.

Mathematics 22 courses

Course	Level	Grades	Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes	UC A-G
AP Precalculus	AP	10-12	—Credits: 10 (Weighted Grade)	c
AP Calculus AB	AP	11-12	Completion of Math IV or Enhanced Math III. Students may not enroll in AP Calculus AB after dropping AP Calculus BC during the same school year.Credits: 10 (Weighted Grade)	c
AP Calculus BC	AP	12	Students may not enroll in AP Calculus AB after dropping AP Calculus BC during the same school year.Credits: 10 (Weighted Grade)	c
AP Statistics	AP	11-12	May be taken concurrently with Enhanced Math III, or after completion of Math III or Enhanced Math III.Credits: 10 (Weighted Grade)	c
AP Computer Science A	AP	9-12	Math II or higher with a grade of B or better or Completion of AP Computer Science PrinciplesCredits: 10 (weighted grade)	c
Math II Enhanced	Enhanced	9-10	Based on Standardized test scores and teacher recommendationCredits: 10; first course of the accelerated sequence; not weighted	c
Math I Solid	CP	9	—Credits: 20; Non College Prep Course: AB (1st semester)
Math I	CP	9	—Credits: 10	c
Math II Solid	CP	10	—Credits: 20
Math II	CP	9-10	—Credits: 10	c
Math III	CP	10-11	—Credits: 10	c
Math Foundations	CP		—Credits: 5; non college prep; P/F only
Transitional Algebra	CP		—Credits: 10; non college prep
Business Finance	CP	11-12	—Credits: 10
Explorations in Data Science	CP	12	—Credits: 10
Math IV	CP		—Credits: 10	c
Directed Math 1	Other		IEP Team RecommendationCredits: 10
Directed Math 1 AB	Other		IEP Team RecommendationCredits: 10
Directed Math 1 CD	Other		IEP Team RecommendationCredits: 10
Directed Math 2	Other		IEP Team RecommendationCredits: 10
Practical Math	Other		IEP Team RecommendationCredits: 10
Functional Math	Other		IEP Team RecommendationCredits: 10

Science 15 courses

Course	Level	Grades	Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes	UC A-G
AP Biology	AP	12	Must have completed or be concurrently enrolled in Physics in the Universe or AP Physics 1Credits: 10 (Weighted Grade)	d
AP Chemistry	AP	12	Must have completed or be concurrently enrolled in Physics in the Universe or AP Physics 1Credits: 10 (Weighted Grade)	d
AP Environmental Science	AP	12	Must have completed or be concurrently enrolled in Physics in the Universe or AP Physics 1Credits: 10 (Weighted Grade)	d
AP Physics 1	AP	11-12	—Credits: 10 (Weighted Grade)	d
AP Physics 2	AP	12	Must have completed or be concurrently enrolled in Physics in the Universe or AP Physics 1Credits: 10 (Weighted Grade)	d
Honors Living Earth	Honors	9	—Credits: 10	d
Honors Chemistry of the Earth	Honors	10	—Credits: 10	d
Living Earth	CP	9	—Credits: 10	d
Chemistry of the Earth	CP	10	—Credits: 10	d
Physics in the Universe	CP	11	—Credits: 10	d
Anatomy and Physiology	CP	12	Must have completed or be concurrently enrolled in Physics in the Universe or AP Physics 1Credits: 10	d
Marine Science	CP	12	Must have completed, attempted, or be concurrently enrolled in Physics in the Universe or AP Physics 1Credits: 5 per semester
Directed Living Earth	Other		IEP Team RecommendationCredits: 10
Directed Chemistry of the Earth	Other		IEP Team RecommendationCredits: 10
Directed Physics in the Universe	Other		IEP Team RecommendationCredits: 10

English 18 courses

Course	Level	Grades	Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes	UC A-G
AP English Language and Composition	AP	11	—Credits: 10 (Weighted Grade)	b
AP English Literature and Composition	AP	12	—Credits: 10 (Weighted Grade)	b
Honors English 1	Honors	9	—Credits: 10	b
Honors English 2	Honors	10	—Credits: 10	b
English 1	CP	9	—Credits: 10	b
English 2	CP	10	—Credits: 10	b
English 3	CP	11	—Credits: 10	b
English 4	CP	12	—Credits: 10	b
Film and Literature	CP	12	SeniorCredits: 10
Beginning Journalism	CP	9-11	Concurrent with College Prep-English, Open to Grades 9-11 onlyCredits: 10	g
Advanced Journalism	CP	10-12	Beg. Journalism & selection processCredits: 5 each semester	g
Yearbook	CP		Application ProcessCredits: 10	g
Directed English 1	Other		IEP Team RecommendationCredits: 10
Directed English 2	Other		IEP Team RecommendationCredits: 10
Directed English 3	Other		IEP Team RecommendationCredits: 10
Directed English 4	Other		IEP Team RecommendationCredits: 10
Practical English	Other		IEP Team RecommendationCredits: 10
Functional English	Other		IEP Team RecommendationCredits: 10

Social Science 21 courses

Course	Level	Grades	Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes	UC A-G
AP World History	AP	9 (c/o 2029+) / 10	—Credits: 10 (Weighted Grade)	a
AP United States History	AP	10 (c/o 2029+) / 11	—Credits: 10	a
AP American Government & Politics & Economics	AP	12	—Credits: 10	a
AP Psychology	AP	11-12	Junior or senior standingCredits: 10	g
AP Macroeconomics	AP	11-12	Junior or senior standingCredits: 5	g
Modern World History	CP	9 (c/o 2029+) / 10	—Credits: 10	a
United States History	CP	10 (c/o 2029+) / 11	—Credits: 10	a
American Government	CP	12	—Credits: 5	a
Economics	CP	11 (c/o 2029+) / 12	—Credits: 5	g
Personal Finance	CP	11-12	Junior or senior standingCredits: 5; UC/CSU Approved
Intro to Psychology	CP	10-12	Sophomore, junior or senior standingCredits: 5	g
Ethnic Studies	CP	11-12	Junior or senior standingCredits: 5
Directed World History	Other		IEP Team RecommendationCredits: 10
Directed U.S. History	Other		IEP Team RecommendationCredits: 10
Directed American Government	Other		IEP Team RecommendationCredits: 5
Directed Economics	Other		IEP Team RecommendationCredits: 5
Practical U.S. History	Other		IEP Team RecommendationCredits: 10
Practical World History	Other		IEP Team RecommendationCredits: 10
Functional U.S. History	Other		Recommendation from the IEP Team (Enrollment is limited to students who qualify for Special Education Support Services)Credits: 10; One Year, Non-College Prep
Functional World History	Other		Recommendation from the IEP Team (Enrollment is limited to students who qualify for Special Education Support Services)Credits: 10; One Year, Non-College Prep
Functional Economics & Goverment	Other		Recommendation from the IEP Team (Enrollment is limited to students who qualify for Special Education Support Services)Credits: 10; One Year, Non-College Prep

English Language Development 4 courses

Course	Level	Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes
ELD 1 (English Language Development 1)	CP	Level 1 on ELPACCredits: 10
ELD 2 (English Language Development 2)	CP	Low to mid Level 2 on the ELPAC, or 70% or better in the previous courseCredits: 5
ELD 3 (English Language Development 3)	CP	High Level 2 or low Level 3 on the ELPAC, or 70% or better in the previous courseCredits: 5
ELA Skills (English Language Arts Skills)	CP	—Credits: 5; Non College Prep Course

World Languages 17 courses

Course	Level	Grades	Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes	UC A-G
AP French	AP	11-12	70% or above in Honors French 4Credits: 10 (Weighted Grade)	e
AP Spanish Language and Culture	AP	11-12	70% or above in previous courseCredits: 10 (Weighted Grade)	e
Honors French 4	Honors	10-12	70% or above in French 3Credits: 10 (Weighted Grade)	e
Honors Korean 4	Honors	10-12	70% or above in previous courseCredits: 10 (Weighted Grade)	e
Honors Korean 5	Honors	11-12	70% or above in previous courseCredits: 10 (Weighted Grade)	e
Honors Spanish 4	Honors	10-12	70% or above in previous courseCredits: 10 (Weighted Grade)	e
French 1	CP		—Credits: 10	e
French 2	CP		70% or above in previous courseCredits: 10	e
French 3	CP		70% or above in previous courseCredits: 10	e
Korean 1	CP		—Credits: 10	e
Korean 2	CP		70% or above in previous courseCredits: 10	e
Korean 3	CP		70% or above in previous courseCredits: 10	e
Spanish 1	CP		—Credits: 10	e
Spanish 2	CP		70% or above in previous courseCredits: 10	e
Spanish 3	CP		70% or above in previous courseCredits: 10; Create and present dialogues and interviews	e
Spanish for Native Speakers 1	CP		—Credits: 10	e
Spanish for Native Speakers 2	CP		Completion of Spanish for Native Speakers 1 with a 70% or above or teacher evaluationCredits: 10 (Weighted Grade)	e

Career Technical Education 15 courses

Course	Level	Grades	Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes	UC A-G
AP Computer Science Principles	AP	9-12	Students with no prior coding experience.Weighted GPA; Credits: 10	g
Automotive Technology MLR1	CTE		—Credits: 5 per semester	g
Automotive Technology MLR2	CTE		Passing grades in Automotive Technology MLR ICredits: 5 per semester	g
Advanced Auto	CTE		Passing grades in MLR 1 and MLR 2Credits: 5 per semester
Advanced Website Design & Management	CTE		Web Site Design & Management., Instructors ApprovalCredits: 5 per semester
Intro to Business & Entrepreneurship	CTE		—Credits: 10
Virtual Enterprise	CTE		Intro to Business and Entrepreneurship or teacher approvalCredits: 10	g
Introduction to Engineering Design	CTE		The course assumes no previous knowledge, however, math skills such as being able to solve equations, performing math operations with fractions and decimals, working with proportions, and some…Credits: 10; PLTW	d
Principles of Engineering	CTE		Concurrent enrollment in Math II or higher. Students do not need to complete Introduction to Engineering to enroll in this course.Credits: 10; PLTW	d
Aerospace Engineering	CTE		Completion of Principles of Engineering with a 70% or concurrent enrollment in Math 3 or higher, and teacher recommendation. Current engineering students will have preference for enrollment.Credits: 10; PLTW	d
Engineering Design and Development	CTE		Completion of Aerospace Engineering (or Principles of Engineering for rising seniors) with a 70% or higher, strong independent and teamwork skills, and teacher recommendation.Credits: 10; PLTW	d
Art of Fashion	CTE		—Credits: 10; UC / CSU approved
Advanced Fashion Design	CTE		Completion of Fashion DesignCredits: 10; UC / CSU approved
Beginning Website Design & Management	CTE		—Credits: 5 per semester
Intermediate Website Design & Management	CTE		—Credits: 5 per semester

Career Technical Education - Coastline ROP 32 courses

Course	Level	Grades	Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes	UC A-G
Culinary Arts	CTE	11-12 (mostly)	—UC/CSU g; after-bell ROP course, register via Coastline ROP	g
Baking & Pastry Fundamentals	CTE	11-12 (mostly)	—UC/CSU g; after-bell ROP course, register via Coastline ROP	g
Advanced Culinary Arts	CTE	11-12 (mostly)	—UC/CSU g; after-bell ROP course, register via Coastline ROP	g
Culinary Arts Internship	CTE	11-12 (mostly)	—UC/CSU g; after-bell ROP course, register via Coastline ROP	g
Medical Careers & Health Systems	CTE	11-12 (mostly)	—UC/CSU g; after-bell ROP course, register via Coastline ROP	g
Medical Nursing Careers Internship	CTE	11-12 (mostly)	—UC/CSU g; after-bell ROP course, register via Coastline ROP	g
CNA (Pre-Certification) Internship	CTE	11-12 (mostly)	—UC/CSU g; after-bell ROP course, register via Coastline ROP	g
Emergency Medical Responder (EMR)	CTE	11-12 (mostly)	—UC/CSU g; after-bell ROP course, register via Coastline ROP	g
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)	CTE	11-12 (mostly)	—UC/CSU g; after-bell ROP course, register via Coastline ROP	g
Dental Assistant Back Office	CTE	11-12 (mostly)	—UC/CSU g; after-bell ROP course, register via Coastline ROP	g
Dental Assistant Back Office Internship	CTE	11-12 (mostly)	—UC/CSU g; after-bell ROP course, register via Coastline ROP	g
Dental Assistant Front Office	CTE	11-12 (mostly)	—UC/CSU g; after-bell ROP course, register via Coastline ROP	g
Pharmacy Technician Internship	CTE	11-12 (mostly)	Must be a high school seniorseniors only; after-bell ROP course, register via Coastline ROP
Animal Health Care	CTE	11-12 (mostly)	—UC/CSU g; after-bell ROP course, register via Coastline ROP	g
Animal Health Care Internship	CTE	11-12 (mostly)	—UC/CSU g; after-bell ROP course, register via Coastline ROP	g
Administration of Justice (AOJ)	CTE	11-12 (mostly)	—UC/CSU g; after-bell ROP course, register via Coastline ROP	g
Crime Scene Investigation (CSI)	CTE	11-12 (mostly)	—UC/CSU g; after-bell ROP course, register via Coastline ROP	g
Fire Science 101	CTE	11-12 (mostly)	—UC/CSU g; after-bell ROP course, register via Coastline ROP	g
Careers in Artificial Intelligence (Virtual)	CTE	11-12 (mostly)	—after-bell ROP course, register via Coastline ROP
Cyberforward (Virtual)	CTE	11-12 (mostly)	—after-bell ROP course, register via Coastline ROP
Medical Innovations, Research & Entrepreneurship (Virtual)	CTE	11-12 (mostly)	—after-bell ROP course, register via Coastline ROP
Entrepreneurship I & II (Virtual)	CTE	11-12 (mostly)	—after-bell ROP course, register via Coastline ROP
Supply Chain Management I & II (Virtual)	CTE	11-12 (mostly)	—after-bell ROP course, register via Coastline ROP
Construction Technology Pre-Apprenticeship / BITA 1 Construction	CTE	11-12 (mostly)	—after-bell ROP course, register via Coastline ROP
Broadcast News	CTE	11-12 (mostly)	—after-bell ROP course, register via Coastline ROP
Business & Finance Internship	CTE	11-12 (mostly)	—after-bell ROP course, register via Coastline ROP
Careers with Children Internship	CTE	11-12 (mostly)	—after-bell ROP course, register via Coastline ROP
Medical Core	CTE	11-12 (mostly)	—after-bell ROP course, register via Coastline ROP
Microbiology Internship	CTE	11-12 (mostly)	—after-bell ROP course, register via Coastline ROP
Robotics & Engineering Internship	CTE	11-12 (mostly)	—after-bell ROP course, register via Coastline ROP
Sports Medicine Internship	CTE	11-12 (mostly)	—after-bell ROP course, register via Coastline ROP
Fire Fighting Technology	CTE	11-12 (mostly)	—after-bell ROP course, register via Coastline ROP

Dual Enrollment (Irvine Valley College) 15 courses

Course	Level	Grades	Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes
ASL 21 – Beginning American Sign Language I	Dual Enrollment	9-12	—Fall; 4 units; UC/CSU transferable
ASL 22 – Beginning American Sign Language II	Dual Enrollment	9-12	ASL 21Spring; 4 units; UC/CSU transferable
CHI 1 – Beginning Chinese I	Dual Enrollment	9-12	—Fall; 5 units; UC/CSU
CHI 2 – Beginning Chinese II	Dual Enrollment	9-12	CHI 1 or 2 yrs HS ChineseSpring; 5 units; UC/CSU
CIM 181 – Introduction to Networks (CCNA 1 & Network+)	Dual Enrollment	9-12	—Fall; 3 units; CSU only; on the Irvine High School campus
CIM 170 – Introduction to Information Systems Security (Security+)	Dual Enrollment	9-12	CIM 181Spring; 3 units; CSU only
MATH 4A – Analytic Geometry and Calculus III	Dual Enrollment	9-12	AP Calculus BC with B or higher; counselor approval; must take AP examFall; 5 units; UC/CSU
MATH 26 – Introduction to Linear Algebra	Dual Enrollment	9-12	AP Calculus BC with B or higherSpring; 4 units; UC/CSU
MATH 24 – Elementary Differential Equations	Dual Enrollment	9-12	AP Calculus BC with B or higherSpring; 4 units; UC/CSU
ARAB 1 – Elementary Arabic	Dual Enrollment	9-12	—Fall; 5 units; UC/CSU
ARAB 2 – Elementary Arabic II	Dual Enrollment	9-12	ARAB 1 or 2 yrs HS ArabicSpring; 5 units; UC/CSU
MGT 1 – Introduction to Business	Dual Enrollment	9-12	—Fall 2026; free; college transcript
MGT 135 – Principles of Marketing	Dual Enrollment	9-12	—Spring 2027; free; college transcript
HLTH 5 – Introduction to Public Health	Dual Enrollment	9-12	—Fall 2026; online; does NOT meet IUSD Health requirement
BIOT 70 – Introduction to Biotechnology	Dual Enrollment	9-12	—Spring 2027; online; free

Visual and Performing Arts - Visual 19 courses

Course	Level	Grades	Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes	UC A-G
AP Drawing	AP	11-12	A passing grade for both semesters of Advanced Drawing and Painting. (or teacher approval). Students must submit an application and portfolio. ‘C’ or better required for 1st semester to continue…Credits: 10 (Weighted Grade)	f
AP 2D Art & Design	AP	11-12	A passing grade for two semesters of Advanced Visual Imagery/Photo, or Advanced Computer Graphics. Teacher approval required.Credits: 10 (Weighted Grade)	f
AP 3D Art & Design	AP	11-12	A passing grade in two or more semesters of Ceramics and teacher approval.Credits: 10 (Weighted Grade)	f
AP Art History	AP	10-12	Completion or enrollment in an AP or Honors course, or Advanced or AP level in a Visual Arts studio course.Credits: 10; Grade Level: 10-12	f
Animation	CP		—Credits: 10	f
Advanced Animation	CP		—Credits: 10	f
Introduction to Art	CP		—Credits: 5 per semester
Painting & Drawing	CP		—Credits: 5 per semester	f
Advanced Painting & Drawing	CP		Grade of a B or better for both semesters of Painting & Drawing or teacher approvalCredits: 10	f
Beginning Ceramics	CP		—Credits: 5 per semester	f
Advanced Ceramics	CP		2 Semesters of Beginning CeramicsCredits: 5 per semester	f
Computer Graphics	CP		—Credits: 10	f
Advanced Computer Graphics	CP		A passing grade for both semesters of Computer Graphics and teacher approval.Credits: 10	f
Video Production	CP		—Credits: 10	f
Advanced Video Production/iTV	CP		Completion of Video Production, an application must be submitted, and students are required to attend the FilmEd summer workshop.Credits: 10	f
Art of Film	CP		Completion of Video ProductionCredits: 5 per semester; may start in Fall or Spring; repeatable	f
Visual Imagery (Photography)	CP		—Credits: 5 per semester	f
Advanced Visual Imagery (Photography)	CP		2 semesters of Visual ImageryCredits: 5 per semester	f
Directed Art	Other		IEP Team RecommendationCredits: 5 per semester

Visual and Performing Arts - Performing 38 courses

Course	Level	Grades	Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes	UC A-G
AP Music Theory	AP	10-12	—Credits: 5 per semester (Weighted GPA)	f
Hip Hop Dance 1	CP		—Credits: 5 per semester; Beginning Level: Open to all students
Hip Hop Dance 2	CP		—Credits: 5 per semester; Open to all grade levels (Audition Required)
Dance Tech 1	CP		—Credits: 5 per semester; Beginning Level: Open to all students
Dance Tech 2	CP		—Credits: 5 per semester; Open to all grade levels (Audition Required)	f
Dance Tech 3	CP		—Credits: 5 per semester; Open to all grade levels (Audition Required)	f
Dance Tech 4	CP		—Credits: 5 per semester; Open to all grade levels (Audition Required)	f
IHS Dance Ensemble (Company)	CP		—Credits: 5 per semester; Open to all grade levels (Audition Required)	f
Drama 1	CP		—Credits: 5 per semester; Beginning Level: Open to all students	f
Drama 2	CP		—Credits: 5 per semester; audition required	f
Advanced Drama	CP		—Credits: 5 per semester; Audition Required	f
Advanced Theatre Production	CP		—Credits: 5 per semester; Audition Required
Intermediate Technical Theatre	CP		—Credits: 5 per semester; Audition Required
Advanced Technical Theatre	CP		—Credits: 5 per semester; Audition Required
Play Production	CP		—Credits: Variable; Audition or Interview Required
Guitar 1	CP		—Credits: 5	f
Guitar 2	CP		Guitar 1 F/S with a grade of A or BCredits: 5	f
Studio Music	CP		—Credits: 5 per semester; Beginning level (no experience necessary); UC / CSU approved
Studio Music 2	CP		—Credits: 5 per semester; UC / CSU approved
Marching Band	CP		—Credits: 2.5; Format: Zero period daily (before school) for the first 9 weeks
Color Guard	CP		—Credits: 10 (can function as PE credit); Audition required: Contact coreyheddon@iusd.org
Jazz Ensemble 1	CP		—Credits: 7.5; Audition Required; Format: 1.5 semesters during zero period	f
Jazz Ensemble 2	CP		—Credits: 7.5; Audition Required; Format: 1.5 semesters during zero period	f
Jazz Ensemble 3	CP		—Credits: 7.5; No Audition Required; Format: 1.5 semesters during zero period
Concert Band	CP		—Credits: 10	f
Symphonic Band	CP		—Credits: 10; Audition Required	f
Wind Symphony	CP		—Credits: 10; Audition Required	f
Percussion Ensemble	CP		—Credits: 5 per semester	f
Concert Orchestra	CP		—Credits: 10	f
Symphonic Orchestra	CP		—Credits: 10; Audition Required	f
Philharmonic Orchestra	CP		—Credits: 10; Audition Required	f
Music Theory	CP		—Credits: 5 per semester
Vocal Performance Ensemble (Any and All Levels)	CP		—Credits: 5 per semester; Open to all Grade Levels
Viva Cantar (Intermediate Level)	CP		—Credits: 10 credits per year; Open to all Grade Levels (Audition Required)	f
Irvine High School Chorale (Intermediate Level)	CP		—Credits: 10; Open to all Grade Levels (Audition Required)	f
Canta Bella (Advanced Level)	CP		—Credits: 10; Open to all Grade Levels (Audition Required)	f
Irvine Singers (Advanced Level)	CP		—Credits: 10; Open to all Grade Levels (Audition Required)	f
Technical Theatre	CTE		—Credits: 5 per semester; Beginning Level: Open to all students	f

Physical Education 3 courses

Course	Level	Grades	Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes
PE Coed (9th Grade)	CP	9	—Credits: 5 per semester
PE Racquet Sports (10th-12th Grade)	CP	10-12	—Credits: 5 per semester
PE Court Sports (10th-12th Grade)	CP	10-12	—Credits: 5 per semester

Non-Departmental / Electives 9 courses

Course	Level	Grades	Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes
Health	CP	9-12	—Credits: 5; Required for graduation
Study Skills	CP		—Credits: 5 per semester; Not College Prep
Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID)	CP		Application and interview; selection requiredCredits: 5 per semester; college prep elective
ASB/Leadership	CP		This class is for elected and appointed Student Body officers onlyCredits: 10
Community Work Experience	CP		Must have an active work permit and be currently employedCredits: 1 credit per 40 hours (variable)
Student Assistant	CP	11	Must apply and be in good standingCredits: 5
Directed Health	Other		IEP Team RecommendationCredits: 5
Directed Studies	Other		Individualized Education Plan with this service (IEP)Credits: 0-5 (variable credit)
Practical Life Skills	Other		IEP Team RecommendationCredits: 10

Course Selection Timeline

Grade 8

March8th Grade Family Night
March 2Course Pathways parent meeting (online)
Mid-AprilSubmit the grade 9 elective form
May 7Incoming freshman athlete information meeting
AugustRoundup: pick up schedule, student ID, and textbooks

Grade 9

October 15PSAT 8/9 on campus
Throughout the yearTwo 90-minute counselor classroom lessons on the four-year plan and a career interest assessment
March 13Enter next year's courses in the Aeries Academic Plan; deadline 3:00 p.m.

Grade 10

September to AprilHigh School Planning Conference, attended by the student and parents
OctoberPre-ACT on campus
Week of March 24Teacher advisor meetings to confirm grade 11 courses

Grade 11

OctoberPSAT/NMSQT, the National Merit qualifying test
FebruaryGrade 11 information night
April 11Final Academic Plan changes due; the plan closes at 3:00 p.m. until August
MayPrivate college and recommendation letter workshop, financial aid presentation, and required grade 11 meetings

Grade 12

September 14Required grade 12 meeting; counselor recommendation letter requests open the same day
October 9Counselor recommendation letter requests due
October 1FAFSA and CADAA applications open
October 7 to November 20Application workshops
November 30University of California and California State University application deadline
March 2Cal Grant deadline
May 1Statement of Intent to Register (SIR) deadline
July 1Send final transcripts through Parchment

Course Selection Principles Recommended by EDUBUS

First, in grade 9, only the starting points in mathematics and science need to be settled; other courses can follow the student’s interests. Keep in mind, however, that academic courses usually fill 50 credits, leaving only 10 credits that are truly flexible. Second, the combination for grades 11 through 12 should be planned before the High School Planning Conference in grade 10, because the prerequisites for science electives determine the year in which AP science courses can be scheduled. Third, the 32 Coastline ROP courses are held after school and do not use regular class periods, which makes them a way to build hands-on experience without giving up academic courses; 17 of them are marked in the course catalog as counting toward UC A-G category g electives. Fourth, after courses are entered into the Academic Plan in Aeries on March 13, changes are possible only until April 11. After that, changes must wait until Roundup in August and depend on available space in each section.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum number of credits an Irvine High School student can take in one school year?

Irvine High School requires at least 30 credits per semester and allows at most 60 credits per school year. Credits beyond 60 can come only from Credit Plus courses (marked CR+ on the schedule), which are mainly physical education and visual and performing arts courses. Grade 9 students must complete 60 credits, of which academic courses usually take up 50, leaving only 10 credits for general electives.

At Irvine High School, when can a student who is struggling in an AP or honors course move to a standard section?

Irvine High School follows the common rules of the Irvine Unified School District (IUSD). Courses can be added until the end of week 2 after school starts, and level-change requests (for example, from AP US History to US History) are reviewed by the same deadline and require placement on a waiting list. A drop before the first progress report leaves no record; after that, a drop is recorded as W on the transcript until the last day of the quarter. No drops are allowed after the end of the first or third quarter. In fall 2026-27, the first progress report is on September 18, and first-quarter grades are due on October 23.

Can courses taken outside the school or online be recorded on the Irvine High School transcript?

Prior approval from the Irvine High School principal or a designee is required through the Request for Alternative Course Credit form. The limit is 10 credits per school year and 40 credits over four years of high school, and no honors weighting is given. Community college courses fall into a separate category: only courses that satisfy graduation or UC A-G requirements are posted to the high school transcript, and they are posted only after the Cal Grant GPA is submitted in the fall of grade 12. They are also not included in the school GPA.

How many credits are required to graduate from Irvine High School in the Irvine Unified School District, and are the requirements the same as those for college admission?

Irvine High School requires 225 credits for the Class of 2027 and later and 215 credits for the Class of 2026. Graduation requirements and college admission requirements are two separate standards. For graduation, a grade of D- or higher earns credit, while the University of California and California State University A-G requirements call for C- or higher. For graduation, 10 credits in any one of world languages, visual and performing arts, or career technical education is sufficient, while A-G requires two years of the same world language and one year of visual and performing arts.

Why are most science electives at Irvine High School scheduled in grade 12?

Irvine High School requires every science elective, including AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Environmental Science, and AP Physics 2, to be taken after or concurrently with Physics in the Universe or AP Physics 1, and after completion of Living Earth and Chemistry of the Earth. The required three-year sequence runs through grade 11, so a second AP science course usually fits only in grade 12.

Data verified on 2026-09-20. Course catalogs are updated each spring; prerequisites follow the school's current Course of Study.