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

Portola High School publishes all courses for the 2026-27 school year on the Course Offerings page of its website, most recently updated on March 11, 2026. The catalog lists 163 courses, each with its prerequisites, UC A-G category, and expected weekly time outside class. This page first explains the course selection rules and then presents the complete course map. The rules are where parents most often make mistakes.

Course Selection Rules

Schedule structure	Rotating block schedule with 8 periods: on Monday all 8 periods meet (45 minutes each); the other four days follow an odd/even block (80 minutes each), with Office Hours and a Wednesday Advisement group
Course load	Students in grades 9 and 10 take 6 courses: literature and language, integrated math, integrated science, social science, physical education, plus one world language, visual and performing arts, or other elective. Usually a maximum of 6 courses per semester; the school's counselors state explicitly that 6 courses are sufficient for graduation and UC A-G eligibility
7th and 8th courses	Only students in performing arts, varsity athletics, student government (ASB), the school newspaper, video production, Virtual Enterprise, Small Business Management I/II, yearbook, and visual arts programs may add a 7th or 8th course
Teacher recommendation	Advanced courses in math, science, and world language require the grade, End-of-Course exam (EOC), and teacher recommendation criteria listed in the course catalog; social science AP courses state that a B or higher in writing and an A in the previous social science course, or a teacher recommendation, is "highly recommended," but this is not a hard requirement
Level changes and add/drop	Moving from AP or Honors to a regular (CP) section: the fall semester deadline is October 23, the last day of the first quarter; the spring semester deadline is February 19, the third-quarter progress report date; the grade transfers with the student to the new section. Switching from AP Human Geography to Honors or CP American History is allowed only on or before September 15. The social science department adds that Honors and AP courses do not accept drops after the term begins, that yearlong courses may be dropped at the end of a semester at the earliest, and that space is not guaranteed
Course request process	Current students in grades 9 to 11 complete the Course Request Form for their grade; the last day to revise course requests with a counselor is May 1. The form asks students to indicate no-class periods (No Period 1 / 7 / 8); students do not request athletics themselves, since counselors add them after coaches confirm rosters
Outside and dual enrollment courses	Irvine Valley College (IVC) dual enrollment comes in four forms: Dual Enrollment CCAP (a high school and community college partnership program), on campus or online, is free; Summer College CCAP is free; General Dual Enrollment requires students to pay the health fee and materials costs; and Early College CCAP is applied for in the spring of grade 8 and is a four-year commitment. IVC Math 5 and Math 10 can be taken on campus. Coastline ROP (Regional Occupational Program) also offers after-school courses
Classroom assessment retakes	Each department sets its own retake limits for classroom assessments: 2 per semester for CP Math II and below, 1 per semester for Honors, Enhanced Math, and Math III; a retake can earn up to full credit

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

Subject	Credits
English	40
Social Science (World History 10 + US History 10 + Economics 5 + Government 5)	30
Science (Life Science 5 + Earth or Physical Science 5 + one additional year 10)	30
Mathematics (must include Math I and Math II)	30
Physical Education	20
VAPA / World Language / CTE	10
Health	5
General Electives	60

Each semester course is worth 5 credits; the minimum passing grade is D-. Graduation requirements and college admission requirements are two different standards: graduation requires only a D- or higher, while the UC A-G course requirements used by the University of California and California State University require a C- or higher; graduation requires only one year of world language, visual and performing arts, or career technical education, while UC A-G requires two years of the same world language and a separate year of visual and performing arts. In mathematics, graduation requires three years, including Math I and Math II, and UC A-G likewise requires three years, with four recommended. Course planning should follow the UC A-G standard.

Course Levels by Subject

In the pathways below, CP refers to College Prep, Honors to honors courses, and AP to Advanced Placement courses. Note Portola High School’s weighting rule: Honors courses in grades 9 and 10 carry no extra weight, and weight is given only to AP courses and 11 designated weighted Honors electives.

English

Grade 9: English 1 or English 1 Honors; the latter requires a middle school teacher recommendation and a passing grade 8 skill demonstration; neither is weighted
Grade 10: English 2 or English 2 Honors, unweighted
Grade 11: English 3 or AP English Literature, weighted
Grade 12: English 4 Senior LLA Capstone or AP English Language, weighted, grade 12 only

Social Science

Grade 9: Modern World History, with an embedded honors designation available, unweighted
Grade 10: American History, American History Honors (unweighted beginning in 2026-27), or AP Human Geography, the only AP option in grade 10
Grades 11 to 12: AP US History, AP World History, AP Psychology, AP Economics (one course preparing for both the Macroeconomics and Microeconomics exams), AP African American Studies, and a range of semester electives
Grade 12: American Government and Political Economy (Passion Civics program), or AP United States Government and Honors Political Economy; both are weighted

Science (standard sequence)

Grade 9: Living Earth, with an embedded honors designation available
Grade 10: Chemistry in the Earth System, with an embedded honors designation available
Grade 11: Physics in the Universe
Grade 12: electives such as Anatomy & Physiology, Forensics, and Zoology & Marine Ecology

Science (most rigorous sequence)

Grade 9: Living Earth Honors designation, unweighted
Grade 10: Chemistry in the Earth Honors designation, unweighted
Grade 11: AP Physics 1, provided the student is concurrently enrolled in Math III or higher and has a teacher recommendation
Grade 12: AP Physics C, one course that prepares for both the Mechanics and Electricity and Magnetism exams, provided the student is concurrently enrolled in calculus and earned C or higher in AP Physics 1; AP Biology, AP Chemistry, and AP Environmental Science are also available

Engineering (PLTW project-based engineering)

Grades 9 to 12: Introduction to Engineering Design
Grades 10 to 12: Principles of Engineering
Grades 11 to 12: Aerospace Engineering (offered every other year after 2026-27) or Digital Electronics
Grade 12: Honors Engineering Design & Development, weighted

Entry requirements for AP science courses:

Course	Entry requirements
AP Physics 1	Concurrent enrollment in Math III or higher and a teacher recommendation; the school recommends having completed Math III, or an A in Math II and an A in the chemistry honors designation. Students not ready in grade 11 may take it in grade 12
AP Biology	An average of B- or higher in Chemistry in the Earth System and Living Earth or administrative approval, completion of or concurrent enrollment in Physics in the Universe or AP Physics 1, and a teacher recommendation
AP Chemistry	Passing a full year of chemistry and a teacher recommendation, with completion of or concurrent enrollment in Physics in the Universe or AP Physics 1; the school recommends a chemistry grade of 3.0 or higher
AP Environmental Science	Passing Living Earth and chemistry, completion of or concurrent enrollment in Physics in the Universe or AP Physics 1, and a teacher recommendation
AP Physics C	Grade 12 only; concurrent enrollment in calculus or higher and C or higher in AP Physics 1

Science courses follow one rule specific to this school: AP Biology, AP Chemistry, and AP Environmental Science all require completion of or concurrent enrollment in Physics in the Universe or AP Physics 1, so physics effectively becomes a prerequisite for all advanced science courses. In addition, the second- and third-year courses in the engineering pathway (including Principles of Engineering) can satisfy the physical science graduation credit.

Math courses are covered on a separate page: Math Pathway. World language offerings include four languages plus online courses:

Chinese 1-3 + AP Chinese Language & Culture
Spanish 1-3 + Spanish 4 Honors + Spanish 5 Honors or AP Spanish Language
French 1-3 + AP French Language & Culture
Spanish for Spanish Speakers 1-2, plus Preparate a Servir, an advanced Spanish course oriented toward health care
Korean 1-2 is offered only through Irvine Unified School District's online Blended Learning program

Complete Course Map

Courses are organized by subject. Each course shows its level, grades offered, prerequisites, and UC A-G category. Dark tags indicate AP courses, yellow tags indicate Honors or Enhanced courses, and blue tags indicate community college dual enrollment courses. Note that a course labeled Honors in the catalog is not necessarily weighted; weighting follows the list of 11 weighted Honors courses published in the School Profile.

English Language Arts 12 courses

Course	Level	Grades	Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes	UC A-G
AP English Literature & Composition	AP	11	None listed; considerations for AP levelHonors point (+); 2-3 hr/wk HW; taught in 11th at PHS	b
AP English Language & Composition	AP	12	None listed; considerations for AP levelHonors point (+); 12th grade only; 2 hr/wk HW	b
English 1 Honors	Honors	9	Middle-school teacher recommendation + 8th grade skill demonstrationNo extra GPA point in 9th/10th (honors point only on 11-12 AP/H per profile); 1-2 hr/wk HW	b
English 2 Honors	Honors	10	Advanced reading/writing/speaking skills (considerations for honors)No weighted point	b
Sheltered English (English Learners course)	CP	9-12	EL placementFoundational English for ELs; yearlong; ~1 hr/wk HW	b
English 1	CP	9	—CP; 1-2 hr/wk HW	b
English 2	CP	10	—American literature; CP	b
English 3 (CP)	CP	11	—	b
English 4 - Senior LLA Capstone	CP	12	—Includes Portola Passion Project support	b
Functional English	Other	9-12	IEP team recommendationSpecial education	none
Practical English	Other	9-12	IEP team recommendationSpecial education	none
Practical Consumer English	Other	9-12	IEP team recommendationSpecial education	none

Mathematics 17 courses

Course	Level	Grades	Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes	UC A-G
AP Precalculus	AP	10-12	From Math II via HS Summer Bridge (A- both sems, EOC 85%, SMPs to qualify; then B-/85%/SMPs); from Enhanced Math II meet 2 of 3 (B- both sems, EOC 85%, SMPs); from Math III C or better both sems (A's recommended)Honors point (+); 4-5 hr/wk HW; ^10th-grade AP option per profile	c
AP Calculus AB	AP	11-12	From AP Precalc: 2 of 3 (85% EOC, teacher rec, C or better both sems); from CP Precalc: teacher rec if not A both semsHonors point; 4-5 hr/wk; TI-84+	c
AP Calculus BC	AP	11-12	From AP Precalc: 2 of 3 (85% EOC, teacher rec, B or better both sems); from AP Calc AB: teacher rec + B or better both semsHonors point; 4-5 hr/wk	c
AP Statistics	AP	10-12	B or better in Math 3 OR Enhanced Math II and math teacher recommendationHonors point; ~1.5 hr/wk recommended	c
AP Computer Science Principles	AP	10-12	A or higher in Math III or B or higher in Enhanced Math II (both sems) or ECS with teacher recHonors point; <1 hr/wk; must be enrolled to take AP exam (portfolio)	g
AP Computer Science A	AP	10-12	B or better in Math 3 or Enhanced Math II AND prior programming experience, OR B or better in AP CSPHonors point; Java; listed 11-12 in electives table	g
Math 5 / Math 10 (IVC Math, dual enrollment)	Dual Enrollment	11-12	Earned credits for both semesters of Math IIFall: IVC Math 5 Math for Liberal Arts; Spring: IVC Math 10 Intro to Statistics; online curriculum with PHS teacher; UC/CSU transferable	c
Enhanced Math II	Enhanced	9-11	From Math I or Enhanced Math I: meet 2 of 3 (grades of A, EOC 85%+, SMPs)Accelerated; covers Math II + some Math III/Precalc standards; 2-3 hr/wk HW	c
Math I	CP	9-12	From Math 8 (grade-level progression); from Enhanced Math I if not meeting accelerated criteria; from Math IAB with C+/70% EOC/SMPs1 hr/wk HW	c
Math I AB (Double Block Math I)	CP	9	Support placement: grades below C-, EOC <70%, compelling evidenceEarns Math I credit in one year; meets every day (from 8th-grade registration newsletter)	c
Math II	CP	9-12	Math I with C or above 2nd semester; from Enhanced Math I meet 2 of 3 (C+, EOC 70%, SMPs); from Math I CD	c
Math III	CP	10-12	Math II with C or above 2nd semester; from Enhanced Math II: C+, EOC 70%, SMPs1-2 hr/wk HW +1-2 when studying	c
CP Precalculus	CP	11-12	Meet 2 of 3: C or better in Math 3 2nd sem; EOC 80%+; positive teacher appraisal2 hr/wk HW; prepares for AP Calc AB	c
Consumer Math / Personal Finance	CP	10-12	C or better in Math CD, Math 2, or Math 3Math elective credit; <1 hr/wk	none
Exploring Computer Science	CP	9-12	—Intro CS; <10 min/wk HW	g
Functional Math	Other	9-12	IEP team recommendationSpecial education	none
Practical Math	Other	9-12	IEP team recommendationSpecial education	none

Science 19 courses

Course	Level	Grades	Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes	UC A-G
AP Physics 1	AP	11-12	Concurrent enrollment in Math 3 or above + teacher rec; recommended: completed Math 3 OR A in Math 2 and Honors A in ChemistryHonors point; 3+ hr/wk; can be taken in 12th if not ready in 11th	d
AP Biology	AP	11-12	Avg B- or better in Chem of Earth + Living Earth OR admin approval; completion/concurrent Physics in the Universe or AP Physics 1; teacher recHonors point; 2 hr/wk; A's recommended	d
AP Chemistry	AP	11-12	Passing yearlong chemistry; teacher rec; passing/concurrent Physics in the Universe or AP Physics 1; recommended 3.0+ in ChemHonors point; 3+ hr/wk; 16+ labs	d
AP Environmental Science	AP	11-12	Passing Living Earth & Chem; completion/concurrent Physics or AP Physics 1; teacher recHonors point; 3+ hr/wk	d
AP Physics C: Mechanics & Electricity/Magnetism	AP	12	Concurrent enrollment in Calculus or higher AND AP Physics 1 with C or betterHonors point; one course prepares for both Physics C exams; 6+ hr/wk; 12th only	d
Living Earth Honors (embedded designation)	Honors	9	Demonstrate advanced understandingHonors designation on transcript, NO extra GPA point	d
Chemistry in the Earth Honors (embedded designation)	Honors	10	Demonstrate advanced understandingNo extra GPA point	d
Forensics (CP / Honors point option)	Honors	11-12	Completion of Chem + Living Earth; completion/concurrent Physics or AP Physics 1Honors option earns honors point (H+); CP 1-2 hr, H 1-3 hr/wk	d
Zoology & Marine Ecology (CP / Honors point option)	Honors	11-12	Completion/concurrent Physics in the Universe or AP Physics 1Honors option earns honors point; marked * possible course; dissections	d
Honors Engineering Design and Development (PLTW capstone)	Honors	12	Prior engineering course + engineering teacher recHonors point; 12th only; 2-3 hr/wk	g
Living Earth	CP	9	Completion of 8th grade scienceCP with possible embedded Honors designation (no extra GPA point); <1 hr/wk	d
Chemistry in the Earth System	CP	10	Completion of Living EarthCP with possible embedded Honors designation (no extra GPA point)	d
Physics in the Universe	CP	11	Completion of Chemistry in the Earth System and Living Earth2nd/3rd-year engineering students (incl. POE) satisfy physics grad requirement	d
Anatomy & Physiology	CP	11-12	Completion of Chem + Living Earth; completion/concurrent Physics or AP Physics 1Cat dissection required; <1 hr/wk	d
Introduction to Engineering Design (PLTW)	CTE	9-12	Passing/concurrent Math 1PLTW; $50 suggested donation; also listed under ROP/CTE	g
Principles of Engineering (PLTW)	CTE	10-12	Concurrent Math 2 or above (required); recommended Math 3, C- in IED, Fusion 360UC-approved; $80 suggested donation; POE counts toward physics grad req for 2nd/3rd-year engineering students	d/g
Aerospace Engineering (PLTW)	CTE	11-12	Prior engineering course + engineering teacher rec; recommended Precalc/EM3, Fusion 360UC-approved; offered 2026-27 then every other year from 2029-30; $80	g
Digital Electronics (PLTW)	CTE	11-12	Prior engineering course + teacher rec + concurrent Math 3 or higher; recommended POEOffered 2026-27, 2027-28, then every other year from 2029-30; $80	g
Pharmacy Technician	CTE	10-12	—Leads to CA Pharmacy Tech license eligibility (PTCE); 1 hr/wk	pending/unknown

Social Studies 23 courses

Course	Level	Grades	Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes	UC A-G
AP Human Geography	AP	10-12	Teacher recommendation highly recommendedHonors point; 3-4 hr/wk; the 10th-grade AP option; can switch to H/CP American History only on/before Sept 15	a
AP United States History	AP	11-12	Highly recommended: B in writing and A in previous SS course or teacher recHonors point; 3-4 hr/wk	a
AP World History: Modern	AP	11-12	Highly recommended: B in writing and A in previous SS or teacher recHonors point; 1-3 hr/wk; elective	a
AP Government / Honors Political Economy	AP	12	Highly recommended: B in writing and A in previous SS or teacher recHonors point; 12th only; 2+ hr/wk	a/g
AP Psychology	AP	11-12	Highly recommended: B in writing and A in previous SS or teacher recHonors point; 2+ hr/wk	g
AP Economics (Macro + Micro)	AP	11-12	Highly recommended: B in writing and A in previous SS or teacher recHonors point; yearlong course preparing for both AP Macro and AP Micro exams	g
AP African American Studies	AP	11-12	None statedYearlong; 1-3 hr/wk; not listed on 2026-27 profile AP list	g
Modern World History Honors (embedded designation)	Honors	9	Demonstrate advanced understandingNo extra GPA point	a
American History Honors	Honors	10	Not stated; more independent reading/writingNot a weighted course per 2026-27 profile (was weighted in 2023-24 profile)	a
Religion & Society (CP / Honors point)	Honors	11-12	—Semester; honors option earns point	g
Contemporary Issues (CP / Honors point)	Honors	11-12	—Semester; honors option earns point; debate-oriented	g
Disney through the Decades (CP / Honors point)	Honors	11-12	—Semester; honors option earns point	g
United States History (English Learner course)	CP	9-12	EL/newcomer placementSupports newcomers at all grade levels	a
Modern World History	CP	9	—CP with possible embedded Honors designation (no extra GPA point); 0.5-1 hr/wk	a
American History	CP	10	—1 hr/wk	a
American Government / Political Economy (Passion Civics)	CP	12	—Yearlong; culminates in Passion Project; satisfies Gov + Econ	a/g
Sociology	CP	11-12	—Semester	g
Psychology	CP	11-12	—Semester	g
Introduction to Ethnic Studies	CP	11-12	—Semester; marked * possible course; CP/Honors listed	g
Sports Psychology	CP	11-12	—Semester	g
Sustainable Economics	CP	11-12	—Semester	g
Asian American Studies	CP	11-12	—Semester	g
Practical US History	Other	9-12	IEP team recommendationSpecial education	none

Physical Education 10 courses

Course	Level	Grades	Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes	UC A-G
Fit4Life	CP	9	—9th-grade PE; quarter-based	none
Health	CP	10-12	—Semester; required for graduation (5 credits); also via IUSD summer school / blended learning	none
Fitness & Strength	CP	10-12	—Quarter	none
Advanced Fitness & Strength	CP	10-12	Teacher rec, placement test and/or PHS athletic team member with coach rec	none
Team Sports	CP	10-12	Fit4Life and/or AthleticsFulfills 2nd year PE	none
Studio Fitness	CP	10-12	Fit4Life and/or Athletics	none
Unified PE	CP	10-12	Application requiredInclusive PE with special education students	none
Marching Band (PE credit)	CP	9-12	None; concurrent enrollment in Band/Orchestra/Choir requiredSatisfies 1 semester PE; fall semester	none
Marching Band & Color Guard	CP	9-12	—Yearlong; 2 hr/wk	none
Athletics (team sport)	CP	9-12	Athletic clearance; roster spot confirmed by coachAdded by counselor, do not request on course form; 7th/8th period	none

Performing Arts 33 courses

Course	Level	Grades	Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes	UC A-G
AP Music Theory	AP	11-12	Basic voice/instrument performance skills; signed director approvalHonors point (listed as AP on profile); must be enrolled to take exam	f
Advanced Theatre Ensemble Honors	Honors	12	Audition/teacher rec; Drama 1, Intermediate & Advanced DramaHonors point; up to 25 hr show week	f
Concert Band	CP	9-12	—Level 1; 7/8 period eligible; 0.5 hr/wk	f
Symphonic Band	CP	9-12	AuditionLevel 2; 7/8 period eligible; 1 hr/wk	f
Wind Ensemble	CP	9-12	AuditionLevel 3; 7/8 period eligible; 3 hr/wk	f
Jazz Ensemble 1/2	CP	9-12	Audition; must be in Marching Band 1st semesterLevel 1-2; 7/8 period eligible; 2nd semester only	f
Dance Technique 1	CP	9-12	Open enrollmentSpring Dance Concert = 20% of grade	f
Dance Technique 2	CP	9-12	Placement exam or Dance 1 with C+	f
Dance Technique 3	CP	9-12	Dance 2 with C+ or director placement (placement exam)	f
Dance Technique 4	CP	9-12	Full year of Dance 3Same period as Dance 3	f
Dance Company	CP	9-12	Audition (late April)~2 after-school events/month; 7/8 eligible	f
Guitar 1	CP	9-12	—Sequence: Guitar 1 > Guitar 2 > Studio Music > Pop Performance Ensemble	f
Guitar 2	CP	9-12	Audition or teacher approval	f
Studio Music	CP	9-12	Audition or teacher approvalComposition, recording tech	f
Contemporary/Pop Performance Ensemble	CP	9-12	Audition or teacher approval	f
Music Theory	CP	9-12	Prior music experience recommended; must read notationPrepares for AP Music Theory	f
String Orchestra	CP	9-12	No auditionLevel 1	f
Concert Orchestra	CP	9-12	Audition or teacher approvalLevel 2	f
Symphonic Orchestra	CP	9-12	Audition or teacher approvalLevel 3	f
Philharmonic Orchestra	CP	9-12	Audition or teacher approvalLevel 4; 3 hr/wk	f
Drama 1	CP	9-12	—	f
Intermediate Drama	CP	9-12	Audition	f
Advanced Theatre Arts	CP	11-12	Audition + teacher rec; Intermediate Drama or mainstage performance	f
Portola Singers	CP	9-12	AuditionAdvanced mixed choir	f
Canta Bella	CP	9-12	None listed (advanced technique required)Advanced treble choir	f
Treble Chorus	CP	9-12	—	f
Bass Chorus	CP	9-12	—	f
Treblemakers	CP	9-12	Placement by auditionTenor/bass intermediate-advanced	f
Vocal Performance Ensemble	CP	9-12	Vocal auditionMusical theatre repertoire	f
Technical Theater	CTE	9-12	—Also CTE Arts/Media pathway	f
Intermediate Technical Theater	CTE	10-12	1 year Technical Theater	f
Advanced Technical Theater	CTE	11-12	Technical Theater + placement by director	f
Professional Internship Tech	CTE	12	Advanced Tech TheaterPracticum/internship	f

Visual Arts 18 courses

Course	Level	Grades	Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes	UC A-G
AP Studio Art: Drawing or 2D Design	AP	11-12	A or B in Art Portfolio Prep or H Modern Contemporary Art AND teacher approvalHonors point; 2-4 hr/wk; must be enrolled to submit AP portfolio	f
AP 3D Design	AP	11-12	Advanced Ceramics or Ceramics as Functional ArtHonors point; 12th-grade option per profile (+)	f
Advanced Art Portfolio Prep	Honors	9-12	A or B in Intermediate Painting or portfolio reviewListed as Weighted Honors on 2026-27 profile	f
Honors Modern & Contemporary Art Exploration	Honors	11-12	—Honors point; 1 hr/wk	f
Art Studio	CP	9-12	—Intro; 7/8 eligible	f
Drawing & Painting	CP	9-12	None (intermediate)	f
Intermediate Painting: Art in Action	CP	9-12	A or B in Draw/Paint or Art Studio, or portfolio review* possible course	f
Beginning Ceramics	CP	9-12	—	f
Intermediate Ceramics	CP	9-12	Beginning Ceramics	f
Advanced Ceramics	CP	9-12	Beginning Ceramics	f
Ceramics as Functional Art	CP	9-12	Beginning Ceramics* possible course	f
Photography	CP	9-12	—	f
Advanced Photography	CP	9-12	PhotographyPortfolio for AP 2D	f
Computer Graphics	CTE	9-12	—Adobe Illustrator/Photoshop; also CTE Arts/Media pathway	f
Advanced Computer Graphics	CTE	9-12	Computer Graphics or instructor approval	f
Video Production / Art of TV & Video Production	CTE	9-12	—Intro; ROP name: Art of TV and Video Production	f
Intermediate Video Production	CTE	9-12	Video Production or teacher rec	f
Advanced Video Production / Broadcast News	CTE	10-12	Intermediate Video Production (description TBA)ROP Broadcast News; Portola News Network	f

World Language 18 courses

Course	Level	Grades	Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes	UC A-G
AP Chinese Language & Culture	AP	11-12	C or better in Chinese 3Honors point; * possible course; profile lists as 12th-grade AP	e
AP French Language & Culture	AP	11-12	French 3 recommendedHonors point; * possible course	e
AP Spanish Language and Culture	AP	11-12	C or higher in Spanish 3 and teacher recHonors point; conducted in Spanish	e
Spanish 4 Honors	Honors	10-12	C or higher in Spanish 3 and teacher recHonors point	e
Spanish 5 Honors	Honors	11-12	Spanish 4H or AP SpanishHonors point (listed in program doc)	e
Chinese 1	CP	9-12	—	e
Chinese 2	CP	9-12	C or better in Chinese 1	e
Chinese 3	CP	9-12	C or better in Chinese 2	e
French 1	CP	9-12	—	e
French 2	CP	9-12	C or better in French 1	e
French 3	CP	9-12	C or better in French 2	e
Spanish 1	CP	9-12	—	e
Spanish 2	CP	9-12	C or better in Spanish 1 (8th grade) and teacher rec	e
Spanish 3	CP	9-12	C or higher in Spanish 2 and teacher rec	e
Spanish for Spanish Speakers 1	CP	9-12	Speak Spanish at home + placement test	e
Spanish for Spanish Speakers 2	CP	10-12	Speak Spanish at home + placement test; Spanish 1 or 2	e
Korean 1, 2 (IUSD Blended Learning)	CP	9-12	—Online through IUSD Blended Learning, not on campus	e
Preparate a Servir: Advanced Spanish for Patient Care	CTE	11-12	Spanish 1 and 2Alternate to Spanish 3; can proceed to H Spanish 4; health-science CTE flavor	e

Additional Electives 4 courses

Course	Level	Grades	Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes	UC A-G
Leadership (ASB)	CP	9-12	Elected/appointed student body officer7/8 eligible; general elective	none
Advanced Newspaper (Portola Pilot)	CP	10-12	Submit Advanced Newspaper Application7/8 eligible; award-winning paper	g
Yearbook	CP	9-12	Submit Yearbook Application by March 217/8 eligible	none
AVID Elective	CP	9-12	Application/identification (GPA 2.0-3.5 typical)A-G approved elective per AVID page	g

ROP/CTE (Business Pathway) 3 courses

Course	Level	Grades	Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes	UC A-G
Intro to Business & Entrepreneurship	CTE	9-12	—Year 1 of Business pathway	g
Virtual Enterprise	CTE	10-12	Intro to Business + instructor approvalYear 2; 7/8 eligible; simulated company	g
Small Business Management I & II	CTE	11-12	Must have taken Virtual EnterpriseYear 3; runs Portola Printing student business; 7/8 eligible	g

ROP/CTE (Health) 1 course

Course	Level	Grades	Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes	UC A-G
Sports Medicine (ROP)	CTE	10-12	See Coastline ROPListed as on-campus Health Science pathway in Program & Course Info doc	unknown

Special Education 5 courses

Course	Level	Grades	Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes	UC A-G
Functional Vocational	Other	9-12	IEP team recommendationSpecial education	none
Functional Technology	Other	9-12	IEP team recommendationSpecial education	none
Functional Life Skills	Other	9-12	IEP team recommendationSpecial education	none
Practical Life Skills	Other	9-12	IEP team recommendationSpecial education	none
Directed Studies	Other	9-12	IEP team recommendationSpecial education	none

Course Selection Timeline

Grade 8

Mid-MarchThe school publishes Program & Course Information, including explainer videos for each AP, Honors, CTE, and dual enrollment course
4/22-4/29On-site course selection at Jeffrey Trail, Cadence Park, and Beacon Park middle schools; results are viewable in Parent Portal
Early AugustSmart Start registration days by grade; grade 9 registers on August 13, with a freshman orientation and Link Crew the same day

Grade 9

Early SeptemberGrade 9 parent information night; counselors visit classrooms to present graduation requirements and UC A-G
9/3-9/4Club Kick-Off club recruitment
10/5PSAT 8/9 and PreACT
Late FebruarySpring grade 9 parent information night; Elective Expo on 2/25
5/1Deadline to revise grade 10 course requests

Grade 10

9/15Last day to switch from AP Human Geography back to American History
9/23Grade 10 parent information night
10/5PSAT/NMSQT and PreACT
Mid-MarchProgram & Course Information is published; finalize the grade 11 AP combination
5/1Deadline to revise grade 11 course requests

Grade 11

9/29Grade 11 parent information night
10/5PSAT/NMSQT, which determines National Merit eligibility
10/12-10/26Fall AP exam registration window
SpringPrepare for the SAT or ACT, update the Naviance resume, and begin drafting a college list and essays
5/1Deadline to revise grade 12 course requests

Grade 12

8/25Grade 12 parent information night; the Common Application opens August 1
9/30Counselor recommendation request deadline; teacher recommendations must be requested in person 30 days in advance
10/1-11/30UC and CSU application window; November 1 and 15 are the most common early application deadlines
DecemberFAFSA and CSS Profile
5/1Statement of Intent to Register (SIR); commencement on 6/3
7/1Final transcripts sent

Frequently Asked Questions

How many courses can a student take per semester at Portola High School?

Portola High School uses an 8-period rotating block schedule, but students usually take at most 6 courses per semester. Only students in performing arts, varsity athletics, student government (ASB), the school newspaper, film and television production, Virtual Enterprise, Small Business Management I/II, yearbook, and visual arts programs may add a 7th or 8th course. Portola High School counselors state clearly that 6 courses are sufficient to meet graduation requirements and UC A-G eligibility, and they recommend a 7th or 8th course only when it genuinely fits the student's interests.

At Portola High School, when can a student who is struggling in an AP or Honors course move to a CP course?

Portola High School's level-change deadlines are later than at most schools: in the fall semester, students may move down through October 23, the last day of the first quarter, and in the spring semester through February 19, the third-quarter progress report date; grades transfer with the student to the new class. Two exceptions apply: transfers from AP Human Geography back to Honors or CP American History must be made on or before September 15, and the social science department separately states that it does not accept drops from Honors and AP courses after the term begins, that year-long courses may be dropped only at the end of a semester, and that space is not guaranteed.

Why are AP English Literature and AP English Language offered in the reverse grades at Portola High School?

This is a feature of Portola High School's course sequence. Most schools offer AP English Language in 11th grade and AP English Literature in 12th grade; Portola High School does the opposite, offering AP English Literature in 11th grade and AP English Language in 12th grade, and AP English Language is limited to 12th graders. Parents drawing on course selection experience from other schools should note this difference: in 11th grade, the only English options are English 3 and AP English Literature.

In Irvine Unified School District, does Enhanced Math I taken in 8th grade appear on the Portola High School transcript?

No. Under Irvine Unified School District policy, Enhanced Math I taken in 8th grade serves only as a prerequisite; it does not earn high school credit and does not appear on the Portola High School transcript. Its purpose is to let students enter Enhanced Math II directly in 9th grade and reach AP Precalculus one year earlier than on the standard pathway.

When are course selections finalized at Portola High School, and can they be changed afterward?

Portola High School releases Program & Course Information each year in mid-March, including descriptions and videos for its AP, Honors, CTE, and dual enrollment courses. Current students in grades 9 through 11 complete the Course Request Form for their grade level, and May 1 is the last day to revise course requests with a counselor. Students in 8th grade select courses in person at their middle school in late April. Students indicate any non-class periods on the request form; athletes should not enter their sport themselves, because counselors add it after coaches confirm the roster.

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