University High School’s Course of Study for the 2026-27 school year runs 135 pages and includes 177 courses. The department pages on the school website contain no content, so this catalog is the authoritative source for all course information. 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
| Course load | Students in grades 9 through 11 must take 6 courses; students in grade 12 may take 5 (at least 4 of them at the school).; A maximum of 8 courses |
|---|---|
| 7th and 8th courses | The seventh and eighth courses must be chosen from the open electives list: performing or visual arts, journalism, Associated Student Body (ASB), AVID 9/10, study skills, math support, reading support, video production, and varsity athletics in grades 11 and 12. |
| Science courses | A maximum of 2 science courses per year |
| Teacher recommendation | All mathematics, science, social science, and world language courses require a recommendation from the current teacher and completion of the course prerequisites. |
| Level changes and add/drop | The deadline to move from an Honors or AP course to a regular course is the end of the sixth week of school, and the student's grade transfers to the new class. Moving up to a higher level requires a teacher recommendation. The deadline to add a course is the end of the second week. |
| Outside courses | Courses taken outside the school require prior administrative approval. Credits earned outside the district are not recorded on the University High School transcript, cannot be used as prerequisites, and cannot be used to satisfy graduation requirements. Online courses are limited to 10 credits per year and 40 credits in total, are graded pass/no pass only, and cannot be used to advance into Honors or AP courses. |
| Course repetition | When a course originally graded D or F is repeated and the new grade is C- or higher, the new grade is used to calculate the GPA; if the original grade was C- or higher, the original grade continues to be used. The original grade remains on the transcript. |
Graduation Requirements (225 Credits Beginning with the Class of 2027)
| Subject | Credits |
|---|---|
| English | 40 |
| Math (including Math I, Math II + 1 additional course) | 30 |
| Science (life science 10 + physical science 10 + physics-based 10) | 30 |
| Social Science | 30 |
| World Language / VAPA / CTE | 10 |
| PE | 20 |
| Health | 5 |
| Electives | 60 |
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, arts, or career technical education, while UC A-G requires two years of the same world language. 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.
English
- Grade 9: English 1, regular course (Honors Distinction available)
- Grade 10: English 2 regular course or Honors English 2
- Grade 11: AP English Language, which requires 87% or higher in both semesters of regular English 2, or 80% or higher in both semesters of Honors English 2 plus a teacher recommendation; English 3 and ERWC 3 are also available
- Grade 12: AP English Literature, ERWC 4, or a combination of two semester courses
Social Science
- Grade 9: Modern World History (Honors Distinction available) or Honors Modern World History
- Grade 10: US History or AP US History; the latter requires Honors Distinction in both semesters of World History, or a course grade of 92% or higher with 90% or higher in writing
- Grade 11: Electives, including Psychology, Ethnic Studies, AP World History, AP Psychology, and AP African American Studies
- Grade 12: Government and Economics, or AP US Government and AP Macroeconomics; the AP courses require a B or higher in AP US History, or an A- or higher in the preceding course with teacher approval
Science (standard sequence)
- Grade 9: NextGen Biology
- Grade 10: NextGen Chemistry
- Grade 11: NextGen Physics or Marine Science
- Grade 12: Electives
Science (most rigorous sequence)
- Grade 9: Honors Biology, which requires 90% or higher in grade 8 science and passing the assessment
- Grade 10: Honors Chemistry, which requires 90% or higher in Math I and either 90% or higher in regular Biology or 80% or higher in Honors Biology
- Grade 11: AP Physics 1 & 2, with both exams taken in the same year; requires B- or higher in Math III and concurrent enrollment in Pre-Calculus
- Grade 12: AP Biology, AP Chemistry, or AP Environmental Science
Entry requirements for AP science courses:
| Course | Entry requirements |
|---|---|
| AP Biology | An average of B or higher in grade 9 and 10 honors science courses, or an average of B+ or higher in regular courses |
| AP Chemistry | B or higher in Honors Chemistry, or an A in regular Chemistry |
| AP Environmental Science | C or higher in the spring semester of grade 10 Chemistry, and completion of Math II |
| AP Physics 1 & 2 | B- or higher in Math III, and concurrent enrollment in Pre-Calculus |
Math courses are covered on a separate page: Math Pathway. World language offerings include five languages: Chinese 1-3 + AP (Chinese 1 is for non-native speakers only; Chinese 4 has been discontinued); Spanish 1-4 + AP Spanish Language + AP Spanish Literature (AP Spanish Language requires an A in Spanish 3); French 1-4; Latin 1-4 + AP; American Sign Language (ASL) I-IV; Spanish for Native Speakers 2/3/4.
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.
English
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP English Language and Composition | AP | 11 | 87%+ both semesters of CP English 2 OR 80%+ both semesters of Honors English 2, plus teacher recommendation on listed skillsYear; weighted ‡ | b |
| AP English Literature and Composition | AP | 12 | Skill-level expectations (college-level reading 50-100 pp/week; timed essays every ~2 weeks); see Honors/AP placementYear; weighted ‡; ~80% of grade is writing | b |
| Honors English 2 | Honors | 10 | Recommendation based on performance in English 1; see Honors/AP placement expectationsYear; not weighted (no bonus point) | b |
| English 1 CP | CP | 9 | 9th grade statusYear; ALL students may earn 'Honors Distinction' notation each semester (requirements set in class) | b |
| English 2 CP | CP | 10 | 10th grade statusYear; American literature | b |
| English 3 CP | CP | 11 | 11th grade statusYear; British literature | b |
| ERWC 3 CP (Expository Reading & Writing Course) | CP | 11 | 11th grade statusYear; counts as English 3 CP; CSU curriculum; EAP conditional-exempt students completing it are exempt from CSU English placement | b |
| ERWC 4 CP | CP | 12 | 12th grade statusYear; counts as CP senior English | b |
| Creative Writing in the Digital Age | CP | 12 | Incoming 12th gradersSemester; pairs with Literature of Fantasy & Fairytale to make a year of senior CP English | b |
| Literature of Fantasy and Fairytale | CP | 12 | Incoming 12th gradersSemester | b |
| History and Theory of the Graphic Novel | CP | 12 | Incoming 12th gradersSemester; pairs with Science Fiction Literature | b |
| Science Fiction Literature | CP | 12 | Incoming 12th gradersSemester | b |
| Beginning Journalism | CP | 9-12 | ≥ B in prior English course or teacher recommendationYear; open elective (7th/8th period eligible); A or better gives automatic permission for Advanced Journalism | g |
| Advanced Journalism (Sword & Shield magazine) | CP | 10-12 | Permission from Journalism teacher; Beginning Journalism A students have priorityYear; open elective; may be repeated for credit | g |
| ELD 1 | Other | 9-12 | ELPAC placementYear; English Language Development | |
| ELD 2 | Other | 9-12 | ELD 1 or ELPAC placementYear | |
| ELD 3 | Other | 9-12 | ELD 2 or ELPAC placementYear | |
| English 1A SH (Sheltered) | Other | 9-12 | ELPAC placement or ELD 2Year; comparable to English 1 CP for English learners | b |
Mathematics
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP Precalculus | AP | 10-12 | ≥ 80% in Enhanced Math II both semesters + 85% EOC + teacher appraisal (2 of 3); from regular Math II: Summer Bridge course with ≥ B, 85% EOC, appraisal (to enroll in Summer Bridge need A (not A-) in Math II both semesters + teacher rec); from Math III: > C- (A recommended)Year; weighted ‡; the main acceleration route (Enhanced Math II -> AP Precalc -> AP Calculus) | c |
| AP Statistics | AP | 10-12 (description 11-12) | Gr 10-11: ≥ C- in AP Precalculus or Precalculus (both semesters). Gr 12 only: ≥ D in AP Precalc, ≥ C- Precalc, or ≥ B- in Math 3 (both semesters)Year; weighted ‡ | c |
| AP Calculus AB | AP | 10-12 | ≥ C- in AP Precalculus (both semesters) or ≥ B- in Pre-Calculus (both semesters)Year; weighted ‡ | c |
| AP Calculus BC | AP | 10-12 | ≥ B in AP Precalculus (both semesters) or ≥ A in Pre-Calculus (both semesters) with completion of summer assignment; teacher recommendationYear; weighted ‡; may NOT drop into Calculus AB once semester begins; ~50% more material than AB | c |
| AP Computer Science Principles | AP | 10-12 | > B- in Math I (both semesters) or C- in any higher math; no prior programming neededYear; weighted ‡; Python | d |
| AP Computer Science A | AP | 11-12 | Prior programming experience recommended and ≥ B- in Math III (both sem) or higher math, OR ≥ B- in AP CSP (both sem) [description: ≥ B- Math II or > C- higher math]Year; weighted ‡; Java | c |
| AP Cybersecurity | AP | 10-12 | > B- in Math I or C- in any higher mathYear; weighted ‡; new College Board course | d |
| Enhanced Math II | Enhanced | 9-12 | ≥ 90% in Math I both semesters, 85% on EOC, teacher appraisal (2 of 3 needed); 9th grade requires middle-school teacher recommendationYear; Math II + 3-week Math III statistics unit and extra (+) standards; goal of Enhanced pathway is to bypass Pre-Calculus and go straight to AP Calculus (via AP Precalculus); not weighted | c |
| Enhanced Math III | Enhanced | 10-12 | (listed in School Profile as weighted but NOT OFFERED as of 23-24)Not offered per 2026-27 School Profile | c |
| Math I | CP | 9-12 | Placement based on 8th grade performance or former accredited HS course; ≥ C- in Math IABYear; required for graduation; IUSD integrated pathway | c |
| Math II | CP | 9-12 | ≥ C- in Math I, 70% on EOC, teacher appraisal (2 of 3); OR D- in Math 1 with concurrent Math 2 Lab; 9th-grade enrollment requires middle-school teacher recommendationYear | c |
| Math II Solid | CP | 9-12 | ≥ D- in Math I; 9th grade requires middle-school recommendationYear; double-blocked (10 units/semester); Tier 2 intervention; open-elective eligible | c |
| Math III | CP | 10-12 | ≥ C- in Math II, 70% on EOC, teacher appraisal (2 of 3)Year | c |
| Pre-Calculus | CP | 10-12 | > C- in Math III (or FST) both semesters; B recommendedYear; TI-84 used | c |
| Business Math | CP | 11-12 | Passing grade in Math II or higherYear; may meet math graduation requirement | g |
| Game Design & Programming | CP | 9-12 | Passing grade in Math I; no prior programming neededYear; 2D games then industry 3D engine | g |
| CP Statistics | CP | 11-12 | Passing grade in Math II (table) / Math I (description)Year | g |
| Math Lab | Other | 9 (table: 9-10) | Teacher recommendation; students who failed all trimesters of Math 8 and did not meet CAASPP math standardYear; Tier 2 support concurrent with Math 1; open-elective eligible | |
| Math Foundations | Other | 9-12 | Teacher recommendationYear; support course concurrent with Math 1; open-elective eligible |
Science
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP Biology | AP | 11-12 | ≥ B avg in 9th & 10th grade Honors science courses, or ≥ B+ avg in CP science coursesYear; weighted ‡ | d |
| AP Environmental Science | AP | 11-12 | ≥ C in 10th grade Next Gen Chem (spring); concurrent or completed Math II or higherYear; weighted ‡ | d |
| AP Chemistry | AP | 11-12 | ≥ B in Honors Next Gen Chemistry, or A in Next Gen Chemistry (both semesters)Year; weighted ‡ | d |
| AP Physics 1 and 2 | AP | 11-12 | ≥ B- in Math III and concurrently enrolled in Pre-Calculus or higherYear; one year prepares for BOTH AP Physics 1 and 2 exams; weighted ‡. (AP Physics C exams are taken by UHS students but no Physics C course is in the catalog) | d |
| Honors Next Gen Biology | Honors | 9-12 | Gr 9: ≥ 90% in previous science course + teacher appraisal; Gr 10-12: ≥ 93% both semesters of previous CP science + recommendationYear; not weighted | d |
| Honors Next Gen Chemistry | Honors | 10-12 | (1) ≥ 90% both semesters of Math I, (2) ≥ 90% both semesters CP Bio or ≥ 80% Honors Bio, (3) teacher appraisalYear; School Profile marks it '*^' = no longer weighted as of 23-24 | d |
| Next Gen Biology | CP | 9-12 | —Year; life science grad requirement | d |
| Next Gen Chemistry | CP | 10-12 | Passing (D- or better) Next Gen Biology or Honors Bio; concurrent Math I or higherYear; physical science grad requirement | d |
| Marine Science | CP | 11-12 | Pass an introductory life science & physical science courseYear; may enter at semester; alternative to Physics for 3rd-year physics-based requirement | d |
| Anatomy and Physiology | CP | 11-12 | Pass Next Gen Biology and Next Gen ChemistryYear; may enter at semester (self-study unit 1); cat dissection required | d |
| Next Gen Physics | CP | 11-12 | Concurrent Math II or higher; passing Bio and Chem (D- or better)Year; meets physics-based 3rd year requirement | d |
History/Social Science
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP U.S. History | AP | 10-12 | Met all World History Honors Distinction requirements both semesters OR overall course grade 92% and writing assessment 90%; see AP social science criteriaYear; weighted ‡; taken in 10th grade in most-rigorous sequence | a |
| AP Political Science (US Government & Politics) | AP | 12 | ≥ B in AP US History or A- in prior social science course + teacher permissionSemester; weighted ‡ | a |
| AP Macroeconomics | AP | 12 | ≥ B in AP US History or A- in prior social science + teacher permission; Math II with B- or better recommendedSemester; weighted ‡ | g |
| AP World History: Modern | AP | 11-12 | ≥ B in AP US History or A- in CP US History (spring) + teacher permissionYear; weighted ‡ (School Profile lists AP World History without * — check weighting) | a |
| AP Psychology | AP | 11-12 | Recommendation from previous history/social studies teacherYear; weighted ‡ | g |
| AP African American Studies | AP | 11-12 | Recommendation from previous history/social studies teacherYear; weighted ‡ | g |
| Honors Modern World History | Honors | 9 | None (open enrollment; family night: C or higher recommended)Year; not weighted; timed analytical essays; spring research project | a |
| Modern World History | CP | 9 | —Year; Honors Distinction available (basis for AP USH eligibility) | a |
| U.S. History | CP | 10-12 | —Year | a |
| Political Science | CP | 12 | —Semester; grad requirement | a |
| Economics | CP | 12 | —Semester; grad requirement (full year Virtual Enterprise also satisfies) | g |
| Psychology | CP | 11-12 | —Semester elective | g |
| Ethnic Studies | CP | 11-12 | —Semester elective; capstone community project | g |
| World History A CP (Sheltered) | Other | 9-12 | ELPAC placementYear; for English learners | a |
| U.S. History A CP (Sheltered) | Other | 10-12 | ELPAC placementYear | a |
Business & Career Technical Education
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automotive Fundamentals | Dual Enrollment | 9-12 | —Semester; dual enrollment with Saddleback College AUTO 100; CTE Transportation sector | g |
| Automotive Electrical Systems | Dual Enrollment | 10-12 | —Semester; Saddleback AUTO 101 | g |
| Automotive Engineering Fundamentals | Dual Enrollment | 9-12 | —Semester; Saddleback AUTO 207 | g |
| Honors Principles of Engineering (HPOE) | Honors | 10-12 | Completion of Math IYear; counts as elective credit (not science); not weighted (no bonus point); more rigorous project expectations | g |
| Introduction to Business | CTE | 9-12 | —Year; foundational course of CTE Entrepreneur Pathway | g |
| Virtual Enterprise (ROP) | CTE | 11-12 | Teacher permission and meet ROP age criteria (16, or 15 with prereqs + career counseling); beginning Fall 2026 must have Intro to BusinessYear; full year may satisfy Economics graduation requirement; California Virtual Enterprise trade fair competitions | g |
| Music Technology | CTE | 11-12 (VAPA table lists 9/10-12) | Teacher permission and ROP age criteria (VAPA table: able to play piano/guitar)Year; listed under both CTE and VAPA | f |
| Introduction to Engineering Design (IED, PLTW) | CTE | 9-12 | Concurrent enrollment in Math 1 recommendedYear; PLTW; UNITE program; B or better articulates to IVC DR 50 + DR 101 (6 units); very little homework | g |
| Principles of Engineering (POE, PLTW) | CTE | 10-12 | Completion of Math I (UNITE page: C or higher; concurrent Math 2)Year; fulfills physics-based third-year science graduation requirement (UNITE page notes IED 'd' does NOT meet IUSD science grad req; POE does) | d |
| Advanced Engineering | CTE | 11-12 | POE or HPOE (minimum: IED/POE/HPOE + teacher recommendation; recommended IED and POE/HPOE)Year; capstone; student-directed competition projects (Irvine CubeSat, OC Maker Challenge, VEX Robotics, Hydrogen Horizon, UCI Rescue Robotics etc.) | g |
| Aerospace Engineering (PLTW) | CTE | 11-12 | C or higher in POE, HPOE, CP Physics or AP Physics; concurrent enrollment in Math III or higher; IED+POE recommendedYear; UC-approved; third PLTW course | g |
Physical Education
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PE Course 1 | CP | 9 | Grade 9 statusYear; all 9th graders need a full year of PE-credit course; CA Physical Fitness Test in spring of grade 9 | |
| PE Course 2 | CP | 10-12 | —Semester to year | |
| Unified PE | CP | 10-12 | PE Course 1; accepted teacher recommendationInclusive 50/50 program with students with disabilities | |
| Off-Season Sports (OSS) | CP | 9-12 (table 10-12) | Athletically cleared and on official UHS team rosterQuarter/semester; 2.5 credits per quarter; must keep C+ to stay | |
| Athletic Team Sports | CP | 9-12 | Tryout; athletic clearance (athleticclearance/homecampus); 2.0 GPA and pass 4 classes prior quarter2.5 credits per quarter; scheduled 7th/8th period (11th-12th may use as 7th/8th class); fulfills PE with athletic exemption; 20+ CIF sports | |
| PE Private Instruction | Other | 9-12 | National ranking in approved individual sport; administrator approvalQuarter, repeatable; Pass/Fail; max 20 PE credits |
Health Education
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health | CP | 11-12 | 11th/12th grade status; 12th graders have prioritySemester; district final; may be taken in IUSD summer school (health registration ~April 21) |
Visual and Performing Arts - Visual
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP Studio Art - Drawing | AP | 11-12 | ≥ B in Advanced Studio Art AND teacher permission; AP Art History recommendedYear; weighted ‡; 24-piece portfolio in May | f |
| AP Art History | AP | 11-12 | > B in previously taken core Honors English or Social Science course, or A in CP English/Social Science (spring)Year; weighted ‡ | f |
| AP 2-D Art and Design | AP | 11-12 | ≥ B in Advanced Visual Imagery or Advanced Graphic Design AND teacher permission; AP Art History recommendedYear; weighted ‡ | f |
| AP 3-D Art and Design | AP | 11-12 | Advanced Ceramics, Advanced Visual Imagery or Advanced Graphic Design AND permission; AP Art History recommendedYear; weighted ‡ (School Profile lists only AP 2D Design and AP Drawing) | f |
| Studio Art | CP | 9-12 | —Year; open elective | f |
| Intermediate Studio Art | CP | 9-12 | Studio Art AND teacher permission / portfolio reviewYear | f |
| Advanced Studio Art | CP | 9-12 | Art Studio or Intermediate Studio Art AND teacher permission or portfolio reviewYear; may be repeated | f |
| Beginning Ceramics | CP | 9-12 | None (9th graders: prior experience or commit to 3-year pathway)Year | f |
| Intermediate Ceramics | CP | 10-12 | Beginning Ceramics and teacher permissionYear | f |
| Advanced Ceramics | CP | 10-12 | Intermediate Ceramics and teacher permissionYear; independent study format | f |
| Visual Imagery (digital photography) | CP | 10-12 | None; Graphic Design recommendedYear; Photoshop/Lightroom | f |
| Advanced Visual Imagery | CP | 10-12 | Visual Imagery and teacher permissionYear | f |
| Photojournalism (Yearbook 'Odyssey') | CP | 10-12 | Teacher approvalYear; open elective | f |
| Printmaking | CP | 9-12 | —Year; open elective | f |
| Art of Fashion | CP | 9-12 | —Year; open elective | f |
| Graphic Design Studio (ROP/CTE) | CTE | 9-12 | —Year; Digital Arts & Media CTE pathway | f |
| Advanced Graphic Design Studio | CTE | 10-12 | Graphic Design Studio and teacher recommendationYear | f |
| Video Production | CTE | 10-12 | None (table: Visual Imagery or Graphic Design recommended; meet ROP age criteria)Year; Adobe Premiere; open elective | f |
| Advanced Video Production | CTE | 10-12 | Application and teacher permission; must attend summer workshop and meet ROP age requirementsYear; produces DVD yearbook and school broadcast (Uni-Vision) | f |
| Advanced Fashion Studio | CTE | 11-12 | Art of FashionYear; UC fine arts + CTE credit; sewing/pattern making; portfolio + fashion show | f |
Visual and Performing Arts - Performing
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP Music Theory | AP | 10-12 | Advanced experience on primary instrument or voice; teacher recommendationYear; weighted ‡ | f |
| Theater Leadership (Advanced Theater Ensemble Honors) | Honors | 10-12 | Audition/election; must also be enrolled in a Uni Theater Arts courseYear; not weighted | f |
| Dance Technique 1 | CP | 9-12 | —Year; also satisfies PE credit; open elective | f |
| Dance Technique 2 | CP | 9-12 | Dance Tech 1 or auditionYear; PE credit | f |
| UHS Dance Company / Dance Production | CP | 9-12 | Audition onlyYear; may not enter at semester; PE credit | f |
| Drama 1: Introduction to Acting | CP | 9-12 | —Year; open elective | f |
| Drama 2: Intermediate Theater | CP | 10-12 | Drama 1 (B or better) or audition AND teacher permissionYear; theater festival competition | f |
| Advanced Drama | CP | 11-12 | Drama 2 (B or better) and level auditionYear | f |
| Improvisation | CP | 9-12 | Audition onlyYear; open elective | f |
| Technical Theater: Stagecraft | CP | 9-12 | —Year; open elective | f |
| Intermediate Technical Theater | CP | 10-12 | Technical Theater (B or better)Year | f |
| Advanced Technical Theater | CP | 11-12 | Intermediate Technical Theater (B or better) and Summer Tech Intensive (B or better) or level auditionYear | f |
| Advanced Theater Production | CP | 9-12 | Audition only; teacher permissionSemester (table) / year | f |
| Musical Theater Wheel | CP | 9-12 | —Year, 2.5 units/quarter; rotates dance, vocal, acting; open elective | f |
| Introduction to Musical Theater | CP | 10-12 | Year of Dance, Theater or Vocal Music (≥ B) OR Musical Theater Wheel with ≥ B+Year | f |
| Musical Theater Performance | CP | 11-12 | Year of Dance/Theater/Vocal (≥ B) OR Intro to Musical Theater with ≥ B+Year | f |
| Broadway Bound | CP | 12 | ≥ B in Musical Theater Performance & teacher permissionYear | f |
| University Choir | CP | 9-12 | —Year; open elective; entry level | f |
| UNIson Choir | CP | 9-12 | None; lower vocal rangesYear; open elective | f |
| Madrigals | CP | 9-12 | Audition required (advanced)Year | f |
| Canta Bella | CP | 9-12 | Pitch-matching audition (intermediate-advanced)Year | f |
| Pop/Rock Acapella Choir | CP | 9-12 | Audition (intermediate-advanced)Year | f |
| Songwriting | CP | 9-12 | Audition; prior instrumental (guitar/piano) experience recommendedYear; open elective | f |
| String Orchestra | CP | 9-12 | None; prior experience recommended; audition encouragedYear; open elective | f |
| Concert Orchestra | CP | 9-12 | Audition requiredYear (intermediate) | f |
| Philharmonic Orchestra | CP | 9-12 | Audition requiredYear (intermediate-advanced) | f |
| Symphony Orchestra | CP | 9-12 | Audition requiredYear (advanced) | f |
| Concert Band | CP | 9-12 | None; prior experience recommendedYear; entry level; open elective | f |
| Symphonic Band | CP | 9-12 | Audition requiredYear (intermediate) | f |
| Wind Ensemble | CP | 9-12 | Audition requiredYear (intermediate-advanced) | f |
| Wind Symphony | CP | 9-12 | Audition requiredYear (advanced) | f |
| Marching Band (Marching Trojan Regiment) | CP | 9-12 | Concurrent enrollment in a yearlong Band or Orchestra ensemble; must attend UHS summer music campFall semester/Q1; may receive Q1 PE credit; conflicts with fall sports | f |
| Color Guard | CP | 9-12 | Audition; no prior experience required; summer campYear; may receive PE credit | f |
| Jazz Ensemble 3 / 2 / 1 | CP | 9-12 | Audition (JE3 no prior experience needed); concurrent yearlong band or orchestra ensembleQ2-Q4; 2.5 units/quarter | f |
| Guitar Studio 1 (Beginning Guitar) | CP | 9-12 | —Year or semester; open elective | f |
| Guitar Studio 2 (Advanced Guitar) | CP | 9-12 | Beginning Guitar Studio ≥ B or auditionYear or semester | f |
World Language
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP Chinese Language and Culture | AP | 11-12 | ≥ C in previous level and teacher recommendationYear; weighted ‡ | e |
| AP Latin | AP | 11-12 | ≥ C in previous levelYear; weighted ‡ | e |
| AP Spanish Language and Culture | AP | 11-12 | ≥ C in previous level; A in Spanish 3 + teacher recommendationYear; weighted ‡ | e |
| AP Spanish Literature and Culture | AP | 11-12 | ≥ C in previous level (description: and A in Spanish 3)Year; weighted ‡ | e |
| French 4 | Honors | 11-12 | ≥ C in previous levelYear; 4th-year WL earns bonus point ‡ (weighted) | e |
| Latin 4 | Honors | 11-12 | ≥ C in previous levelYear; weighted ‡ | e |
| Spanish 4 | Honors | 11-12 | ≥ C in previous levelYear; weighted ‡ | e |
| American Sign Language IV | Honors | 10-12 | ≥ C in previous levelYear; weighted ‡ | e |
| Chinese 4 | Honors | 11-12 | (School Profile: weighted but NOT OFFERED as of 23-24)Not offered | e |
| Chinese 1 | CP | 9-12 | Must be a non-native speakerYear; all WL courses above level 1 require current WL teacher permission | e |
| Chinese 2 | CP | 9-12 | ≥ C in previous levelYear; all WL courses above level 1 require current WL teacher permission | e |
| Chinese 3 | CP | 10-12 | ≥ C in previous levelYear; all WL courses above level 1 require current WL teacher permission | e |
| French 1 | CP | 9-12 | —Year; all WL courses above level 1 require current WL teacher permission | e |
| French 2 | CP | 9-12 | ≥ C in previous levelYear; all WL courses above level 1 require current WL teacher permission | e |
| French 3 | CP | 9-12 | ≥ C in previous levelYear; all WL courses above level 1 require current WL teacher permission | e |
| Latin 1 | CP | 9-12 | —Year; all WL courses above level 1 require current WL teacher permission | e |
| Latin 2 | CP | 9-12 | ≥ C in previous levelYear; all WL courses above level 1 require current WL teacher permission | e |
| Latin 3 | CP | 9-12 | ≥ C in previous levelYear; all WL courses above level 1 require current WL teacher permission | e |
| Spanish 1 | CP | 9-12 | —Year; all WL courses above level 1 require current WL teacher permission | e |
| Spanish 2 | CP | 9-12 | ≥ C in previous level + teacher rec; entering freshmen need ≥ B in Spanish 1 and teacher recommendationYear; all WL courses above level 1 require current WL teacher permission | e |
| Spanish 3 | CP | 9-12 | ≥ C in previous levelYear; all WL courses above level 1 require current WL teacher permission | e |
| American Sign Language I | CP | 9-12 | —Year; all WL courses above level 1 require current WL teacher permission | e |
| American Sign Language II | CP | 10-12 | ≥ C in previous levelYear; all WL courses above level 1 require current WL teacher permission | e |
| American Sign Language III | CP | 10-12 | ≥ C in previous levelYear; all WL courses above level 1 require current WL teacher permission | e |
| Spanish 2/3/4 - Native Speakers | CP | 9-12 | Permission from instructorYear | e |
Non-Departmental Electives
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| College Class | Dual Enrollment | 10-12 | Counselor approvalSemester; 1.0-5.0 units; concurrent college coursework (does not appear on UHS transcript unless Early College CCAP) | |
| AVID 9 | CP | 9 | Student selection process (application; typically 2.0-3.5 GPA)Year; A-G approved elective per IUSD AVID page; open elective | g |
| AVID 10 | CP | 10 | Student selection processYear; open elective | g |
| Leadership - Associated Student Body (ASB) | CP | 9-12 | Appointed or elected to ASB; 2.0 GPAYear; open elective; may be repeated | |
| Study Skills | Other | 9-12 | —Semester; Tier 2 in-bell support; open elective | |
| Community Work Experience | Other | 11-12 | ≥ 16 years old, have a job (work permit if under 18), administrator approvalQuarter, repeatable; 40 hrs work = 1 credit; max 5/semester, 20 toward graduation; Pass/Fail | |
| Student Assistant | Other | 10-12 | Permission from counselor and teacherQuarter; 2.5 units; Pass/Fail | |
| Peer Tutor | Other | 10-12 | Permission from counselor and teacherSemester; 2.5 units/quarter | |
| Directed Studies | Other | 9-12 | Special education placementOpen elective list | |
| Reading Lab / Lit Skills | Other | 9 (mostly) | Placement (Tier 2)Year; open elective; reading/writing support |
Specialized Programs (DHH - Orange County Deaf & Hard of Hearing Program)
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DHH Directed/CP English 1-3, DHH Reading 1-3, DHH Lab | Other | 9-12 | Enrolled in DHH program; DHH teacher recommendationOCDE regional program at UHS (38 students); ASL/English bilingual; see catalog pp.118-131 | |
| DHH Modern World History / U.S. History / Economics / Political Science (Directed and CP) | Other | 9-12 | Enrolled in DHH program | |
| DHH Earth System Science / Biology (Directed and CP) | Other | 9-12 | Enrolled in DHH program | |
| DHH Pre-Algebra, Math I A/B, Math I C/D, CP Math I, CP Math II, CP Math III, Math Foundations, Functional Math, Applied Math, PFF Personal Finance | Other | 9-12 | Enrolled in DHH program; sequential prerequisites (e.g., CP Math II: ≥ C in Math I or Math I CD, 70% EOC, appraisal 2 of 3) | |
| DHH Exploring Computer Science / Graphic Design (Raster & Vector) / Website Development / Career Link / Health / Functional Life Skills / On-Campus Work Experience | Other | 9-12 | Enrolled in DHH program |
Course Selection Timeline
Grade 8
- Mid-March8th Grade Family Night; course recommendations are available in Aeries
- 4/16-4/23Submit grade 9 course selections via Google Form
- Mid-AugustNew student registration and class schedule pickup
Grade 9
- Early OctoberFreshman Parent Info Meeting; in late October, counselors visit classrooms to present graduation requirements and UC A-G
- Mid-MarchSpring Parent Coffee
- Mid-AprilSelect grade 10 courses during Biology class; register for summer school Health
Grade 10
- NovemberSophomore Parent Info
- Late JanuaryParent Sophomore Planning (transcripts, graduation check, and course planning sheet distributed)
- FebruaryStudent Sophomore Planning Meeting to select grade 11 courses
- Early MayFinal confirmation of grade 11 courses; adjustments based on teacher recommendations once final grades are posted
Grade 11
- OctoberPSAT/NMSQT (National Merit qualifying test)
- FebruaryJunior Parent Info
- MarchJunior Meetings to select grade 12 courses and enter them in Aeries
Grade 12
- Early SeptemberSenior Letter, transcript review, and Senior Meetings
- 10/1Deadline for EA/ED counselor recommendation materials
- Early OctoberFAFSA workshop
- 11/12Deadline for RD counselor recommendation materials
- FebruaryMid-year report
- 7/1Final transcripts sent
Frequently Asked Questions
How many courses can a student take per semester at University High School?
University High School requires students in grades 9 through 11 to take a full load of 6 courses, while 12th graders may take 5. The maximum is 8 courses, but the 7th and 8th courses must come from the open elective list, such as performing arts, journalism, student government, and, for grades 11 and 12, varsity athletics. Students may take no more than 2 science courses per year.
At University High School in Irvine Unified School District, when can a student who is struggling in an Honors or AP course move to a CP course?
University High School allows students to move from Honors or AP to CP through the end of the 6th week of school, and grades transfer with the student to the new class. The deadline to add a course is the end of the 2nd week. For the fall 2026 semester, the specific dates are: August 28 to add courses, September 25 to drop without a record or change levels, and drops after October 23 are recorded as W/F.
Can courses taken outside school or online appear on the University High School transcript?
Only with prior administrative approval from University High School. Credits from outside Irvine Unified School District do not appear on the transcript, cannot serve as prerequisites, and cannot be used to advance into Honors or AP courses. Online courses are limited to 10 credits per year and 40 credits in total and are graded pass/fail only.
Do Math I and Spanish 1 taken in 8th grade appear on the University High School transcript?
No. Math I and higher math courses taken in middle school, as well as some first-level world language courses, do not appear on the University High School transcript, but they can serve as prerequisites. For example, a student who completes Spanish 1 in 8th grade and takes Spanish 2 in 9th grade satisfies the UC A-G requirement of two years of a world language.
What is Honors Distinction at University High School?
At University High School, English 1 and Modern World History do not have separate Honors sections; all students take the same class, and students who meet the standard each semester can earn an Honors Distinction on the transcript. Only students who earn Honors Distinction in both semesters of World History, or who earn a course grade of 92% or higher with 90% or higher in writing, are eligible to take AP US History in 10th grade.
