The official UC A-G course list for 2026-27 includes 160 Fountain Valley High School courses, among them 30 AP courses and 43 UC-approved honors courses (including AP). The course map on this page follows that official list: it covers courses UC approves for A-G requirements, so physical education, Health and similar courses are not included. Grade levels and prerequisites come from the school’s Course Guide, which carries no school-year date, so confirm each year’s offerings with a counselor. The sections below cover course rules and graduation requirements first, then subject sequences and the full course map.
Fountain Valley High School Course Selection Rules
| Bell schedule | The school runs a seven-period day (periods 0 through 6). On the regular bell schedule, period 0 runs from 7:28 to 8:23 a.m., period 1 starts at 8:30 a.m., and period 6 ends at 3:16 p.m. |
|---|---|
| Number of classes | The 2026-27 School Profile says students typically take six classes in grades 9 and 10 and five in grades 11 and 12; the grade 10 worksheet requires six classes, and seniors must take at least five |
| Credits and graduation progress | Each class earns 5 credits per semester, and physical education earns 2.5 credits per quarter; a D or higher earns credit, and an F earns none. Graduation progress is measured in credits: 60 by the end of grade 9, 120 by grade 10, 170 by grade 11, and 220 to graduate |
| Period 0 | Every course request worksheet includes a period 0 request; students who want period 0 or still need Health should tell their counselor during course selection |
| Two math or two science courses | The spring 2026 course planning presentation says students may not request two math or two science courses during registration; they may ask in late August, before school starts, if space is available |
| Grade 9 Health | All ninth graders take one semester of Health (5 credits), paired with a one-semester exploratory elective such as World Geography |
| Honors and AP English | Students in honors and AP English who do not earn a B or higher are moved to CP English; honors and AP courses commonly include summer reading or summer assignments |
| Credit/no credit | District, UC, CSU and NCAA policies all require graduation and admission requirements to be completed for a letter grade, not credit/no credit |
| Repeating courses | A course with a D or F may be repeated, and the higher grade is used in GPA, while both grades remain on the transcript; courses with a C or higher may not be repeated. Math and world languages are an exception: a C or better in the next-level course validates a D or F in the earlier course |
| Outside courses | Students who want to take courses outside the district must first meet with an administrator and receive written pre-approval. Out-of-district grades and credits are generally placed on the district transcript only for summer remediation or approved dual enrollment courses; courses taken without approval do not appear on the transcript or count toward graduation |
| Community college courses and UC | The district Planning Guide notes that a UC-transferable community college course (usually 3 units equal one year of high school) can satisfy an A-G requirement and earns honors weight in the UC A-G GPA; these courses go in the community college section of the UC application and do not need to appear on the high school's A-G list |
| Credit recovery | Students who need to make up credits can take after-school credit recovery at Valley Vista High School: English and social studies on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:30 to 6:00 p.m., and math and Health on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the same time |
Fountain Valley High School Graduation Requirements (220 Credits)
| Subject | Credits |
|---|---|
| English | 40 |
| Social Studies (World History 10, U.S. History 10, U.S. Government 5, Economics 5) | 30 |
| Mathematics (must include Algebra 1 or higher) | 30 |
| Science (life science 10, physical science 10) | 20 |
| Physical Education | 20 |
| Health (grade 9) | 5 |
| VPA / World Language / CTE (one of the three) | 10 |
| Electives | 65 |
UC and CSU A-G requirements are higher: math through Algebra 2 (four years recommended), two years of the same world language (three recommended), one year of visual and performing arts and one year of college-prep elective, with a C or better each semester in every A-G course; a D or F must be repeated. The school's college page says UC requires an A-G GPA of 3.0 or higher and CSU 2.5 or higher. Math and world language courses taken in grades 7 and 8 satisfy A-G subject requirements but do not earn high school graduation credit.
Graduation and college admission are two different standards. The district requires only two years of science and three of math, plus one year of world language, arts or CTE; UC and CSU require two years of the same world language, one year of visual and performing arts, and math through Algebra 2. In the Class of 2025, 68.9% of graduates completed every A-G course, so course plans should follow A-G standards rather than graduation minimums. The district’s top academic recognition, Scholar with Distinction, asks for more: three years of the same world language, four years of math with the fourth beyond Algebra 2 Trig, three years of lab science, four AP courses, and an A-G GPA of 3.6 or higher.
Fountain Valley High School Course Levels by Subject
The sequences below combine the Course Guide’s course descriptions, the subject flow charts and the grade 9 to 12 course request worksheets. CP courses are college-prep courses that are neither honors nor AP; honors courses are weighted in the district GPA but are not always weighted by UC.
English
- Grade 9: CP English 1 or CP English Honors 1; honors placement uses test scores such as SBAC, grades and teacher recommendation, and summer reading is required
- Grade 10: CP English 2 or CP English Honors 2; honors requires 80% or higher both semesters in English Honors 1, or 93% or higher both semesters in English 1, for Honors Committee recommendation
- Grade 11: CP English 3, AP English Language, or the AP English Language dual enrollment section; AP requires 80% or higher both semesters in English Honors 2, or 93% or higher both semesters in English 2
- Grade 12: Literature in Modern Media, Literature-Based Reading and Writing: British, AP English Literature, or the AP English Literature dual enrollment section
History and Social Science
- Grade 9: a one-semester World Geography paired with Health, the year-long World Geography Honors/MUN, or AP Human Geography
- Grade 10: World History, World History Honors/MUN, or AP European History
- Grade 11: U.S. History, U.S. History Honors/MUN, AP U.S. History, or U.S. History dual enrollment (period 0 or 5)
- Grade 12: one semester each of U.S. Government and Economics, as regular, Honors/MUN, or AP U.S. Government with AP Macroeconomics; U.S. Government is also offered as dual enrollment
Science (college-prep sequence)
- Grade 9: Physical Science CP, with Algebra 1 as a co-requisite; placement by district math placement scores, 7th grade CAASPP scores, 8th grade teacher recommendation and grades
- Grade 10: Biology or Honors Biology; a B or higher in Physical Science CP with teacher recommendation qualifies for Honors Biology
- Grades 11-12: Chemistry, Physics, Earth Science, Marine Biology, Physiology, Sports Medicine and Athletic Training, Forensic Science and others, by prerequisite
- Graduation requirement: 10 credits each of life science and physical science; UC and CSU require two years of laboratory science and recommend three
Science (honors and AP sequence)
- Grade 9: Honors Biology, which requires Met or Exceeded Standard on the 7th grade CAASPP in both math and ELA, along with district math placement scores, 8th grade teacher recommendation and grades
- Grade 10: the science flow chart lists Honors Chemistry, Chemistry, Physics, Earth Science and AP Chemistry
- Grade 11: AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Environmental Science, AP Physics 1, Honors Physics and others
- Grade 12: the grade 11 options plus AP Physics 2
Grade levels and prerequisites for advanced science courses, one course per row:
| Course | Grade levels and prerequisites |
|---|---|
| Honors Chemistry | Grades 10-12; B or above in Geometry or higher, C or above in Honors Biology or an A in Biology, and teacher recommendation; concurrent Algebra 2 recommended. A UC-approved honors course |
| AP Chemistry | Grades 10-12; A in Algebra 2 or concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2 Trig or higher, A or B in Chemistry, and teacher recommendation; summer assignment |
| AP Biology | Grades 11-12; B or above in Honors Biology and Chemistry, plus teacher recommendation |
| AP Environmental Science | Grades 11-12; B or above in Honors Biology and Chemistry, plus teacher recommendation |
| Honors Physics | Grades 11-12; B or above in Geometry, C or above in Honors Biology or an A in Biology, teacher recommendation, and concurrent Algebra 2 or higher. The UC A-G list has no separate honors physics course |
| AP Physics 1 | Grades 11-12; the Course Guide states a B or above in "Algebra II Honors" and at least concurrent enrollment in Pre-Calculus Honors; summer assignment |
| AP Physics 2 | Grades 11-12; B or above in AP Physics 1 |
| AP Physics C: Mechanics | On the UC A-G list; the school's course materials give no grade level or prerequisite |
Math has its own page: Math Pathway.
Fountain Valley High School World Languages and the Seal of Biliteracy
- Spanish 1-4 and AP Spanish Language and Culture (grades 10-12); students who took Spanish 1 in middle school need a B or higher in 8th grade Spanish, teacher recommendation and a B or higher on the June placement test to enter Spanish 2
- Español Uno and Español Dos for Spanish speakers, by teacher recommendation
- French 1-4 and AP French Language and Culture (grades 11-12)
- Japanese 1-4 and AP Japanese Language and Culture (grade 12 only)
- American Sign Language 1-4: on the UC A-G list but not in the school's Course Guide or course request worksheets
- The school offers no Chinese courses; Vietnamese speakers can qualify for the Seal of Biliteracy through an alternate language test given once each spring
UC A-G requires two years of the same world language and recommends three. Spanish has the fullest sequence, with AP Spanish available as early as grade 10; AP French is offered in grades 11-12, and AP Japanese only in grade 12. The district Planning Guide notes that a student who completed Spanish 1 in grade 8 and earns a C or better in both semesters of Spanish 3 in grade 10 has met the three years of world language required for district academic recognition.
Huntington Beach Union High School District awards the Seal of Biliteracy when students meet two standards. In English: all English courses completed with a 3.0 GPA, or Standard Met on the grade 11 SBAC, or a 3 or higher on an AP English exam before senior year, or 480 or higher on the SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section. In a world language: four years of the same language with a 3.0 GPA, or a 3 or higher on a world language AP exam before senior year, or the required courses at Golden West College or an equivalent college with a 3.0 or higher. CDE data show that 274 graduates in the Class of 2025, or 34.8% of graduates, earned the Seal of Biliteracy.
Fountain Valley High School Honors Courses: District Weighting and UC Weighting
The figures below come directly from the official UC A-G list. The second number is the count of courses UC weights when calculating GPA; the third is the count of courses the school titles honors and weights in the district GPA but UC does not, listed course by course below.
160UC-approved A-G courses
43UC-weighted honors coursesincluding 30 AP
4School honors courses that UC does not weight
These courses are designated honors on the school transcript but are not on the UC-approved honors list, so UC counts them as standard courses in admission
- Biology (H) A/B
- CP English 1 (H)
- World Geography (H)
- World Geography Honors MUN
All four honors courses that UC does not weight are mainly grade 9 courses, and UC does not count grade 9 grades anyway, so their effect on the UC GPA is limited; their main role is to qualify students for honors and AP courses in grade 10. Honors Physics needs separate confirmation: the Course Guide and School Profile both list it, but it does not appear on the UC list, so ask a counselor whether UC weights it.
Fountain Valley High School Full Course Map
Expand each subject. Every course shows its level and UC A-G category; grade levels and prerequisites appear only where the Course Guide states them. Dark labels mark AP courses and light labels mark honors courses. Notes for honors courses state whether UC weights them, and transcript abbreviations make it easy to match each line with your child’s transcript.
English
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP English Language and Composition | AP | 11 | 80% or higher both semesters in English Honors 2, or 93% or higher both semesters in English 2, for Honors Committee recommendation; summer reading requiredA dual enrollment section (ENGL C1000) is a two-year pathway not open to students on a period 0-4 schedule; Transcript abbreviations: AP Eng Lang/Comp A, AP Eng Lang/Comp B | b |
| AP English Literature and Composition | AP | 12 | 80% or higher both semesters in AP English Language, or 93% or higher both semesters in English 2, for Honors Committee recommendation; summer reading requiredThe dual enrollment section (ENGL C1003) requires AP English Language DE; Transcript abbreviations: AP Eng Lit/Comp A, AP Eng Lit/Comp B | b |
| CP English 1 (H) | Honors | 9 | Placement by test scores (such as SBAC), grades and teacher recommendation; summer reading requiredTitled honors and weighted in the district GPA, but not on the UC honors list, so UC does not weight it; Transcript abbreviations: CP Eng Hon 1A, CP Eng Hon 1B | b |
| CP English 2 Honors | Honors | 10 | 80% or higher both semesters in English Honors 1, or 93% or higher both semesters in English 1, for Honors Committee recommendation; summer reading requiredUC-approved honors course, weighted in both the district GPA and the UC GPA; Transcript abbreviations: CP Eng Hon 2A, CP Eng Hon 2B | b |
| CP English 1 | CP | 9 | —Transcript abbreviations: CP English 1A, CP English 1B | b |
| CP English 2 | CP | 10 | —Transcript abbreviations: CP English 2A, CP English 2B | b |
| CP English 3 | CP | 11 | —Transcript abbreviations: CP English 3A, CP English 3B | b |
| CP English 4 | CP | — | —Transcript abbreviations: CP English 4A, CP English 4B | b |
| CP English LEP 3 | CP | — | —Course for English learners; Transcript abbreviations: CP Eng LEP 3 | b |
| CSU Expository Reading and Writing | CP | — | —Course developed by the California State University; Transcript abbreviations: Exp Read/WritA, Exp Read/WritB | b |
| EL English A/B | CP | — | —Course for English learners; Transcript abbreviations: EL English A, EL English B | b |
| Literature in Modern Media | CP | 12 | —Transcript abbreviations: CP Lit Mod Med A, CP Lit Mod Med B, Lit Mod Med A, Lit Mod Med B | b |
| Literature-Based Reading and Writing 4: British Literature | CP | 12 | —Transcript abbreviations: Literature Base | b |
History & Social Science
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP European History | AP | 10 | B or higher both semesters in AP Human Geography and/or an A in English Honors 1, plus a 3.5 academic GPA; summer reading may be requiredThe Course Guide calls it the first AP opportunity for most students at the school; Transcript abbreviations: AP EUR HIS A, AP EUR HIS B | a |
| AP Government and Politics United States | AP | 12 | B or higher in AP European History and/or AP U.S. History, or an A in U.S. History, plus teacher recommendationOne-semester course paired with AP Macroeconomics; Transcript abbreviations: AP US Govt | a |
| AP Human Geography | AP | 9-12 | Placement by reading assessments, grades and teacher recommendationListed as a grade 9 elective, including a Model United Nations option; Transcript abbreviations: AP Human Geo A, AP Human Geo B | a |
| AP Macroeconomics | AP | 12 | —Listed in the Course Guide as AP Economics (Macro); one semester; meets the economics graduation requirement; Transcript abbreviations: AP Economics | g |
| AP Psychology | AP | 11-12 | A or B in any previous honors or AP class, including English Honors 2Transcript abbreviations: AP Psych A, AP Psych B | g |
| AP United States History | AP | 11 | B or higher both semesters in AP European History or an A both semesters in World History, a 3.5 academic GPA and teacher recommendation; summer reading may be requiredTranscript abbreviations: AP US Hist A, AP US HIST B | a |
| Economics Honors | Honors | 12 | Model United Nations pathway students with teacher approvalListed in the Course Guide as Economics Honors/MUN; UC-approved honors course, weighted in both the district GPA and the UC GPA; Transcript abbreviations: Econ Honors | g |
| U.S. Government MUN Honors | Honors | 12 | Model United Nations pathway students with teacher approvalIncludes at least four Model United Nations conferences a year; UC-approved honors course, weighted in both the district GPA and the UC GPA; Transcript abbreviations: US Gov Hon MUN | a |
| U.S. History MUN Honors | Honors | 11 | Model United Nations pathway in grades 9-10 and teacher approvalIncludes at least four advanced Model United Nations conferences a year; UC-approved honors course, weighted in both the district GPA and the UC GPA; Transcript abbreviations: US Hist H MUN A, US Hist H MUN B | a |
| World Geography (H) | Honors | 9 | —Titled honors and weighted in the district GPA, but not on the UC honors list, so UC does not weight it; Transcript abbreviations: W Geog Hon A, W Geog Hon B | a |
| World Geography Honors MUN | Honors | 9 | Placement by reading test scores, grades and teacher recommendationYear-long; students must take it in grade 9 to continue in Model United Nations in grade 10; Titled honors and weighted in the district GPA, but not on the UC honors list, so UC does not weight it; Transcript abbreviations: W Geog H/MUN A, W Geog H/MUN B | a |
| World History Honors | Honors | 10 | World Geography Honors/MUN, subject to review by program coordinatorsGrade 10 course of the Model United Nations pathway, with at least four conferences a year; UC-approved honors course, weighted in both the district GPA and the UC GPA; Transcript abbreviations: W Hist H MUN A, W Hist H MUN B | a |
| a-g Sociology | CP | — | —Transcript abbreviations: Sociology | g |
| Economics | CP | 12 | —One semester; meets the graduation requirement; Transcript abbreviations: Economics, Economics LEP | g |
| Origins of Our Community | CP | 9-12 | —One semester; the Course Guide notes that it meets the state Ethnic Studies requirement; Transcript abbreviations: Origin of Comm | g |
| Social Psychology | CP | 11-12 | —Transcript abbreviations: Social Psych | g |
| U.S. Government | CP | 12 | —One-semester course paired with Economics; a dual enrollment section (POLS C1000) is also offered; Transcript abbreviations: US Governmnt, US Govt LEP | a |
| U.S. History | CP | 11 | —A dual enrollment section (HIST C1001 and C1002) meets in period 0 or 5; Transcript abbreviations: EL US Hist A, EL US Hist B, US History A, US History B | a |
| World Geography | CP | 9 | —One-semester course paired with Health; Transcript abbreviations: W Geography | a |
| World History | CP | 10 | —Transcript abbreviations: EL W Hist A, EL W Hist B, W History A, W History B | a |
Mathematics
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP Calculus AB | AP | 11-12 | C or better each semester in Pre-Calculus Honors, or B or better in Pre-CalculusTranscript abbreviations: AP Calc AB/A, AP Calc Ab/B | c |
| AP Calculus BC | AP | 11-12 | B or higher each semester in Pre-Calculus HonorsTranscript abbreviations: AP Calc BC/A, AP Calc BC/B | c |
| AP Statistics | AP | 11-12 | A in Algebra 2 Trig; or B or better each semester in Probability/Statistics & Trigonometry or Pre-Calculus; or C or better each semester in Pre-Calculus HonorsMay be taken concurrently with Pre-Calculus or AP Calculus; Transcript abbreviations: AP Statistics A, AP Stats B | c |
| Pre-Calculus (H) | Honors | 11-12 | B or above each semester in Algebra 2 TrigPrepares students for AP Calculus BC; the grade 10 worksheet also lists it; UC-approved honors course, weighted in both the district GPA and the UC GPA; Transcript abbreviations: Precalc Hon A, Precalc Hon B | c |
| Abstract to Visual: Algebra 1 with Programming | CP | 10-12 | C or above in Algebraic Mindsets with teacher recommendation, or Algebra 1 credit recoveryTeaches Algebra 1 through Python programming; Transcript abbreviations: Alg Prog 1A, Alg Prog 1B | c |
| Accel Geom A | CP | 9-12 | Grade 9 placement by the district placement exam, 8th grade teacher recommendation and grades; grades 10-12 require an A in Algebra 1 and teacher recommendationAccelerated Geometry, with proofs throughout; not titled honors, so it is weighted by neither the district nor UC; Transcript abbreviations: Accel Geom A, Accel Geom B | c |
| Algebra 1 | CP | 9-12 | Grade 9 placement by district placement, 8th grade teacher recommendation and gradesTranscript abbreviations: Algebra 1A, Algebra 1B | c |
| Algebra 2 | CP | 10-12 | C or better both semesters in Algebra 1 and Geometry, or a passing grade in Accelerated GeometryTranscript abbreviations: Algebra 2A, Algebra 2B | c |
| Algebra 2/Trigonometry | CP | 10-12 | B or above each semester in Algebra 1 and Accelerated Geometry, or an A each semester in Geometry; teacher recommendation and a passing score on the Algebra 2 Trig placement examCovers Algebra 2 in three quarters and trigonometry in the fourth; not titled honors, so it is weighted by neither the district nor UC; summer assignment; Transcript abbreviations: Alg 2/Trig A, Alg 2/Trig B | c |
| Explorations in Data Science - Youcubed Adaptable Curriculum | CP | — | —Transcript abbreviations: Data Science A, Data Science B | c |
| Geometry | CP | 9-12 | Passing grade both semesters of Algebra 1The Course Guide lists grades 10-12; the math flow chart and grade 9 worksheet also show it in grade 9; Transcript abbreviations: Geom A, Geom B | c |
| Pre-Calculus | CP | 11-12 | C or better both semesters in Algebra 2 or Algebra 2 Trig (a C in Algebra 2 is not usually recommended)A dual enrollment section (MATH G170) is offered; the grade 10 worksheet also lists Pre-Calculus; Transcript abbreviations: Precalculus A, Precalculus B | c |
| Probability & Statistics | CP | 11-12 | Passing grade both semesters of Algebra 2First semester of the year-long Probability/Statistics & Trigonometry course; Transcript abbreviations: Prob/Stat | c |
| Trigonometry | CP | 11-12 | Passing grade both semesters of Algebra 2Second semester of the year-long Probability/Statistics & Trigonometry course; Transcript abbreviations: Trigonometry | c |
Laboratory Science
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP Biology | AP | 11-12 | B or above in Honors Biology and Chemistry, plus teacher recommendationMay include a summer assignment; Transcript abbreviations: AP BIOLOGY A, AP BIOLOGY B | d |
| AP Chemistry | AP | 10-12 | A in Algebra 2 or concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2 Trig or higher, A or B in Chemistry, and teacher recommendationThe science flow chart lists it among grade 10 options; summer assignment; Transcript abbreviations: AP Chemistry A, AP Chemistry B | d |
| AP Environmental Science | AP | 11-12 | B or above in Honors Biology and Chemistry, plus teacher recommendationTranscript abbreviations: AP Env Sci A, AP Env Sci B | d |
| AP Physics 1 | AP | 11-12 | The Course Guide states a B or above in "Algebra II Honors" and at least concurrent enrollment in Pre-Calculus HonorsAlgebra-based; summer assignment; Transcript abbreviations: AP Physics 1A, AP Physics 1B | d |
| AP Physics 2 | AP | 11-12 | B or above in AP Physics 1Transcript abbreviations: AP Physics 2A, AP Physics 2B | d |
| AP Physics C: Mechanics | AP | — | —On the UC A-G list but not in the Course Guide, course request worksheets or School Profile; Transcript abbreviations: AP Phy C Mech A, AP Phy C Mech B | d |
| Biology (H) A/B | Honors | 9-12 | Grade 9 placement by district math placement scores, 7th grade CAASPP Math and ELA at Met or Exceeded, 8th grade teacher recommendation and grades; grades 10-12 require a B or above in Physical Science CP and teacher recommendationListed in the Course Guide as Honors Biology; Titled honors and weighted in the district GPA, but not on the UC honors list, so UC does not weight it; Transcript abbreviations: Bio Honors A, Bio Honors B | d |
| Chemistry Honors | Honors | 10-12 | B or above in Geometry or higher; C or above in Honors Biology or an A in Biology, plus teacher recommendation; concurrent Algebra 2 recommendedUC-approved honors course, weighted in both the district GPA and the UC GPA; Transcript abbreviations: Chem Hon A, Chem Hon B | d |
| Biology | CP | 10-12 | C or higher in Physical Science CPTranscript abbreviations: Biology A, Biology B, EL Bio A, EL Bio B | d |
| Chemistry | CP | 10-12 | C or above in Algebra 1 or higher; C or above in Honors Biology or Biology, plus teacher recommendationTranscript abbreviations: CHEMISTRY A, CHEMISTRY B | d |
| Chemistry in the Community | CP | — | —The Course Guide says Chemistry was formerly Chemistry in the Community; Transcript abbreviations: CHEM-COMM A, CHEM-COMM B | d |
| Earth Science - Lab | CP | 10-12 | C or above in Biology, and completion of or concurrent enrollment in GeometryTranscript abbreviations: Earth Science-L, EL Earth Sci A, EL Earth Sci B | d |
| Forensic Science | CP | 11-12 | One year of Biology and one year of Physical Science or ChemistryTranscript abbreviations: Forensic Sci A, Forensic Sci B | d |
| Marine Biology | CP | 11-12 | Algebra 1, plus one year each of "d" physical science and "d" biological scienceTranscript abbreviations: Marine Bio A, Marine Bio B | d |
| Oceanography | CP | — | —Transcript abbreviations: Oceanography A, Oceanography B | g |
| Physical Science | CP | — | —Transcript abbreviations: Phy Sci/Earth, Physical Sci | g |
| Physical Science A/B | CP | 9 | Placement by district math placement scores, 7th grade CAASPP scores, 8th grade teacher recommendation and grades; co-requisite Algebra 1Grade 9 college-prep science course; meets the physical science graduation requirement; Transcript abbreviations: Physical Sci A, Physical Sci B | d |
| Physics | CP | 10-12 | C or above in Algebra 1 and Geometry; concurrent Algebra 2 recommendedTranscript abbreviations: Physics A, Physics B | d |
| Physiology | CP | 11-12 | C or above in Honors Biology or Biology, plus ChemistryTranscript abbreviations: Physiology A, Physiology B | d |
| Sports Medicine and Athletic Training | CP | 11-12 | C or above in Honors Biology or Biology, plus ChemistryTranscript abbreviations: Sports Med A, Sports Med B | d |
Computer Science & Engineering
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP Computer Science A | AP | 10-12 | Algebra 2 or above, or teacher recommendation; students in grades 10-11 must also have completed Exploring Computer Science or AP Computer Science PrinciplesSummer assignment; Transcript abbreviations: AP CompSC A(A), AP CompSC A(B) | c |
| AP Computer Science Principles | AP | 9-11 | —Transcript abbreviations: AP Comp Sci Pri | d |
| AP Cybersecurity | AP | 10-11 | AP NetworkingSecond year of the Cybersecurity CTE pathway; Transcript abbreviations: AP Cyber Sec A, AP Cyber Sec B | d |
| AP Networking | AP | 9-11 | —First year of the Cybersecurity CTE pathway; Transcript abbreviations: AP Cyber Netwrk | d |
| Honors Advanced Robotics 1 | Honors | 9-11 | —Listed in the Course Guide as Honors Robotics 1; Honors Robotics & Engineering CTE pathway; UC-approved honors course, weighted in both the district GPA and the UC GPA; Transcript abbreviations: Hon Robotics 1A, Hon Robotics 1B | g |
| Honors Robotics 2 | Honors | 10-12 | Robotics 1 and/or teacher recommendationUC-approved honors course, weighted in both the district GPA and the UC GPA; Transcript abbreviations: Hon Robotics 2A, Hon Robotics 2B | g |
| Exploring Computer Science | CP | 9-11 | —Introductory course of the Software & Systems Development CTE pathway; Transcript abbreviations: ECS - Exp Cmp S, ECS-ExpCmpS ROP | g |
| Robotics 1 | CP | — | —Transcript abbreviations: Robotics 1A, Robotics 1B | g |
World Languages
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP French Language and Culture | AP | 11-12 | B or above in French 3 or teacher recommendationListed in the Course Guide as AP French 4; Transcript abbreviations: AP French 4A, AP French 4B | e |
| AP Japanese Language and Culture | AP | 12 | B or above in Japanese 3 and teacher recommendationListed in the Course Guide as AP Japanese 4; Transcript abbreviations: AP Japanese 4A, AP Japanese 4B | e |
| AP Spanish Language and Culture | AP | 10-12 | B or above in Spanish 3 or Español Dos, teacher recommendation, and a B or above on a written test given in the fourth quarter of Spanish 3Listed in the Course Guide as AP Spanish 4; Transcript abbreviations: AP Spanish 4A, AP Spanish 4B | e |
| American Sign Language 1 | CP | — | —Transcript abbreviations: Amer Sgn Lng 1A, Amer Sgn Lng 1B | e |
| American Sign Language 2 | CP | — | —Transcript abbreviations: Amer Sgn Lng2A, Amer Sgn Lng2B | e |
| American Sign Language 3 | CP | — | —Transcript abbreviations: Amer Sgn Lng3, Amer Sgn Lng3A | e |
| American Sign Language 4 | CP | — | —Transcript abbreviations: Amer Sgn Lng4A, Amer Sgn Lng4B | e |
| Espanol Dos | CP | 9-12 | Teacher recommendationFor Spanish speakers; Transcript abbreviations: Espanol Dos A, Espanol Dos B | e |
| Espanol Uno | CP | 9-12 | Teacher recommendationFor Spanish speakers; Transcript abbreviations: Espanol Uno A, Espanol Uno B | e |
| French 1 | CP | 9-12 | Reading at grade level or a C in grade 9 EnglishTranscript abbreviations: French 1A, French 1B | e |
| French 2 | CP | 9-12 | C or above in French 1Transcript abbreviations: French 2A, French 2B | e |
| French 3 | CP | 10-12 | C or above in French 2Transcript abbreviations: French 3A, French 3B | e |
| French 4 | CP | 11-12 | C or above in French 3Transcript abbreviations: French 4A, French 4B | e |
| Japanese 1 | CP | 9-12 | Reading at grade level or a C in grade 9 EnglishTranscript abbreviations: Japanese 1A, Japanese 1B | e |
| Japanese 2 | CP | 10-12 | C or above in Japanese 1 and teacher recommendationTranscript abbreviations: Japanese 2A, Japanese 2B | e |
| Japanese 3 | CP | 11-12 | C or above in Japanese 2 and teacher recommendationTranscript abbreviations: Japanese 3A, Japanese 3B | e |
| Japanese 4 | CP | 12 | C or above in Japanese 3 and teacher recommendationTranscript abbreviations: Japanese 4A, Japanese 4B | e |
| Spanish 1 | CP | 9-12 | Reading at grade level or a C in grade 9 EnglishTranscript abbreviations: Spanish 1A, Spanish 1B | e |
| Spanish 2 | CP | 9-12 | C or above in Spanish 1; middle school students need a B or above in 8th grade Spanish, teacher recommendation and a B or above on the June placement testTranscript abbreviations: Spanish 2A, Spanish 2B | e |
| Spanish 3 | CP | 9-12 | C or above in Spanish 2Transcript abbreviations: Spanish 3A, Spanish 3B | e |
| Spanish 4 | CP | 10-12 | C or above in Spanish 3Transcript abbreviations: Spanish 4A, Spanish 4B | e |
Visual & Performing Arts
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP 2D Art and Design | AP | 10-12 | Art 1 or instructor review; C or above in Art 2 or Department Coordinator approvalTranscript abbreviations: AP 2D Art/Des, AP 2D Art/Des B | f |
| AP 3D Art and Design | AP | 10-12 | Ceramics 1 and instructor recommendationTranscript abbreviations: AP 3D Art/ Des A, AP 3D Art/Des B | f |
| AP Art History | AP | 10-12 | A or B in the prior year of EnglishTranscript abbreviations: AP Art Hist A, AP Art Hist B | f |
| AP Drawing | AP | 10-12 | Art 1 or instructor review; C or above in Art 2 or Department Coordinator approvalTranscript abbreviations: AP Drawing A, AP Drawing B | f |
| AP Music Theory | AP | 10-12 | Experience reading music, a placement test and teacher approvalTranscript abbreviations: AP Music Th A, AP Music Th B | f |
| Ad Drm Prd/Thr | Honors | — | —UC-approved honors course, weighted in both the district GPA and the UC GPA; Transcript abbreviations: Ad Drm Prd/Thr | f |
| Adv Music Hn | Honors | 10-12 | Audition and teacher approvalListed in the Course Guide as Advanced Music Honors, covering the Troubadours choir, string orchestra, band and percussion; UC-approved honors course, weighted in both the district GPA and the UC GPA; Transcript abbreviations: Adv Music Hn, Adv Music Hn-Orch | f |
| Honors Graphic Arts | Honors | 10-12 | Digital Photo and Design 1Second year of the Digital Media CTE pathway; UC-approved honors course, weighted in both the district GPA and the UC GPA; Transcript abbreviations: Hon Graphic Art | f |
| Adv Env Des | CP | — | —Transcript abbreviations: Adv Env Des | f |
| Animation | CP | 9-12 | —Two-year pathway; Transcript abbreviations: Animation | f |
| Art 1 | CP | 9-12 | —Transcript abbreviations: Art 1 | f |
| Art 2 | CP | 10-12 | C or above in Art 1 and Department Coordinator approvalTranscript abbreviations: Art 2 | f |
| Art 3 | CP | 10-12 | C or above in Art 1 and Department Coordinator approvalTranscript abbreviations: Art 3 | f |
| Art of Animation | CP | 10-12 | Art 1 or instructor approvalTranscript abbreviations: Art/Anim A, Art/Anim B | f |
| Banner/Flag | CP | 9-12 | Teacher approvalListed in the Course Guide as Flag Ensemble; Transcript abbreviations: Banner/Flag | f |
| Ceramics 1 | CP | 9-12 | —Transcript abbreviations: Ceramics 1 | f |
| Ceramics 2 | CP | 10-12 | C or above in Ceramics 1 and teacher recommendationTranscript abbreviations: Ceramics 2 | f |
| Ceramics 3 | CP | 11-12 | C or above in Ceramics 2 and teacher recommendationTranscript abbreviations: Ceramics 3 | f |
| Ceramics 4 | CP | 11-12 | C or above in Ceramics 3 and teacher recommendationTranscript abbreviations: Ceramics 4 | f |
| Chorus | CP | 9-12 | Chorus I is open enrollment; Chorus II requires an audition and teacher recommendationTranscript abbreviations: Chorus 1, Chorus 2 | f |
| Computer Graphics | CP | — | —Transcript abbreviations: Cmp Grphcs A, Cmp Grphcs B | f |
| Dance Ensemble | CP | 9-12 | —Transcript abbreviations: Dance Ensemble | f |
| Digital Photography and Design | CP | 9-12 | —First year of the Digital Media CTE pathway; Transcript abbreviations: Digtl Photo/D1 | f |
| Digital Video Production | CP | 10-12 | Teacher recommendation and permission of instructorTranscript abbreviations: Dig Video Prod | f |
| Dramatic Prod | CP | 9-12 | Teacher approvalTranscript abbreviations: Drama Prod | f |
| Environmental Design | CP | — | —Transcript abbreviations: Enviromtl Dsgn | f |
| Fashion Design | CP | 9-12 | Prior enrollment in Fiber Arts and DesignFashion Design and Merchandising CTE pathway; Transcript abbreviations: Fashion Design | f |
| Fiber Art/Design | CP | 9-12 | —Transcript abbreviations: Fiber Art/Design | f |
| Instrumental I | CP | 9-12 | —Transcript abbreviations: Instrumntl I | f |
| Instrumental II | CP | 10-12 | Teacher approvalTranscript abbreviations: Instrumntl II | f |
| Intro to Musical Theater | CP | 9-12 | Open enrollmentTranscript abbreviations: Intro Muscl Thr | f |
| Jazz Band | CP | 9-12 | Audition and teacher approvalTranscript abbreviations: Jazz Band | f |
| Music Appreciation | CP | 9-12 | Open enrollmentTranscript abbreviations: Music Apprec | f |
| Music Industry I | CP | — | —Transcript abbreviations: Music Ind 1 | f |
| Music Theory | CP | 9-12 | —Transcript abbreviations: Music Theory | f |
| Orchestra | CP | — | —Transcript abbreviations: Orchestra | f |
| Percussion Ensemble | CP | — | —Transcript abbreviations: Percussn Ensemb | f |
| Theatre 2 | CP | — | —Transcript abbreviations: Theatre 2 | f |
| Theatre 3 | CP | — | —Transcript abbreviations: Theatre 3 | f |
| Theatre I | CP | — | —Transcript abbreviations: Theater 1 | f |
| Theatrical Production and Design | CP | — | —Transcript abbreviations: Theatre Pd/Des | f |
| Vocal Production | CP | — | —Transcript abbreviations: Vocal Prod A, Vocal Prod B | f |
| Yearbook/Journalism: Digital Design | CP | — | —Transcript abbreviations: Yearbk/J Dgtl 2, Yearbook/J Dgtl | f |
Business & Law
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP Business with Personal Finance | AP | 9-12 | —Transcript abbreviations: AP Bus Fin A, AP Bus Fin B | g |
| Honors Business Entrepreneurship | Honors | 10-12 | Business EntrepreneurshipSecond year of the Entrepreneurship CTE pathway; UC-approved honors course, weighted in both the district GPA and the UC GPA; Transcript abbreviations: Hon Bus Entrep B, Hon BusEntrep A | g |
| Business Law | CP | 11-12 | —The Course Guide says it is not UC-approved, but the 2026-27 UC A-G list includes it; Transcript abbreviations: Business Law | g |
| Criminal Law | CP | 10-11 | —The Course Guide says it is not UC-approved, but the 2026-27 UC A-G list includes it; Transcript abbreviations: Criminal Law | g |
| Virtual Enterprise | CP | — | —Transcript abbreviations: Virtual Ent A, Virtual Ent B | g |
Consumer & Family Studies
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced Culinary Arts and Management | CP | 11-12 | Satisfactory grade in Culinary Arts 1Transcript abbreviations: Adv Culinary Ar | g |
| Culinary Arts 1 | CP | 10-12 | Foods 1Transcript abbreviations: Culinary Arts 1 | g |
| Develop. Psychology of Children | CP | 10-12 | —Transcript abbreviations: Dev Psych Chld | g |
| Life Management II | CP | 11-12 | —Transcript abbreviations: Life Mgmt II | g |
Health & Medical Careers
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology of Mindfulness | CP | 9-12 | —Transcript abbreviations: Bio of Mind A, Bio of Mind B | g |
| Emergency Medical Responder Year-Long | CP | — | —Emergency Response CTE pathway; Transcript abbreviations: EMR | g |
| EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN | CP | — | —Emergency Response CTE pathway; Transcript abbreviations: Em Med Tech, Em Med Tech ROP | g |
| Medical Careers and Health Systems | CP | 9-12 | —Transcript abbreviations: Medical Crs A, Medical Crs B | g |
| Sports Medicine | CP | — | —Transcript abbreviations: Sports Med A, Sports Med B | g |
AVID & Leadership
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AVID 10 | CP | 10 | Application processTranscript abbreviations: AVID 2 | g |
| AVID 11 | CP | 11 | Application processTranscript abbreviations: AVID Jr Smnr | g |
| AVID 12 | CP | 12 | Application processTranscript abbreviations: AVID Sr Smnr | g |
| AVID 9 | CP | 9 | Application processTranscript abbreviations: AVID 1 | g |
| Mindset for Success | CP | 9-12 | —Transcript abbreviations: Mindset Success | g |
| Principles of Leadership | CP | 10-12 | Election or appointment to student body office and Assistant Principal approvalASB and Senate; Transcript abbreviations: Princ of Leader | g |
| Work Experience Education | CP | — | —Transcript abbreviations: Work Ed | g |
Fountain Valley High School Course Selection Timeline
Grade 8
- JanuaryFVHS Excellence Expo (January 12 in 2026)
- Feb 2-Mar 12District Open Enrollment window (2027-28)
- March8th Grade Guidance Night and grade 9 course selection (March 11 in 2026)
- SpringStudents in Algebra 1 or Geometry take the district math placement exam at their middle school; scores final after June 4
- Jun 6, Aug 7Math placement make-up exams (2026, Ocean View High School)
- AugustAssigned high school sends registration information
Grade 9
- SummerSummer reading and assignments for honors and AP courses
- First 3 weeksMath diagnostic exam to confirm placement
- All yearOne semester of Health plus a one-semester exploratory elective
- SpringCourse planning presentation and grade 10 course selection; English Honors 2 and AP European History have grade requirements
- MayAP Human Geography exam for students in the course
Grade 10
- OctoberPSAT/NMSQT (optional; sign up in September)
- By NovemberDecide with AP teachers which AP exams to take
- SpringGrade 11 course selection: AP English Language, AP U.S. History, Pre-Calculus Honors and AP science all depend on grade 10 grades
- MayAP exams
Grade 11
- OctoberPSAT/NMSQT, which determines National Merit eligibility
- By NovemberConfirm AP exam registrations
- MarchFuture Senior Night (March 25 in 2026)
- MayAP exams; the UC GPA covers coursework through the end of grade 11
Grade 12
- From SeptemberRequest private college recommendation letters by deadline (earliest September 18)
- Every TuesdayCollege application workshops in the library
- Oct 1-Nov 30UC and CSU applications
- Aug, Feb, JunClass rank printed on transcripts
- By January 31Students selected by UC submit verification documents
Fountain Valley High School Courses: Frequently Asked Questions
How many classes do Fountain Valley High School students take each semester, and can Irvine families add period 0?
Fountain Valley High School runs a seven-period day (periods 0 through 6). The 2026-27 School Profile says students typically take six classes in grades 9 and 10 and five in grades 11 and 12; the grade 10 worksheet requires six classes, and seniors must take at least five. Every course request worksheet includes a period 0 request, and period 0 runs from 7:28 to 8:23 a.m. on the regular schedule. The school's spring 2026 planning presentation says students may not request two math or two science courses during registration; they may ask in late August if space is available.
Irvine families ask: how do students enter honors English at Fountain Valley High School, and can they be moved out?
Fountain Valley High School places students in CP English Honors 1 in grade 9 by test scores such as SBAC, grades and teacher recommendation, with required summer reading. CP English Honors 2 in grade 10 requires 80% or higher both semesters in English Honors 1, or 93% or higher both semesters in regular English 1, for Honors Committee recommendation; AP English Language in grade 11 uses the same standard based on English 2. The school's language arts flow chart states that honors and AP English students who do not earn a B or higher are moved to CP English.
How does Fountain Valley High School handle repeated courses, something Irvine families should note?
Fountain Valley High School follows Huntington Beach Union High School District rules: a course with a D or F may be repeated and the higher grade is used in GPA, but both grades remain on the transcript, and courses with a C or higher may not be repeated. Math and world languages are an exception: a C or better in the next-level course validates a D or F in the earlier course. UC and CSU require a C or better each semester in A-G courses, so a D or F must be repeated.
Can community college courses appear on a Fountain Valley High School transcript, Irvine families ask?
Fountain Valley High School's on-campus dual enrollment courses count on both the high school and college transcripts. Students who enroll on their own at Golden West College earn high school credit for courses on its approved list; other outside courses require a meeting with an administrator and written pre-approval, and the district generally places only summer remediation and approved dual enrollment courses on the transcript. The district Planning Guide also notes that UC-transferable community college courses earn honors weight in the UC A-G GPA.
Which Fountain Valley High School honors courses does UC not weight, something Irvine families should check?
Fountain Valley High School has four honors-titled courses on the official UC A-G list that are not on the UC-approved honors list: CP English 1 (H), Honors Biology, World Geography (H) and World Geography Honors MUN. They are weighted in the district GPA but count as regular courses for UC. Honors Physics does not appear on the UC list, and Accelerated Geometry and Algebra 2 Trig are not titled honors, so neither the district nor UC weights them. CP English 2 Honors, World History Honors, U.S. History MUN Honors, Chemistry Honors and Pre-Calculus Honors are on the UC-approved list.
