Los Alamitos High School has 180 courses on the official UC A-G course list for 2026-27, including 32 AP courses and 40 UC-approved honors courses (AP included). The school’s 2026-27 Curriculum Handbook gives the grade levels, recommended prerequisites and weighting for each course. The course map on this page follows the UC list and adds grade levels and prerequisites from the handbook; courses on the UC list that the handbook does not include are marked one by one. Physical education, health and other courses outside the A-G list are not included. Course rules and graduation requirements come first, then subject pathways and the full course map.
Los Alamitos High School Course Selection Rules
| Course load | Students in grades 9-11 take at least six courses each semester (the handbook notes the grade 11 rule is pending a policy change), and seniors at least five, with at least four of them on the Los Alamitos campus during the regular school day |
|---|---|
| Credit cap | A maximum of 40 credits per semester, including ROP, CTE, adult school and independent study |
| Schedule and periods | Classes meet 55 minutes a day, five days a week, 180 days a year, and most students take six classes a day. On the 2026-27 regular schedule, periods 1-6 run from 8:30 a.m. to 3:17 p.m., zero period from 7:27 to 8:23 a.m. and period 7 from 3:24 to 4:19 p.m.; Mondays start late at 9:00 a.m. |
| Zero period | Zero period is reserved for students with a full schedule in periods 1-6; it adds flexibility for scheduling conflicts and is not a substitute for regular school hours |
| Registration | Each spring students meet one-on-one with a counselor to register; parents review the Curriculum Handbook and sign the Schedule Page beforehand, and students submit requests in Aeries. Requests are prioritized, not guaranteed, so alternates are required, and courses with low enrollment or no credentialed teacher may be cancelled |
| Add/drop | The second week of the semester is the add/drop window, with no transcript notation; students must see a counselor, and approval depends on space and graduation status. Drops from the third week on leave a W on the transcript, which does not affect GPA |
| Level changes and drops | Moving from an AP or honors course to college prep must happen by the sixth week of the semester, the end of the first grading period, and grades carry over to the new course. After week six, drops are allowed only in extenuating circumstances with administrative approval and leave a W |
| Outside courses | When a required course is not available on campus, counselors help identify approved outside credit-recovery options; courses at other WASC-accredited high schools need an offsite coursework approval form signed by the assistant principal of curriculum before registration |
| Summer school | The school's summer program is remedial only: Credit Recovery and Skills Lab (which meets graduation requirements but not UC/CSU A-G). Session one in 2026 ran June 15 to July 1, all in person on campus. The summer school page lists no acceleration courses |
| Repeats | D and F grades in A-G courses must be repeated or validated, and UC and CSU use the best grade; repeating a course already passed to raise the grade earns no additional five credits |
| College courses | College courses do not count for high school credit or graduation requirements, are not calculated into the high school GPA and do not appear on the high school transcript; they are kept on a separate college transcript |
Los Alamitos High School Graduation Requirements (220 Credits)
| Subject | Credits |
|---|---|
| English (every year) | 40 |
| Social Science (World History 10, U.S. History 10, American Political Tradition 5, Economics 5) | 30 |
| Mathematics (at least Algebra I) | 20 |
| Science (life science 10, physical science 10) | 20 |
| Physical Education or athletics | 20 |
| Fine Arts or World Language | 10 |
| Fine Arts or Applied Arts (such as ROP or computer education) | 10 |
| Electives | 70 |
Graduation requires 220 credits, passing every required course and passing at least Algebra I. Each course passed earns five credits. Health education carries no credit; it is an 18-hour module inside grade 9 physical education. Students must attend as regular students in their final semester, and fifth-year seniors may not remain at the school.
Graduation requirements and college admission requirements are two different standards. The handbook’s graduation requirements include only two years of mathematics (at least Algebra I), two years of science and one year of fine arts or world language. The UC and CSU A-G requirements are four years of English, three years of mathematics (Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II; four recommended), two years of history (World and U.S. History), two years of laboratory science (three recommended), two years of the same world language (three recommended), one year of visual and performing arts and one year of a college-prep elective, all with a C or better, and at least 7 of the 15 courses completed in grades 11 and 12. The handbook’s A-G planning worksheet lays out four years of math and three years each of science and world language. In the Class of 2025, 82.0% of graduates completed all A-G courses; plan courses against A-G, not against graduation minimums.
Los Alamitos High School Course Levels by Subject
The pathways below follow the grade levels and prerequisites in the 2026-27 Curriculum Handbook. College prep (CP) means courses that are neither honors nor AP; most honors courses are unweighted, as explained in the weighting section below.
English
- Grade 9: English I, or English I Honors (teacher recommendation)
- Grade 10: English II, or English II Honors (teacher recommendation)
- Grade 11: English III, or AP English Language (no prerequisite course)
- Grade 12: British, Modern or World Literature, CSU Expository Reading and Writing (ERWC), or AP English Literature; one-semester Mythology/Folklore (fall) and Thanatology (spring) courses are also open to grades 11-12
Social Science
- From grade 9: AP Human Geography as an elective, with a 2.5 GPA
- Grade 10: World History, Cultures and Geography, or AP World History
- Grade 11: U.S. History, or AP US History
- Grade 12: one semester each of American Political Tradition and Economics, or AP US Government and AP Macroeconomics; AP Psychology and Ethnic Studies are also open to grades 11-12
Science (college prep sequence)
- Grade 9: Biology, no prerequisite
- Grade 10: Chemistry of the Earth Systems, after Biology with a C or better
- Grade 11: Physics (with concurrent Algebra II or higher), PLTW Human Body Systems or Marine Biology/Oceanography
- Graduation: 10 credits each of life and physical science; UC requires two years of laboratory science and recommends three
Science (honors and AP sequence)
- Grade 9: Biology; students concurrently in Geometry Honors or higher may take Chemistry of the Earth Systems Honors, which the school recommends only for students planning several AP science courses
- Grade 10: Chemistry of the Earth Systems Honors (grades 10-12 require an A in year-long Algebra I), or AP Chemistry for students who earned an A in both semesters of Honors Chemistry in grade 9
- Grade 11: AP Biology, AP Environmental Science or Physics; the school advises taking AP Chemistry before AP Biology
- Grade 12: AP Physics C: Mechanics (with concurrent or completed calculus and previous physics), or another AP science not yet taken
Grade levels and prerequisites for advanced science courses (one course per row):
| Course | Grade levels and prerequisites |
|---|---|
| Chemistry of the Earth Systems Honors | Grades 9-12; both the handbook and the School Profile mark it unweighted, and it is not on the UC-approved honors list |
| AP Chemistry | Grades 10-12; an A in both semesters of Honors Chemistry and teacher recommendation |
| AP Biology | Grades 11-12; an A in Biology and Honors Chemistry, or a B or better in AP Chemistry, plus teacher recommendation |
| AP Environmental Science | Grades 11-12; Biology with an A and Chemistry with an A or Honors Chemistry with a B or better, plus teacher recommendation |
| AP Physics C: Mechanics | Grades 11-12; concurrent or completed calculus and previous physics |
| PLTW Human Body Systems / PLTW Medical Interventions Honors | Human Body Systems: grades 10-12, after Biology with a C or better; Medical Interventions Honors: grades 11-12, after Human Body Systems with a C or higher, weighted in both the school GPA and the UC GPA |
Math courses have their own page: Math Pathway.
Los Alamitos High School World Languages
- Spanish I-IV, Spanish II-IV Honors, AP Spanish Language and AP Spanish Literature; Spanish for Spanish Speakers I and II require a placement exam
- French I-IV, French II-IV Honors and AP French Language
- Japanese I-IV, Japanese III and IV Honors and AP Japanese Language
- American Sign Language I-IV and ASL IV Honors
UC A-G requires two years of the same world language and recommends three. Spanish, French and Japanese all run from level one to AP; level-four honors courses are weighted in both the school GPA and the UC GPA, while level-two and level-three honors courses are not. In the Class of 2026, 359 of 707 graduates, about 51%, earned the State Seal of Biliteracy. The UC A-G list also shows German I-IV and AP German, but the 2026-27 Curriculum Handbook has no German courses.
Los Alamitos High School Honors Courses: School Weighting and UC Weighting
| School weighting rule | The school GPA uses a 4.0 scale, and AP courses and select UC-recognized honors courses are weighted on a 5.0 scale: in college-prep courses an A earns 4 points, B 3, C 2, D 1 and F 0; in weighted honors and AP courses an A earns 5, B 4, C 3, D 1 and F 0. Plus and minus grades appear on the transcript but do not change grade points |
|---|---|
| Weighted courses | All AP courses; The six weighted honors courses listed in the School Profile: French IV (H), Japanese IV (H), Spanish IV (H), ASL IV (H), Computer Integrated Manufacturing (H) and PLTW Medical Interventions (H) |
| Unweighted honors courses | The School Profile lists ten honors courses as unweighted: Algebra II/Trigonometry, English I (H), English II (H), Geometry (H), French II (H), French III (H), Japanese III (H), Spanish II (H), Spanish III (H) and Chemistry of the Earth (H). They earn no extra points in the school GPA and are not on the UC-approved honors list |
| UC and CSU GPA | UC and CSU calculate GPA only from A-G courses taken in grades 10 and 11 (including the summers after grades 9 and 11), without plus or minus. Honors points are capped at eight semesters from UC-approved honors courses, all AP courses and transferable college courses, with no more than four semesters from grade 10 |
The figures below come straight from the official UC A-G list. The second number is how many courses earn extra points in the UC GPA; the third is how many courses carry an honors title but are not weighted by UC, listed individually below. At Los Alamitos High School, these courses are unweighted in the school’s own GPA as well, so the weighted GPA on the school transcript follows logic close to UC’s.
180UC-approved A-G courses
40UC-weighted honors coursesincluding 32 AP
11School 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
- Chemistry of the Earth System (Honors)
- English I (H)
- English II (H)
- French II Honors
- French III Honors
- Geometry (H)
- German III Honors
- Japanese III (H)
- Spanish II (H)
- Spanish III (H)
- Spanish V (H)
On the UC list, Algebra II/Trigonometry is recorded as a standard course and so does not appear above, although the School Profile lists it as an unweighted honors course. The UC list also includes Pre-Calculus (H), German III Honors and Spanish V Honors, none of which appears in the 2026-27 Curriculum Handbook.
Los Alamitos High School Full Course Map
Expand by subject. Each course shows its level and UC A-G area; grade levels and prerequisites come from the 2026-27 Curriculum Handbook, and courses the handbook does not list are noted. Dark tags mark AP courses, light tags honors courses, and CTE marks Career Technical Education pathway courses. Transcript abbreviations make it easy to check against your child’s transcript line by line.
English
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP English Language and Composition | AP | 11 | No prerequisite course; students should be able to read college-level textsTranscript abbreviations: AP Engl Lang, AP English Lang, Eng Lang AP | b |
| AP English Literature and Composition | AP | 12 | B+/A average in English in grades 9-11, English teacher recommendation and a writing sample reviewed by the AP instructorsTwo assigned summer readings with reader-response journals before the course begins; Transcript abbreviations: AP Engl Lit, AP English Lit, Eng Lit AP | b |
| English I (H) | Honors | 9 | Teacher recommendationMarked honors on the transcript, but the School Profile lists it as unweighted and it is not on the UC-approved honors list, so neither the school GPA nor the UC GPA weights it; Transcript abbreviations: Eng I Honors | b |
| English II (H) | Honors | 10 | Teacher recommendationMarked honors on the transcript, but the School Profile lists it as unweighted and it is not on the UC-approved honors list, so neither the school GPA nor the UC GPA weights it; Transcript abbreviations: Eng II Honors | b |
| British Literature/Composition | CP | 12 | —One of the grade 12 college-prep English options; Transcript abbreviations: Brit Lit/comp | b |
| CSU Expository Reading and Writing | CP | 12 | —One of the grade 12 college-prep English options; Transcript abbreviations: CSU Exp Rdg&Wrt | b |
| Composition | CP | — | —Not listed in the 2026-27 Curriculum Handbook; check with the school whether it is offered; Transcript abbreviations: Composition | b |
| ELL English III | CP | — | —For English learners; Not listed in the 2026-27 Curriculum Handbook; check with the school whether it is offered; Transcript abbreviations: ELL English III | b |
| English I | CP | 9 | —Transcript abbreviations: English I | b |
| English II | CP | 10 | —Transcript abbreviations: ENGLISH II | b |
| English III | CP | 11 | —Transcript abbreviations: ENGLISH III | b |
| Modern Literature/Composition | CP | 12 | —One of the grade 12 college-prep English options; Transcript abbreviations: Mod Lit/Comp | b |
| Mythology/Folklore/Composition | CP | 11-12 | —One semester, fall only; Transcript abbreviations: Myth Folk l/c | b |
| Thanatology-Lit/Composition | CP | 11-12 | —One semester, spring only; Transcript abbreviations: Thanatology | b |
| Western Theology in Literature | CP | — | —Not listed in the 2026-27 Curriculum Handbook; check with the school whether it is offered; Transcript abbreviations: Westrn Theo/Lit | b |
| World Literature/Composition | CP | 12 | —One of the grade 12 college-prep English options; Transcript abbreviations: Wld Lit/Comp | b |
Social Science
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP Business with Personal Finance | AP | 9-12 | —Part of the AP Career Kickstart series; launched in fall 2026; Transcript abbreviations: AP Business | g |
| AP European History | AP | 10-12 | A or B in both World History and English, plus a 3.0 GPA or teacher recommendationDescribed in the Curriculum Handbook, but missing from its AP course list and from the 2027 AP exam schedule; confirm with a counselor whether it runs; Transcript abbreviations: AP Eur Hist | a |
| AP Government and Politics United States | AP | 12 | Teacher recommendationOne semester; can replace the required American Political Tradition course; Transcript abbreviations: AP GovPol US, AP Govt Pol US | a |
| AP Human Geography | AP | 9-12 | 2.5 GPAAn AP course open from grade 9; Transcript abbreviations: AP Hum Geo, AP HumanGeogrph | a |
| AP Macroeconomics | AP | 12 | Teacher recommendationOne semester, covered in about 70 instructional days; Transcript abbreviations: AP Macro, AP MacroEcon | g |
| AP Psychology | AP | 11-12 | —Transcript abbreviations: AP Psych | g |
| AP United States History | AP | 11 | A or B in both World History and English; 3.0 GPA or teacher recommendationCan replace the required U.S. History course; Transcript abbreviations: AP US Hist, AP US History, US Hist AP | a |
| AP World History | AP | 10 | A or B in English; 3.0 GPA or teacher recommendationCan replace the required grade 10 World History course; Transcript abbreviations: AP World His, AP World Hist | a |
| American Political Tradition | CP | 12 | —Required one-semester American government course; Transcript abbreviations: Am Pol Trad, Am Pol Trad F, Am Pol Trad S, Am Pol Traditions, SDAIE Am Pol Trad | a |
| Economics | CP | 12 | —Required one-semester course; Transcript abbreviations: Economics, Economics F, Economics S, Economics Zero, SDAIE Economics | g |
| Ethnic Studies | CP | 11-12 | —Transcript abbreviations: ETHNIC STUDIES | g |
| Global Markets and Financial Analysis | CP | 11-12 | —Listed in the handbook as Financial Literacy; one semester; Transcript abbreviations: Financial Lit, Global Mkts&Fin | g |
| History and the Future | CP | 9-12 | —One semester; Transcript abbreviations: Hist & Future | g |
| Military History | CP | 10-12 | —One semester; Transcript abbreviations: Military Hist, Military Hist F, Military Hist S | g |
| Psychology | CP | 11-12 | —One semester; Transcript abbreviations: PSYCHOLOGY, Psychology F | g |
| Sociology | CP | 11-12 | —One semester; Transcript abbreviations: Sociology, Sociology F, Sociology Fall, Sociology S, Sociology Sprng | g |
| Sociology of Sport | CP | 9-12 | —One semester; Transcript abbreviations: Soc Sport Jrn F, Soc Sport Jrn S | g |
| U.S. History | CP | 11 | —Required for graduation; Transcript abbreviations: SDAIE U.S. History, US History | a |
| Wld History/Cultures/Geography | CP | 10 | —Required World History course; Transcript abbreviations: SDAIE Wld History/Cultures/Geography, Wld HCult/Geog, World History A, World History B, World History, P1, World History, P2 | a |
Mathematics
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP Calculus AB | AP | 11-12 | Precalculus with a C+ or betterTranscript abbreviations: AP Calc AB | c |
| AP Calculus BC | AP | 11-12 | Precalculus with a B+ or betterTranscript abbreviations: AP Calc BC, AP Calculus BC, Calculus BC AP | c |
| AP Precalculus | AP | 10-12 | Algebra II/Trigonometry with a B or better and teacher recommendation, or Advanced Math/Trigonometry with an A- or better and teacher recommendationThe first weighted course in the math sequence; Transcript abbreviations: AP PreCalc | c |
| AP Statistics | AP | 11-12 | Teacher recommendation and one of: an A in Algebra II, or a B or better in Algebra II/Trigonometry, Advanced Math/Trigonometry or Finite MathTranscript abbreviations: AP Stat, Statistics AP | c |
| Algebra II/Trigonometry | Honors | 9-11 | Geometry Honors with a B or better and teacher recommendationCombines Algebra II and a semester of trigonometry in one year for accelerated students; the School Profile lists it as an unweighted honors course, and the UC list treats it as a standard course; Transcript abbreviations: Algebra II Trig, SDAIE Alg2Trig | c |
| Geometry (H) | Honors | 9-10 | Algebra I with a B and teacher recommendation, or a B or better in middle school and teacher recommendationMarked honors on the transcript, but the School Profile lists it as unweighted and it is not on the UC-approved honors list, so neither the school GPA nor the UC GPA weights it; Transcript abbreviations: Geometry H, SDAIE Geomet H | c |
| Pre-Calculus (H) | Honors | — | —UC-approved honors course, weighted in the UC GPA; Still on the UC list as a UC-approved honors course, but the 2026-27 Curriculum Handbook lists AP Precalculus instead; Transcript abbreviations: Pre-Calculus | c |
| Advanced Math/Trigonometry | CP | 11-12 | Algebra II with a B or better, a test average of at least 80% and teacher recommendationPrepares students for precalculus; Transcript abbreviations: Adv Math/Trig | c |
| Algebra A/B & Algebra C/D | CP | — | —Algebra I taught over a longer sequence; Not listed in the 2026-27 Curriculum Handbook; check with the school whether it is offered; Transcript abbreviations: Algebra A, Algebra B, Algebra C, Algebra D, SDAIE Algebra A, SDAIE Algebra B, SDAIE Algebra C, SDAIE Algebra D | c |
| Algebra I | CP | 9-12 | Math 8 with a B or better and teacher recommendationPassing Algebra I is required to graduate; Transcript abbreviations: Algebra I, Algebra I 1st sem., Algebra I 2nd sem., SDAIE Algebra I | c |
| Algebra II | CP | 10-12 | Geometry with a C or betterTranscript abbreviations: Algebra II, SDAIE Algebra II | c |
| Explorations in Data Science - Youcubed Adaptable Curriculum | CP | 12 | Completion of an Algebra II courseListed in the handbook as Introduction to Data Science; Transcript abbreviations: Intr Data Sci | c |
| Finite Math | CP | 11-12 | Intermediate Algebra or Algebra II with a C or betterTranscript abbreviations: Finite Math, Finite Math F, Finite Math S, Finite Math Y | c |
| Geometry | CP | 9-12 | Algebra I with a C or betterTranscript abbreviations: Geometry, SDAIE Geometry | c |
| Intermediate Algebra A/B CP | CP | 11-12 | Algebra I and Geometry (or Principles of Geometry), each with a C or betterFor students not planning a math or science major; does not lead to Advanced Math/Trigonometry; Transcript abbreviations: Intmd Algebra | c |
| Introduction to Algebra | CP | 9 | Teacher recommendationA bridge course before Algebra I; students still need Algebra I afterward; Transcript abbreviations: Intro to Alg | c |
| Principles of Geometry | CP | 10-12 | Pass the spring semester of Algebra I and Algebra I teacher recommendationSimilar content to Geometry; leads to Intermediate Algebra; Transcript abbreviations: Prncpl Geometry | c |
Laboratory Science
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP Biology | AP | 11-12 | A in both Biology and Chemistry Honors, or a B or better in AP Chemistry, plus teacher recommendationTranscript abbreviations: AP Bio, AP Biology, Biology AP | d |
| AP Chemistry | AP | 10-12 | An A in both semesters of Honors Chemistry and teacher recommendationStudents planning to take both AP Chemistry and AP Biology are advised to take AP Chemistry first; Transcript abbreviations: AP Chem, AP Chemistry, Chemistry AP, SDAIE Chemistry | d |
| AP Environmental Science | AP | 11-12 | Two years of college-prep science: Biology with an A and Chemistry with an A or Honors Chemistry with a B or better, plus teacher recommendationTranscript abbreviations: AP Environ Sci | d |
| AP Physics 1 | AP | — | —Still on the UC list, but missing from the 2026-27 Curriculum Handbook and the 2027 AP exam schedule; Transcript abbreviations: AP Phys 1 | d |
| AP Physics C: Mechanics | AP | 11-12 | Concurrent enrollment in or completion of calculus, plus previous physicsThe only AP physics course on the 2026-27 list; calculus-based; Transcript abbreviations: AP Phys C: M, AP Physics C | d |
| Chemistry of the Earth System (Honors) | Honors | 9-12 | Grades 10-12: an A in year-long Algebra I; grade 9: concurrent enrollment in Geometry Honors or higher. Recommended in grade 9 only for students planning several AP science coursesMarked honors on the transcript, but the School Profile lists it as unweighted and it is not on the UC-approved honors list, so neither the school GPA nor the UC GPA weights it; The handbook marks it unweighted; Transcript abbreviations: Chem Erth Sys H | d |
| Biology | CP | 9-12 | —Transcript abbreviations: Biology, SDAIE Biology | d |
| Chemistry | CP | — | —The handbook lists Chemistry of the Earth Systems as the college-prep chemistry course; Transcript abbreviations: Chemistry, CHEMISTRY - Z | d |
| Chemistry of the Earth System | CP | 10-12 | Biology with a C or betterTranscript abbreviations: Chem Erth Sys | d |
| Conceptual Chemistry Lab | CP | — | —Not listed in the 2026-27 Curriculum Handbook; check with the school whether it is offered | d |
| Marine Biology/Oceanography | CP | 11-12 | Biology with a C or better and completion of the physical science graduation requirementTranscript abbreviations: Marine Bio/Ocean | d |
| Physics | CP | 10-12 | Concurrent enrollment in Algebra II or higherTranscript abbreviations: Physics, SDAIE Physics | d |
Computer Science & Engineering
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP Computer Science A | AP | 9-12 | Teacher recommendationCounts toward UC A-G area c (mathematics); one of the Computer Science career cord courses; Transcript abbreviations: AP CompSci A, AP Computer Sci | c |
| AP Computer Science Principles | AP | 9-12 | Teacher recommendationCounts toward UC A-G area d (laboratory science); Transcript abbreviations: APCompSciPrncpl | d |
| AP Cybersecurity | AP | 9-12 | —Part of the AP Career Kickstart series; launched in fall 2026; Transcript abbreviations: AP CyberSec | d |
| Honors PLTW Computer Integrated Manufacturing | Honors | 11-12 | Algebra I or above; Introduction to Engineering Design and Principles of Engineering with C or higher; teacher recommendationUC-approved honors course, weighted on a 5.0 scale in both the school GPA and the UC GPA; Third course in the Engineering pathway; Transcript abbreviations: Cmpt Ingtd Mfg | d |
| Introduction to Computer Science | CP | — | —Not listed in the 2026-27 Curriculum Handbook; check with the school whether it is offered; Transcript abbreviations: Intro Comp Sci, Intro CompSci | g |
| Introduction to Engineering Design | CP | — | —A second UC record for the same PLTW Introduction to Engineering Design course; Transcript abbreviations: Intro Engr Dsgn, Introduction to Engineering Design | g |
| PLTW Computer Integrated Manufacturing | CP | — | —The handbook lists only the honors version; Transcript abbreviations: Comp Int Mfg F, Comp Int Mfg S | d |
| Principles of Engineering | CP | — | —A second UC record for the same PLTW Principles of Engineering course; Transcript abbreviations: Prncpls of Eng, Prncpls of Engr, ROP Prin Engr F, ROP Prin Engr S | g |
| PLTW Introduction to Engineering Design | CTE | 9-12 | Algebra I recommendedFirst course in the Engineering pathway; Transcript abbreviations: Intro Eng Design F, Intro Eng Design S | d |
| PLTW Principles of Engineering | CTE | 10-12 | Algebra I or above; Introduction to Engineering Design with a C or higherSecond course in the Engineering pathway; Transcript abbreviations: Prin Engin F, Prin Engin S | d |
Biomedical, Sports Medicine & Emergency Response
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honors PLTW Medical Interventions | Honors | 11-12 | Human Body Systems (formerly Human Anatomy and Physiology) with a C or higherUC-approved honors course, weighted on a 5.0 scale in both the school GPA and the UC GPA; Second course in the Biomedical pathway; Transcript abbreviations: PLTW MEDINT H | d |
| Nursing Assistant, Long-Term Care (Honors) | Honors | — | —UC-approved honors course, weighted in the UC GPA; An off-campus North Orange County ROP course; enroll through the College and Career Center; a UC-approved honors course; Transcript abbreviations: Nursing Assist | g |
| Body Systems and Disorders | CP | — | —An off-campus North Orange County ROP course; enroll through the College and Career Center; Transcript abbreviations: Body Sys | d |
| Human Anatomy & Physiology | CP | — | —The handbook notes this course is now PLTW Human Body Systems; Transcript abbreviations: Anat and Phys, Anat&Physiology | d |
| Medical Assistant-Clinical and Administrative | CP | — | —An off-campus North Orange County ROP course; enroll through the College and Career Center; Transcript abbreviations: ROP Med Asst | g |
| Medical Careers | CP | — | —An off-campus North Orange County ROP course; enroll through the College and Career Center; Transcript abbreviations: Med Careers | g |
| PLTW Medical Interventions | CP | — | —The handbook lists only the honors version; Transcript abbreviations: Adv Anat & Phys, ADV ANAT (PLTW), ADV ANAT PHYS (PLTW) | d |
| Advanced Sports Medicine | CTE | 10-12 | Sports Medicine with a C or higherTranscript abbreviations: SportMed 2 Adv S, SprtMed 2 Adv, SprtMed 2 Adv F | g |
| Emergency Medical Responder | CTE | 9-12 | —ROP Emergency Response pathway, taught on campus; Transcript abbreviations: ROP EmergRespn | d |
| Emergency Medical Responder ROP | CTE | 9-12 | —ROP Emergency Response pathway, taught on campus; Transcript abbreviations: ROP EmergRespnd | g |
| Emergency Medical Technician | CTE | 11-12 | Emergency Medical Responder with a C or higher; at least 17 years old when the class startsROP Emergency Response pathway; Transcript abbreviations: ROP EMT | g |
| Fire Technology | CTE | 9-12 | —ROP Emergency Response pathway; Transcript abbreviations: ROP Fire Tech, ROP Fire Tech S | g |
| PLTW Human Body Systems | CTE | 10-12 | Biology with a C or better, or completion of science graduation requirements with C or betterFirst course in the Biomedical pathway; Transcript abbreviations: PLTW HBS | d |
| Sports Medicine and Therapy | CTE | 9-12 | —First course in the Sports Medicine pathway; Transcript abbreviations: Sports Med, Sports Med Fall, Sports Med Spring, SportsMed | g |
World Language
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP French Language and Culture | AP | 11-12 | French IV with a B+ or betterTranscript abbreviations: AP French, AP French Lang, French AP | e |
| AP German Language and Culture | AP | — | —Still on the UC list, but the 2026-27 Curriculum Handbook has no German courses; Transcript abbreviations: AP German, Ger AP Lit/Comp, German Lang AP | e |
| AP Japanese Language and Culture | AP | 10-12 | Japanese III with a B+ or better and teacher recommendationTranscript abbreviations: Advanced Placement Japanese, AP Japanese, AP Jpn Lang | e |
| AP Spanish Language and Culture | AP | 11-12 | Spanish IV with an A and teacher recommendation, or Spanish IV Honors with a B or betterTranscript abbreviations: AP Span Lang, Span Lang AP | e |
| AP Spanish Literature and Culture | AP | 11-12 | AP Spanish Language and Culture, or native speakers with Spanish proficiency, with a B or betterTranscript abbreviations: AP Span Lit, AP Spanish Lit, Span Lit AP | e |
| American Sign Language IV Honors | Honors | 10-12 | ASL III with a C or betterUC-approved honors course, weighted on a 5.0 scale in both the school GPA and the UC GPA; Transcript abbreviations: ASL4 H | e |
| French II Honors | Honors | 10-12 | French II with a C or better (as printed in the handbook)Marked honors on the transcript, but the School Profile lists it as unweighted and it is not on the UC-approved honors list, so neither the school GPA nor the UC GPA weights it; Transcript abbreviations: French II H | e |
| French III Honors | Honors | 10-12 | French II or II Honors with a B+ or betterMarked honors on the transcript, but the School Profile lists it as unweighted and it is not on the UC-approved honors list, so neither the school GPA nor the UC GPA weights it; Transcript abbreviations: French III H | e |
| French IV Honors | Honors | 11-12 | French III Honors with a B or betterUC-approved honors course, weighted on a 5.0 scale in both the school GPA and the UC GPA; Transcript abbreviations: FR COM/LIT IV H | e |
| German III Honors | Honors | — | —Not on the UC-approved honors list; UC does not weight it; Not listed in the 2026-27 Curriculum Handbook; check with the school whether it is offered; Transcript abbreviations: German III H | e |
| Japanese III (H) | Honors | 10-12 | Japanese II with a B+ or better and teacher recommendationMarked honors on the transcript, but the School Profile lists it as unweighted and it is not on the UC-approved honors list, so neither the school GPA nor the UC GPA weights it; Transcript abbreviations: Japanese III H | e |
| Japanese IV (H) | Honors | 11-12 | Japanese III Honors with a B+ or better and teacher recommendationUC-approved honors course, weighted on a 5.0 scale in both the school GPA and the UC GPA; Transcript abbreviations: Japanese IV H | e |
| Spanish II (H) | Honors | 9-12 | Spanish I with a B+ or better and teacher recommendationMarked honors on the transcript, but the School Profile lists it as unweighted and it is not on the UC-approved honors list, so neither the school GPA nor the UC GPA weights it; Transcript abbreviations: Spanish II H | e |
| Spanish III (H) | Honors | 9-12 | Spanish II with an A, or Spanish II Honors with a B+ or better, plus teacher recommendationMarked honors on the transcript, but the School Profile lists it as unweighted and it is not on the UC-approved honors list, so neither the school GPA nor the UC GPA weights it; Transcript abbreviations: Spanish III H | e |
| Spanish IV Honors | Honors | 10-12 | Spanish III Honors with a B+ or better and teacher recommendationUC-approved honors course, weighted on a 5.0 scale in both the school GPA and the UC GPA; Transcript abbreviations: Spanish IV H | e |
| Spanish V (H) | Honors | — | —Not on the UC-approved honors list; UC does not weight it; Not listed in the 2026-27 Curriculum Handbook; check with the school whether it is offered; Transcript abbreviations: Spanish VH | e |
| American Sign Language I | CP | 9-12 | English teacher or counselor recommendationTranscript abbreviations: ASL1, ROP Sign Lang 1 | e |
| American Sign Language II | CP | 9-12 | ASL I with a C or betterTranscript abbreviations: ASL2, ROP Sign Lang 2 | e |
| American Sign Language III | CP | 9-12 | ASL II with a C or betterTranscript abbreviations: ASL3, ROP Sign Lang 3 | e |
| American Sign Language IV | CP | 10-12 | ASL III with a C or betterTranscript abbreviations: ASL 4 | e |
| French I | CP | 9-12 | English teacher or counselor recommendationTranscript abbreviations: French I | e |
| French II | CP | 9-12 | French I with a C or betterTranscript abbreviations: FRENCH II | e |
| French III | CP | 9-12 | French I with a C or better (as printed in the handbook)Transcript abbreviations: FRENCH III | e |
| French IV | CP | 11-12 | French III or III Honors with a C or betterTranscript abbreviations: fr com/lit IV, French IV | e |
| French V | CP | — | —Not listed in the 2026-27 Curriculum Handbook; check with the school whether it is offered; Transcript abbreviations: Fr Com/Lit V | e |
| German I | CP | — | —Not listed in the 2026-27 Curriculum Handbook; check with the school whether it is offered; Transcript abbreviations: GERMAN I | e |
| German II | CP | — | —Not listed in the 2026-27 Curriculum Handbook; check with the school whether it is offered; Transcript abbreviations: GERMAN II | e |
| German III | CP | — | —Not listed in the 2026-27 Curriculum Handbook; check with the school whether it is offered; Transcript abbreviations: GERMAN III | e |
| German IV | CP | — | —Not listed in the 2026-27 Curriculum Handbook; check with the school whether it is offered; Transcript abbreviations: Ger IV Comp/Lit | e |
| Japanese I | CP | 8-12 | English teacher or counselor recommendationTranscript abbreviations: Japanese I | e |
| Japanese II | CP | 9-12 | Japanese I with a C or betterTranscript abbreviations: JAPANESE II | e |
| Japanese III | CP | 10-12 | Japanese II with a C or betterTranscript abbreviations: Japanese III | e |
| Japanese IV | CP | 11-12 | Japanese III with a C or betterTranscript abbreviations: Japanese IV | e |
| Spanish I | CP | 9-12 | English teacher or counselor recommendationTranscript abbreviations: SPANISH I | e |
| Spanish II | CP | 9-12 | Spanish I with a C or betterTranscript abbreviations: SPANISH II | e |
| Spanish III | CP | 9-12 | Spanish II with a C or betterTranscript abbreviations: SPANISH III | e |
| Spanish IV | CP | 11-12 | Spanish III with a C or betterTranscript abbreviations: Spanish IV, Spanish IV Com LIt | e |
| Spanish for Spanish Speakers | CP | 9-12 | Placement exam and teacher recommendationFor heritage speakers; Transcript abbreviations: Spanish Spkrs | e |
| Spanish for Spanish Speakers 2 | CP | 9-12 | Placement exam and teacher recommendationFor heritage speakers; Transcript abbreviations: Spanish Spkrs 2 | e |
Visual & Performing Arts
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP 2D Art and Design | AP | 10-12 | A prior digital art, photography or drawing course (one semester to one year), portfolio review and teacher recommendationOffered as AP Digital Art, AP Photography and AP Art and Design; can be taken for up to three years; Transcript abbreviations: AP Art 2D, AP Art 2D Draw, AP Art 2D Photo, AP Art2D DigArt, AP Digital Art, AP Draw/Pnt, AP Photo, AP Studio Art | f |
| AP 3D Art and Design | AP | 10-12 | Ceramics, portfolio review and teacher recommendationOffered as AP Ceramics; can be taken for up to three years; Transcript abbreviations: AP Art 3D, AP Art 3D Ceram, AP Ceramics | f |
| AP Art History | AP | — | —Still on the UC list, but missing from the 2026-27 Curriculum Handbook and the 2027 AP exam schedule; Transcript abbreviations: AP Art Hist, Art History AP | f |
| AP Drawing | AP | 10-12 | Drawing and painting for at least one year, portfolio review and teacher recommendationListed in the handbook as AP Art and Design (AP Drawing or AP 2-D Art & Design); Transcript abbreviations: AP Art | f |
| AP Music Theory | AP | 10-12 | Some previous musical experience and the ability to read notation; a skills assessment in the first weekTranscript abbreviations: AP Music, AP Music Theory, Music Theory AP | f |
| 3-Dimensional Design 1-2 | CP | 9-12 | —Listed in the handbook as 3-D Art (Jewelry & Sculpture); Transcript abbreviations: 3-D Art, 3-d design 1, 3-D Design 1-F, 3-D Design 1-S, 3-d design 2, 3-D Design 2-F, 3-D Design 2-S, 3-D Design Adv, 3-D Design Lv 1, 3-D Design Lv 2, Adv 3-D Art, Adv 3-D Design | f |
| Advanced Band | CP | 10-12 | Audition; previous band experience requiredListed in the handbook as Wind Symphony; Transcript abbreviations: Adv Band | f |
| Advanced Dance | CP | 9-12 | Teacher approval through auditionTranscript abbreviations: Adv Dance | f |
| Advanced Drama | CP | 10-12 | Teacher approval through auditionTranscript abbreviations: Adv Drama, Adv Drama Y | f |
| Advanced Jazz Band | CP | 10-12 | Audition onlyTranscript abbreviations: Jazz Band Adv | f |
| Advanced Women's Ensemble | CP | 9-12 | Audition onlyTranscript abbreviations: Adv Wmn Ens 2, Adv Wmn Ensmb | f |
| Beginning Dance | CP | 9-12 | —Transcript abbreviations: Beg Dance, Dance 1-2 | f |
| Beginning Drama | CP | 9-12 | —Transcript abbreviations: Begin Drama F, BEGIN DRAMA S, Begin Drama Y, Theater Apprc F, Theater Apprc S, THEATRE APPRC, THEATRE APPRC S | f |
| Ceramics 1-2 | CP | 9-12 | —Transcript abbreviations: CERAMICS 1-FALL, CERAMICS 1-SPRG, ceramics 2, Ceramics 2-Fall, Ceramics 2-Sprg, ceramics 3, ceramics 4, Ceramics Adv-F, Ceramics Adv-S, Ceramics Lv 1, Ceramics Lv 2 | f |
| Ceramics Advanced | CP | 10-12 | Ceramics with a C or betterCan be taken for up to three years; Transcript abbreviations: Adv Ceramics, Ceramics Adv | f |
| Color Guard | CP | 9-12 | Permission of teacherTranscript abbreviations: Color Guard | f |
| Concert Choir | CP | 9-12 | Audition onlyTranscript abbreviations: CONCERT CHOIR | f |
| Contemporary Media in Art 1-2 | CP | 9-12 | —Listed in the handbook as Digital Art; Transcript abbreviations: Adv Digital Art, Digital Art 1F, Digital Art 1S, Digital Art 2, Digital Art ADV, Digital Art Lv1, Digital Art Lv2, MEDIA IN ART, MEDIA IN ART 1F, Media in Art 1S, Media in Art 2, Media in Art 2F, Media in Art 2S, Media in Art Adv, MEDIA IN ART1, MEDIA IN ART1S | f |
| Contemporary Video | CP | — | —Not listed in the 2026-27 Curriculum Handbook; check with the school whether it is offered; Transcript abbreviations: Contemp Video | f |
| Digital Design and Illustration | CP | — | —An off-campus North Orange County ROP course; enroll through the College and Career Center; Transcript abbreviations: ROP Dig Design | f |
| Drawing & Painting 1-2 | CP | 9-12 | —Listed in the handbook as Art and Design (formerly Drawing & Painting); Transcript abbreviations: Adv Art/Dsgn, Art/Dsgn, Draw / Paint Adv, draw/paint 1, Draw/Paint 1-F, Draw/Paint 1-S, draw/paint 2, Draw/Paint 2-F, Draw/Paint Adv, Draw/Paint Lv 1, Draw/Paint Lv 2, Draw/Paint1Fall, Draw/Paint1Sprn, Draw?paint 2-S | f |
| Intermediate Band | CP | 9-10 | Permission of teacherListed in the handbook as Symphonic Band; Transcript abbreviations: Beg-Int Band/PE, Intrmdt Band | f |
| Intermediate Dance | CP | 9-12 | Teacher approval through auditionTranscript abbreviations: Int Dance, Int Dance 2 | f |
| Intermediate Drama 1-2 | CP | 10-12 | Beginning Drama or teacher approvalTranscript abbreviations: Int Drama 1-2, Int Drama F, Int Drama S, Int Drama Y | f |
| Intermediate Jazz Band | CP | 9-12 | Intro level (Jazz 3): some previous band or orchestra experience and audition; intermediate level (Jazz 2): grades 10-12, audition onlyTranscript abbreviations: Jazz Band Int, Jazz Band Int 1, Jazz Band Int 2, Jazz Band Intro | f |
| Men's Chorus | CP | 9-12 | Instructor approvalTranscript abbreviations: Men's Chorus | f |
| Music Appreciation | CP | — | —Not listed in the 2026-27 Curriculum Handbook; check with the school whether it is offered; Transcript abbreviations: Music Appreciation | f |
| Orchestra | CP | 9-12 | Some previous instrumental experience (beginners welcome at the intro level); audition for the advanced levelTranscript abbreviations: Adv Orchestra, IntrmdOrchestra, Intrmdt Orchstr, Orchestra, Symph Orchestra | f |
| Percussion | CP | — | —Not listed in the 2026-27 Curriculum Handbook; check with the school whether it is offered; Transcript abbreviations: Percussion | f |
| Photo 1-2 | CP | 9-12 | —Transcript abbreviations: Adv Photo, photo 1, Photo 1 - F, Photo 1 - S, Photo 2 - F, Photo 2 - S, photo 2&3, Photo Adv, Photo Lv 1, Photo Lv 2 | f |
| Printmaking 1-2 | CP | — | —Not listed in the 2026-27 Curriculum Handbook; check with the school whether it is offered; Transcript abbreviations: Com Art/Prnt Adv, Printmaking - F, Printmaking - S, Printmaking 1-2, Printmaking 2, Printmaking Adv | f |
| Show Choir | CP | 9-12 | Audition onlyTranscript abbreviations: Adv Show Choir, Show Choir, SHOW CHOIR/PE | f |
| Ukulele | CP | 9-12 | Some previous instrumental experience; beginners welcomeThe handbook notes course approval is pending; Transcript abbreviations: Ukulele | f |
| Video Production | CP | — | —An off-campus North Orange County ROP course; enroll through the College and Career Center; Transcript abbreviations: ROP Digitl VidF, ROP Digitl VidS | f |
| Vocal Production | CP | 9-12 | Audition and teacher approvalListed in the handbook as Music Studio; Transcript abbreviations: Music Studio, Vocal Prdctn | f |
| Women's Ensemble | CP | 9-12 | Instructor approvalTranscript abbreviations: IntWmnShowChoir, Wmn Ensemble | f |
| Advanced Film and Television Production | CTE | 10-12 | Film and Television Production with a C or higherOffered as Griffin News and Focus Studios; Transcript abbreviations: Dgtl Video II F, Dgtl Video II S, FilmTelProd2, FilmTelProd2 BR, FilmTelProd2 F, FilmTelProd2 FS, FilmTelProd2 GN, FilmTelProd2 S | g |
| Advanced Technical Theatre | CTE | 10-12 | Technical Theatre with a B or betterSecond course in the CTE Technical Theatre pathway; Transcript abbreviations: TECHTHEATRE ADV | f |
| Film and Television Production | CTE | 9-12 | —First course in the CTE Film and Television Production pathway; counts toward UC A-G area f; Transcript abbreviations: Digital Video S, FilmTelProd, FilmTelProd F, FilmTelProd S | f |
| Technical Theatre | CTE | 10-12 | None; grade 9 with teacher approvalFirst course in the CTE Technical Theatre pathway; Transcript abbreviations: Tech Theater, Tech Theater 1, Tech Theater 2 | f |
Electives, CTE & ROP
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accounting | CP | — | —An off-campus North Orange County ROP course; enroll through the College and Career Center; Transcript abbreviations: ROP Accounting | g |
| Advanced Digital Storytelling | CP | — | —Not listed in the 2026-27 Curriculum Handbook; check with the school whether it is offered; Transcript abbreviations: Digital Storytlg | g |
| Advanced Journalism | CP | 10-12 | Journalism with a B or better and teacher or editor approvalMay be repeated; Transcript abbreviations: Adv Journalism | g |
| Careers with Children: Preschool Assistant 1 | CP | — | —An off-campus North Orange County ROP course; enroll through the College and Career Center; Transcript abbreviations: ROPCareerChild1S, ROPCareerChld1F | g |
| Careers with Children: Preschool Assistant 2 | CP | — | —An off-campus North Orange County ROP course; enroll through the College and Career Center; Transcript abbreviations: ROPCareerChild2f, ROPCareerChild2S | g |
| Child Development | CP | — | —Not listed in the 2026-27 Curriculum Handbook; check with the school whether it is offered; Transcript abbreviations: Child Development, ROP Child Dev | g |
| Griffins Reaching Out (GRO) | CP | — | —A peer support course; Not listed in the 2026-27 Curriculum Handbook; check with the school whether it is offered; Transcript abbreviations: GRO-Peer Supp | g |
| Introduction to Automotive Technology | CP | — | —An off-campus North Orange County ROP course; enroll through the College and Career Center; Transcript abbreviations: ROP Auto Tech | g |
| Introduction to Culinary Arts | CP | — | —An off-campus North Orange County ROP course; enroll through the College and Career Center; Transcript abbreviations: ROP Culinary, ROP Culinary I | g |
| Journalism | CP | 9-12 | A or B in EnglishOne semester; can be taken for two; Transcript abbreviations: Journalism | g |
| Student Government | CP | 9-12 | Elected or selected the previous year (freshmen are elected in September)Transcript abbreviations: Stu Government | g |
| Yearbook | CP | 11-12 | Teacher approvalTranscript abbreviations: Yearbook | g |
| Career Pathway Internship | CTE | 11-12 | Enrollment in or completion of the capstone course of the student’s CTE pathway, plus teacher recommendationTranscript abbreviations: CTE Internship, ROP Internship | g |
Los Alamitos High School Course Selection Timeline
Grade 8
- From MarchInterdistrict permits open for out-of-district students (March 2 for 2026-27); decisions may take until mid-May or early June
- SpringRegister one-on-one with a counselor: parents review the handbook and sign, students submit requests in Aeries, and math placement follows the Algebra I and Geometry Honors prerequisites
- July 30Grade 9 registration day (2026): complete data confirmation in the Aeries parent portal first, then collect schedules, books and a Chromebook
Grade 9
- Week 2Add/drop window with no transcript notation; drops from week 3 leave a W
- By week 6Deadline to move down from AP or honors to college prep
- During the yearComplete the 18-hour health module in PE; G.W.A.M. freshman retreats
- SpringChoose grade 10 courses: AP World History is grade 10 only, and AP Chemistry and AP Precalculus open in grade 10
Grade 10
- FallThe school recommends the on-campus PSAT and PreACT
- From grade 10CSF semesters begin to count toward Gold Sealbearer status
- SpringChoose grade 11 courses: AP English Language and AP US History, with AP Calculus and AP Statistics opening in grade 11
Grade 11
- OctoberPSAT/NMSQT, used for National Merit, with no make-up
- Nov 6-13AP exam payment and registration deadlines (2026); a $40 late fee applies after November 6
- Jan-FebCommunity college night (January) and junior College Information Night (February)
- SpringNHS nomination and selection; the school recommends taking the SAT or ACT
- Apr-MayCAASPP state testing; AP exams (May 3-14, 2027)
Grade 12
- Aug-SepCollege mini series; senior College Information Night in September
- FallVisits from 80+ college representatives; submit UC, CSU and Common App applications, with counselors sending the seventh-semester transcript to Common App schools
- Oct-NovFinancial aid information nights
- SpringAcademic Honors eligibility is first checked at the 12-week progress report; career cord portfolios are due in April and service logs in May; request the final transcript at the Records Office
Los Alamitos High School Courses: Frequently Asked Questions
How many courses does a child from an Irvine family take each semester at Los Alamitos High School, and can they add one?
Los Alamitos High School requires at least six courses each semester in grades 9-11 and at least five in grade 12, with at least four of a senior's courses on campus during the regular school day; the maximum is 40 credits per semester. Periods 1 through 6 make up the regular day, with a zero period and a period 7 outside it. Zero period is reserved for students with a full schedule in periods 1-6 to resolve scheduling conflicts and is not a substitute for regular school hours.
Irvine families ask: can students change courses or move down a level after school starts at Los Alamitos High School?
Los Alamitos High School's add/drop window is the second week of the semester; students must see a counselor, approval depends on space and graduation status, and nothing appears on the transcript. Drops from the third week on leave a W on the transcript, which does not affect GPA. Moving from an AP or honors course to college prep must happen by the sixth week of the semester, and grades from the original course carry over. After week six, drops are allowed only in extenuating circumstances with administrative approval.
Which Los Alamitos High School honors courses carry no weight, as Irvine families should know?
Los Alamitos High School's 2026-27 School Profile lists ten unweighted honors courses: Algebra II/Trigonometry, English I Honors, English II Honors, Geometry Honors, French II and III Honors, Japanese III Honors, Spanish II and III Honors, and Chemistry of the Earth Honors. They earn no extra points in the school GPA and are not on the UC-approved honors list. The weighted honors courses are only the level-four world language honors courses, Computer Integrated Manufacturing Honors and PLTW Medical Interventions Honors, plus every AP course.
Irvine families ask: do community college courses appear on the Los Alamitos High School transcript?
Los Alamitos High School's Curriculum Handbook states that college courses do not count for high school credit or graduation requirements, are not calculated into the high school GPA and are not placed on the high school transcript; the School Profile notes that they are kept on a separate college transcript. Students can take free Cypress College dual enrollment courses whose credit may transfer to CSU or UC, but concurrent college courses must be arranged with a counselor in advance.
How many credits does Los Alamitos High School require for graduation, for Irvine families planning ahead?
Los Alamitos High School requires 220 credits to graduate, with five credits for each course passed. Under the 2026-27 Curriculum Handbook, required courses include 40 credits of English (every year), 30 of social science, 20 of mathematics (at least Algebra I), 20 of science, 20 of physical education, 10 of fine arts or world language and 10 of fine arts or applied arts, with the remaining 70 credits as electives. Health education carries no credit and is completed inside grade 9 PE. UC and CSU A-G requirements are higher; mathematics, for example, takes three years.
