Courses at Orange County School of the Arts fall into three parts: academic courses, elective courses, and conservatory courses. The first two are described in the 2026-27 Academic Curriculum Handbook, and the third is arranged by the director of each conservatory. This page first explains the course selection rules and the allocation of time, then lists the complete course map. The rules are where families most often make mistakes.
How Academic and Arts Time Are Divided
This section answers a specific question: how many courses can a student actually take in a year?
| Academic schedule | Academic classes follow an alternating-day block schedule (Blue Day covers Blocks 1, 2 and 3; Gold Day covers Blocks 4, 5 and 6), with three 85-minute academic blocks each day. Arts classes meet four days a week in two 70-minute blocks per day (one block per day for Grades 7 and 8) |
|---|---|
| Monday through Thursday | Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., with two arts blocks from 2:15 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. |
| Fridays and days without conservatory classes | Fridays and days without arts classes, 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., academic classes only |
| Office hours | Office hours are 1:40 p.m. to 2:05 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 12:00 p.m. to 12:25 p.m. on Fridays |
| Daily course load | Students in Grades 7 through 11 must attend three academic or elective blocks on campus each day, and Grade 12 students at least two; arts classes are scheduled in addition to these blocks |
| Conservatory credits | Students in Grades 9 through 12 must take the full program of their conservatory each school year, earning 16 arts credits per year; core courses within the conservatory are required; students may not change conservatories mid-year; the school does not offer double majors, and cross-conservatory electives are opened at the discretion of the conservatory director |
Taken together, these rules mean that a student in grades 9 through 12 can take at most six academic or elective courses per school year. Five of them, English, math, science, social science, and world language, are required, which usually leaves only one or two slots for AP and elective courses. This is why, at this school, the order of AP courses matters more than their number.
Course Selection Rules
| Number of courses | Students in Grades 7 through 11 must attend three academic or elective blocks on campus each day, and Grade 12 students at least two; conservatory classes are scheduled in addition to these blocks |
|---|---|
| Conservatory courses | Students in Grades 9 through 12 must complete 16 conservatory credits each school year and take the full program of their conservatory |
| Prerequisites and waivers | Most AP and Honors courses have prerequisites; students who do not meet them but still wish to enroll may meet with their counselor and complete the AP/Honors Course Waiver Form |
| Level changes | Moving from an AP or Honors course to a regular section requires a teacher recommendation and an available seat; the deadline is the end of Week 6 of the semester (per the Academic Curriculum Handbook), while the Student Handbook sets the end of Week 7 as the deadline for teachers to recommend a level change. Grades earned so far in the semester transfer with the student to the new class |
| Scope of schedule changes | Schedule changes are accepted only in seven cases: scheduling-system or clerical error, a missing graduation requirement, an incomplete prerequisite, class-size balancing, a master schedule change, incorrect placement, or medical necessity. Changes based on teacher preference are not accepted |
| Dropping courses | Drops within the first 6 weeks leave no record; drops in Weeks 7 through 12 are recorded as W on the transcript and do not affect GPA; drops after Week 13 are recorded as W/F and count as failing in the GPA |
| Second semester | All courses are year-long, so schedule changes are generally not accepted in the second semester; exceptions require a meeting with the counselor and school approval |
| Outside courses | Outside courses are currently approved in only three cases, each requiring prior counselor approval and an External Course Approval Form: making up a graduation requirement that was failed or earned a D, with credit applied to graduation requirements and recorded on the OCSA transcript; taking a second year of physical education off campus because of an application-based program (Journalism, ASB, Yearbook, AP Capstone) or an Individualized Education Program or Section 504 plan; and taking a course for enrichment or acceleration after completing the graduation requirement in that subject, which must be a University of California approved course. Beginning with the Class of 2029, however, no course taken outside OCSA (including college courses) will count toward graduation requirements, appear on the OCSA transcript, or count in the school GPA; students may only submit the outside institution's transcript together with the OCSA transcript when applying to college. Even when approved, an outside course taken for acceleration does not guarantee placement in the next-level course, which remains subject to seat availability |
| Repeating courses | Retaking an academic course already passed with a C or higher earns no additional credit |
| Grade appeals | Students who dispute a final grade must submit a written request to the counselor and the teacher within 15 days of the grade's release; only the teacher may change the grade, and only for clerical or calculation errors |
Graduation Requirements (240 Credits)
| Subject | Credits |
|---|---|
| Literature and Composition | 40 |
| Mathematics (through Integrated II) | 20 |
| Life Science | 10 |
| Physical Science | 10 |
| Health | 5 |
| World History | 10 |
| United States History | 10 |
| Government | 5 |
| Economics | 5 |
| World Language | 20 |
| Fine Arts | 10 |
| Physical Education | 20 |
| Total required | 165 |
| Electives | 75 |
The total is 240 credits. Several rules are easy to overlook:
- Mathematics is required only through Integrated Math II, one year less than the three years required under University of California A-G
- Up to 10 of the 20 World Language credits may come from language courses taken in Grades 7 and 8
- Dance conservatory students do not need to take a separate physical education course during academic blocks
- Not all conservatory courses count as University of California approved arts credit
- Graduation requirement courses must be taken at OCSA the first time
Graduation requirements and college admission requirements are two separate standards. The University of California and California State University A-G requirements call for a grade of C or higher in each course; a course graded below C is not recognized for A-G even if it earns graduation credit. Graduation requires only two years of math, while A-G requires three. In the 2024-25 school year, 87.89% of Orange County School of the Arts graduates completed all A-G courses, and all enrolled students take A-G courses, but the gap between the two standards is exactly what deserves the most attention during course selection.
Course Levels by Subject
In the sequences below, CP refers to regular College Prep courses (standard courses that are neither honors nor AP), Honors refers to honors courses, and AP refers to Advanced Placement courses. Honors courses at Orange County School of the Arts are weighted in the school GPA.
Literature and Composition (English)
- Grade 9: Literature and Composition I
- Grade 10: Literature and Composition II or Literature and Composition II Honors (requires an A in both semesters of Grade 9)
- Grade 11: Literature and Composition III or AP English Language and Composition
- Grade 12: Modern Voices & Media Studies or AP English Literature and Composition
Social Science
- Grade 9: Social Studies 9 (one semester)
- Grade 10: World History or AP World History (requires a 3.25 cumulative academic GPA and a B or higher in both semesters of Grade 9 English)
- Grade 11: United States History or AP United States History
- Grade 12: Government and Economics in consecutive semesters, or AP Government and Politics and AP Macroeconomics in consecutive semesters
Science (Standard Sequence)
- Grade 9: Biology of the Living Earth
- Grade 10: Chemistry (requires a B or higher in Integrated Math I and concurrent enrollment in Integrated Math II)
- Grade 11: Physics or Environmental Science
- Grade 12: Zoology, Human Anatomy and Physiology, or an AP science course
Science (Most Rigorous Sequence)
- Grade 9: Biology of the Living Earth
- Grade 10: Chemistry Honors (requires an A in both semesters of Integrated Math II and concurrent enrollment in Integrated Math III)
- Grade 11: AP Physics 1 or AP Biology
- Grade 12: AP Chemistry, AP Physics 2 or AP Environmental Science
Prerequisites for AP science and related courses, one course per row:
| Course | Prerequisites |
|---|---|
| AP Biology | B or higher in Biology of the Living Earth and in Chemistry or Physics; C or higher is sufficient for students who took Chemistry Honors |
| AP Chemistry | A in both semesters of Chemistry, or B in both semesters of Chemistry Honors |
| AP Physics 1 | B or higher in both semesters of Integrated Math III, or C or higher in Integrated Math III Enhanced, or B or higher in Physics with concurrent enrollment in Integrated Math III |
| AP Physics 2 | B or higher in Physics, or completion of AP Physics 1 (recommended), plus B or higher in both semesters of Integrated Math III |
| AP Environmental Science | B or higher in both semesters of Biology of the Living Earth and B or higher in both semesters of another lab science (Chemistry recommended) |
| AP Computer Science Principles | B or higher in Integrated Math I |
| AP Psychology | C or higher in both Biology of the Living Earth and Integrated Math II |
Math courses are covered on a separate page: Math Pathway. The school offers three world languages:
- French 1-4 + French III Honors + AP
- Mandarin 1-4 + Mandarin IV Honors + AP, plus the heritage-speaker courses Mandarin for Mandarin Speakers I-II
- Spanish 1-4 + Spanish III Honors and Spanish IV Honors + AP, plus the heritage-speaker courses Spanish for Spanish Speakers A-B
Conservatories and Their Courses
The school’s 17 conservatories are organized into five schools. Each student enters one conservatory at admission, and that conservatory is the student’s major; the school does not allow double majors. The table below lists each school, each conservatory, and enrollment for the 2026-27 school year.
| School of Applied Arts | Enrollment |
|---|---|
| Arts & Enterprise | 165 |
| Mekjian Family Culinary Arts & Hospitality | 154 |
| School of Dance | Enrollment |
|---|---|
| Ballet & Contemporary Dance | 66 |
| Ballet Folklórico Dance | 59 |
| Ballroom Dance | 79 |
| Commercial Dance | 112 |
| School of Fine & Media Arts | Enrollment |
|---|---|
| Creative Writing | 186 |
| Martin & Cynthia Howard Design & Media | 113 |
| Film & Television | 82 |
| Integrated Arts | 193 |
| Visual Arts | 223 |
| School of Music | Enrollment |
|---|---|
| James & Gretchen Conroy Classical Voice | 99 |
| Instrumental Music: The Garn Family Jazz Studies Program | 43 |
| Instrumental Music: Pianist Program | 56 |
| Instrumental Music: Strings & Orchestra Program | 107 |
| Instrumental Music: Frederick Fennell Wind Studies Program | 89 |
| Popular Music | 111 |
| School of Theatre | Enrollment |
|---|---|
| El-Erian Family Acting | 200 |
| Hal Struck Musical Theatre | 171 |
| Production & Design | 130 |
Eight of these conservatories embed dual-credit courses offered in partnership with Santa Ana College. Students pay no tuition or enrollment fees, and grades appear on both transcripts, but these courses are not weighted on the Orange County School of the Arts transcript. All conservatory courses are registered as Career Technical Education (CTE) courses; in the 2024-25 school year, 2,336 students took them, and 76.5% of graduates completed at least one pathway.
Complete Course Map
Organized by subject. Each course shows its level, grades offered, prerequisites, and University of California A-G category. Dark labels mark AP courses, yellow labels mark honors or enhanced courses, and blue labels mark community college dual-credit courses.
Literature and Composition
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP Language and Composition | AP | 11 | Completion of Lit & Comp II, grade of A, or Lit & Comp IIH, grade of B or higher both semestersWeighted | b |
| AP Literature and Composition | AP | 12 | Completion of Lit & Comp III, grade of A both semesters, or AP Language, grade of B or higher both semestersWeighted | b |
| Literature and Composition II Honors | Honors | 10 | Completion of Lit & Comp I, grade of A both semestersWeighted | b |
| 7th Grade Literature and Composition | CP | 7 | —Middle school core | — |
| 8th Grade Literature and Composition | CP | 8 | —Middle school core | — |
| Literature and Composition I | CP | 9 | — | b |
| Literature and Composition II | CP | 10 | Completion of Literature & Composition I | b |
| Literature and Composition III | CP | 11 | Completion of Literature & Composition II | b |
| Modern Voices & Media Studies: Literature and Composition IV | CP | 12 | Completion of Literature & Composition III | b |
Social Science
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP World History | AP | 10, 12 | 3.25 cumulative academic GPA; Lit & Comp I, grade of B or higher both semestersWeighted | a |
| AP United States History | AP | 11 | AP World History, grade of B both semesters, or World History, grade of A both semestersWeighted | a |
| AP Government and Politics | AP | 12 | AP U.S. History with a B average, or U.S. History with an A averageSemester; must be taken together with AP Macroeconomics; Weighted | a |
| AP Macroeconomics | AP | 12 | 3.25 cumulative academic GPA; Integrated III, grade of B or betterSemester; must be taken together with AP Government; Weighted | g |
| 7th Grade World History | CP | 7 | —Middle school core | — |
| 8th Grade US History | CP | 8 | —Middle school core | — |
| Social Studies 9 | CP | 9 | —Semester; new course 2026-27 | — |
| World History | CP | 10 | — | a |
| United States History | CP | 11 | — | a |
| Government | CP | 12 | Completion of U.S. HistorySemester; paired with Economics | a |
| Economics | CP | 12 | Completion of U.S. HistorySemester; paired with Government | g |
Mathematics
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP Calculus AB/BC | AP | 11-12 | Integrated III Enhanced, grade of B or better, or Pre-Calculus, grade of B or betterPrepares for the AP Calculus BC exam; Weighted | c |
| AP Statistics | AP | 11-12 | Integrated III or higher, grade of B or better, or Integrated III Enhanced, grade of C or betterWeighted | c |
| Pre-Calculus | Honors | 10-12 | Integrated III, grade of B or better, or Integrated III Enhanced, grade of C or betterWeighted | c |
| Integrated Math III Enhanced | Enhanced | 9-12 | Completion of Integrated I and II, grade of A in bothWeighted at OCSA; combines Integrated III with precalculus topics | c |
| Math 2 | CP | 7-8 | — | — |
| Math 2/3 | CP | 7 | Math placement exam | — |
| Math 3 | CP | 7-9 | Completion of Math 2, grade of C or better | — |
| General Mathematics | CP | 9-12 | Teacher recommendation and administration approval | — |
| Integrated Math I | CP | 8-11 | Completion of Math 3 or General Mathematics, grade of C or better | c |
| Integrated Math II | CP | 9-12 | Completion of Integrated I, grade of C or better | c |
| Integrated Math III | CP | 9-12 | Completion of Integrated II, grade of C or better | c |
| Financial Algebra | CP | 11-12 | Completion of Integrated III, grade of C or better | c |
Science
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP Biology | AP | 11-12 | Biology of the Living Earth and Chemistry or Physics, grade of B or better both semesters; Honors Chemistry, grade of C or betterWeighted | d |
| AP Chemistry | AP | 11-12 | Chemistry, grade of A both semesters, or Honors Chemistry, grade of B both semestersWeighted | d |
| AP Environmental Science | AP | 11-12 | Biology of the Living Earth, grade of B or better both semesters, and another lab science, grade of B or better (Chemistry preferred)Weighted | d |
| AP Physics 1 | AP | 10-12 | Integrated III, grade of B or better both semesters, or Integrated III Enhanced, grade of C or better, or Physics, grade of B or better with concurrent Integrated III/III EnhancedWeighted | d |
| AP Physics 2 | AP | 11-12 | Physics, grade of B or better, or AP Physics 1 (recommended), and Integrated III, grade of B or better both semesters, or Integrated III Enhanced, grade of C or betterWeighted | d |
| AP Computer Science Principles | AP | 10-12 | Integrated I, grade of B or higherWeighted | d |
| Chemistry Honors | Honors | 10-12 | Integrated II, grade of A both semesters, and concurrent enrollment in or completion of Integrated III/III EnhancedWeighted | d |
| Science 7 | CP | 7 | — | — |
| Science 8 | CP | 8 | — | — |
| Biology of the Living Earth | CP | 9-12 | — | d |
| Chemistry | CP | 10-12 | Integrated I, grade of B or better both semesters, and concurrent enrollment in or completion of Integrated II | d |
| Physics | CP | 10-12 | Integrated I, grade of B or better both semesters, and completion of or concurrent enrollment in Integrated II | d |
| Environmental Science | CP | 9-12 | — | d |
| Zoology | CP | 10-12 | Biology of the Living Earth or Environmental Science, grade of C or better both semesters | d |
| Human Anatomy and Physiology | CP | 11-12 | Biology of the Living Earth and another lab science, grade of B or better both semesters | d |
World Language
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP French Language and Culture | AP | 11-12 | French IV, grade of A, or French IIIH, grade of B both semestersWeighted | e |
| AP Chinese Language and Culture | AP | 11-12 | Mandarin IVH, grade of A both semestersWeighted | e |
| AP Spanish Language and Culture | AP | 11-12 | Spanish IV Honors, grade of A both semestersWeighted | e |
| French III Honors | Honors | 9-12 | French II, grade of A both semestersWeighted | e |
| Mandarin IV Honors | Honors | 10-12 | Mandarin III or Mandarin for Mandarin Speakers, grade of A both semestersWeighted | e |
| Spanish III Honors | Honors | 9-12 | Spanish II or Spanish for Spanish Speakers B, grade of A both semestersWeighted | e |
| Spanish IV Honors | Honors | 10-12 | Spanish III or Spanish for Spanish Speakers B, grade of A both semestersWeighted | e |
| French I | CP | 8-12 | — | e |
| French II | CP | 9-12 | French I, grade of C or better | e |
| French III | CP | 9-12 | French II, grade of C or better | e |
| French IV | CP | 10-12 | French III, grade of C or better | e |
| Mandarin I | CP | 8-12 | — | e |
| Mandarin II | CP | 9-12 | Mandarin I, grade of C or better | e |
| Mandarin III | CP | 9-12 | Mandarin II, grade of C or better | e |
| Mandarin IV | CP | 10-12 | Mandarin III, grade of C or better | e |
| Mandarin for Mandarin Speakers I | CP | 8-12 | Comprehension of spoken Mandarin and basic spoken fluency; no formal placement test | e |
| Mandarin for Mandarin Speakers II | CP | 9-12 | Mandarin for Mandarin Speakers I, grade of C or higherNew course 2026-27 | e |
| Spanish I | CP | 8-12 | — | e |
| Spanish II | CP | 9-12 | Spanish I, grade of C or better | e |
| Spanish III | CP | 9-12 | Spanish II, grade of C or better | e |
| Spanish IV | CP | 10-12 | Spanish III, grade of C or better | e |
| Spanish for Spanish Speakers A | CP | 8-11 | Comprehension of spoken Spanish and a high degree of spoken fluency | e |
| Spanish for Spanish Speakers B | CP | 9-12 | Spanish for Spanish Speakers A, grade of C or higher | e |
Health and Physical Education
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health Education | CP | 9-12 | —Semester; graduation requirement | — |
| Body Conditioning | CP | 7-12 | — | — |
| Pilates | CP | 9-12 | — | — |
| Yoga | CP | 9-12 | — | — |
| Taekwondo (Beginning) | CP | 7-12 | —$75 uniform required | — |
| Taekwondo (Intermediate) | CP | 8-12 | Beginning Taekwondo and instructor approval | — |
| Taekwondo (Advanced) | CP | 9-12 | Intermediate Taekwondo and instructor approval | — |
| Taekwondo (Black Belt) | CP | 9-12 | Advanced Taekwondo and instructor approval | — |
Electives
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP Psychology | AP | 11-12 | Biology of the Living Earth and Integrated II, grades of C or betterWeighted | g |
| AP Seminar | AP | 10-11 | Application-based; first year of the two-year AP Capstone programWeighted | g |
| AP Research | AP | 11-12 | Completion of AP SeminarWeighted | g |
| Journalism | CP | 10-12 | Application | g |
| Yearbook | CP | 10-12 | Teacher recommendation, application and interview; mandatory information session | f |
| Leadership | CP | 10-12 | Teacher recommendations, application and interview; exemplary behavior and attendance | — |
| Introduction to Computer Science | CP | —Listed in the 2026-27 Academic Profile | — | |
| Ethnic Studies | CP | —Listed in the 2026-27 Academic Profile | — | |
| CA Food History | CP | —Listed in the 2026-27 Academic Profile | — | |
| Culinary Basics | CTE | 9-12 | Non-Culinary Arts students only$150 suggested materials fee | — |
| Culinary II | CTE | 10-12 | Culinary Basics or food handlers certificate$150 suggested materials fee | — |
| Emergency Medical Technician | CTE | —Listed in the 2026-27 Academic Profile | — | |
| Office Assistant | Other | 9-12 | — | — |
| Teacher Assistant (TA) | Other | 9-12 | — | — |
| Study Hall | Other | 11-12 | Counselor approval | — |
| Senior Project | Other | 12 | —Listed in the 2026-27 Academic Profile | — |
Visual and Performing Arts
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP Art and Design | AP | 11-12 | Academic GPA of 3.0 or higher; Visual Arts or Design & Media Conservatory, and/or a B or higher in a high school 2D art and design course$25 suggested materials fee; Weighted | f |
| AP Art History | AP | 10-12 | Academic GPA of 3.0 or higherWeighted | f |
| AP Music Theory | AP | 10-12 | Academic GPA of 3.0 or higher; fluent reader of standard music notation in at least one clef; students with limited music background must take Piano I firstWeighted | f |
| Animation I | CP | 9-12 | — | f |
| Broadcast and Social Media Production | CP | 9-12 | —Submitting for UC approval Spring 2026 | f |
| Ceramics I | CP | 9-12 | —$60 suggested materials fee | f |
| Digital Painting I | CP | 9-12 | — | f |
| Drawing/Painting I | CP | 9-12 | — | f |
| Fashion and Costume Design I | CP | 9-12 | — | f |
| Fashion and Costume Design II | CP | 10-12 | Fashion and Costume Design I or equivalent skill set | f |
| Graphic Design | CP | 9-12 | — | f |
| Photography I (Digital) | CP | 9-12 | — | f |
| Piano I | CP | 7-12 | — | f |
| Dance Exploration | CP | 7-8 | —Semester; paired with Theatre Arts Exploration | — |
| Theatre Arts Exploration | CP | 7-8 | —Semester; paired with Dance Exploration | — |
| Digital Arts Exploration | CP | 7-8 | —Semester | — |
| Visual Arts Exploration | CP | 7-8 | —Semester; $10 suggested materials fee | — |
| Ballet I | CP | 7-12 | — | f |
| Ballet II | CP | 8-12 | Ballet I; common assessment evaluation and teacher approval | f |
| Ballet III | CP | 9-12 | Ballet II; common assessment evaluation and teacher approval | f |
| Ballroom Dancing I | CP | 7-12 | — | f |
| Ballroom Dancing II | CP | 8-12 | Ballroom Dancing I; common assessment evaluation and teacher approval | f |
| Ballroom Dancing III | CP | 9-12 | Ballroom Dancing II; common assessment evaluation and teacher approval | f |
| Hip Hop Dance I | CP | 7-12 | — | f |
| Hip Hop Dance II | CP | 8-12 | Hip Hop Dance I; common assessment evaluation and teacher approval | f |
| Hip Hop Dance III | CP | 9-12 | Hip Hop Dance II; common assessment evaluation and teacher approval | f |
| Jazz Dance I | CP | 7-12 | — | f |
| Jazz Dance II | CP | 8-12 | Jazz Dance I; common assessment evaluation and teacher approval | f |
| Jazz Dance III | CP | 9-12 | Jazz Dance II; common assessment evaluation and teacher approval | f |
| Musical Theatre Dance I | CP | 7-12 | — | f |
| Musical Theatre Dance II | CP | 8-12 | Musical Theatre Dance I; common assessment evaluation and teacher approval | f |
| Musical Theatre Dance III | CP | 9-12 | Musical Theatre Dance II; common assessment evaluation and teacher approval | f |
| Tap Dance I | CP | 7-12 | — | f |
| Tap Dance II | CP | 8-12 | Tap Dance I; common assessment evaluation and teacher approval | f |
| Tap Dance III | CP | 9-12 | Tap Dance II; common assessment evaluation and teacher approval | f |
| Ballet Folklórico I | CP | 7-12 | —$25 suggested materials fee | f |
| Ballet Folklórico II | CP | 8-12 | Ballet Folklórico I; common assessment evaluation and teacher approvalSubmitting for A-G approval Spring 2026 | f |
Conservatory Dual Enrollment (Santa Ana College)
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acting for the Camera | Dual Enrollment | 9-12 | Enrollment in the El-Erian Family Acting ConservatoryDual enrollment with Santa Ana College; not weighted on the OCSA transcript | — |
| Acting Fundamentals | Dual Enrollment | 9-12 | Enrollment in the El-Erian Family Acting ConservatoryDual enrollment with Santa Ana College; not weighted on the OCSA transcript | — |
| Intro to Drama and Acting | Dual Enrollment | 9-12 | Enrollment in the El-Erian Family Acting ConservatoryDual enrollment with Santa Ana College; not weighted on the OCSA transcript | — |
| Performance Ensemble | Dual Enrollment | 9-12 | Enrollment in the El-Erian Family Acting ConservatoryDual enrollment with Santa Ana College; not weighted on the OCSA transcript | — |
| Rehearsal and Performance | Dual Enrollment | 9-12 | Enrollment in the El-Erian Family Acting ConservatoryDual enrollment with Santa Ana College; not weighted on the OCSA transcript | — |
| Showcase I-IV | Dual Enrollment | 9-12 | Enrollment in the El-Erian Family Acting ConservatoryDual enrollment with Santa Ana College; not weighted on the OCSA transcript | — |
| Theatre Performance | Dual Enrollment | 9-12 | Enrollment in the El-Erian Family Acting ConservatoryDual enrollment with Santa Ana College; not weighted on the OCSA transcript | — |
| Voice for the Actor | Dual Enrollment | 9-12 | Enrollment in the El-Erian Family Acting ConservatoryDual enrollment with Santa Ana College; not weighted on the OCSA transcript | — |
| Dance Concert Performance | Dual Enrollment | 9-12 | Enrollment in the Ballroom Dance ConservatoryDual enrollment with Santa Ana College; not weighted on the OCSA transcript | — |
| Repertory I-IV | Dual Enrollment | 9-12 | Enrollment in the Ballroom Dance ConservatoryDual enrollment with Santa Ana College; not weighted on the OCSA transcript | — |
| Advanced Screenwriting | Dual Enrollment | 9-12 | Enrollment in the Creative Writing ConservatoryDual enrollment with Santa Ana College; not weighted on the OCSA transcript | — |
| Core Screenwriting | Dual Enrollment | 9-12 | Enrollment in the Creative Writing ConservatoryDual enrollment with Santa Ana College; not weighted on the OCSA transcript | — |
| Musical Theatre Writing | Dual Enrollment | 9-12 | Enrollment in the Creative Writing ConservatoryDual enrollment with Santa Ana College; not weighted on the OCSA transcript | — |
| Non-Fiction Prose | Dual Enrollment | 9-12 | Enrollment in the Creative Writing ConservatoryDual enrollment with Santa Ana College; not weighted on the OCSA transcript | — |
| Poetry | Dual Enrollment | 9-12 | Enrollment in the Creative Writing ConservatoryDual enrollment with Santa Ana College; not weighted on the OCSA transcript | — |
| Short Fiction | Dual Enrollment | 9-12 | Enrollment in the Creative Writing ConservatoryDual enrollment with Santa Ana College; not weighted on the OCSA transcript | — |
| Foundations I-II | Dual Enrollment | 9-12 | Enrollment in the Mekjian Family Culinary Arts & Hospitality ConservatoryDual enrollment with Santa Ana College; not weighted on the OCSA transcript | — |
| Fundamentals of Cooking | Dual Enrollment | 9-12 | Enrollment in the Mekjian Family Culinary Arts & Hospitality ConservatoryDual enrollment with Santa Ana College; not weighted on the OCSA transcript | — |
| International Cuisine | Dual Enrollment | 9-12 | Enrollment in the Mekjian Family Culinary Arts & Hospitality ConservatoryDual enrollment with Santa Ana College; not weighted on the OCSA transcript | — |
| Principals of Pantry and Banquets | Dual Enrollment | 9-12 | Enrollment in the Mekjian Family Culinary Arts & Hospitality ConservatoryDual enrollment with Santa Ana College; not weighted on the OCSA transcript | — |
| Safety and Sanitation | Dual Enrollment | 9-12 | Enrollment in the Mekjian Family Culinary Arts & Hospitality ConservatoryDual enrollment with Santa Ana College; not weighted on the OCSA transcript | — |
| World Cuisine | Dual Enrollment | 9-12 | Enrollment in the Mekjian Family Culinary Arts & Hospitality ConservatoryDual enrollment with Santa Ana College; not weighted on the OCSA transcript | — |
| 3D Animation Fundamentals | Dual Enrollment | 9-12 | Enrollment in the Martin & Cynthia Howard Design & Media ConservatoryDual enrollment with Santa Ana College; not weighted on the OCSA transcript | — |
| History of Animation | Dual Enrollment | 9-12 | Enrollment in the Martin & Cynthia Howard Design & Media ConservatoryDual enrollment with Santa Ana College; not weighted on the OCSA transcript | — |
| Intro to Digital Media Arts | Dual Enrollment | 9-12 | Enrollment in the Martin & Cynthia Howard Design & Media ConservatoryDual enrollment with Santa Ana College; not weighted on the OCSA transcript | — |
| Intro to Digital Media Design | Dual Enrollment | 9-12 | Enrollment in the Martin & Cynthia Howard Design & Media ConservatoryDual enrollment with Santa Ana College; not weighted on the OCSA transcript | — |
| Intro to Digital Media Design Principles | Dual Enrollment | 9-12 | Enrollment in the Martin & Cynthia Howard Design & Media ConservatoryDual enrollment with Santa Ana College; not weighted on the OCSA transcript | — |
| Motion Graphics | Dual Enrollment | 9-12 | Enrollment in the Martin & Cynthia Howard Design & Media ConservatoryDual enrollment with Santa Ana College; not weighted on the OCSA transcript | — |
| Principles of Graphic Design | Dual Enrollment | 9-12 | Enrollment in the Martin & Cynthia Howard Design & Media ConservatoryDual enrollment with Santa Ana College; not weighted on the OCSA transcript | — |
| Advanced Directing | Dual Enrollment | 9-12 | Enrollment in the Film & Television ConservatoryDual enrollment with Santa Ana College; not weighted on the OCSA transcript | — |
| Documentary Filmmaking | Dual Enrollment | 9-12 | Enrollment in the Film & Television ConservatoryDual enrollment with Santa Ana College; not weighted on the OCSA transcript | — |
| Film Production I-III | Dual Enrollment | 9-12 | Enrollment in the Film & Television ConservatoryDual enrollment with Santa Ana College; not weighted on the OCSA transcript | — |
| Intro to Video Editing and Post Production | Dual Enrollment | 9-12 | Enrollment in the Film & Television ConservatoryDual enrollment with Santa Ana College; not weighted on the OCSA transcript | — |
| Producing and Directing | Dual Enrollment | 9-12 | Enrollment in the Film & Television ConservatoryDual enrollment with Santa Ana College; not weighted on the OCSA transcript | — |
| TV Production I-III | Dual Enrollment | 9-12 | Enrollment in the Film & Television ConservatoryDual enrollment with Santa Ana College; not weighted on the OCSA transcript | — |
| World Cinema | Dual Enrollment | 9-12 | Enrollment in the Film & Television ConservatoryDual enrollment with Santa Ana College; not weighted on the OCSA transcript | — |
| Theatre Rehearsal and Production | Dual Enrollment | 9-12 | Enrollment in the Hal Struck Musical Theatre ConservatoryDual enrollment with Santa Ana College; not weighted on the OCSA transcript | — |
| Vocal Production and Repertoire for Musical Theatre | Dual Enrollment | 9-12 | Enrollment in the Hal Struck Musical Theatre ConservatoryDual enrollment with Santa Ana College; not weighted on the OCSA transcript | — |
| Costume Periods and Styles | Dual Enrollment | 9-12 | Enrollment in the Production & Design ConservatoryDual enrollment with Santa Ana College; not weighted on the OCSA transcript | — |
| Fundamentals of Costume Design and Construction | Dual Enrollment | 9-12 | Enrollment in the Production & Design ConservatoryDual enrollment with Santa Ana College; not weighted on the OCSA transcript | — |
| Fundamentals of Programming | Dual Enrollment | 9-12 | Enrollment in the Production & Design ConservatoryDual enrollment with Santa Ana College; not weighted on the OCSA transcript | — |
| Intro to Technical Theatre | Dual Enrollment | 9-12 | Enrollment in the Production & Design ConservatoryDual enrollment with Santa Ana College; not weighted on the OCSA transcript | — |
| Intro to Sound Design | Dual Enrollment | 9-12 | Enrollment in the Production & Design ConservatoryDual enrollment with Santa Ana College; not weighted on the OCSA transcript | — |
| Lighting Fundamentals | Dual Enrollment | 9-12 | Enrollment in the Production & Design ConservatoryDual enrollment with Santa Ana College; not weighted on the OCSA transcript | — |
| Musical in Production | Dual Enrollment | 9-12 | Enrollment in the Production & Design ConservatoryDual enrollment with Santa Ana College; not weighted on the OCSA transcript | — |
| Producing/Senior Project | Dual Enrollment | 9-12 | Enrollment in the Production & Design ConservatoryDual enrollment with Santa Ana College; not weighted on the OCSA transcript | — |
| Stagecraft | Dual Enrollment | 9-12 | Enrollment in the Production & Design ConservatoryDual enrollment with Santa Ana College; not weighted on the OCSA transcript | — |
| Stage Makeup | Dual Enrollment | 9-12 | Enrollment in the Production & Design ConservatoryDual enrollment with Santa Ana College; not weighted on the OCSA transcript | — |
| Stage Management | Dual Enrollment | 9-12 | Enrollment in the Production & Design ConservatoryDual enrollment with Santa Ana College; not weighted on the OCSA transcript | — |
| Technical Production | Dual Enrollment | 9-12 | Enrollment in the Production & Design ConservatoryDual enrollment with Santa Ana College; not weighted on the OCSA transcript | — |
| Theatre Performance | Dual Enrollment | 9-12 | Enrollment in the Production & Design ConservatoryDual enrollment with Santa Ana College; not weighted on the OCSA transcript | — |
Course Selection Timeline
Grade 7
- Entry placementThe math placement exam determines placement in Math 2 or Math 2/3, which in turn determines whether a student can reach AP Calculus in Grade 11
- All yearOne conservatory block and three academic blocks each day
- Start of semesterClubs may be formed only at the start of the fall and spring semesters
Grade 8
- Course selectionStudents on the accelerated track take Integrated Math I in Grade 8
- World languageStudents may begin a first-level world language in Grade 8, and 10 credits count toward graduation requirements
- Changing conservatoriesStudents may apply to change conservatories once per school year and must complete the target conservatory's placement activity
Grade 9
- Course starting pointLiterature and Composition I, Social Studies 9 and Biology of the Living Earth; math follows the prior year's progress
- Arts time doublesBeginning in Grade 9, students take two arts blocks per day and earn 16 arts credits per school year
- Spring course selectionEligibility for Chemistry Honors and Literature and Composition II Honors in Grade 10 depends on grades in both semesters of Grade 9
Grade 10
- FallThe PreACT and PSAT are held on campus on Saturdays; students must register themselves
- AP courses availableAP World History, AP Art History, AP Music Theory, AP Computer Science Principles, AP Physics 1 and AP Seminar
- Spring course selectionThe Grade 11 AP course load is set this year; AP United States History depends on the World History grade, and AP English Language depends on the Literature and Composition II grade
Grade 11
- FallThe PSAT/NMSQT is the qualifying test for National Merit
- SpringCounselors recommend completing the first official ACT or SAT this semester
- Spring course selectionAP Government and Politics and AP Macroeconomics in Grade 12 must be selected together and taken in consecutive semesters
Grade 12
- FallOn-campus college fair with more than 100 colleges; University of California and California State University applications are due by November 30
- Course loadGrade 12 students take at least two academic or elective blocks per day, and conservatory classes remain required
- DecemberThe last ACT and SAT test dates that count for applications
Frequently Asked Questions
How many academic courses can an Orange County School of the Arts student take each day?
Orange County School of the Arts uses an alternating-day block schedule: Blue Days cover blocks 1, 2, and 3, and Gold Days cover blocks 4, 5, and 6, with each block lasting 85 minutes. Students in grades 7 through 11 must attend three academic or elective blocks on campus each day, and students in grade 12 must attend at least two. Conservatory classes are scheduled outside these blocks, in two blocks from 14:15 to 16:45 on Monday through Thursday afternoons. A student can therefore take at most six academic or elective courses in a school year.
At Orange County School of the Arts, when can a student who is struggling in an Honors or AP course move to a regular course?
Orange County School of the Arts requires a teacher recommendation and an available seat to move from an AP or honors course to a regular course. The course handbook sets the deadline at the end of week 6 of the semester, while the student handbook sets the deadline for teachers to recommend a level change at the end of week 7. The specific dates for fall semester 2026 are: schedule change requests close on August 21, level changes close on September 18, and courses dropped after October 30 are recorded as W/F and counted as failing in the GPA.
Can courses taken outside the school or online appear on the Orange County School of the Arts transcript?
Not beginning with the Class of 2029. Orange County School of the Arts rules state that all courses taken outside the school, including college courses, do not count toward graduation requirements, do not appear on the Orange County School of the Arts transcript, and do not count toward the school GPA. Students may only submit the outside institution's transcript together with the Orange County School of the Arts transcript when applying to college. Outside courses used for acceleration or enrichment must be University of California approved courses and must be discussed with a counselor in advance; even after completion, advancement to the next course is not guaranteed and depends on seat availability.
When Irvine families compare Orange County School of the Arts with their district high school, are the graduation credits and years of math the same?
No. Orange County School of the Arts belongs to no school district and is not part of the Irvine Unified School District. It is an independently operated public charter school whose graduation requirement is 240 credits, with math required only through Integrated Math II, or two years; the University of California and California State University A-G requirements call for three years of math and recommend four. For the arts, graduation requires only two semesters of arts courses, but not every conservatory course counts as a University of California approved arts course. Course selection should therefore follow the A-G standard rather than graduation credits alone. EDUBUS advisors are based in Irvine and can help families compare graduation requirements at charter schools of this kind with district high schools.
Can a student who does not meet the prerequisites still enroll in an AP or honors course at Orange County School of the Arts?
It is possible to try. Most AP and honors courses at Orange County School of the Arts carry prerequisite course and final grade requirements. Students who do not meet them may meet with a counselor and complete the AP/Honors Course Waiver Form, and the school decides whether to approve the request. The course handbook also states that a waiver is possible only for students who have taken the required prerequisite course and merely fell short of the grade requirement.
