The Tesoro High School 2026-27 Course Offerings List presents every course offered at the school by subject, and this page organizes them into 130 courses. Unlike the course lists at Irvine high schools, this list places the weighting rules directly next to the course names: every course marked with a # symbol earns one extra grade point, and these include both Honors and AP courses and some career technical (CCA) courses. This page explains the course selection rules and graduation requirements first and then presents the complete course map. The rules are where parents most often make mistakes.
Course Selection Rules
| Number of courses | Students in grades 9 and 10 must take at least 6 courses each semester; students in grades 11 and 12 who are on track in credits must take at least 5 (2025-2026 School Profile). The grade 12 information night emphasizes that students must be enrolled in 5 courses each semester even if they are ahead in credits |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of courses | The school does not publish a maximum number of courses per semester. The grade 9 information night lists whether to take a seventh course as a decision to weigh; after-school career technical courses and zero-period courses (marching band and similar) are scheduled as a seventh course |
| Grade 9 schedule | Grade 9 has six fixed courses: English, math, Biology (or Honors Biology), physical education, Health paired with College and Career Planning (one semester each), plus one elective. The elective may be AP Human Geography or AP Computer Science Principles (which requires completion of Geometry). Students who take Health in summer may choose one more elective in grade 9 |
| Symbols on the course list | The 2026-27 Course Offerings List marks prerequisites and symbols for each course: # means one extra grade point, @ means an application or audition is required, and $ means the course is articulated with Saddleback College and can earn college credit; Comp means completed with a C or higher, and CC means concurrent enrollment |
| Credit calculation | Each course earns 5 credits per semester with a D or higher, and graduation requires 220 credits. District summer school allows a maximum of 10 credits per student; courses outside the district are accepted up to 10 credits per school year |
| Moving up and moving down a level | Incoming students whose grade 8 performance does not meet the honors standard may request placement in an honors course during summer walk-through registration by meeting with a counselor, provided space remains in the class and the parent and student sign a waiver; moving up must be completed before school starts. After school starts, drop requests are accepted beginning August 20, 2026, and requests to move from Honors or AP to the regular level (college prep) are reviewed beginning September 16, the fourth week of school |
| Outside courses | A maximum of 10 credits per high school year is accepted for courses outside the district; these count only as advancement or elective credit, cannot satisfy core graduation requirements, and require an application two weeks in advance. Saddleback College courses are free for district students, and the school's Saddleback page states that high school students may earn only elective credit, up to 10 credits per semester; the college transcript is permanent, and when applying to college, students must send both the high school transcript and the Saddleback transcript |
| Repeating a course | The 2021-22 School Profile states that repeated courses are marked "r", credit is not granted twice, and the GPA uses the higher grade. The school's grade 9 information night notes that an F must be repeated in order to graduate and a D must be repeated to satisfy the A-G requirements for four-year universities, which can be done through summer school or an additional course |
| Number of science courses | The school does not publish a maximum number of science courses per year; the practical limits come from schedule capacity and the prerequisites of each course |
Graduation Requirements (220 Credits)
| Subject | Credits |
|---|---|
| English | 40 |
| Social Science | 30 |
| Mathematics | 30 |
| Science (one year each of life science and physical science) | 20 |
| Fine Arts / World Language / CTE (one of visual and performing arts, world language, or career technical education) | 10 |
| Physical Education | 20 |
| Health | 5 |
| Electives | 65 |
Graduation requirements and college admission requirements are two separate standards. The A-G requirements of the University of California and the California State University, as listed at the school’s course selection information night, are: 2 years of social science, 4 years of English, 3 years of math (4 years recommended by UC), 2 years of laboratory science (3 years recommended by UC), 2 years of the same world language (3 years recommended by UC), 1 year of visual and performing arts, and 1 year of a college preparatory elective, with a C or higher in every course. The district course catalog also states that at least 15 A-G courses are required, 11 of which must be completed before grade 12. Course selection should follow the A-G standard, not the graduation standard. For example, Beginning Personal Finance counts toward math graduation credit but does not satisfy the A-G math requirement.
Course Levels by Subject
In the pathways below, CP refers to College Prep, the regular level (courses that are neither honors nor AP); Honors refers to honors courses; and AP refers to Advanced Placement courses. Prerequisites come from the 2026-27 course list and the placement guidelines in the 2025-26 district course catalog.
English
- Grade 9: English I, Honors English I (requires a GPA of 3.5 in grade 8 accelerated English or 4.0 in regular English), or English I eSports & Game Design, taught through the theme of esports and game design
- Grade 10: English II, Honors English II, or AP Seminar (requires an A or B in Honors English I, or an A in English I); Exploration of Child & Adolescent Literature in the Education pathway is equivalent to Honors English II
- Grade 11: English III, American Cultures composition (paired with American Cultures History and co-taught by two teachers), or AP English Language
- Grade 12: English IV or AP English Literature
Social Science
- Grade 9: AP Human Geography, taken as an elective and offered only in grade 9
- Grade 10: World History/Geography or AP European History
- Grade 11: US History, American Cultures History, or AP US History
- Grade 12: one semester each of American Government and Economics, or the combined AP Macroeconomics and American Government course (offered in two sequences, AP Econ/Am Govt and AP Am Gov/Econ); AP Psychology is scheduled in grade 12, and Psychology/Sociology is available in grades 11 to 12
Science (Standard Sequence)
- Grade 9: Biology
- Grade 10: Chemistry (requires a C or higher in both Biology and Algebra 1) or Conceptual Physics
- Grade 11: Physics (requires concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2), Anatomy & Physiology, or Marine Ecology
- Grade 12: electives, or AP science courses once the requirements are met
Science (Most Rigorous Sequence)
- Grade 9: Honors Biology, which requires an A or B in Algebra 1, an A in grade 8 science, and an A in grade 8 English; weighted at school, but UC does not grant honors credit
- Grade 10: Honors Chemistry, or AP Chemistry (grade 10 entry requires an A in Biology and concurrent enrollment in Honors Algebra 2/Trigonometry or higher)
- Grade 11: Honors Physics, Honors Anatomy & Physiology, Honors Marine Ecology, AP Biology, or AP Environmental Science
- Grade 12: AP Physics C (requires completion of or concurrent enrollment in AP Calculus), AP Biology, or AP Environmental Science
Grades offered and requirements for advanced science courses (one course per row):
| Course | Grades offered and notes |
|---|---|
| AP Biology | Grades 10 to 12; an A or B in Biology, and completion of or concurrent enrollment in Chemistry. The district catalog notes that grade 9 enrollment may be possible. In 2025, 86 exams were taken, with 95% earning a 3 or higher |
| AP Chemistry | Grades 10 to 12; requires concurrent enrollment in Precalculus or higher, and grade 10 entry also requires an A in Biology. In 2025, 62 exams were taken, with 94% earning a 3 or higher |
| AP Environmental Science | Grades 11 to 12; an A or B in Biology, and an A, B, or C in Chemistry. In 2025, 117 exams were taken, with 92% earning a 3 or higher |
| AP Physics C | Grades 11 to 12; requires completion of or concurrent enrollment in AP Calculus AB or BC. In 2025, 58 exams were taken, with 88% earning a 3 or higher |
| Honors Physics | Grades 11 to 12; a C or higher in both Chemistry and Honors Algebra 2/Trigonometry. The school does not offer AP Physics 1 or AP Physics 2 |
| Honors Marine Ecology | A C or higher in both Biology and Chemistry; the course covers ocean physics and marine biology |
| Environmental Field Studies | A weighted career technical course in the environmental pathway that includes a community research project presented to the public |
Math courses are covered on a separate page: Math Pathways.
Two Distinctive English Pathways
The first is AP Capstone. In grade 10, students may take AP Seminar in place of English II if they earned an A or B in Honors English I or an A in English I; they then take AP Research, which requires a C or higher in AP Seminar. The district course catalog lists this program as a signature program of Tesoro High School.
The second is American Cultures. In grade 11, the American Cultures composition course is offered together with American Cultures History and is co-taught by a history teacher and a literature teacher, satisfying both the English III and US History requirements. Entry requires an A or B in grade 10 English and completion of grade 10 history.
World Languages
- French I and II, Honors French III, French IV, AP French IV, and AP French V
- German I and II, Honors German III, and AP German IV
- Spanish I and II, Honors Spanish III, Spanish IV, AP Spanish IV, and AP Spanish V
- Chinese is offered starting with Chinese II, followed by Honors Chinese III and AP Chinese IV; Chinese I is not on the 2026-27 course list
The UC A-G requirements call for two years of the same language, with three years recommended. Students who start at level 1 in grade 9 must continue at least through grade 10; students who already have a foundation in Chinese can begin directly with Chinese II or Honors Chinese III. Third-year honors courses are all weighted, and AP begins in the fourth year.
Complete Course Map
Organized by subject. Each course shows its level, grades offered, prerequisites, and UC A-G category. Dark tags mark AP courses, light tags mark honors courses, and career technical courses are labeled separately. Course numbers appear in the notes column for easy line-by-line comparison with the school’s course selection sheet; the grade column lists only grades that the school or district states publicly, and a dash appears where none is stated.
English
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP Seminar (English) | AP | — | A or B in Honors English I, or A in regular English IFirst course of the AP Capstone program, scheduled as an English course; course number SEMAPE | b |
| AP English Language and Composition | AP | 11 | A, B, or C in Honors English II, or A in regular English IIMarked # on the course list; earns one extra grade point under district rules; course number LANGAP | b |
| AP English Literature and Composition | AP | 12 | A, B, or C in AP English Language, or A in accelerated English IIIMarked # on the course list; earns one extra grade point under district rules; course number LITCAP | b |
| AP Capstone Seminar | AP | 10-12 | No additional prerequisitesFirst course of the AP Capstone program, scheduled as an elective; course number SEMAP | b |
| AP Research | AP | — | A, B, or C in AP SeminarSecond course of the AP Capstone program; course number RSCHAP | b |
| Honors English I | Honors | 9 | GPA of 3.5 or higher in grade 8 accelerated English, or GPA of 4.0 in grade 8 regular EnglishMarked # on the course list; earns one extra grade point under district rules; the district catalog notes that UC does not grant honors credit; course number EN1H | b |
| Honors English II | Honors | 10 | A or B in Honors English I, or A in regular English IMarked # on the course list; earns one extra grade point under district rules; UC grants honors credit; course number EN2H | b |
| Exploration of Child & Adolescent Literature | Honors | 9-12 | Equivalent to Honors English II; part of the Education career pathwayMarked # on the course list; earns one extra grade point under district rules; CCA course; course number DH102Y | b |
| English I | CP | 9 | Grade 9 regular level, placed according to the district placement guidelinesCourse number EN1 | b |
| E-Sports English I (English I eSports & Game Design) | CP | 9 | May replace English I; same standards as regular English IGrade 9 English taught through the theme of esports and game design; not a gaming course; course number 0211 | b |
| English II | CP | 10 | Grade 10 regular levelCourse number EN2 | b |
| E-Sports English II | CP | 10 | Grade 10 regular levelCourse number 5015 | b |
| English III | CP | 11 | Grade 11 regular levelCourse number EN3 | b |
| American Cultures Composition (Accelerated) | CP | 11 | A or B in English II, and completion of grade 10 historyPaired with American Cultures History and co-taught by a history teacher and a literature teacher; course number EN3AMC | b |
| English IV | CP | 12 | Grade 12, placed by teacher recommendationCourse number EN4 | b |
Mathematics
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP Calculus AB | AP | 11-12 | A or B in Honors Precalculus (district guidelines: B- or higher in both semesters)Marked # on the course list; earns one extra grade point under district rules; course number CALCAB | c |
| AP Calculus BC | AP | 11-12 | A in Honors Precalculus (district guidelines: A- or higher in both semesters); in grade 12, may also be taken after earning B- or higher in both semesters of AP Calculus ABMarked # on the course list; earns one extra grade point under district rules; course number CALCBC | c |
| AP Statistics | AP | 10-12 | A or B in Algebra IIMarked # on the course list; earns one extra grade point under district rules; course number STATAP | c |
| Honors Geometry/Algebra II | Honors | 9 | A in Algebra INewly listed on the 2026-27 course list; the district course catalog does not yet include a course description | c |
| Honors Algebra II/Trigonometry | Honors | 9-12 | A or B in Geometry; grade 9 placement requires a four-quarter Geometry GPA of 3.00 and 75% or higher on the final common assessment, or a GPA of 2.75 and 85% or higher on the assessmentMarked # on the course list; earns one extra grade point under district rules; the district catalog notes that UC does not grant honors credit; course number AL2TRH | c |
| Honors Precalculus | Honors | 10-12 | A or B in Honors Algebra II/Trigonometry (district guidelines: B- or higher in both semesters)Marked # on the course list; earns one extra grade point under district rules; UC grants honors credit; course number PCALH | c |
| Algebra I | CP | 9 | Standard grade 9 starting pointCourse number ALG1 | c |
| Geometry | CP | 9-12 | Completion of Algebra I; grade 9 placement requires a four-quarter Algebra I GPA of 3.00 and 75% or higher on the final common assessment, or a GPA of 2.75 and 85% or higher on the assessmentCourse number GEOM | c |
| Algebra II | CP | 10-12 | Completion of Algebra I and GeometryCourse number ALG2 | c |
| Introduction to Data Science | CP | — | Completion of Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra IIOffered in the district only at this school and San Clemente High School; course number DU119Y | c |
| Precalculus | CP | 10-12 | Completion of Algebra IICourse number PCALC | c |
| Topics in Calculus | CP | 11-12 | Completion of PrecalculusCovers most topics of first-year college calculus, with less depth than AP Calculus AB; course number TCALC | c |
| Beginning Personal Finance | CP | 11-12 | Completion of Algebra I; grades 11 and 12 onlyCounts toward the math graduation requirement but does not satisfy UC A-G category c; course number BPF | — |
| CCA/Accounting | CTE | — | Business Management career pathwayMarked # on the course list; earns one extra grade point under district rules; articulated with Saddleback College for college credit; counts toward the math graduation requirement; course number DH923Y | g |
Science
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP Biology | AP | 10-12 | A or B in Biology, and completion of or concurrent enrollment in ChemistryMarked # on the course list; earns one extra grade point under district rules; the district catalog notes that grade 9 enrollment may be possible, with approval from the assistant principal; course number BIOAP | d |
| AP Chemistry | AP | 10-12 | Concurrent enrollment in Precalculus or higher; grade 10 enrollment requires an A in Biology and concurrent enrollment in Honors Algebra II/TrigonometryMarked # on the course list; earns one extra grade point under district rules; course number CHEMAP | d |
| AP Physics C | AP | 11-12 | Completion of or concurrent enrollment in AP Calculus AB or BCMarked # on the course list; earns one extra grade point under district rules; course number PHYCAP | d |
| AP Environmental Science | AP | 11-12 | A or B in Biology, and A, B, or C in ChemistryMarked # on the course list; earns one extra grade point under district rules; course number ESCIAP | d |
| Honors Biology | Honors | 9 | A or B in Algebra I, A in grade 8 science, and A in grade 8 EnglishMarked # on the course list; earns one extra grade point under district rules; the district catalog notes that UC does not grant honors credit; course number BIOH | d |
| Honors Chemistry | Honors | 10-12 | A or B in Biology and Algebra I; concurrent enrollment in Algebra II recommendedMarked # on the course list; earns one extra grade point under district rules; UC grants honors credit; course number CHEMH | d |
| Honors Anatomy & Physiology | Honors | 11-12 | A or B in ChemistryMarked # on the course list; earns one extra grade point under district rules; not open to students who have taken regular Anatomy & Physiology; course number ANPH | d |
| Honors Marine Ecology | Honors | — | A, B, or C in Biology and ChemistryMarked # on the course list; earns one extra grade point under district rules; course number MECH | d |
| Environmental Field Studies | Honors | — | Environmental (EEU) career pathwayMarked # on the course list; earns one extra grade point under district rules; CCA course that includes a community research project; course number DH922Y | d |
| Honors Physics | Honors | 11-12 | A, B, or C in both Chemistry and Honors Algebra II/TrigonometryMarked # on the course list; earns one extra grade point under district rules; course number PHYH | d |
| Biology | CP | 9 | Standard grade 9 starting pointCourse number BIO | d |
| Chemistry | CP | 10-12 | A, B, or C in both Biology and Algebra ICourse number CHEM | d |
| Anatomy & Physiology | CP | — | A, B, or C in BiologyCourse number ANP | d |
| Marine Ecology | CP | 10-12 | A, B, or C in Biology and physical science; completion of Chemistry recommendedCourse number MEC | d |
| Conceptual Physics | CP | 10-12 | Completion of or concurrent enrollment in Algebra ICourse number CP | d |
| Physics | CP | 10-12 | Concurrent enrollment in Algebra IICourse number PHY | d |
Social Science
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP Human Geography | AP | 9 | Offered only in grade 9; requires concurrent enrollment in Honors English I or meeting its entry standard (GPA of 3.5 in grade 8 accelerated English or 4.0 in regular English)Marked # on the course list; earns one extra grade point under district rules; counts as an elective; course number HUMGAP | a |
| AP European History | AP | 10 | Concurrent enrollment in Honors English II, or A or B in English IMarked # on the course list; earns one extra grade point under district rules; course number EUROAP | a |
| AP US History | AP | 11 | Concurrent enrollment in AP English Language, or A or B in grade 10 social scienceMarked # on the course list; earns one extra grade point under district rules; course number USHAP | a |
| AP Economics/American Government | AP | 12 | A or B in grade 11 social science, or A, B, or C in a grade 11 AP social science courseMarked # on the course list; earns one extra grade point under district rules; AP Macroeconomics in the fall semester and American Government in the spring semester; course number APECGV | g |
| AP American Government/Economics | AP | 12 | A or B in grade 11 social science, or A, B, or C in a grade 11 AP social science courseMarked # on the course list; earns one extra grade point under district rules; AP US Government in the fall semester and Economics in the spring semester; course number APGVEC | a |
| AP Psychology | AP | 12 | A or B in grade 11 social science, or A, B, or C in a grade 11 AP social science courseMarked # on the course list; earns one extra grade point under district rules; course number PSYAP | g |
| World History/Geography | CP | 10 | Grade 10 regular levelCourse number WH | a |
| US History | CP | 11 | Grade 11 regular levelCourse number USH | a |
| American Cultures History | CP | 11 | A or B in grade 10 social science, and concurrent enrollment in American Cultures CompositionInterdisciplinary course paired with American Cultures Composition; course number HISAMC | a |
| American Government | CP | 12 | One semester in grade 12; students with last names A-K take it in the fall semesterCourse number 2121 | a |
| Economics | CP | 12 | One semester in grade 12; students with last names L-Z take it in the fall semesterCourse number 2131 | g |
| Psychology/Sociology | CP | 11-12 | Grades 11 and 12 onlyCourse number PSY | g |
| Ethnic Studies | CP | — | One-semester courseMay be paired with Health; course number 700F | — |
Computer Science & CCA
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP Computer Science Principles | AP | — | Completion of GeometryMarked # on the course list; earns one extra grade point under district rules; open to grade 9 students who have completed Geometry; course number CSPAP | d |
| AP Computer Science A | AP | — | Completion of Honors Algebra II/TrigonometryMarked # on the course list; earns one extra grade point under district rules; course number CT416Y | c |
| AP Cybersecurity | AP | — | First course of the Networking career pathwayMarked # on the course list; earns one extra grade point under district rules; prepares students for the CompTIA Network+ and Security+ certifications; course number DH846Y | g |
| CCA/Business Management & Entrepreneurship | CTE | — | Business Management career pathwayMarked # on the course list; earns one extra grade point under district rules; articulated with Saddleback College; course number DH9251 | g |
| CCA/BASE | CTE | — | Business Management career pathwayMarked # on the course list; earns one extra grade point under district rules; course number DH945Y | g |
| CCA/Sports Medicine | CTE | — | Patient Care career pathwayArticulated with Saddleback College; grade 9 students may take it on campus; course number DU944Y | d |
| CCA/Sports Medicine Advanced | CTE | — | Completion of Sports Medicine; Patient Care career pathwayMarked # on the course list; earns one extra grade point under district rules; course number DH940Y | g |
| CCA/Educational Psychology | CTE | — | Education career pathwayMarked # on the course list; earns one extra grade point under district rules; course number DH140Y | g |
| CCA/Careers in Teaching | CTE | — | Education career pathwayRequires classroom observation and practice at elementary and secondary schools; course number DH290Y | g |
| CCA/Esports | CTE | — | —Grade 9 students may take it during the school day, and an after-school section is also offered; course number DU120Y | g |
| CCA/Esports Advanced | CTE | — | Completion of EsportsMarked # on the course list; earns one extra grade point under district rules; course number CH220Y | g |
| CCA/Aviation Careers | CTE | — | Taught after school on this campus as a seventh courseCourse number CU100Y | g |
Social Science
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP Human Geography | AP | 9 | Offered only in grade 9; requires concurrent enrollment in Honors English I or meeting its entry standard (GPA of 3.5 in grade 8 accelerated English or 4.0 in regular English)Marked # on the course list; earns one extra grade point under district rules; counts as an elective; course number HUMGAP | a |
| AP European History | AP | 10 | Concurrent enrollment in Honors English II, or A or B in English IMarked # on the course list; earns one extra grade point under district rules; course number EUROAP | a |
| AP US History | AP | 11 | Concurrent enrollment in AP English Language, or A or B in grade 10 social scienceMarked # on the course list; earns one extra grade point under district rules; course number USHAP | a |
| AP Economics/American Government | AP | 12 | A or B in grade 11 social science, or A, B, or C in a grade 11 AP social science courseMarked # on the course list; earns one extra grade point under district rules; AP Macroeconomics in the fall semester and American Government in the spring semester; course number APECGV | g |
| AP American Government/Economics | AP | 12 | A or B in grade 11 social science, or A, B, or C in a grade 11 AP social science courseMarked # on the course list; earns one extra grade point under district rules; AP US Government in the fall semester and Economics in the spring semester; course number APGVEC | a |
| AP Psychology | AP | 12 | A or B in grade 11 social science, or A, B, or C in a grade 11 AP social science courseMarked # on the course list; earns one extra grade point under district rules; course number PSYAP | g |
| World History/Geography | CP | 10 | Grade 10 regular levelCourse number WH | a |
| US History | CP | 11 | Grade 11 regular levelCourse number USH | a |
| American Cultures History | CP | 11 | A or B in grade 10 social science, and concurrent enrollment in American Cultures CompositionInterdisciplinary course paired with American Cultures Composition; course number HISAMC | a |
| American Government | CP | 12 | One semester in grade 12; students with last names A-K take it in the fall semesterCourse number 2121 | a |
| Economics | CP | 12 | One semester in grade 12; students with last names L-Z take it in the fall semesterCourse number 2131 | g |
| Psychology/Sociology | CP | 11-12 | Grades 11 and 12 onlyCourse number PSY | g |
| Ethnic Studies | CP | — | One-semester courseMay be paired with Health; course number 700F | — |
World Language
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP French IV | AP | — | A or B in French IVMarked # on the course list; earns one extra grade point under district rules; course number FR4AP | e |
| AP French V | AP | — | A or B in French IVMarked # on the course list; earns one extra grade point under district rules; course number FR5AP | e |
| AP German IV | AP | — | A or B in Honors German IIIMarked # on the course list; earns one extra grade point under district rules; course number GER4AP | e |
| AP Spanish IV | AP | — | A or B in Spanish IVMarked # on the course list; earns one extra grade point under district rules; course number SP4AP | e |
| AP Spanish V | AP | — | A or B in Spanish IVMarked # on the course list; earns one extra grade point under district rules; course number SP5AP | e |
| AP Chinese IV | AP | — | A, B, or C in Honors Chinese IIIMarked # on the course list; earns one extra grade point under district rules; course number CH4AP | e |
| Honors French III | Honors | — | A, B, or C in French IIMarked # on the course list; earns one extra grade point under district rules; course number FR3H | e |
| Honors German III | Honors | — | A, B, or C in German IIMarked # on the course list; earns one extra grade point under district rules; course number GER3H | e |
| Honors Spanish III | Honors | — | A, B, or C in Spanish IIMarked # on the course list; earns one extra grade point under district rules; course number SP3H | e |
| Honors Chinese III | Honors | — | A, B, or C in Chinese IIMarked # on the course list; earns one extra grade point under district rules; course number CH3H | e |
| French I | CP | — | —Course number FR1 | e |
| French II | CP | — | A, B, or C in French ICourse number FR2 | e |
| French IV | CP | — | A, B, or C in Honors French IIICourse number FR4 | e |
| German I | CP | — | —Course number GER1 | e |
| German II | CP | — | A, B, or C in German ICourse number GER2 | e |
| Spanish I | CP | — | —Course number SP1 | e |
| Spanish II | CP | — | A, B, or C in Spanish ICourse number SP2 | e |
| Spanish IV | CP | — | A, B, or C in Honors Spanish IIICourse number SP4 | e |
| Chinese II | CP | — | No prerequisite listed on the course list; Chinese I is not offered on the 2026-27 course listCourse number CH2 | e |
Visual and Performing Arts
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP 3D Art & Design | AP | — | Completion of Ceramics 1Marked # on the course list; earns one extra grade point under district rules; course number 3DADAP | f |
| AP 2D Art & Design | AP | — | Completion of Drawing & Painting 1ANot marked # on this line of the 2026-27 course list; the 2025-26 district catalog lists it as weighted by both the district and UC; course number 2DADAP | f |
| AP Art History | AP | 10-11 | Grade 10 requires an A or B in English; grade 11 requires an A or B in social scienceMarked # on the course list; earns one extra grade point under district rules; course number ARTHAP | f |
| AP Music Theory | AP | 11-12 | Grades 11 and 12 onlyMarked # on the course list; earns one extra grade point under district rules; course number MUTYAP | f |
| Actors Repertory | Honors | — | Performing Arts career pathwayMarked # on the course list; earns one extra grade point under district rules; articulated with Saddleback College; course number DH663Y | f |
| Digital Photography 1A | Honors | — | Design, Visual & Media Arts (DVMA) career pathwayMarked # on the course list; earns one extra grade point under district rules; articulated with Saddleback College; course number DH611Y | f |
| Multimedia Design | Honors | — | Multimedia design pathwayMarked # on the course list; earns one extra grade point under district rules; course number DH637Y | f |
| Commercial Music | Honors | 11-12 | Grades 11 and 12 onlyMarked # on the course list; earns one extra grade point under district rules; course number DH316Y | f |
| Concert Choir | CP | — | —Course number CCHOIR | f |
| A Cappella Choir | CP | — | Audition requiredCourse number ACAP | f |
| Mixed Chorus | CP | — | Audition requiredCourse number MXCHOR | f |
| Madrigals | CP | — | Audition requiredCourse number MAD | f |
| Concert Band | CP | — | —Course number CBAND | f |
| Wind Ensemble | CP | — | Audition requiredCourse number WIND | f |
| String Orchestra | CP | — | —Course number STOR | f |
| Sinfonia Orchestra | CP | — | Audition requiredCourse number SINOR | f |
| Chamber Orchestra | CP | — | Audition requiredCourse number CHBOR | f |
| Jazz Ensemble | CP | — | Audition required; offered only in the spring semesterCourse number JZEN | f |
| Beginning Guitar | CP | — | —Course number BGUIT | f |
| Drama 1A | CP | — | Performing Arts career pathwayCourse number DU517Y | f |
| Drama Advanced | CP | — | Completion of Drama 1A; Performing Arts career pathwayCourse number DU518Y | f |
| Stagecraft Basic | CP | — | Production & Managerial Arts career pathwayCourse number DU303Y | f |
| Ceramics 1 | CP | — | —Course number CER1 | f |
| Ceramics 2 | CP | — | Completion of Ceramics 1Course number CER2 | f |
| Drawing & Painting 1A | CP | — | —Course number DP | f |
| Drawing & Painting Advanced | CP | — | Completion of Drawing & Painting 1ACourse number DPA | f |
| Stagecraft | CTE | — | Production & Managerial Arts career pathwayArticulated with Saddleback College; the 2025-26 district catalog lists it as weighted by both the district and UC, but it is not marked # on the 2026-27 course list; course number DH874Y | f |
| Percussion Ensemble (Drumline) | Other | — | Audition required; offered only in the spring semesterEarns one semester of physical education credit; course number 0609S | — |
Computer Science & CCA
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP Computer Science Principles | AP | — | Completion of GeometryMarked # on the course list; earns one extra grade point under district rules; open to grade 9 students who have completed Geometry; course number CSPAP | d |
| AP Computer Science A | AP | — | Completion of Honors Algebra II/TrigonometryMarked # on the course list; earns one extra grade point under district rules; course number CT416Y | c |
| AP Cybersecurity | AP | — | First course of the Networking career pathwayMarked # on the course list; earns one extra grade point under district rules; prepares students for the CompTIA Network+ and Security+ certifications; course number DH846Y | g |
| CCA/Business Management & Entrepreneurship | CTE | — | Business Management career pathwayMarked # on the course list; earns one extra grade point under district rules; articulated with Saddleback College; course number DH9251 | g |
| CCA/BASE | CTE | — | Business Management career pathwayMarked # on the course list; earns one extra grade point under district rules; course number DH945Y | g |
| CCA/Sports Medicine | CTE | — | Patient Care career pathwayArticulated with Saddleback College; grade 9 students may take it on campus; course number DU944Y | d |
| CCA/Sports Medicine Advanced | CTE | — | Completion of Sports Medicine; Patient Care career pathwayMarked # on the course list; earns one extra grade point under district rules; course number DH940Y | g |
| CCA/Educational Psychology | CTE | — | Education career pathwayMarked # on the course list; earns one extra grade point under district rules; course number DH140Y | g |
| CCA/Careers in Teaching | CTE | — | Education career pathwayRequires classroom observation and practice at elementary and secondary schools; course number DH290Y | g |
| CCA/Esports | CTE | — | —Grade 9 students may take it during the school day, and an after-school section is also offered; course number DU120Y | g |
| CCA/Esports Advanced | CTE | — | Completion of EsportsMarked # on the course list; earns one extra grade point under district rules; course number CH220Y | g |
| CCA/Aviation Careers | CTE | — | Taught after school on this campus as a seventh courseCourse number CU100Y | g |
Physical Education
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PE 9 Activities | Other | 9 | Grade 9 onlyAthletes are scheduled into this course during their off-season; course number PE9 | — |
| Marching Band | Other | — | Audition required; offered in the fall semesterRequires concurrent enrollment in a band or orchestra course; earns physical education credit; course number 3081 | — |
| Color Guard | Other | — | Audition required; offered in the spring semesterEarns one semester of physical education credit; course number CG | — |
| Racket Sports | Other | — | —Course number BADMIN | — |
| Basketball | Other | — | —Course number BASKBL | — |
| Yoga | Other | — | —Course number YOGA | — |
| Power Walking | Other | — | —The class frequently leaves campus; course number PWRWLK | — |
| Strength/Exercise | Other | — | —Course number STREX | — |
Electives
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yearbook | CP | — | Full-year courseCourse number YRBKCP | g |
| Health | Other | — | One semester; graduation requirementUsually paired with College & Career Planning; may also be taken in summer; course number U2911 | — |
| College & Career Planning | Other | — | One semesterNo longer a graduation requirement; paired with Health; course number U9042 | g |
| Student Government (ASB) | Other | — | Election or approved application requiredCourse number ASB | — |
| Pal II (IMPACT) | Other | — | Approved application requiredPeer mentoring program that supports grade 9 students; course number LINK | — |
Course Selection Timeline
Grade 8
- JanuaryTitan Showcase information night (January 12, 2026); the in-district School of Choice window for students zoned elsewhere (January 5 to February 1, 2026)
- February to MarchComplete grade 9 course selection at the middle school (February 16 to March 1, 2026); School of Choice results are sent by March 9
- From MarchOut-of-district families apply for an Interdistrict Transfer: first request a release from the district of residence, then the Capistrano Unified School District reviews the request
- SummerStudents may take Health or A-G Geometry in summer to accelerate in math, registering through their middle school
Grade 9
- Late JulyPick up registration materials (July 21 to 23, 2026); students who do not meet the honors standard may request a move up at walk-through registration on August 4
- AugustNew student orientation on August 17, first day of school on August 18, and drop requests accepted from August 20
- SeptemberRequests to move down a level are reviewed from September 16; Club Rush is September 22 to 24
- FebruarySelect grade 10 courses: Honors English II or AP Seminar, AP European History, and Honors Chemistry or AP Chemistry
Grade 10
- September to OctoberAP exam registration runs from September 1 to October 30; SAT School Day on October 5 is open to all students
- SeptemberStudents in grades 10 to 12 may apply to the National Honor Society, which requires a GPA of 3.6 or higher
- FebruarySelect grade 11 courses: AP English Language, AP US History, and Honors Precalculus or AP Calculus
Grade 11
- OctoberPSAT/NMSQT on October 19, for grade 11 only; registration closes October 5
- SpringCalifornia state testing (CAASPP / SBAC); English results can be used toward the State Seal of Biliteracy
- FebruarySelect grade 12 courses: AP English Literature, AP Macroeconomics and American Government, and AP Research
Grade 12
- October 16Deadline to request counselor recommendation letters for college applications due in November or December
- October to NovemberThe UC and CSU application window listed at the school information night is October 1 to November 30
- November 13Deadline to request counselor recommendation letters for college applications due in January or later
- MayAP exams (May 3 to 14, 2027); after confirming admission, send the final transcript through Parchment
Frequently Asked Questions
At Tesoro High School, what is the minimum number of courses per semester?
According to the Tesoro High School 2025-2026 School Profile, students in grades 9 and 10 must take at least 6 courses each semester, and students in grades 11 and 12 who are on track in credits must take at least 5. The grade 12 information night also emphasizes that students must be enrolled in 5 courses each semester even if they are ahead in credits. The school does not publish a maximum number of courses per semester; after-school career technical courses and zero-period courses are scheduled as a seventh course.
Can a student still change course levels at Tesoro High School after school starts?
Only downward. For incoming grade 9 students not placed in honors courses based on grade 8 performance, the only chance to move up is the summer walk-through registration day before school starts: the student must meet with a counselor, space must remain in the class, and the parent and student must sign a waiver; all three conditions must be met. After school starts, drop requests for the 2026-27 school year are accepted beginning August 20, and requests to move from Honors or AP to the regular level are reviewed beginning September 16, the fourth week of school.
What do the #, @, and $ symbols on the Tesoro High School course list mean?
These are the markings on the Tesoro High School 2026-27 course list: # means the course earns one extra grade point, that is, it is graded at A=5; @ means an application or audition is required; and $ means the course is articulated with Saddleback College and can earn college credit at the same time. In the prerequisites, Comp means completed with a C or higher, and CC means concurrent enrollment. The courses marked # are not only Honors and AP courses; career technical courses such as Accounting, Educational Psychology, and Digital Photography are also included.
Irvine families should note: at what level does Chinese start at Tesoro High School?
The Tesoro High School 2026-27 course list offers only three levels of Chinese: Chinese II, Honors Chinese III, and AP Chinese IV. There is no Chinese I, so grade 9 students may enroll directly in Chinese II or Honors Chinese III. In 2025, 16 AP Chinese exams were taken, all earning a 3 or higher. French, German, and Spanish start at level 1.
Can courses taken at Saddleback College or outside school appear on the Tesoro High School transcript?
Yes, but with many restrictions. The Capistrano Unified School District course catalog accepts a maximum of 10 credits per high school year for courses outside the district; these count only as advancement or elective credit, cannot satisfy core graduation requirements in English, math, science, or social science, and require an application at least two weeks before the course begins. Saddleback College courses are free for district students, but college grades remain on record permanently, and when applying to college, students must send both the high school transcript and the Saddleback transcript.
How many credits does Tesoro High School require for graduation?
220 credits, applying to the Class of 2025 and later: English 40, social science 30, mathematics 30, science 20 (one year each of life science and physical science), 10 in visual and performing arts, world language, or career technical education, physical education 20, health 5, and electives 65. Each course earns 5 credits per semester with a D or higher, but the UC and CSU A-G requirements call for a C or higher; as the school's information night puts it, a D is enough to graduate, but a C is needed for college.
