The JSerra Catholic High School course catalog for the 2026-27 school year is published on the school website by department, and each course entry states the grade levels, prerequisites, course length, credits and UC status. This page uses the University of California’s official A-G course list as its base, adds the grade levels and prerequisites from the school catalog course by course, and includes theology, Magnet Program and physical education courses that are not on the A-G list. The overall picture of the UC list comes first.
UC A-G refers to the 7 subject areas that the University of California and California State University require of high school students: a history and social science, b English, c mathematics, d laboratory science, e language other than English, f visual and performing arts, and g college-preparatory elective.
201UC-approved A-G courses
61UC-weighted honors coursesincluding 27 AP
13School 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
- Algebra 1 Honors
- Algebra 2/Trigonometry Honors
- Biology Honors
- Dance Ensemble Honors
- English 1 Honors
- English 1 Humanities Honors
- French 2 Honors
- Geometry Honors
- Introduction to Business Honors
- Spanish 1 Honors
- Spanish 2 Honors
- Spanish 3 Honors
- World History Honors/MUN
Among the 201 courses registered on the UC list, some are versions offered through the school’s online program (JSerra Online Education), and some are no longer offered in the 2026-27 course catalog, such as AP Physics 2, AP Music Theory and Pre-Calculus Honors. The notes column of the course map below identifies each case.
Graduation Requirements (270 Credits)
The school assigns 10 credits to a year-long course and 5 credits to a one-semester course. The graduation requirements below were updated by the school in March 2026.
| Subject | Credits |
|---|---|
| Theology | 40 |
| English | 40 |
| Mathematics | 30 |
| Science | 30 |
| Social Studies | 30 |
| World Language | 20 |
| Arts | 10 |
| Physical Education | 20 |
| Electives | 50 |
A minimum of 270 credits is required to graduate, with each full-year course earning 10 credits. The graduation requirements updated by the school in March 2026 state that each subject requirement must be completed with semester grades of C or higher; students must also complete 80 hours of Christian Service. The Classes of 2026 through 2029 must take one semester of Health; all incoming freshmen must attend Freshman Immersion in the summer before 9th grade. Courses beyond a subject's requirement count toward elective credit, such as a fourth year of science. International students who attended middle school in their home country may be exempted from the world language requirement.
The school’s graduation requirements and UC admission requirements are two separate standards. The table below places them side by side; the UC column comes from the University of California admissions website.
| UC A-G category | School graduation requirement / UC requirement |
|---|---|
| a History and social science | School: 30 credits (3 years, required in grades 11 and 12); UC: 2 years |
| b English | School: 40 credits (4 years); UC: 4 years |
| c Mathematics | School: 30 credits (3 years); UC: 3 years, 4 years strongly recommended |
| d Laboratory science | School: 30 credits (3 years); UC: 2 years, 3 years recommended |
| e Language other than English | School: 20 credits (2 years); UC: 2 years of the same language, 3 years recommended |
| f Visual and performing arts | School: 10 credits (1 year); UC: 1 year |
| g College-preparatory elective | Not listed separately by the school; UC: 1 year, which may be met by Humanities Theology, Social Justice (one semester) or Business and Law Magnet Program courses |
| Grades and number of courses | School: semester grades of C or higher in each subject; UC: 15 year-long courses with grades of C or higher, 11 of them completed before grade 12 |
EDUBUS recommends scheduling to the UC recommended standard: 4 years of math and 3 years of a world language. The school’s science requirement is already 3 years, above the UC minimum. Each year includes one required theology course, students in grades 9 to 11 have only 7 schedule slots per year, and Magnet Program students give up one more slot, so the third year of a world language and the fourth year of math need to be built into the four-year plan in grade 9.
Theology Courses and UC A-G
Checked course by course against the UC 2026-27 A-G list: the four Humanities Program theology courses, Humanities Theology 1H, 2H, 3H, and 4H, are listed as g (elective) courses, but none is a UC-approved honors course; the 12th grade Social Justice course is listed as a g course, but UC approves only its one-semester Social Justice portion. The regular-track Theology 1, 2, and 3, Theology 2 Honors and 3 Honors, Introduction to Catholic Principles, and Lives of the Saints Honors are not on the list; the school catalog lists Christian Apologetics as pending UC review. The UC list also includes Comparative Religions (g), which the 2026-27 course catalog does not list.
Four-year theology sequence
- 9th grade: Theology 1 (Introduction to Philosophy in the first semester, Christian Worldview in the second), or Introduction to Catholic Principles for students new to Catholicism
- 10th grade: Theology 2 or Theology 2 Honors, covering the Old and New Testaments
- 11th grade: Theology 3 or Theology 3 Honors, covering the sacraments in the first semester and ethics in the second
- 12th grade: one of Christian Apologetics, Lives of the Saints Honors, or Social Justice
- Humanities Program students: take Humanities 1-4 Honors (Theology) for all four years instead, scheduled as a double period with Humanities English
Course Selection Rules
This section answers three questions: how many courses students take each year, when course selection takes place, and whether schedules can be changed after school starts.
| Course load and terms | The School Profile states that students in grades 9 through 11 must take 7 courses each year, and 12th graders at least 6. The school year has two semesters of about 18 weeks each |
|---|---|
| Bell schedule and timetable | In 2026-27, classes begin at 8:30, and the 7 periods rotate through five schedules: White, Red, Black, Mass, and Gold. Mondays are usually 7 short periods; Tuesdays and Thursdays are block days; Wednesdays are Mass days; Fridays are block days with advisory time (Den). On most days, teachers hold Office Hours from 7:30 to 8:25 and after school |
| Freshman schedule structure | The standard 7-period freshman schedule: theology, English, mathematics, science, world language, social studies or an elective (one year of social studies must be taken in 9th or 10th grade), and a Magnet Program course, a learning support course, or an elective |
| Moving up to honors or AP | Moving up to a higher level, Honors, or AP course requires at least an A in the first semester and third quarter of the preceding regular course, or a B over the same period in the preceding Honors or AP course; final placement is based on second-semester grades. Students who do not meet the standard may petition at the end of the second semester, but approval is not guaranteed |
| Course changes | For 2026-27, the deadline for first-semester schedule changes is 3:00 p.m. on August 28, 2026, and for the second semester, January 8, 2027; May 28, at the end of the school year, is the last day to request schedule changes and placement petitions. Schedule changes are made only to correct scheduling errors, adjust course level, or resolve lunch-period conflicts; students may not request specific teachers or periods |
| Outside courses | Graduation requirements must be completed at JSerra Catholic High School. Courses taken elsewhere to accelerate or to satisfy prerequisites require prior approval from the assistant principal for academics and are not recorded on the JSerra transcript |
| Remediation of D and F grades | A semester grade of D or F requires remediation: an F must be made up to satisfy graduation requirements, and making up a D is recommended. The original grade remains on the transcript after remediation, and both grades are included in the GPA |
| Summer | The six-week summer session is offered in two sessions, beginning June 14 and July 6, 2027; incoming freshmen must also attend the four-day Freshman Immersion, offered in 2026 in three sessions (June 8-11, June 23-26, and July 7-10), of which students choose one |
Freshman course selection takes place in May: in 2026, course selection meetings were held in the afternoons from May 6 to 21, 20 minutes per student, and the school states that the timing of a meeting within the selection period does not affect scheduling. The school notes that some courses can only be taken one or the other because of the master schedule; for example, Mandarin Chinese 1 may be scheduled in the same period as guitar.
Four-Year Pathways by Subject
In the pathways below, CP refers to regular college-preparatory courses, Honors to honors courses, and AP to Advanced Placement courses.
English
- 9th grade: English 1A, English 1, English 1 Honors, or Humanities English 1; English 1 Honors placement is based on the HSPT
- 10th grade: English 2A, English 2, English 2 Honors, or Humanities English 2
- 11th grade: English 3A, English 3 (American Literature), AP English Language and Composition, or AP English Language in the Humanities Program
- 12th grade: English 4A, English 4 (British Literature), AP English Literature and Composition, or AP English Literature in the Humanities Program
English has three levels: modified (A courses), regular and advanced. Placement in English 1 Honors is based on the HSPT; the Humanities program requires a separate application and likewise requires meeting the English 1 Honors standard. The advanced sequence leads to AP English Language in grade 11 and AP English Literature in grade 12, and entry into AP English Language requires a B or higher in the first semester and third quarter of English 2 Honors.
Science
- 9th grade: Biology, Biology Honors, or Foundations of Biology, based on the HSPT and placement test; Biology Honors requires passing a placement test
- 10th grade: Chemistry or Chemistry Honors; Anatomy and Physiology, Astronomy, or Marine Biology are also available
- 11th grade: AP Chemistry, AP Biology, AP Environmental Science, AP Physics 1, AP Physics C: Mechanics, Anatomy and Physiology Honors, Physics, and other options
- 12th grade: AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism or other science courses not yet taken; three years of science are required for graduation, and the school recommends four
Computer science courses are housed in the elective department: Computing Ideas is available from 9th grade and is the prerequisite for Introduction to Programming, Web Design, and Cybersecurity; AP Computer Science A requires an A in Introduction to Programming; the next level is Data Structures Honors in C++. Engineering courses are open only to Engineering Magnet students. Note that AP Computer Science A is in category c (mathematics) on the UC list and Data Structures Honors in C++ is in category g; both are UC-approved honors courses.
Social studies
- 9th grade: Ancient World History, World History, AP Human Geography, or an elective in place of social studies
- 10th grade: World History, AP European History, or an elective; one year of social studies must be taken in 9th or 10th grade
- 11th grade: US History or AP US History
- 12th grade: one semester each of American Government and Economics, or AP US Government and Politics and AP Macroeconomics (taken together with American Government)
Social studies is distinctive in that only one year is required across grades 9 and 10: students may take Ancient World History, World History or AP Human Geography in grade 9 and an elective in grade 10, or an elective in grade 9 and World History or AP European History in grade 10. Social studies is required in grades 11 and 12. The school does not offer AP World History.
World Languages
- Spanish 1 through 4, with honors levels in 1 through 3, plus AP Spanish Language and Culture
- French 1 through 4, with honors levels in 2 through 4, plus AP French Language and Culture
- Mandarin Chinese 1 and 2 and Mandarin Chinese 3 Honors and 4 Honors, plus AP Chinese Language and Culture, available from 10th grade
- Latin 1 and 2 and Latin 3 Honors
- American Sign Language 1 through 3
Incoming freshmen with prior language study who wish to enter Spanish 1 Honors, Spanish 2, or any world language course at level 2 or above must take the World Languages Department's Challenge Exam; incoming freshmen who wish to enter Mandarin Chinese 3 Honors or 4 Honors directly must meet with the course teacher. In 2026, the world language Challenge Exams were held on April 25 and April 27. UC A-G requires two years of the same language and recommends three; the school requires two years for graduation. On the UC list, Spanish 1 Honors, Spanish 2 Honors and French 2 Honors are not UC-approved honors courses, while French 3 Honors and Mandarin Chinese 3 Honors and 4 Honors are.
Complete Course Map
Expand by department. Each course shows its level, grade levels, prerequisites and UC A-G category; courses shown with a dash in the UC A-G column are not on the UC 2026-27 list. The notes column states whether UC weights the course, the course title in the school catalog, and whether the course is offered in the 2026-27 school year, so the map can be checked line by line against the school’s course request form.
Social Studies
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP European History | AP | 10 | Must meet the placement standard for English 2 Honors; students who took social studies in 9th grade need an A in the first semester of that course; students who did not are evaluated on their previous English course (A in a regular course, or B or higher in the first semester of an honors course); summer assignment requiredSchool catalog: full-year course, AP exam required ($105); a B must be maintained while enrolled | a |
| AP Government and Politics United States | AP | 12 | A in the first semester of US History or B or higher in the first semester of AP US History; A in the first semester of English 3 or B or higher in the first semester of AP English LanguageTranscript abbreviation: AP US Government; School catalog course name: AP United States Government & Politics; summer assignment required, AP exam required ($105) | a |
| AP Human Geography | AP | 9 | Placement by HSPT; incoming freshmen must meet the English 1 Honors standardTranscript abbreviation: AP Human Geography; School catalog: full-year course, AP exam required ($105); an online version is also available for grades 10 through 12 | a |
| AP United States History | AP | 11 | A in the first semester of the previous social studies course (B or higher for honors or AP) and A in the first semester of the previous English course (B or higher for honors)Online course; Transcript abbreviation: AP United States History; School catalog course name: AP US History; AP exam required ($105) | a |
| AP Macroeconomics | AP | 12 | A in the first semester of US History or B in AP US History; A in the first semester of Algebra 2 or B in Algebra 2 HonorsOnline course; School catalog course name: AP Macroeconomics with American Government; AP exam required ($105) | g |
| World History Honors/MUN | Honors | — | —School-designated honors course; not weighted in the UC GPA; Transcript abbreviation: World History Honors; Not listed in the 2026-27 course catalog; confirm with the school whether it will be offered | a |
| American Government | CP | 12 | —School catalog: one semester each of this course and Economics in 12th grade | a |
| Ancient World History | CP | 9 | —School catalog: one of the 9th grade social studies options; one year of social studies must be taken in 9th or 10th grade | a |
| World History | CP | 9-10 | Incoming freshmen placed by HSPTOnline course; Transcript abbreviation: World History Online; School catalog: full-year course; an online version is also available | a |
| Economics | CP | 12 | —Transcript abbreviation: Economics; one semester each of this course and American Government | g |
English
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP English Language and Composition | AP | 11 | B or higher in the first semester and third quarter of English 2 Honors, or A over the same period in regular English 2; transfer students must pass a placement testTranscript abbreviation: AP English Lang. Humanities, AP English Language; School catalog course name: AP English Language; Humanities Program students take Humanities 3 AP English Language and Composition (the same UC course); summer assignment required, AP exam required ($105) | b |
| AP English Literature and Composition | AP | 12 | B or higher in the first semester and third quarter of AP English Language, or A over the same period in regular English 3; transfer students must pass a placement testTranscript abbreviation: AP English Language, AP English Lit. Humanities; School catalog course name: AP English Literature; Humanities Program students take Humanities 4 AP English Literature; summer assignment required, AP exam required ($105) | b |
| English 1 Honors | Honors | 9 | Placement by HSPT; transfer students must pass a placement testSchool-designated honors course; not weighted in the UC GPA; Summer assignment required | b |
| English 1 Humanities Honors | Honors | 9 | Application to the Humanities Program required, with an HSPT score meeting the English 1 Honors standardSchool-designated honors course; not weighted in the UC GPA; School catalog course name: Humanities 1 Honors (English); scheduled as a double period with the Humanities Program theology course | b |
| English 2 Honors | Honors | 10 | B or higher in the first semester and third quarter of English 1 Honors, or A over the same period in regular English 1; transfer students must pass a placement testUC-approved honors course; weighted for UC admission; Transcript abbreviation: English 2 Honors; Summer assignment required | b |
| English 2 Humanities H | Honors | 10 | Must meet the English 2 Honors standard; students who did not complete the first year of the Humanities Program may enter with approval from the program directorUC-approved honors course; weighted for UC admission; Transcript abbreviation: Eng 2H Hum; School catalog course name: Humanities 2 Honors (English); class size capped at 20 | b |
| English 1 | CP | 9 | —Online course; Transcript abbreviation: English 1, English 1 Online; regular (college prep, CP) course | b |
| English 1A | CP | 9 | Students in the Student Educational Resource Program (SERP) or the international student program, with approval from the English Department chairTranscript abbreviation: English 1A - I; modified English course in the school catalog, with less reading than the regular course | b |
| English 2 | CP | 10 | C in English 1 or English 1AOnline course; Transcript abbreviation: English 2, English 2 Online | b |
| English 2A | CP | 10 | SERP or international student program students, C in English 1A, with department chair approval | b |
| English 3 | CP | 11 | C in English 2 or English 2ATranscript abbreviation: English 3, English 3 American Literature; American literature | b |
| English 3A | CP | 11 | SERP or international student program students, C in English 2A, with department chair approvalTranscript abbreviation: Eng 3A, English 3A | b |
| English 4 | CP | 12 | C in English 3 or English 3AOnline course; Transcript abbreviation: English 4, English 4 Online; British literature | b |
| English 4A | CP | 12 | SERP students, C in English 3A, with department chair approval | b |
| English Language Development | CP | 9-11 | Newly enrolled international students in grades 9 through 11, with department chair approval, taken concurrently with an English A courseTranscript abbreviation: 146; the school catalog lists this course as pending UC review, but it is already on the UC 2026-27 list | b |
Mathematics
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP Calculus AB | AP | 11-12 | C in AP Precalculus, or A in regular Pre-Calculus; placement also considers the AP Precalculus exam scoreSummer assignment required, AP exam required ($105) | c |
| AP Calculus BC | AP | 11-12 | B in AP Calculus AB, or A in AP PreCalculus PlusTranscript abbreviation: AP Calc BC, AP Calculus BC; summer assignment required, AP exam required ($105) | c |
| AP Precalculus | AP | 10-12 | A in Algebra 2, or B in Algebra 2/Trigonometry Honors; the AP PreCalculus Plus section requires a B in Algebra 2/Trigonometry HonorsTranscript abbreviation: AP Precalculus; the school catalog offers two sections, AP PreCalculus and AP PreCalculus Plus (+), the latter an accelerated version that prepares students for AP Calculus AB/BC; AP exam required ($105) | c |
| AP Statistics | AP | 11-12 | B in Algebra 2, C in Algebra 2/Trigonometry Honors, or B in Pre-CalculusOnline course; AP exam required ($105); an online version is also available | c |
| Algebra 1 Honors | Honors | 9 | HSPT score of at least 565, or a passing result on the Math Challenge ExamSchool-designated honors course; not weighted in the UC GPA | c |
| Algebra 2/Trigonometry Honors | Honors | 9-12 | C in Algebra 1 or Algebra 1 Honors and in Geometry or Geometry Honors; incoming freshmen who have completed Geometry may enter directly through the Math Challenge ExamSchool-designated honors course; not weighted in the UC GPA; Transcript abbreviation: Algeb 2/Trig H, Algebra 2/Trigonometry Honors; Summer assignment required; counts toward graduation requirements only when taken at JSerra | c |
| Geometry Honors | Honors | 9-10 | A in the first semester of Algebra 1 with a teacher recommendation, or B in the first semester of Algebra 1 Honors; incoming freshmen may enter through the Math Challenge ExamSchool-designated honors course; not weighted in the UC GPA; counts toward graduation requirements only when taken at JSerra | c |
| Pre-Calculus Honors | Honors | — | —UC-approved honors course; weighted for UC admission; Not listed in the 2026-27 course catalog; confirm with the school whether it will be offered; for 2026-27, the honors level has been replaced by AP Precalculus | c |
| Algebra 1 | CP | 9 | —Online course; Transcript abbreviation: Algebra 1 Online; regular course; an online remediation version is also available | c |
| Algebra 1A | CP | 9 | Placement by HSPTFirst year of the two-year Algebra 1 sequence | c |
| Algebra 1B | CP | 10 | C in the first semester of Algebra 1ASecond year of the two-year Algebra 1 sequence; may not be taken in the summer | c |
| Algebra 2 | CP | 11-12 | C in Algebra 1 (or 1A and 1B) and D in GeometryTranscript abbreviation: Algebra 2 CP; does not include trigonometry, and students may not move directly to Pre-Calculus after this course; counts toward graduation requirements only when taken at JSerra | c |
| Algebra 2/Trigonometry | CP | — | —Transcript abbreviation: Algebra 2; listed as a regular option on the school's mathematics pathway chart; the 2026-27 course catalog has no separate course description | c |
| Business Math | CP | — | —Transcript abbreviation: Business Mathematics; Not listed in the 2026-27 course catalog; confirm with the school whether it will be offered | c |
| Calculus | CP | 11-12 | C in Pre-Calculus, AP Precalculus, or AP PreCalculus PlusSummer assignment required | c |
| Financial Algebra | CP | 11-12 | C in Algebra 1 (or 1A and 1B) and D in GeometryTranscript abbreviation: Financial Algebra | c |
| Geometry | CP | 9-11 | C in the first semester of Algebra 1, or C in each of Algebra 1A and 1B; incoming freshmen may enter through the Math Challenge ExamOnline course; Transcript abbreviation: Geometry Online; counts toward graduation requirements only when taken at JSerra; an online version is also available | c |
| Introduction to College Math | CP | 11-12 | C in Algebra 2 | c |
| Pre-Calculus | CP | 10-12 | B in Algebra 2 or Introduction to College Math, or C in Algebra 2/Trigonometry HonorsSchool catalog course name: PreCalculus | c |
| Statistics | CP | 11-12 | C in Algebra 2, Introduction to College Math, Algebra 2/Trigonometry Honors, or Pre-Calculus | c |
Science
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP Biology | AP | 11-12 | B in the first semester of Biology Honors (or A in Biology) and B in the first semester of Chemistry Honors (or A in Chemistry)Taken in 10th grade by Medical Magnet students; summer assignment required, AP exam required ($105) | d |
| AP Chemistry | AP | 11-12 | B in the first semester of Chemistry Honors or A in Chemistry; Pre-Calculus completed or taken concurrently; chemistry teacher recommendation requiredZero period required on block days; AP exam required ($105) | d |
| AP Cybersecurity | AP | — | —Transcript abbreviation: APCB; Not listed in the 2026-27 course catalog; confirm with the school whether it will be offered; the school also offers a regular-level Cybersecurity course | d |
| AP Environmental Science | AP | 11-12 | B in the first semester of Biology and Chemistry, or C in the first semester of Biology Honors and Chemistry Honors; teacher recommendation requiredSummer assignment required, AP exam required ($105) | d |
| AP Physics 1 | AP | 11-12 | A in Physics or Chemistry, or B in Chemistry Honors; AP Precalculus completed or taken concurrentlyStudents who do not submit the summer assignment lose their place in the course; AP exam required ($105) | d |
| AP Physics 2 | AP | — | —Not listed in the 2026-27 course catalog; confirm with the school whether it will be offered; the 12th grade column of the school's science pathway chart lists AP Physics 2 | d |
| AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism | AP | 11-12 | B in the first semester of AP Physics 1 or AP Physics C: MechanicsTranscript abbreviation: AP Physics C-Electromagnetics; AP exam required ($105) | d |
| AP Physics C: Mechanics | AP | 11-12 | Concurrent enrollment in AP Calculus AB or BC (BC preferred); B in the first semester of Chemistry HonorsTranscript abbreviation: AP Physics C; students who do not submit the summer assignment lose their place in the course; AP exam required ($105) | d |
| Anatomy & Physiology Honors | Honors | 11-12 | A in the first semester of Biology and Chemistry, or B in the first semester of Biology Honors and Chemistry Honors; science teacher recommendation requiredUC-approved honors course; weighted for UC admission; Transcript abbreviation: Anatomy and Physiology H, Anatomy and Physiology H Med; School catalog course name: Anatomy and Physiology Honors (Non-Medical) | d |
| Biology Honors | Honors | 9-10 | All students (including international and transfer students) must pass the Biology Honors placement testSchool-designated honors course; not weighted in the UC GPA; required in 9th grade for the Medical Magnet Program | d |
| Chemistry Honors | Honors | 10-11 | A in the first semester of Biology or B in Biology Honors, plus concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2/Trigonometry Honors or completion of Algebra 2 (B in the first semester); science teacher recommendation requiredUC-approved honors course; weighted for UC admission; Summer assignment required | d |
| Anatomy and Physiology | CP | 10-12 | B in the first semester of Biology or C in Biology Honors; Foundations of Biology requires an A and a teacher recommendationTranscript abbreviation: Human Anatomy Physiology | d |
| Astronomy | CP | 10-12 | — | d |
| Biology | CP | 9 | Incoming freshmen placed by HSPT; students who did not take the HSPT must take the science placement test | d |
| Chemistry | CP | 10-12 | Concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2 or higher mathematics, or A in the first semester of Biology and Algebra 1 | d |
| Conceptual Chemistry | CP | 11-12 | C in the first semester of Biology and Geometry | d |
| Conceptual Physics | CP | — | —Not listed in the 2026-27 course catalog; confirm with the school whether it will be offered | d |
| Environmental Science | CP | 11-12 | C in the first semester of Biology and ChemistryTranscript abbreviation: 340 | d |
| Foundations of Biology | CP | 9 | Placement by HSPTTranscript abbreviation: Foundations in Biology P | d |
| Marine Biology | CP | 10-12 | Completion of Biology or Foundations of BiologyMonthly field class at the beach | d |
| Physics | CP | 11-12 | B in the first semester of Algebra 2, or concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2/Trigonometry Honors or higher mathematics | d |
World Languages
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP Chinese Language and Culture | AP | 10-12 | B in the first semester of Mandarin Chinese 4 Honors, a meeting with the course teacher, and a teacher recommendationTranscript abbreviation: JSerra; AP exam required ($105) | e |
| AP French Language and Culture | AP | 11-12 | B in the first semester of French 3 Honors, or A in the first semester of French 4Transcript abbreviation: AP French Language; School catalog course name: AP French Language; AP exam required ($105) | e |
| AP Spanish Language and Culture | AP | 10-12 | B in the first semester of Spanish 3 Honors, or A in the first semester of Spanish 4Transcript abbreviation: AP Spanish Language; School catalog course name: AP Spanish Language; taught entirely in Spanish; AP exam required ($105) | e |
| French 2 Honors | Honors | 9-10 | A in the first semester of French 1 with a teacher recommendation; incoming freshmen must take the world language placement testSchool-designated honors course; not weighted in the UC GPA | e |
| French 3 Honors | Honors | 10-12 | A in the first semester of French 2 or B in the first semester of French 2 Honors, with a teacher recommendationUC-approved honors course; weighted for UC admission; Transcript abbreviation: French 3H | e |
| Mandarin 5H | Honors | — | —UC-approved honors course; weighted for UC admission; Transcript abbreviation: Mandarin5H; Not listed in the 2026-27 course catalog; confirm with the school whether it will be offered | e |
| Mandarin Chinese 3 Honors | Honors | 10-12 | B in the first semester of Mandarin Chinese 2 with a teacher recommendation; incoming freshmen and transfer students must meet with the course teacherUC-approved honors course; weighted for UC admission; Transcript abbreviation: Mandarin 3H | e |
| Mandarin Chinese 4 Honors | Honors | 10-12 | B in the first semester of Mandarin Chinese 3 Honors with a teacher recommendation; incoming freshmen and transfer students must meet with the course teacherUC-approved honors course; weighted for UC admission; Transcript abbreviation: Mandarin 4 Honors, Mandarin Chinese 4 Honors | e |
| Spanish 1 Honors | Honors | 9-12 | Incoming freshmen must pass the world language placement testSchool-designated honors course; not weighted in the UC GPA | e |
| Spanish 2 Honors | Honors | 9-12 | B in the first semester of Spanish 1 Honors or A in the first semester of Spanish 1, with a teacher recommendation; incoming freshmen must take the world language placement testSchool-designated honors course; not weighted in the UC GPA | e |
| Spanish 3 Honors | Honors | 9-12 | B in the first semester of Spanish 2 Honors or A in the first semester of Spanish 2, with a teacher recommendationSchool-designated honors course; not weighted in the UC GPA; the UC list also includes Spanish 3-H (a UC-approved honors course); confirm with the school which entry corresponds to Spanish 3 Honors in the school catalog | e |
| Spanish 3-H | Honors | — | —UC-approved honors course; weighted for UC admission; Transcript abbreviation: Span 3H; the UC list also includes an unweighted Spanish 3 Honors, while the school catalog lists only one course, Spanish 3 Honors; confirm the correspondence with the school | e |
| Latin 3 Honors | Honors | 9-12 | C in Latin 2, with a teacher recommendationThe school catalog lists this course as pending UC review; the Latin III Honors on the UC list is the online version | — |
| French 4 Honors | Honors | 10-12 | A in the first semester of French 3 or B in the first semester of French 3 HonorsThe UC 2026-27 list includes only the online FRENCH 4 HONORS ONLINE (a UC-approved honors course); confirm with the school how this on-campus course is listed | — |
| American Sign Language 1 | CP | 9-11 | — | e |
| American Sign Language 2 | CP | 10-12 | C in the first semester of American Sign Language 1; incoming freshmen and transfer students must take the world language placement test | e |
| American Sign Language 3 | CP | 11-12 | C in the first semester of American Sign Language 2; incoming freshmen and transfer students must take the world language placement test | e |
| French 1 | CP | 9-10 | — | e |
| French 2 | CP | 9-12 | C in the first semester of French 1; incoming freshmen must take the world language placement test | e |
| French 3 | CP | 10-12 | C in the first semester of French 2 | e |
| French 4 | CP | 10-12 | C in the first semester of French 3 or French 3 Honors | e |
| Mandarin Chinese 1 | CP | 9-10 | —Transcript abbreviation: Mandarin I | e |
| Mandarin Chinese 2 | CP | 9-12 | C in the first semester of Mandarin Chinese 1; incoming freshmen must take the world language placement testTranscript abbreviation: Mandarin 2 | e |
| Mandarin Chinese 3 | CP | — | —Transcript abbreviation: Madarin 3; Not listed in the 2026-27 course catalog; confirm with the school whether it will be offered; in 2026-27, Mandarin Chinese 3 is offered only at the honors level | e |
| Mandarin Chinese 4 | CP | — | —Transcript abbreviation: Mandarin 4; Not listed in the 2026-27 course catalog; confirm with the school whether it will be offered; in 2026-27, Mandarin Chinese 4 is offered only at the honors level | e |
| Spanish 1 | CP | 9-11 | — | e |
| Spanish 2 | CP | 9-12 | C in the first semester of Spanish 1; incoming freshmen must take the world language placement test | e |
| Spanish 3 | CP | 9-12 | C in the first semester of Spanish 2 | e |
| Spanish 4 | CP | 10-12 | C in the first semester of Spanish 3 or Spanish 3 Honors | e |
| Latin 1 | CP | 9-12 | —The school catalog marks this course as UC-approved, but the UC 2026-27 list includes only the online Latin III Honors; confirm with the school | — |
| Latin 2 | CP | 9-12 | C in the first semester of Latin 1The school catalog marks this course as UC-approved, but no course with this name appears on the UC 2026-27 list; confirm with the school | — |
Theology
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Humanities Theology 1H | Honors | 9 | Application to the Humanities Program required, with an HSPT score meeting the English 1 Honors standardSchool-designated honors course; not weighted in the UC GPA; Transcript abbreviation: Theology 1 Humanities Honors; School catalog course name: Humanities 1 Honors (Theology); replaces the 9th grade theology requirement | g |
| Humanities Theology 2H | Honors | 10 | Must meet the English 2 Honors standard; students joining the program mid-sequence need approval from the program directorSchool-designated honors course; not weighted in the UC GPA; Transcript abbreviation: Theology 2 Humanities Honors; School catalog course name: Humanities 2 Honors (Theology); replaces the 10th grade theology requirement | g |
| Humanities Theology 3H | Honors | 11 | Must meet the 11th grade honors English standard; students joining the program mid-sequence need approval from the program directorSchool-designated honors course; not weighted in the UC GPA; Transcript abbreviation: Theology 3 Humanities Honor; School catalog course name: Humanities 3 Honors (Theology); replaces the 11th grade theology requirement | g |
| Humanities Theology 4H | Honors | 12 | Humanities Program studentsSchool-designated honors course; not weighted in the UC GPA; Transcript abbreviation: Theology 4 Humanities Honors; School catalog course name: Humanities 4 Honors (Theology); replaces the 12th grade theology requirement; includes a trip to Rome over Easter break | g |
| Theology 2 Honors | Honors | 10 | A in the first semester and third quarter of Theology 1 or Introduction to Catholic Principles; students from the latter must also complete an in-person writing assessmentSchool-designated honors course; not on the UC A-G list and not weighted by UC | — |
| Theology 3 Honors | Honors | 11 | B in the first semester of Theology 2 Honors or A in the first semester of Theology 2School-designated honors course; not on the UC A-G list and not weighted by UC | — |
| Lives of the Saints Honors | Honors | 12 | B in the first semester of Theology 3 Honors or A in the first semester of Theology 3One of the 12th grade theology options; the second semester is Theology of the Body; school-designated honors course; not on the UC A-G list and not weighted by UC | — |
| Comparative Religions | CP | — | —Not listed in the 2026-27 course catalog; confirm with the school whether it will be offered | g |
| Social Justice | CP | 12 | —Transcript abbreviation: Social Justice; one of the 12th grade theology options; full-year course; UC approves only the Social Justice semester, and the second semester is Theology of the Body | g |
| Theology 1 | CP | 9 | —Four years of theology are required; Introduction to Philosophy in the first semester and Christian Worldview in the second; Not on the UC A-G list | — |
| Introduction to Catholic Principles | CP | 9-12 | For students new to Catholicism, such as some international studentsMay replace Theology 1; Not on the UC A-G list | — |
| Theology 2 | CP | 10 | —Old and New Testaments; Not on the UC A-G list | — |
| Theology 3 | CP | 11 | —Sacraments in the first semester and ethics in the second; Not on the UC A-G list | — |
| Christian Apologetics | CP | 12 | —One of the 12th grade theology options; The school catalog lists this course as pending UC review; not on the UC 2026-27 A-G list | — |
Online Education
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP Psychology | AP | 11-12 | A in the previous social studies course or B in an honors/AP social studies course; completion of or concurrent enrollment in Anatomy and Physiology is strongly recommendedOnline course; Transcript abbreviation: AP Psychology Online; JSerra Online Education course, additional $800 per course per semester; provided by FlexPoint Virtual School; AP exam required ($105) | g |
| AP Art History | AP | 10-12 | A in each semester of the previous history and English courses, or B in each semester of honors history and EnglishJSerra Online Education course, additional $800 per course per semester; the online course catalog marks it as a UC-approved honors course, but it is not among the school's courses on the UC 2026-27 list; AP exam required ($105) | — |
| Chinese III Honors | Honors | 9-12 | B in the first semester of Mandarin Chinese 2 with a teacher recommendation; incoming freshmen and transfer students must meet with the teacherUC-approved honors course; weighted for UC admission; Online course; Transcript abbreviation: Mandarin 3 Honors, Mandarin Chinese 3 Honors; JSerra Online Education course, additional $800 per course per semester | e |
| FRENCH 3HONORS ONLINE | Honors | 9-12 | A in the first semester of French 2 or B in the first semester of French 2 Honors, with a teacher recommendationUC-approved honors course; weighted for UC admission; Online course; Transcript abbreviation: French 3H Online; JSerra Online Education course, additional $800 per course per semester | e |
| FRENCH 4 HONORS ONLINE | Honors | — | —UC-approved honors course; weighted for UC admission; Online course; Transcript abbreviation: French 4H Online; JSerra Online Education course, additional $800 per course per semester; not listed in the 2026-27 online course catalog | e |
| Latin III Honors | Honors | 9-12 | C in the first semester of Latin 1 and Latin 2UC-approved honors course; weighted for UC admission; Online course; Transcript abbreviation: Latin 3 Honors Online; JSerra Online Education course, additional $800 per course per semester | e |
| Spanish III Honors | Honors | 9-12 | B in the first semester of Spanish 2 Honors or A in the first semester of Spanish 2, with a teacher recommendationUC-approved honors course; weighted for UC admission; Online course; Transcript abbreviation: Spanish 3 Honors Online; JSerra Online Education course, additional $800 per course per semester | e |
| Spanish IV Honors | Honors | 9-12 | A in the first semester of Spanish 3 or B in the first semester of Spanish 3 HonorsUC-approved honors course; weighted for UC admission; Online course; Transcript abbreviation: Spanish 4 Honors Online; JSerra Online Education course, additional $800 per course per semester; the online course catalog lists this course as pending UC review | e |
| U.S. Government | CP | 12 | —Online course; Transcript abbreviation: US GOV; JSerra Online Education course, additional $800 per course per semester; online version of U.S. Government (one semester) | a |
| U.S. History | CP | 11 | —Online course; Transcript abbreviation: US HIST; JSerra Online Education course, additional $800 per course per semester; online version of U.S. History | a |
| United States History | CP | 11 | —Online course; Transcript abbreviation: US History Online; JSerra Online Education course, additional $800 per course per semester; online version of U.S. History | a |
| English I | CP | 9 | —Online course; Transcript abbreviation: English 1 Online; JSerra Online Education course, additional $800 per course per semester; the online course catalog states that this course is for remediation only | b |
| English II | CP | 10 | —Online course; Transcript abbreviation: English 2 Online; JSerra Online Education course, additional $800 per course per semester | b |
| English III | CP | 11 | —Online course; Transcript abbreviation: English 3 Online; JSerra Online Education course, additional $800 per course per semester | b |
| English IV | CP | 12 | —Online course; Transcript abbreviation: English 4 Online; JSerra Online Education course, additional $800 per course per semester | b |
| Algebra I | CP | 9 | —Online course; Transcript abbreviation: Algebra 1 Online; JSerra Online Education course, additional $800 per course per semester | c |
| Algebra II | CP | 9-12 | C in the first semester of Algebra 1 and GeometryOnline course; Transcript abbreviation: Algebra 2 Online; JSerra Online Education course, additional $800 per course per semester | c |
| Biology Online | CP | 9-10 | Placement by HSPTOnline course; JSerra Online Education course, additional $800 per course per semester | d |
| French 2 Online | CP | 9-12 | C in the first semester of French 1Online course; JSerra Online Education course, additional $800 per course per semester | e |
| FRENCH 4 ONLINE | CP | 9-12 | C in the first semester of French 3 or French 3 HonorsOnline course; Transcript abbreviation: 558, FRENCH 4 ONLINE; JSerra Online Education course, additional $800 per course per semester; the online course catalog lists this course as pending UC review | e |
| French I | CP | 9-12 | —Online course; Transcript abbreviation: French 1 Online; JSerra Online Education course, additional $800 per course per semester | e |
| FRENCH II ONLINE | CP | 9-12 | C in the first semester of French 1; incoming freshmen must take the world language placement testOnline course; Transcript abbreviation: 522, FRENCH II; JSerra Online Education course, additional $800 per course per semester | e |
| Spanish I | CP | 9-12 | —Online course; Transcript abbreviation: Spanish 1 Online; JSerra Online Education course, additional $800 per course per semester | e |
| Spanish II | CP | 9-12 | C in the first semester of Spanish 1Online course; Transcript abbreviation: Spanish 2 Online; JSerra Online Education course, additional $800 per course per semester | e |
| Creative Writing as Performance | CP | — | —Online course; Transcript abbreviation: Creative Writing as Performance; JSerra Online Education course, additional $800 per course per semester; not listed in the 2026-27 online course catalog | f |
| Film 1 | CP | — | —Online course; JSerra Online Education course, additional $800 per course per semester; not listed in the 2026-27 online course catalog | f |
| Graphic Design 1 Online | CP | 9-12 | —Online course; Transcript abbreviation: Graphic Design 1 Online; JSerra Online Education course, additional $800 per course per semester | f |
| History of Rock and Roll | CP | 9-12 | —Online course; Transcript abbreviation: History Rock and Roll Online; JSerra Online Education course, additional $800 per course per semester | f |
| Economics with Financial Literacy | CP | 12 | —Online course; Transcript abbreviation: Economics Online, Economics with Financial Literacy Online; JSerra Online Education course, additional $800 per course per semester | g |
| Psychology I | CP | 10-12 | —Online course; Transcript abbreviation: Psychology Online; JSerra Online Education course, additional $800 per course per semester; one semester | g |
Electives & Computing
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP Computer Science A | AP | 10-12 | A in Introduction to Programming, with approval from the course teacherOnline course; Transcript abbreviation: AP Computer Science A; School catalog course name: AP Computer Science A in Java; hybrid course using online materials; listed on the UC list as a c (mathematics) course | c |
| Web Development | Honors | — | —UC-approved honors course; weighted for UC admission; Online course; Transcript abbreviation: Web Development; the 2026-27 course catalog lists Web Design and Development Honors (pending UC review); confirm with the school whether it is this UC honors course | d |
| Data Structures Honors in C++ | Honors | 11-12 | A in AP Computer Science A, with teacher approvalUC-approved honors course; weighted for UC admission; Online course; Transcript abbreviation: CSC++ | g |
| Game Design in Unity Honors | Honors | 9-12 | A in Computing Ideas, or current enrollment in Algebra 2/Trigonometry HonorsUC-approved honors course; weighted for UC admission; Online course; Transcript abbreviation: GameDesign; School catalog course name: Game Design Honors | g |
| Web Design and Development Honors | Honors | 10-12 | B in Introduction to ProgrammingThe school catalog lists this course as pending UC review; not on the UC 2026-27 A-G list | — |
| Computing Ideas | CP | 9-12 | —Online course; Transcript abbreviation: Computer Science 1, Computing Ideas; introductory computing course and the prerequisite for Introduction to Programming, Web Design, Cybersecurity, and other courses | d |
| Sports Medicine | CP | 10-12 | B in Biology or Foundations of Biology, or C in Biology HonorsTranscript abbreviation: Sports Medicine 1; School catalog course name: Sports Medicine 1 | d |
| Web Design | CP | 10-12 | Completion of Computing Ideas or teacher approvalOnline course | d |
| ASB Leadership | CP | 9-12 | Required of 11th and 12th grade student government officers; teacher approval requiredTranscript abbreviation: ASBLeadership; School catalog course name: Associated Student Body - Leadership | g |
| Cybersecurity | CP | 10-12 | Completion of Computing Ideas or teacher approvalOnline course; Transcript abbreviation: Cybersecurity | g |
| Economics of Sports | CP | 11-12 | Completion of GeometryTranscript abbreviation: Economics of Sports; School catalog course name: The Economics of Sports | g |
| History through Sports | CP | 10-12 | —Transcript abbreviation: History through Sports; School catalog course name: History of Sports | g |
| Introduction to Programming | CP | 10-12 | B in Computing Ideas, or current enrollment in Algebra 2/Trigonometry HonorsTranscript abbreviation: Introduction to Computer Science | g |
| Psychology | CP | 10-12 | —One semester; an online version is also available | g |
| US Milt History | CP | 10-12 | —Transcript abbreviation: Military History; School catalog course name: Military History | g |
| Sports Medicine 2 | CP | 10-12 | B in Sports Medicine 1The school catalog lists this course as pending UC review; not on the UC 2026-27 A-G list | — |
| Introduction to Athletic Training | Other | 10-12 | B in the first semester of Sports Medicine 1Not on the UC A-G list | — |
| LAS Advisory | Other | 9-12 | Students in the Learning and Academic Support (LAS) departmentLearning support course; Not on the UC A-G list | — |
Magnet Programs
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP Business with Personal Finance | AP | 9 | Business Magnet studentsTranscript abbreviation: AP Business with Personal Finance; 9th grade Business Magnet course; AP exam required | g |
| Anatomy and Physiology Honors MM | Honors | 11 | Concurrent enrollment in AP Precalculus, Calculus, or an AP Calculus courseUC-approved honors course; weighted for UC admission; Transcript abbreviation: A/P HMM; Medical Magnet course; School catalog course name: Anatomy and Physiology Honors (PMPMP) | d |
| Honors PLTW Civil Engineering and Architecture | Honors | — | —UC-approved honors course; weighted for UC admission; Transcript abbreviation: Civil Engineering H; Not listed in the 2026-27 course catalog; confirm with the school whether it will be offered; the 2026-27 Engineering Magnet schedule no longer includes this course | d |
| Honors PLTW Principles of Engineering | Honors | 10 | Engineering Magnet studentsUC-approved honors course; weighted for UC admission; Transcript abbreviation: Principles of Engineering Honors; Engineering Magnet course; School catalog course name: Principles of Engineering Honors | d |
| Honors PLTW Aerospace Engineering | Honors | 11-12 | Engineering Magnet studentsUC-approved honors course; weighted for UC admission; Transcript abbreviation: Aerospace Engineering Honors; Engineering Magnet course; School catalog course name: Aerospace Engineering Honors | d |
| Honors PLTW Computer Integrated Manufacturing | Honors | 9 | Engineering Magnet studentsUC-approved honors course; weighted for UC admission; Transcript abbreviation: Computer Integrated Manuf. H; Engineering Magnet course; School catalog course name: Computer Integrated Manufacturing Intro Honors | d |
| Honors PLTW Digital Electronics | Honors | 11-12 | Engineering Magnet studentsUC-approved honors course; weighted for UC admission; Transcript abbreviation: Digital Electronics Honors; Engineering Magnet course; School catalog course name: Digital Electronics Honors | d |
| Accounting | Honors | 11 | Business Magnet studentsUC-approved honors course; weighted for UC admission; Business Magnet course; School catalog course name: Accounting Honors | g |
| Business Communications Honors | Honors | 10 | Business Magnet studentsUC-approved honors course; weighted for UC admission; Transcript abbreviation: Business Comm Honors; Business Magnet course | g |
| Business Law | Honors | 12 | Business Magnet studentsUC-approved honors course; weighted for UC admission; Transcript abbreviation: Business Law; School catalog course name: Business Law Honors; the Law Magnet offers Business Contract Law Honors with the same content; confirm with the school whether the two share this UC listing | g |
| California Legal Aspects of Real Estate | Honors | 11 | Law Magnet studentsUC-approved honors course; weighted for UC admission; Transcript abbreviation: Legal Aspects of Real Estate Honors; Law Magnet course; School catalog course name: Legal Aspects of California Real Estate Honors | g |
| California Real Estate Practice | Honors | Summer before grade 11 | Law Magnet studentsUC-approved honors course; weighted for UC admission; Transcript abbreviation: California Real Estate Practice, Honors; Law Magnet course; School catalog course name: California Real Estate Practice Honors; summer session in June or July | g |
| California Real Estate Principles | Honors | 10 | Law Magnet studentsUC-approved honors course; weighted for UC admission; Transcript abbreviation: Real Estate Principles H; Law Magnet course; School catalog course name: California Real Estate Principles Honors | g |
| Constitutional Law | Honors | 12 | Law Magnet studentsUC-approved honors course; weighted for UC admission; Transcript abbreviation: Constitutional Law; Law Magnet course; School catalog course name: Constitutional Law Honors | g |
| Criminal Law | Honors | 11 | Law Magnet studentsUC-approved honors course; weighted for UC admission; Transcript abbreviation: Criminal Law; Law Magnet course; School catalog course name: Criminal Law Honors | g |
| Introduction to Business Honors | Honors | — | —School-designated honors course; not weighted in the UC GPA; Not listed in the 2026-27 course catalog; confirm with the school whether it will be offered; the 9th grade Business Magnet course is now AP Business with Personal Finance | g |
| Sales & Marketing Honors | Honors | 11 | Business Magnet studentsUC-approved honors course; weighted for UC admission; Business Magnet course; School catalog course name: Sales and Marketing Honors | g |
| Intro to Law Honors | Honors | 9 | Law Magnet studentsLaw Magnet course, one semester in the spring; courthouse visits and mock trial activities are also required; Not on the UC A-G list | — |
| Legal Research and Writing Honors | Honors | 10 | Law Magnet studentsLaw Magnet course, one semester in the fall; Not on the UC A-G list | — |
| Business Contract Law Honors | Honors | 12 | Law Magnet studentsLaw Magnet course, one semester in the fall; the school states that it earns UC g (elective) credit, but no course with this name appears on the UC 2026-27 list; it may share a listing with Business Law; confirm with the school | — |
| Senior Capstone Project Honors | Honors | 12 | Business Magnet studentsBusiness Magnet course, one semester; includes an off-campus internship of 2 to 4 hours per week and a business plan presentation; articulation with Saddleback College allows students to earn college credit; Not on the UC A-G list | — |
| Introduction to Health Sciences Honors | Honors | 9 | Medical Magnet studentsMedical Magnet course, one semester; replaces the Health graduation requirement; The school catalog lists this course as pending UC review; not on the UC 2026-27 A-G list | — |
| Medical Ethics Honors | Honors | 9 | Concurrent enrollment in Geometry Honors or Algebra 2/Trigonometry Honors, with a B maintained in both semestersMedical Magnet course, one semester; The school catalog lists this course as pending UC review; not on the UC 2026-27 A-G list | — |
| Concepts of Genetics Honors | Honors | 12 | Medical Magnet students; B or higher in each semester of Biology Honors and Chemistry Honors; completion of or concurrent enrollment in Anatomy and Physiology Honors and AP BiologyMedical Magnet course, one semester; The school catalog lists this course as pending UC review; not on the UC 2026-27 A-G list | — |
| Introduction to Neuroscience Honors | Honors | 12 | Medical Magnet studentsMedical Magnet course, one semester; The school catalog lists this course as pending UC review; not on the UC 2026-27 A-G list | — |
| PLTW Aerospace Engineering | CP | — | —Transcript abbreviation: Aerospace Engineering, Aerospace Engineering Honors; the school catalog offers only the honors version, Aerospace Engineering Honors | d |
| PLTW Civil Engineering and Architecture | CP | — | —Transcript abbreviation: Civil Engineering, Civil Engineering Honors; Not listed in the 2026-27 course catalog; confirm with the school whether it will be offered | d |
| PLTW Computer Integrated Manufacturing | CP | — | —Transcript abbreviation: CIM Honors; the school catalog offers only the honors version, Computer Integrated Manufacturing Intro Honors | d |
| PLTW Computer Science Principles | CP | — | —Transcript abbreviation: Computer Science Principles, Computer Science Principles H, Computer Science Principles Honors; Not listed in the 2026-27 course catalog; confirm with the school whether it will be offered | d |
| PLTW Introduction to Engineering Design | CP | — | —Transcript abbreviation: Engineering Design, Introduction to Engineering Design, Introduction to Engineering Design Honors; Not listed in the 2026-27 course catalog; confirm with the school whether it will be offered | d |
| PLTW Principles of Engineering | CP | — | —Transcript abbreviation: Principles of Engineering Honors; the school catalog offers only the honors version, Principles of Engineering Honors | d |
| Speech and Debate | CP | 10 | Business Magnet students10th grade Business Magnet course (one semester); the Law Magnet offers a 9th grade course with the same name, which the school catalog does not mark as UC-approved | g |
| Robotics | CP | 11-12 | Engineering Magnet studentsOne of three Engineering Magnet course options in 11th or 12th grade; students compete in the VEX Robotics Competition; The school catalog lists this course as pending UC review; not on the UC 2026-27 A-G list | — |
| Speech and Debate (Law Magnet) | Other | 9 | Law Magnet studentsLaw Magnet course, one semester in the fall; the school catalog does not mark this course as UC-approved | — |
Visual & Performing Arts
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP 2D Art and Design | AP | 11-12 | Completion of two of the three courses in the Drawing and Painting or Graphic Design sequence, with an A in the first semester of the related courses; the photography section requires an A in the first semester of Digital Photography 1 and 2; teacher approval requiredTranscript abbreviation: AP 2-D Art and Design Photo, AP Art and Design; the school catalog offers two sections, AP Art and Design and AP Art and Design: Photography; AP exam required ($105) | f |
| AP Music Theory | AP | — | —Not listed in the 2026-27 course catalog; confirm with the school whether it will be offered | f |
| Dance Ensemble Honors | Honors | 9-12 | Audition and teacher recommendationSchool-designated honors course; not weighted in the UC GPA; Transcript abbreviation: Dance Ensemble Honors | f |
| Chamber Choir (Honors) | Honors | 9-12 | Audition and placement by the conductorThe school catalog marks this course as UC-approved, but no course with this name appears on the UC 2026-27 list; confirm with the school | — |
| Actor's Reperatory Theater | CP | 9-12 | Audition and placement by the directorTranscript abbreviation: Advanced Theatre, Advanced Theatre Honors, advtheatre; School catalog course name: Advanced Theatre Honors; graded as an honors course by the school but calculated as a regular course by UC | f |
| Adobe Creative Suite | CP | 11-12 | — | f |
| Advanced Dance Production | CP | — | —Transcript abbreviation: Advanced Dance Production Honors; Not listed in the 2026-27 course catalog; confirm with the school whether it will be offered | f |
| Advanced Drawing and Painting | CP | 10-12 | B in the first semester of Drawing and Painting 1 and 2, with teacher approvalTranscript abbreviation: Advanced Draw&Paint Honors | f |
| Advanced TV Broadcast Journalism | CP | 10-12 | B in the first semester of Intro to TV Broadcast Journalism, with teacher approvalTranscript abbreviation: Adv Brd Jou | f |
| Arts Magnet Singers/Conducting | CP | — | —Transcript abbreviation: JAMS, JAMS/Conducting; Not listed in the 2026-27 course catalog; confirm with the school whether it will be offered | f |
| Beginning Dance | CP | 9-12 | —Transcript abbreviation: Dance 1; may count toward arts credit; enrollment is limited; the Physical Education Department offers a course with the same name for physical education credit | f |
| Chorale | CP | — | —Not listed in the 2026-27 course catalog; confirm with the school whether it will be offered | f |
| Dance Workshop | CP | 9-12 | Audition and teacher recommendationTranscript abbreviation: Dance Workshop Honors | f |
| Digital Photography 1 | CP | 9-12 | Students must provide their own DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual controls | f |
| Digital Photography 2 | CP | 10-12 | A in the first semester of Digital Photography 1, with teacher approval | f |
| Drawing and Painting 1 | CP | 9-12 | — | f |
| Drawing and Painting 2 | CP | 10-12 | B in the first semester of Drawing and Painting 1Transcript abbreviation: Drawing and Painting 2 Honors | f |
| Film Workshop | CP | — | —Not listed in the 2026-27 course catalog; confirm with the school whether it will be offered | f |
| Graphic Design 1 | CP | 9-12 | — | f |
| Graphic Design 2 | CP | 10-12 | B in the first semester of Graphic Design 1 or Adobe Creative Suite, or teacher approvalTranscript abbreviation: Graphic Design 2 Honors | f |
| Guitar | CP | 9-12 | Students must provide their own guitar | f |
| Improv Theatre | CP | — | —Not listed in the 2026-27 course catalog; confirm with the school whether it will be offered | f |
| Intro to TV Broadcast Journalism | CP | 9-11 | —School catalog course name: Introduction to TV Broadcast Journalism | f |
| Jazz Orchestra | CP | 9-12 | AuditionTranscript abbreviation: Jazz Ensemble; School catalog course name: Jazz Band (transcript name: Jazz Ensemble) | f |
| Music Production | CP | — | —Not listed in the 2026-27 course catalog; confirm with the school whether it will be offered | f |
| Photojournalism | CP | 9-12 | —Transcript abbreviation: Photojournalism Newspaper, Photojournalism Yearbook; the school catalog offers two sections, newspaper and yearbook | f |
| Piano | CP | 9-12 | — | f |
| Piano Workshop | CP | 9-12 | — | f |
| Rock Band Workshop | CP | 9-12 | Audition | f |
| Rock Ensemble | CP | 9-12 | Completion of Rock Band Workshop or auditionTranscript abbreviation: Rock Band Ensemble | f |
| Social Media & Digital Marketing | CP | 11-12 | — | f |
| Symphony Orchestra | CP | — | —Not listed in the 2026-27 course catalog; confirm with the school whether it will be offered | f |
| Theater 1 | CP | 9-12 | —Transcript abbreviation: Introduction to Theatre; School catalog course name: Theatre 1 | f |
| Theatre 2 | CP | 9-12 | Completion of Theatre 1 or placement by the directorTranscript abbreviation: Theatre 2 Honors | f |
| TV Studio Production | CP | 11-12 | Interview with the teacher and review of video work; B in the first semester of the TV sports and entertainment courseTranscript abbreviation: TV Studio Production Honors; School catalog course name: TV Studio Production ("The Lion Report") | f |
| Women's Choir | CP | — | —Transcript abbreviation: Women's Choir Honors; the 2026-27 course catalog lists Advanced Women's Ensemble (AWE); confirm with the school whether it is this course | f |
| Concert Choir | CP | 9-12 | —The school catalog marks this course as UC-approved, but no course with this name appears on the UC 2026-27 list; confirm with the school | — |
| Advanced Women's Ensemble (AWE) | CP | 9-12 | Audition and placement by the conductorHonors credit is available to students who meet the requirements; confirm with the school whether Women's Choir on the UC list is this course | — |
| String Orchestra | CP | 9-12 | Audition or conductor approvalMay satisfy the arts graduation requirement; no course with this name appears on the UC 2026-27 list | — |
| Wind Ensemble | CP | 9-12 | Audition or conductor approvalHonors credit is available to students who meet the requirements; no course with this name appears on the UC 2026-27 list | — |
| Graphic Design - Adobe Animate | CP | 9-12 | —The school catalog marks this course as UC-approved, but no course with this name appears on the UC 2026-27 list | — |
| Lion Band | Other | 9-12 | No audition requiredMarching band that rehearses after school; may satisfy the arts graduation requirement; no course with this name appears on the UC 2026-27 list | — |
Physical Education & Health
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health Education | Other | 9-12 | —Required for graduation for the Classes of 2026 through 2029, one semester; Medical Magnet students take Introduction to Health Sciences instead; Not on the UC A-G list | — |
| Introduction to Sport and Activity | Other | 9-12 | —Physical education course; the school catalog lists this course as pending UC review | — |
| Introduction to Developmental Volleyball | Other | 9-12 | —Physical education course; Not on the UC A-G list | — |
| Introduction to Developmental Tennis & Pickleball | Other | 9-12 | —Physical education course; Not on the UC A-G list | — |
| Dance Workshop (PE) | Other | 9-12 | AuditionDance course offered by the Physical Education Department; two consecutive years of intermediate or advanced dance may count toward physical education credit; Not on the UC A-G list | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Irvine families often ask: do theology courses at JSerra Catholic High School count as UC A-G courses?
Only some do. According to the UC A-G list for the 2026-27 school year, the four Humanities program theology courses at JSerra Catholic High School, Humanities Theology 1H through 4H, are registered as g-category electives, but none is a UC-approved honors course; the grade 12 Social Justice course is also in the g category, but UC approves only one semester of it. Theology 1, 2 and 3 in the standard sequence, Theology 2 Honors and Theology 3 Honors, Introduction to Catholic Principles, and Lives of the Saints Honors are not on the list, and the school catalog lists Christian Apologetics as under UC review.
How do the graduation requirements at JSerra Catholic High School differ from UC A-G requirements, and which should Irvine families follow?
JSerra Catholic High School requires 270 credits to graduate: theology 40, English 40, mathematics 30, science 30, social studies 30, world languages 20, fine arts 10, physical education 20 and electives 50, each completed with semester grades of C or higher. UC A-G requires 15 year-long courses, all with grades of C or higher, and recommends 4 years of math and 3 years each of science and a language other than English. The school requires 3 years of science, more than the UC minimum, but only 2 years of a world language. EDUBUS recommends scheduling to the UC recommended standard, with 3 years of a world language and 4 years of math.
Irvine families want to know: how many courses do students take each year at JSerra Catholic High School, and can schedules change after school starts?
The JSerra Catholic High School School Profile states that students in grades 9 to 11 must take 7 courses each year, and grade 12 students at least 6. Incoming freshmen have a course selection meeting of about 20 minutes with a counselor in May. For the 2026-27 school year, the course change deadline is 3 p.m. on August 28, 2026 for the first semester and January 8, 2027 for the second semester; changes are allowed only to correct scheduling errors, adjust course level or resolve lunch period conflicts, and students may not request specific teachers or periods.
Can Irvine students take courses outside school and have them recorded on the JSerra Catholic High School transcript?
No. The JSerra Catholic High School course catalog states that graduation requirements must be completed at the school; outside courses taken to accelerate or to meet prerequisites require prior approval from the Assistant Principal for Academics and are not recorded on the school transcript. The school's own online courses ($800 per course per semester) and its six-week summer school are the on-campus alternatives. The course descriptions for Geometry, Geometry Honors, Algebra 2 and Algebra 2/Trigonometry Honors all state that the course must be taken at the school to count toward graduation.
Can Chinese-speaking Irvine students skip levels in Chinese at JSerra Catholic High School?
They may apply to do so. JSerra Catholic High School offers Mandarin Chinese 1 and 2, Mandarin Chinese 3 Honors and 4 Honors, and AP Chinese Language and Culture, which is open from grade 10. Incoming freshmen who wish to enter Mandarin Chinese 3 Honors or 4 Honors directly must interview with the teacher, and entry into level 2 or above of any world language requires the world languages department challenge exam. On the UC list, Mandarin Chinese 3 Honors and 4 Honors are both UC-approved honors courses, and AP Chinese requires a B in the first semester of Mandarin Chinese 4 Honors and a teacher recommendation.
Should incoming Irvine freshmen at JSerra Catholic High School apply to a Magnet Program?
It depends on whether the student already has a fairly clear direction. The Business, Engineering, Law and Medical programs at JSerra Catholic High School all run four years and charge an additional $1,000 per year. The freshman schedule reserves period 7 for a program course, an academic support course or an elective, and only program students may take program courses. The Business, Engineering and Law programs have an application deadline of November 1, 2026; the website lists the Medical program deadline as to be announced. Program courses are all graded as honors at the school, but several Medical and Law courses are not on the UC list, so each course should be checked before enrolling.
