The Sage Hill School course catalog for 2026-27 is the school’s first catalog covering grades 7 through 12. It lists each department’s course roadmap, course descriptions, and prerequisites, and marks courses weighted at school in bold. This page starts from the official University of California (UC) A-G course list, adds the grade levels and prerequisites from the school catalog for each course, and includes middle school courses, Arts Survey, physical health, and Sage Center programs that fall outside the A-G list. The overall picture of the UC list comes first.
UC A-G refers to the seven subject areas that the University of California and the 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.
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
- Honors Algebra II and Trigonometry
- Honors Chemistry
Graduation Requirements
Sage Hill School states its graduation requirements in years rather than credits. The following apply to upper school grades 9 through 12.
| Subject | Requirement |
|---|---|
| English | 4 years |
| History and Social Studies | 3 consecutive years, through United States History or AP United States History |
| Mathematics | 3 consecutive years, through Algebra II |
| Science | 3 years of laboratory science |
| World Languages | 3 years, including completion of level III in the same language |
| Visual and Performing Arts | 2 years |
| Physical Health and Wellness | 3 years or 9 physical health and wellness credits; required in grades 9 and 10 |
| Service Learning | 4 years |
| Spring at Sage | 4 years |
| Sage Center Designated Courses | 4 courses |
The school lists graduation requirements in years rather than credits, and each course must be completed with a passing grade. The 4 Sage Center Designated Courses (SCD) became a graduation requirement beginning with the Class of 2025; two are required, Patterns of Civilization in grade 9 and English 10 in grade 10, and the other two are chosen in grades 11 and 12. The "3 consecutive years" of mathematics does not include summer courses.
Graduation requirements and UC application requirements are two separate standards. The table below lists them side by side; the UC column comes from the University of California admission website.
| UC A-G area | School graduation requirement / UC requirement |
|---|---|
| a History and social science | School: 3 consecutive years through United States history; UC: 2 years (1 year of world history, and 1 year of United States history or half a year each of United States history and civics) |
| b English | School: 4 years; UC: 4 years |
| c Mathematics | School: 3 consecutive years through Algebra II; UC: 3 years including geometry, with 4 years strongly recommended |
| d Laboratory science | School: 3 years of laboratory science; UC: 2 years, with 3 recommended |
| e Language other than English | School: 3 years through level III; UC: 2 years of the same language, with 3 recommended |
| f Visual and performing arts | School: 2 years; UC: 1 year |
| g College-preparatory elective | School: not listed separately; UC: 1 year, which grade 12 courses such as Ethics and Political Philosophy, Principles of Business, and Honors Ethnic Studies can satisfy |
| Grades and course count | School: completion with passing grades; UC: 15 full-year courses with grades of C or better, 11 of them completed before grade 12 |
EDUBUS recommends adding one item beyond the school requirements, following the UC recommended standard: 4 full years of mathematics. The school’s science, world language, and arts requirements already exceed UC minimums, so choosing courses according to the graduation requirements satisfies most A-G areas. Geometry needs extra attention: both the school course catalog and the math placement page note that UC requires one year of geometry with credit earned in grades 7 through 12, and students who test out of geometry through placement without a record of taking the course will lack this item.
Middle School Promotion Requirements
Over the two Middle School years, students must complete with passing grades 2 years each of English, science, history, mathematics, and world language; two arts or elective courses each year; 2 years of physical education or 6 athletic seasons; and 2 years each of Service Learning and Spring at Sage. Eight blocks per day: 5 core courses, 2 electives, and 1 physical education block; every student plays a team sport each season (fall, winter, spring) and competes in the TriWay League. Middle school courses are not on the UC A-G list, but UC allows grade 7 and 8 math and world language courses validated by the high school to satisfy the corresponding requirements; all other areas must be completed in grades 9 through 12.
Course Selection Rules
This section answers three questions: how many courses a student takes each year, how the schedule is built, and whether it can change after the year begins.
| Number of courses | Each Upper School student takes at least 5 and at most 7 academic courses per year (excluding physical health and wellness). The schedule has 7 blocks (A through G); students in grades 9 and 10 must use one of them for a physical health and wellness course or dance. The school states that it is common for upperclassmen to have one or two study blocks in their schedules |
|---|---|
| Schedule | In 2026-27 the Upper School follows a rotating block schedule: four 80-minute blocks per day on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, and seven 40-minute short blocks on Wednesday; there is also Conference time twice a week, a Monday Town Meeting all-school assembly, and Friday Advisory |
| Number of honors and AP courses | The school strongly recommends that students take no more than 3 honors and AP courses combined each year. When a course request exceeds 3, the student and parents must sign a Balanced Schedule Acknowledgement Letter or revise the request; otherwise no schedule is issued |
| How to register | Current students plan the following year's courses with their advisor during the spring advisor-parent conference. In most departments, honors and AP courses do not require a specific letter grade in the preceding course; instead, placement depends on teacher recommendation and feedback from the first three quarters. Upper-level math, world languages, and performing arts also use placement tests |
| Adding and dropping courses | For 2026-27, the deadline to add AP and honors courses is September 1, 2026, and the general add/drop deadline is September 14. Courses cannot be added after the deadline; dropping a course requires approval from the teacher, department chair, advisor, and Assistant Head of School for Academics, and is recorded on the transcript as W/P or W/F with 0 credits. The school may cancel courses with fewer than 9 students enrolled |
| Sage Connected online courses | Sage Connected offers blended online courses open only to grades 11 and 12; a Sage Connected course may serve as a sixth or seventh course, is limited to one per school year, and usually meets during zero period |
| Outside courses | To use an outside course for advancement, students must obtain written approval from the department chair in advance, and only courses the school also offers qualify; students may need to take a proficiency test upon return. Approved outside courses do not count toward the school's graduation requirements, do not appear on the school transcript, and are not included in the GPA, but the outside transcript is sent to colleges together with the school transcript. Math has an additional rule: except for Geometry, math courses taken elsewhere are not accepted as the basis for advancement at the school |
| Homework load | Upper School courses average 2 to 3 hours of homework per week, with more for honors and AP courses; no homework is assigned over Thanksgiving, winter break, or spring break |
The school course catalog states that in most departments, placement into honors or AP courses depends not on the letter grade in the previous course but on teacher feedback and recommendations from the first three quarters. This means parents can rarely predict advancement from the transcript alone; before the spring advisor conference each year, families should ask each teacher whether the student will be recommended.
Pathways by Subject
The pathways below follow the roadmaps in the school course catalog; grades 7 and 8 are middle school courses.
English
- Grade 9: English 9: Introduction to Literary Genres
- Grade 10: English 10: World Literature, a Sage Center Designated Course paired with Service Learning in which students tutor fourth graders at a partner elementary school
- Grade 11: English 11: American Literature or Honors English 11 (requires an A- writing average in English 10 and an English Department recommendation)
- Grade 12: English 12 topic electives (Utopian and Dystopian Futures, Adventure Literature, Music and Memory) or AP English Literature (requires an A- writing average in English 11 or a B+ writing average in Honors English 11)
The only honors level in English is Honors English 11 in grade 11, and the only grade 12 AP course is AP English Literature; the school does not offer AP English Language. English 10 is combined with Service Learning, pairing students with fourth-grade students at a partner elementary school for tutoring throughout the year.
Science
- Grade 9: Chemistry or Honors Chemistry; Honors Chemistry requires math placement in Honors Algebra II or higher
- Grade 10: Biology or Honors Biology; students who have completed Algebra II may take AP Chemistry instead, or take AP Physics 1 alongside Biology
- Grade 11: AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Physics 1, AP Physics 2, or electives such as Marine Science, Organic Chemistry, and Engineering
- Grade 12: AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism, AP Environmental Science, or a science course not taken in grade 11; graduation requires 3 years of laboratory science
Sage Hill School's science sequence places Chemistry before Biology, the reverse of the Biology-then-Chemistry order at most public high schools. Human Anatomy and Physiology alternates years with Marine Science; the school states that it will be offered again in 2027-28. Under UC classification, Engineering belongs to area g and 3D Design, Modeling, and Fabrication belongs to area d; Engineering is open to grades 11 and 12 and requires current enrollment in Algebra II or higher.
History and Social Studies
- Grade 7: World Geography and Cultures
- Grade 8: American Beginnings: History, Government, Civics and Geography
- Grade 9: Patterns of Civilization, required, including a historical research project on the National History Day theme
- Grade 10: Modern World History or AP World History
- Grade 11: United States History or AP United States History
- Grade 12: Ethics and Political Philosophy, Principles of Business, Honors Ethnic Studies, or AP United States Government, AP Psychology, AP Economics, AP Art History
Patterns of Civilization in grade 9 is required of all new students, who complete a history research project on the annual National History Day theme and present it at the spring grade 9 history night. The grade 12 social studies AP courses all require United States history completed or taken concurrently at the school, with priority given to grade 12 students.
World Languages
- Chinese I-III and Honors Chinese IV (rotating between Literature and Film and Contemporary Society; may be repeated); all instruction uses simplified characters
- French I-III and Honors French IV (rotating topics)
- Latin I-III and Honors Latin IV (alternating Vergil and Catullus); the Middle School offers Latin IA and IB
- Spanish I-IV, Honors Spanish III, Advanced Topics in Spanish, and AP Spanish Language and Culture; the Middle School offers Spanish IA and IB
All new Upper School students must complete a world language placement form. Students with no background start directly in level I; new students who studied a language in middle school and wish to enter level II or III must take a placement test. Native or heritage speakers must contact the department chair for placement, and the school may require them to study a different language; heritage speakers may take honors or AP courses in that language no earlier than grade 11, with department approval. Grade 9 students may not take honors or AP world language courses. The school’s world language graduation requirement is 3 years through level III, above the 2 years UC requires. Honors IV in all four languages, along with Honors Spanish III and advanced topics in Spanish, are UC-approved honors courses.
Complete Course Map
Expand each department to view its courses. Each course shows its level, grade levels, prerequisites, and UC A-G area; courses shown with a dash (—) in the UC A-G column are not on the UC 2026-27 list. A course listed for grades “9-12” has no grade restriction at the school, and the actual grade depends on prerequisites. The notes column states whether the course is weighted by UC and at school, along with its transcript title on the UC list.
History and Social Studies
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP Government and Politics United States | AP | 11-12 | Prior or concurrent United States History or AP United States History (taken at the school); priority to grade 12UC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; weighted at the school; school catalog title: AP American Government; transcript title on the UC list: AP American Government | a |
| AP United States History | AP | 11 | Completion of Patterns of Civilization and Modern World History or AP World HistoryUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; weighted at the school; transcript title on the UC list: AP United States History, AP US History | a |
| AP World History | AP | 10 | Completion of Patterns of CivilizationUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; weighted at the school; transcript title on the UC list: AP World History | a |
| AP Art History | AP | 11-12 | Prior or concurrent United States History or AP United States History (taken at the school); priority to grade 12UC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; weighted at the school; listed under the History and Social Studies Department in the school catalog; transcript title on the UC list: AP Art History | f |
| AP Macroeconomics | AP | 11-12 | Prior or concurrent United States History or AP United States History (taken at the school); priority to grade 12; prior or concurrent Algebra IIUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; weighted at the school; the school catalog offers a single full-year AP Economics course covering both microeconomics and macroeconomics; transcript title on the UC list: AP Economics | g |
| AP Microeconomics | AP | 11-12 | Prior or concurrent United States History or AP United States History (taken at the school); priority to grade 12; prior or concurrent Algebra IIUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; weighted at the school; the school catalog offers a single full-year AP Economics course covering both microeconomics and macroeconomics; transcript title on the UC list: AP Economics | g |
| AP Psychology | AP | 11-12 | Prior or concurrent United States History or AP United States History (taken at the school); priority to grade 12UC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; weighted at the school; transcript title on the UC list: AP Psychology | g |
| Honors Ethnic Studies | Honors | 11-12 | Prior or concurrent United States History or AP United States History (taken at the school); priority to grade 12UC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; Sage Center Designated Course (SCD); weighted at the school; transcript title on the UC list: Ethnic Studies | g |
| Modern World History | CP | 10 | Completion of Patterns of CivilizationOnline version noted on the UC list; transcript title on the UC list: Modern World History | a |
| Patterns of Civilization | CP | 9 | None; required in grade 9Sage Center Designated Course (SCD), including grade 9 Service Learning and a historical research project; transcript title on the UC list: Ancient World History, Patterns of Civilization | a |
| United States History | CP | 11 | Completion of Patterns of Civilization and Modern World History or AP World HistoryTranscript title on the UC list: US History | a |
| Ethics and Political Philosophy | CP | 11-12 | Prior or concurrent United States History or AP United States History (taken at the school); priority to grade 12Sage Center Designated Course (SCD); transcript title on the UC list: Ethics and Political Philosophy | g |
| Principles of Business | CP | 11-12 | Prior or concurrent United States History or AP United States History (taken at the school); priority to grade 12Sage Center Designated Course (SCD); transcript title on the UC list: Principles of Business | g |
| World Geography and Cultures | CP | 7 | —Middle School course, grade 7 only; not on the UC A-G course list | — |
| American Beginnings: History, Government, Civics and Geography | CP | 8 | —Middle School course, grade 8 only; not on the UC A-G course list | — |
English
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP English Literature and Composition | AP | 12 | English Department recommendation, plus an A- or higher writing average in English 11 or a B+ or higher writing average in Honors English 11UC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; weighted at the school; school catalog title: English 12: AP English Literature and Composition; transcript title on the UC list: AP English Literature and Composition | b |
| Honors English 11: American Literature | Honors | 11 | English Department recommendation and an A- or higher writing average in English 10UC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; weighted at the school; transcript title on the UC list: Accel English III, American Literature (H) | b |
| Brave New Worlds: Utopian and Dystopian Futures | CP | 12 | Completion of English 11 or Honors English 11School catalog title: English 12: Brave New Worlds; Sage Center Designated Course (SCD); transcript title on the UC list: English IV/Brave New World | b |
| English 10: World Literature | CP | 10 | Completion of English 9Sage Center Designated Course (SCD), paired with Service Learning in which students tutor elementary school fourth graders; transcript title on the UC list: English II: World Literature | b |
| English 11: American Literature | CP | 11 | Completion of English 10Transcript title on the UC list: English III: American Literature | b |
| English 12: Music and Memory: Poetry and Personal Memoir | CP | 12 | Completion of English 11 or Honors English 11Sage Center Designated Course (SCD); transcript title on the UC list: English IV: Music and Memory | b |
| English 9: Introduction to Literary Genre | CP | 9 | —School catalog title: English 9: (W)rites of Passage: Introduction to Literary Genres; transcript title on the UC list: English I: Introduction to Literary Genre | b |
| Storytellers’ Workshop | CP | 11-12 | Prior or concurrent English 11 or Honors English 11Sage Connected blended online course meeting three days a week during zero period; priority to grade 12; online version noted on the UC list; transcript title on the UC list: Storytellers' Workshop (Sage Connected) | b |
| English 12: Adventure Literature | CP | 12 | Completion of English 11 or Honors English 11Grade 12 English topic elective; not on the UC 2026-27 A-G course list; confirm with the school | — |
| English 7: Art and Empathy | CP | 7 | —Middle School course; not on the UC A-G course list (the UC list includes only high school courses) | — |
| English 8: American Voices | CP | 8 | Completion of English 7Middle School course; not on the UC A-G course list | — |
Mathematics
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP Calculus AB | AP | 9-12 | Mathematics Department recommendation; from Precalculus, an A in both semesters and passing placement; from Honors Precalculus or Honors Algebra II and Trigonometry, a B in both semesters with no additional testUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; weighted at the school; transcript title on the UC list: AP Calculus AB | c |
| AP Calculus BC | AP | 9-12 | Mathematics Department recommendation; A- or higher in both semesters of Honors Precalculus or Honors Algebra II and Trigonometry, and passing placementUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; weighted at the school; students who have taken AP Calculus AB may not enroll; transcript title on the UC list: AP Calculus BC | c |
| AP Computer Science A | AP | 9-12 | Mathematics Department recommendation; completion of Algebra II or Honors Algebra II and Trigonometry, with an A in both semesters of the most recent non-honors math course or a B in both semesters of an honors or AP math courseUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; weighted at the school; school catalog title: AP Computer Science (Java); counts as a math elective, and the school recommends taking a core math course alongside it; transcript title on the UC list: AP Computer Science, AP Java, AP Java A | c |
| AP Statistics | AP | 11-12 | Completion of Algebra II or higherUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; weighted at the school; year-long research project in APA format; transcript title on the UC list: AP Statistics | c |
| Advanced Topics in Mathematics | Honors | 9-12 | Mathematics Department recommendation; A- or higher in both semesters of Multivariable Calculus or Linear AlgebraUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; Post-AP course: introduction to proofs, set theory, number theory, and group theory; weighted at the school; transcript title on the UC list: Advanced Topics in Mathematics, Topics in Advanced Mathematics | c |
| Calculus C | Honors | 9-12 | Mathematics Department recommendation; a B in both semesters of AP Calculus ABUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; follows AP Calculus AB and covers the second half of the BC content; students may take the AP Calculus BC exam; weighted at the school; transcript title on the UC list: Calculus C | c |
| Honors Algebra II and Trigonometry | Honors | 9-12 | Mathematics Department recommendation, an A in both semesters of Geometry, and passing the Honors Algebra II and Trigonometry placement; new students must pass the Algebra I, Geometry, and 30-minute supplemental placement testsSchool-designated honors course, not weighted in the UC GPA; covers Algebra II and Precalculus content in one year; weighted at the school; transcript title on the UC list: Accelerated Algebra II, Accelerated Algebra II and Trigonometry | c |
| Honors Precalculus | Honors | 9-12 | Mathematics Department recommendation, an A in both semesters of Algebra II, and passing the Honors Precalculus placement; or completion of Honors Algebra II and TrigonometryUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; weighted at the school; transcript title on the UC list: Accelerated Precalculus | c |
| Linear Algebra | Honors | 9-12 | Mathematics Department recommendation; B+ or higher in both semesters of Calculus or a higher courseUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; weighted at the school; transcript title on the UC list: Linear Algebra | c |
| Multivariable Calculus | Honors | 9-12 | Mathematics Department recommendation; A- or higher in both semesters of AP Calculus AB, or B or higher in both semesters of AP Calculus BCUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; Post-AP course; students who have taken Calculus C may not enroll; weighted at the school; transcript title on the UC list: Multivariable Calculus | c |
| Advanced Topics in Computer Science | Honors | 9-12 | Completion of AP Computer Science or passing placementUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; Post-AP course (C# and game development); counts as a math elective; weighted at the school; transcript title on the UC list: Advanced Topics in Computer Science | g |
| Honors Money Management | Honors | 9-12 | Completion of Algebra IIUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; Sage Center Designated Course (SCD); counts as a math elective; weighted at the school; transcript title on the UC list: Honors Money Management | g |
| Algebra I | CP | Middle and upper school | None; new grade 9 students starting in Algebra I do not take a placement testTranscript title on the UC list: Algebra I | c |
| Algebra II | CP | Middle and upper school | Completion of Algebra I and Geometry; new students must pass the Algebra I and Geometry placement testsTranscript title on the UC list: Algebra II | c |
| Calculus | CP | 9-12 | B or higher in both semesters of PrecalculusTranscript title on the UC list: Business Calculus, Calculus | c |
| Geometry | CP | Middle and upper school | Completion of Algebra I; new students must pass the Algebra I placement testUC requires one year of geometry in grades 7-12; a Sage Connected online version is also offered in summer; online version noted on the UC list; transcript title on the UC list: Geometry, Geometry (Sage Connected) | c |
| Precalculus | CP | 9-12 | Completion of Algebra IITranscript title on the UC list: Pre-Calculus | c |
| Pre-Algebra | CP | 7 | None; students who pass the Middle School placement test may go directly to Algebra IMiddle School course; not on the UC A-G course list | — |
Science
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP Biology | AP | 10-12 | Completion of one year of chemistry and one year of biology, with prior or current Algebra II or higher; a B+ or higher average in biology is recommendedUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; weighted at the school; transcript title on the UC list: AP Biology | d |
| AP Chemistry | AP | 10-12 | Completion of one year of chemistry and Algebra II or higher; a B+ or higher average in Chemistry or Honors Chemistry is recommendedUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; weighted at the school; transcript title on the UC list: AP Chemistry | d |
| AP Environmental Science | AP | 11-12 | Completion of one year of chemistry and one year of biologyUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; weighted at the school; transcript title on the UC list: AP Environmental Science | d |
| AP Physics 1 | AP | 10-12 | Completion of one year of chemistry and Algebra II, with prior or current one year of biologyUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; weighted at the school; transcript title on the UC list: AP Physics 1 | d |
| AP Physics 2 | AP | 11-12 | Completion of one year of physics (mechanics) and Algebra IIUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; weighted at the school; transcript title on the UC list: AP Physics 2 | d |
| AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism | AP | 11-12 | Completion of Calculus or higher and one year of physics (mechanics)UC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; weighted at the school; the school does not offer AP Physics C: Mechanics; transcript title on the UC list: AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism | d |
| Honors Biology | Honors | 10-12 | An A in both semesters of Chemistry, or A- or higher in both semesters of Honors ChemistryUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; weighted at the school; transcript title on the UC list: Accelerated Biology | d |
| Honors Chemistry | Honors | 9 | Math placement in Honors Algebra II or higherSchool-designated honors course, not weighted in the UC GPA; weighted at the school; transcript title on the UC list: Accelerated Chemistry | d |
| 3D Design, Modeling, and Fabrication | CP | 11-12 | No prior experience required; priority to grade 12Sage Connected blended online course; may serve as a sixth or seventh course; Sage Center Designated Course (SCD); online version noted on the UC list; transcript title on the UC list: 3D Design, Modeling and Fabrication (Sage Connecte | d |
| Biology | CP | 10-12 | Completion of one year of high school chemistryTranscript title on the UC list: Biology | d |
| Chemistry | CP | 9 | None; grade 9 science courseTranscript title on the UC list: Chemistry | d |
| Marine Science | CP | 10-12 | Completion of one year of high school biologySage Center Designated Course (SCD); alternates years with Human Anatomy and Physiology; transcript title on the UC list: Marine Science | d |
| Organic Chemistry | CP | 11-12 | Completion of one year of chemistry and one year of biologySage Center Designated Course (SCD); transcript title on the UC list: Organic Chemistry | d |
| Engineering | CP | 11-12 | Current enrollment in Algebra II or higherSage Center Designated Course (SCD); transcript title on the UC list: Engineering | g |
| Life Science | CP | 7 | —Middle School course, grade 7 only; not on the UC A-G course list | — |
| Physical Science | CP | 8 | —Middle School course, grade 8 only; not on the UC A-G course list | — |
World Languages
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP Spanish Language and Culture | AP | 11-12 | Completion of Honors Spanish III or Spanish IV, with World Languages Department recommendationUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; weighted at the school; transcript title on the UC list: AP Spanish Lang., AP Spanish Language & Culture, Spanish IV: Language (AP) | e |
| Advanced Topics in Spanish | Honors | 11-12 | Completion of Spanish IV or equivalent, with World Languages Department recommendationUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; weighted at the school; transcript title on the UC list: Advanced Topics in Spanish | e |
| Honors Chinese IV | Honors | 10-12 | Completion of Chinese III, with World Languages Department recommendationUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; school catalog title: Honors Chinese IV: Literature and Film; rotating topics, may be repeated; weighted at the school; transcript title on the UC list: Accelerated Chinese IV, Accelerated Chinese IV: Contemporary Society, Accelerated Chinese IV: Literature and Film | e |
| Honors French IV | Honors | 10-12 | Completion of French III, with World Languages Department recommendationUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; school catalog title: Honors French IV: Contemporary Society; rotating topics; weighted at the school; transcript title on the UC list: Accelerated French IV, Accelerated French IV: Contemporary Society, Accelerated French IV: Literature and Film | e |
| Honors Latin IV | Honors | 10-12 | Completion of Latin III or equivalent, with World Languages Department recommendationUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; school catalog title: Honors Latin IV: Vergil, alternating with Catullus; weighted at the school; transcript title on the UC list: Accel Latin IV- Catullus, Accel Latin IV- Vergil, Accelerated Latin 4 Honors, Accelerated Latin IV: Catullus, Accelerated Latin IV: Vergil | e |
| Honors Spanish III | Honors | 10-12 | An A in both semesters of Spanish II, a recommendation from the Spanish II teacher, and passing the Honors Spanish III placementUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; covers the content of both Spanish III and Spanish IV; weighted at the school; transcript title on the UC list: Accelerated Spanish III | e |
| Chinese I | CP | 9-12 | None; open to beginnersTaught in simplified characters; transcript title on the UC list: Chinese I | e |
| Chinese II | CP | 9-12 | Completion of Chinese I or equivalent, with World Languages Department recommendation; new students must take the placement testTranscript title on the UC list: Chinese II | e |
| Chinese III | CP | 9-12 | Completion of Chinese II or equivalent, with World Languages Department recommendationSage Center Designated Course (SCD); transcript title on the UC list: Chinese III | e |
| French I | CP | 9-12 | None; open to beginnersTranscript title on the UC list: French I | e |
| French II | CP | 9-12 | Completion of French I or equivalent, with World Languages Department recommendationTranscript title on the UC list: French II | e |
| French III | CP | 9-12 | Completion of French II or equivalent, with World Languages Department recommendationSage Center Designated Course (SCD); transcript title on the UC list: French III | e |
| Latin I | CP | 9-12 | None; open to beginnersTranscript title on the UC list: Latin I | e |
| Latin II | CP | 9-12 | Completion of Latin I or Middle School Latin IB, with World Languages Department recommendationTranscript title on the UC list: Latin II | e |
| Latin III | CP | 9-12 | Completion of Latin II or equivalent, with World Languages Department recommendationSage Center Designated Course (SCD); transcript title on the UC list: Latin III | e |
| Spanish I | CP | 9-12 | None; open to beginnersTranscript title on the UC list: Spanish I | e |
| Spanish II | CP | 9-12 | Completion of Spanish I or Middle School Spanish IB, with World Languages Department recommendationTranscript title on the UC list: Spanish II | e |
| Spanish III | CP | 9-12 | Completion of Spanish II, with World Languages Department recommendationTranscript title on the UC list: Spanish III | e |
| Spanish IV | CP | 10-12 | Completion of Spanish III, with World Languages Department recommendationSage Center Designated Course (SCD); transcript title on the UC list: Spanish 4, Spanish IV | e |
| Latin IA | CP | 7-8 | —Middle School course; together with Latin IB, equivalent to high school Latin I; not on the UC A-G course list (UC allows grade 7 and 8 world language courses validated by the high school to satisfy the E requirement) | — |
| Latin IB | CP | 7-8 | Completion of Latin IAMiddle School course; leads to high school Latin II; not on the UC A-G course list | — |
| Spanish IA | CP | 7-8 | —Middle School course; together with Spanish IB, equivalent to high school Spanish I; not on the UC A-G course list | — |
| Spanish IB | CP | 7-8 | Completion of Spanish IAMiddle School course; leads to high school Spanish II; not on the UC A-G course list | — |
Visual and Performing Arts
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP 2D Art and Design | AP | 10-12 | Completion of a level II or higher visual arts course and passing portfolio reviewUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; weighted at the school; school catalog title: AP Art and Design; students may submit a 2D, Drawing, or 3D portfolio; transcript title on the UC list: AP Art and Design, AP Studio Art | f |
| AP Music Theory | AP | 10-12 | Approval after a meeting with the instrumental music teacher or Arts Department chair; one year in a school ensemble is recommended firstUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; weighted at the school; transcript title on the UC list: AP Music Theory | f |
| Honors Art Lab | Honors | 10-12 | Completion of Fundamentals of Art II, Digital Art II, or Ceramics II, and Arts Department approvalUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; Sage Center Designated Course (SCD); weighted at the school; transcript title on the UC list: Honors Art Lab | f |
| Honors Dance Ensemble | Honors | 10-12 | Arts Department recommendation after application or auditionUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; Sage Center Designated Course (SCD); weighted at the school; transcript title on the UC list: Honors Dance Ensemble | f |
| Honors Dance IV | Honors | 10-12 | Arts Department recommendation after application or auditionUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; school catalog title: Honors Dance IV: Advanced Choreography; Sage Center Designated Course (SCD); weighted at the school; transcript title on the UC list: Dance IV | f |
| Honors Guitar Ensemble | Honors | 10-12 | Arts Department approval after auditionUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; Sage Center Designated Course (SCD); weighted at the school; transcript title on the UC list: Honors Guitar Ensemble | f |
| Honors Strings Ensemble | Honors | 10-12 | Arts Department approval after auditionUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; Sage Center Designated Course (SCD); weighted at the school; transcript title on the UC list: Honors Strings Ensemble | f |
| Honors Theater Ensemble | Honors | 11-12 | Selection by audition each springUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; Sage Center Designated Course (SCD); weighted at the school; transcript title on the UC list: Honors Theatre Ensemble | f |
| Honors Theatre III | Honors | 10-12 | Completion of Theatre II, or completion of Theatre I with approval by auditionUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; weighted at the school | f |
| Honors Vocal Ensemble | Honors | 10-12 | Arts Department approval after auditionUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; Sage Center Designated Course (SCD); weighted at the school; transcript title on the UC list: Honors Vocal Ensemble | f |
| Honors Winds Ensemble | Honors | 10-12 | Arts Department approval after auditionUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; Sage Center Designated Course (SCD); weighted at the school; transcript title on the UC list: Honors Winds Ensemble | f |
| Ceramics I | CP | 9-12 | —Transcript title on the UC list: Ceramics, Intro to Ceramics | f |
| Ceramics II | CP | 9-12 | Completion of Ceramics I and Arts Department approvalSage Center Designated Course (SCD), with a Service Learning component; transcript title on the UC list: Ceramics II | f |
| Dance I | CP | 9-12 | Arts Department approval after auditionTranscript title on the UC list: Dance I | f |
| Dance II | CP | 9-12 | Completion of Dance I or equivalent experience, and Arts Department approval after auditionTranscript title on the UC list: Dance II | f |
| Dance III | CP | 9-12 | Completion of Dance II or equivalent experience, and Arts Department approval after auditionSage Center Designated Course (SCD); transcript title on the UC list: Dance III | f |
| Digital Art I | CP | 9-12 | —Transcript title on the UC list: Digital Art, Digital Art I | f |
| Digital Art II | CP | 9-12 | Completion of Digital Art I and Arts Department approvalSage Center Designated Course (SCD) | f |
| Fundamentals of Art I | CP | 9-12 | —Transcript title on the UC list: Art Fundamentals I, Art I, Fundamentals of Art 1 | f |
| Fundamentals of Art II | CP | 9-12 | Completion of Fundamentals of Art I or Arts Department approvalSage Center Designated Course (SCD); transcript title on the UC list: Art Fundamentals II, Art II, Fundamentals of Art II | f |
| Guitar Ensemble | CP | 9-12 | Arts Department approval after auditionSage Center Designated Course (SCD); transcript title on the UC list: Guitar Ensemble | f |
| Strings Ensemble | CP | 9-12 | Arts Department approval after auditionSage Center Designated Course (SCD); transcript title on the UC list: Strings Ensemble | f |
| Theatre I | CP | 9-12 | —School catalog title: Theatre I: Performance & Design; transcript title on the UC list: Theatre I | f |
| Theatre II | CP | 9-12 | Completion of Theatre I, or Arts Department approval after auditionSchool catalog title: Theatre II: Acting Styles; Sage Center Designated Course (SCD); transcript title on the UC list: Theatre II | f |
| Vocal Ensemble | CP | 9-12 | Arts Department approval after auditionSage Center Designated Course (SCD); transcript title on the UC list: Chorus - Chamber Singers, Concert Choir | f |
| Winds Ensemble | CP | 9-12 | Arts Department approval after auditionSage Center Designated Course (SCD); transcript title on the UC list: Winds Ensemble | f |
| Arts Survey | CP | 9 | None; new students with high school-level arts experience may audition or submit a portfolio to enter the corresponding course directlyGrade 9 arts survey course: students rotate through arts disciplines in the first semester and focus on one in the second; it does not count as the first year of any discipline and therefore does not count toward honors arts prerequisites; not on the UC 2026-27 A-G course list | — |
Physical Health and Wellness
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sage Fit | Other | 9-12 | —Physical health and wellness course graded pass/fail; grades 9 and 10 must take physical health and wellness or dance, with exemption for seasons on a school team; not on the UC 2026-27 A-G course list | — |
Sage Center Programs
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Service Learning | Other | 7-12 | None; required every year6 of the 8 Sage Center Days each year are full days devoted to Service Learning, with credit on completion; not on the UC 2026-27 A-G course list | — |
| Spring at Sage | Other | 7-12 | None; required every yearAbout one week of seminars or travel after AP and final exams, with credit on completion; not on the UC 2026-27 A-G course list | — |
| Independent Study | Other | 11-12 | Completion of all courses in a subject, good academic standing, and a proposal approved by the department chair and the Assistant Head of School for AcademicsYear-long; earns a letter grade and one semester of credit on completion but does not count toward graduation requirements; not on the UC 2026-27 A-G course list | — |
Middle School Electives
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Journalism | CP | 7-8 | —Middle School elective; students choose two each year; not on the UC A-G course list | — |
| Study Skills | CP | 7-8 | —Middle School elective; students choose two each year; not on the UC A-G course list | — |
| Leadership | CP | 7-8 | —Middle School elective; students choose two each year; not on the UC A-G course list | — |
| Model United Nations | CP | 7-8 | —Middle School elective; students choose two each year; not on the UC A-G course list | — |
| Debate | CP | 7-8 | —Middle School elective; students choose two each year; not on the UC A-G course list | — |
| Computer Science | CP | 7-8 | —Middle School elective; students choose two each year; not on the UC A-G course list | — |
| Robotics | CP | 7-8 | —Middle School elective; students choose two each year; not on the UC A-G course list | — |
| Junior Classical League | CP | 7-8 | —Middle School elective; students choose two each year; not on the UC A-G course list | — |
| Sculpture | CP | 7-8 | —Middle School elective; students choose two each year; not on the UC A-G course list | — |
| Visual Arts | CP | 7-8 | —Middle School elective; students choose two each year; not on the UC A-G course list | — |
| Digital Art | CP | 7-8 | —Middle School elective; students choose two each year; not on the UC A-G course list | — |
| Dance Crew | CP | 7-8 | —Middle School elective; students choose two each year; not on the UC A-G course list | — |
| Dance Company | CP | 7-8 | —Middle School elective; students choose two each year; not on the UC A-G course list | — |
| Vocal Music | CP | 7-8 | —Middle School elective; students choose two each year; not on the UC A-G course list | — |
| Orchestra | CP | 7-8 | —Middle School elective; students choose two each year; not on the UC A-G course list | — |
| Theatre | CP | 7-8 | —Middle School elective; students choose two each year; not on the UC A-G course list | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Irvine families often ask: how do Sage Hill School graduation requirements differ from UC A-G requirements?
Sage Hill School states its graduation requirements in years: 4 years of English; 3 consecutive years of history and social studies through United States history; 3 consecutive years of mathematics through Algebra II; 3 years of laboratory science; 3 years of world language through level III; 2 years of arts; 3 years of physical health; plus 4 years of Service Learning, 4 years of Spring at Sage, and 4 Sage Center Designated Courses. The science, world language, and arts requirements all exceed UC minimums. UC additionally requires 15 full-year A-G courses with grades of C or better, 11 of them completed before grade 12, and strongly recommends 4 years of mathematics.
How many courses does a Sage Hill School student take each year, and which course selection rules should Irvine families know?
Sage Hill School upper school students take at least 5 academic courses each year (excluding physical health) and at most 7; the schedule has 7 periods, and students in grades 9 and 10 must use one period for physical health or dance. The school strongly recommends no more than 3 honors and AP courses combined each year, and a schedule with more than 3 requires a signed acknowledgment from the student and parents. For 2026-27, the deadline to add AP and honors courses is September 1 and the general add/drop deadline is September 14; courses dropped after that appear on the transcript as W/P or W/F.
An Irvine student already speaks Chinese. Can the student go straight into advanced Chinese at Sage Hill School?
Placement by the world languages department chair comes first. Sage Hill School requires native or bilingual speakers of Chinese or another modern language to contact the department chair to determine their level, and the department may require the student to study a different language instead. Native-speaker students may take honors or AP courses in that language no earlier than grade 11, with department approval, and no grade 9 student may take a world language honors or AP course. Chinese runs through Honors Chinese IV, taught entirely in simplified characters, and the school does not offer AP Chinese. On the UC list, Honors Chinese IV is a UC-approved honors course, while Chinese I through III count as regular courses.
Does Sage Hill School accept courses that Irvine students take outside school?
Only as a reference for advancement, not for the transcript. The Sage Hill School handbook requires prior written approval from the department chair to use an outside course for advancement, and only for courses the school also offers; approved outside courses do not count toward graduation requirements, do not appear on the school transcript, and do not count in the GPA, but the outside transcript is sent to colleges along with the school transcript. Mathematics has an additional rule: outside math courses other than Geometry are not used for advancement. Students who want to take a course early should usually enroll in the school's Summer at Sage credit courses.
Why does Sage Hill School teach chemistry first in grade 9, and what should Irvine families watch for?
Sage Hill School places chemistry in grade 9 and biology in grade 10, and the school states that chemistry is the foundation of science study at the school. Honors Chemistry requires placement into Honors Algebra II or higher, and Honors Biology requires an A in both semesters of Chemistry or an A- or higher in both semesters of Honors Chemistry. The school states that Honors Chemistry is intended for students who do not need to review algebra topics such as logarithms and systems of linear equations, so students coming from Irvine middle schools who want Honors Chemistry should build a solid algebra foundation before entry.
A note for Irvine families: which Sage Hill School courses are not on the UC A-G list?
According to the UC A-G list for 2026-27, neither Arts Survey, taken by new grade 9 students, nor the grade 12 English elective English 12: Adventure Literature is on the list, although the school course catalog states that all courses are UC-approved; families should confirm both with the school. Physical health, Service Learning, Spring at Sage, and independent study are also not on the list. Middle school courses in grades 7 and 8 are not on the UC list, but UC allows grade 7 and 8 math and world language courses validated by the high school to satisfy the corresponding requirements.
