AP (Advanced Placement) is the college-level course program of the College Board; each course leads to a national exam in May, scored out of 5. The IB Diploma Programme (International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme) is a two-year curriculum of the International Baccalaureate, with individual subject scores from 1 to 7 and a maximum Diploma total of 45. Santa Margarita Catholic High School offers 24 AP courses and the full IB Diploma Programme; it has been an IB World School since 1997 and is the only Catholic high school in Orange County offering the IB Diploma Programme. This page brings together who each track suits, subject-level results and recommended combinations, to help parents make the decision in 10th grade.
Who Each Track Suits
At this school the two tracks are not ranked by difficulty; they are two ways of organizing coursework. The school allows students to combine them: IB students often take AP courses as well and sit both sets of exams, and students not pursuing the full Diploma can take IB courses as course candidates. English is the clearest example: in 11th grade, AP English Language and English IB HL1 are taught in the same class, and in 12th grade, AP English Literature and English IB HL2 are taught in the same class.
| Track | Who it suits and requirements |
|---|---|
| AP (24 courses) | One course and one exam at a time, taken course by course, with the most flexible combinations. Suits students who want to build a schedule around an intended major. Students can begin in 10th grade with AP World History, AP European History, AP Art History or AP Music Theory; all courses open in 11th grade, with no additional requirements at the diploma level |
| Full IB Diploma | The IB Diploma Programme is a two-year program in grades 11-12. Full Diploma students take one course from each of IB Groups 1 through 5 and a sixth course from Group 6 (the arts) or an additional course from Group 3 or 4, for six courses in total: three HL and three SL, or four HL and two SL. HL courses are completed over two years with all exams taken in grade 12; SL courses may be completed in one or two years, with a maximum of two SL exams in grade 11. Students must also complete three core requirements: Theory of Knowledge (TOK, a required grade 12 course), the 4,000-word Extended Essay (EE), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) |
| IB course candidates | Students not pursuing the full Diploma may take IB courses as Course Candidates, and many students take both AP and IB courses and sit for both exams. The Classes of 2026 and 2027 had 276 course candidates in total, far more than full Diploma candidates |
| Preparing for IB | The school requires completion of the second level of a world language and Geometry before grade 11, and recommends that students take honors courses in grades 9-10, complete the fine arts graduation requirement, maintain grades of B or higher, and attend an IB information session |
| IB and theology | Full Diploma candidates take Philosophy IB HL1 and HL2, which may substitute for Theology 3 and Theology 4 in 11th and 12th grade; IB Philosophy is a UC-approved honors course, while Theology 3 and most Theology 4 options are not on the UC list |
| Fees (2026-27) | Full IB Diploma program fee $525; individual IB courses $175 per course, $50 for each additional course, up to $275; IB exam fees charged separately; AP exams $110 each |
AP Results by Subject (2026)
The following data come from the Santa Margarita Catholic High School 2026-2027 School Profile and are counted by exam: the denominator is the number of exams taken, not the number of students.
| AP subject | 2026 exams | Score 3+ | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychology | 160 | 86% | |
| Environmental Science | 150 | 91% | |
| English Language | 143 | 97% | |
| English Literature | 125 | 86% | |
| World History | 122 | 91% | |
| Microeconomics | 114 | 51% | |
| Macroeconomics | 108 | 57% | |
| US History | 98 | 98% | |
| Biology | 90 | 96% | |
| Calculus AB | 73 | 73% | |
| Physics 1 | 64 | 94% | |
| Statistics | 54 | 83% | |
| US Government | 53 | 96% | |
| European History | 48 | 90% | |
| Physics C Mechanics | 37 | 68% | |
| Art History | 28 | 82% | |
| Spanish Language | 26 | 65% | |
| Chinese Language and Culture | 23 | 91% | |
| Calculus BC | 22 | 86% | |
| Computer Science A | 19 | 79% | |
| Drawing | 15 | 100% | |
| 2-D Art & Design | 13 | 100% | |
| Music Theory | 9 | 78% | |
| French | 5 | 60% |
Based on the score distribution published in the 2026-2027 School Profile: of 1,615 exams, 360 earned a 5, 611 a 4, and 389 a 3, for a total of 1,360 exams scoring 3 or higher, or 84.2%. The same School Profile and the AP page also state that "91% of exams scored 3 or higher," which is inconsistent with the score distribution; the school does not explain the difference. In 2026, 730 students took AP courses and 343 earned the AP Scholar award (scores of 3 or higher on at least 3 exams), including 103 AP Scholars with Honor and 127 AP Scholars with Distinction.
Results vary widely across subjects. AP United States History (98%), AP English Language (97%), and AP Biology and AP United States Government (96% each) performed best. AP Macroeconomics (57%) and AP Microeconomics (51%) combine large numbers of exams with low rates of scores of 3 or higher; both are one-semester 12th-grade courses, and students must take at least one of the two exams. AP Physics C: Mechanics (68%) and AP Calculus AB (73%) are also well below the schoolwide level.
IB Exam Results (2026)
Became an IB World School in January 1997; the school describes itself as the first Catholic high school in the western United States to join the IB and the only Catholic high school in Orange County offering the IB Diploma Programme. In 2026 there were 17 full Diploma candidates (3% of the Class of 2026); 85% earned the diploma, with an average score of 30. The Class of 2027 has 9 full Diploma candidates. In the Classes of 2026 and 2027, 250 students sat 575 IB exams, with an overall pass rate of 70%.
| IB subject | Exams / pass rate |
|---|---|
| Philosophy HL | 184 exams / 76% |
| Business Management HL | 80 exams / 63% |
| Chemistry SL | 42 exams / 36% |
| English HL | 37 exams / 86% |
| Global Politics SL | 27 exams / 100% |
| Design Technology SL | 20 exams / 35% |
| Economics SL | 17 exams / 59% |
| Math AI SL | 16 exams / 75% |
| Spanish SL | 14 exams / 100% |
| Math AA HL | 14 exams / 86% |
| Biology HL | 13 exams / 77% |
| Film HL | 13 exams / 31% |
| Chemistry HL | 10 exams / 70% |
| Physics HL | 9 exams / 78% |
| Theater HL | 9 exams / 56% |
| Math AI HL | 8 exams / 50% |
| Math AA SL | 7 exams / 71% |
| Dance HL | 6 exams / 100% |
| French SL | 5 exams / 100% |
| Latin SL | 2 exams / 50% |
| Spanish HL | 1 exam / 100% |
| Theater SL | 1 exam / 100% |
| Extended Essay | 20 students / 95% |
| Theory of Knowledge | 20 students / 100% |
Note that individual IB subjects are scored from 1 to 7, and the school’s table does not state the score threshold behind its pass rate, so it cannot be converted directly to the AP measure of a 3 or higher. Philosophy HL, with 184 exams, is the largest subject because IB Philosophy also fulfills the theology requirement in grades 11 to 12. Chemistry SL (36%), Design Technology SL (35%) and Film HL (31%) have lower pass rates. 2025: 33 full Diploma candidates (8% of the Class of 2025), 94% earned the Diploma, average score 30; the Classes of 2025 and 2026 took 597 exams in total, with an overall pass rate of 80% (2025-2026 School Profile).
Grade Levels
Grade 9 students may not take any AP or IB course; grade 10 students may take only four AP courses (AP World History, AP European History, AP Art History, and AP Music Theory) and no IB courses; all AP and IB courses are open in grades 11-12. AP English Language is scheduled in grade 11 and AP English Literature in grade 12; AP Statistics, AP US Government, and AP Macroeconomics and Microeconomics are open only to grade 12. Students enrolled in an AP course must take the corresponding AP exam, at $110 per exam; only students who take the course at the school may test at the school. The school does not accept self-study students for other subjects, and students who wish to take an exam in a subject the school does not offer must test at another site.
Grade Levels and Prerequisites for Each AP Course
The table below is compiled course by course from the school’s 2026-27 course description book. The book’s general rule is that moving from a regular course to honors, AP or IB requires an A in the previous regular course in the same subject; students already in the honors sequence need a B or higher in the previous honors course.
| AP course | Grade levels and prerequisites |
|---|---|
| AP World History: Modern | Grades 10 to 12; 92% or higher in both semesters of English 1, or 88% or higher in both semesters of English 1 Honors; in grades 11 to 12, based on history grades |
| AP European History | Grades 10 to 12; same prerequisites as AP World History |
| AP Art History | Grades 10 to 12; in 10th grade, based on English 1 grades (92% in the regular course, 82% in the honors course); in grades 11 to 12, based on history grades; fulfills the arts graduation requirement |
| AP Music Theory | Grades 10 to 12; two or more years of instrumental or vocal courses or private lessons, with teacher approval; 8th period, which the school states is not counted in GPA |
| AP Computer Science A | Grades 10 to 12; teacher approval required; UC category c |
| AP English Language and Composition | Grade 11; B or higher in the second semester of English 2 H, or B or higher in the first semester and an A in the second semester of regular English 2 plus a passing writing exam; taught with English IB HL1 |
| AP United States History | Grades 11 to 12; 92% or higher in both semesters of World History, or 82% or higher in both semesters of AP World History or AP European History |
| AP Psychology | Grades 11 to 12; 92% or higher in both semesters of regular English, or 82% or higher in both semesters of honors or AP English; UC category g |
| AP Biology | Grades 11 to 12; completion of biology and chemistry, excluding Chemistry in the Community |
| AP Environmental Science | Grades 11 to 12; completion of biology and chemistry, excluding Chemistry in the Community |
| AP Physics 1 | Grades 11 to 12; B or higher in Chemistry Earth Systems H, Algebra 2 Honors and Geometry Honors |
| AP Physics C: Mechanics | Grades 11 to 12; concurrent or prior enrollment in AP Calculus BC (preferred) or AP Calculus AB, with an A each semester in AB; completion of honors chemistry |
| AP Calculus AB | Grades 11 to 12; completion of Precalculus Honors |
| AP Calculus BC | Grades 11 to 12; 95% or higher in both semesters of Precalculus Honors |
| AP Chinese Language and Culture | Grades 11 to 12; completion of Mandarin Chinese 3 Honors and a teacher recommendation |
| AP 2-D Art and Design | Grades 11 to 12; advanced honors drawing, advanced photography or advanced honors painting, and a teacher recommendation |
| AP English Literature and Composition | Grade 12; completion of AP English Language or English IB HL1 with a B or higher in the second semester; taught with English IB HL2 |
| AP Statistics | Grade 12; B or higher in Precalculus |
| AP United States Government and Politics | Grade 12, full-year course; 92% or higher in both semesters of United States History, or 82% or higher in both semesters of AP United States History; fulfills the school's government and economics requirement |
| AP Macroeconomics and AP Microeconomics | Grade 12, one semester each; same prerequisites as AP United States Government; students must take one or both exams; UC category g |
| AP Spanish Language and Culture | Grade 12; completion of Spanish 3 Honors, Spanish IB SL or HL1, and a teacher recommendation |
| AP French Language and Culture | Grade 12; completion of French 3 Honors, French IB SL or HL1, and a teacher recommendation |
| AP Drawing | Grade 12; advanced honors drawing or advanced honors painting, and a teacher recommendation |
AP Courses the School Does Not Offer
The following AP courses are common in UC applications but were not offered at Santa Margarita Catholic High School in 2026-27.
- AP Chemistry: the only advanced chemistry courses are IB Chemistry SL and HL
- AP Precalculus
- AP Physics 2: on the UC list, but the school does not offer the course
- AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism
- AP Computer Science Principles
- AP Human Geography
- AP Comparative Government
- AP Spanish Literature
- AP Latin
- AP 3-D Art and Design
- AP Seminar / Research
The most consequential gap is AP Chemistry. Advanced chemistry at this school is available only as IB Chemistry SL and HL; in 2026, IB Chemistry SL had 42 exams with a pass rate of 36%, and Chemistry HL had 10 exams with a pass rate of 70%. Students planning to apply in chemistry, biochemistry or pre-medicine who do not take IB Chemistry need to take AP Chemistry outside the school. In physics, the school offers AP Physics 1, AP Physics C: Mechanics and IB Physics HL, but not AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism.
AP Course List
The table below compares the UC 2026-27 A-G list with the school’s course description book course by course; the notes column gives the course number and the transcript title on the UC list.
English
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP English Language and Composition | AP | 11 | B or higher in the second semester of English 2 Honors; or, from college-prep English 2, B or higher in the first semester, A in the second semester, and a passing score on the writing examCourse number 1301E; taught in the same class as IB English HL1; all students must take the AP exam; the UC list notes that an online version is also offered; transcript abbreviation: Eng LangCompAP | b |
| AP English Literature and Composition | AP | 12 | Completion of AP English Language or IB English HL1 with B or higher in the second semesterCourse number 1411E; taught in the same class as IB English HL2; the UC list notes that an online version is also offered; transcript abbreviation: Eng Lit Comp AP | b |
Mathematics
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP Calculus AB | AP | 11-12 | Completion of Precalculus HonorsCourse number 2700E; the UC list notes that an online version is also offered; transcript abbreviation: Calculus (AB) AP, Calculus AB AP | c |
| AP Calculus BC | AP | 11-12 | 95% or higher in both semesters of Precalculus HonorsCourse number 2710E; the school website gives the same course description as IB Math AA HL1; the UC list notes that an online version is also offered; transcript abbreviation: Calculus (BC) AP, Calculus BC AP | c |
| AP Computer Science A | AP | 10-12 | Teacher approvalCourse number 6112E; transcript abbreviation: AP Comp Sci A | c |
| AP Statistics | AP | 12 | B or higher in PrecalculusCourse number 2600E; transcript abbreviation: Statistics AP | c |
Science
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP Biology | AP | 11-12 | Completion of Biology and Chemistry (Chemistry in the Community does not count); moving up from college prep: A in the previous college-prep course; continuing in the honors sequence: B or higher in the previous honors courseCourse number 3200E; the UC list notes that an online version is also offered; transcript abbreviation: Biology AP | d |
| AP Environmental Science | AP | 11-12 | Completion of Biology and Chemistry (Chemistry in the Community does not count)Course number 3712E; the UC list notes that an online version is also offered; transcript abbreviation: AP Envrmnt Sci | d |
| AP Physics 1 | AP | 11-12 | B or higher in Chemistry Honors, Algebra 2 Honors, and Geometry HonorsCourse number 3508E; the UC list notes that an online version is also offered; transcript abbreviation: APPhysics1 | d |
| AP Physics 2 | AP | — | —Not listed in the 2026-27 Course Description Book; confirm with the school whether it is offered; transcript abbreviation: APPhysics2 | d |
| AP Physics C: Mechanics | AP | 11-12 | Current or prior enrollment in AP Calculus BC (preferred) or AP Calculus AB with an A each semester in AB; completion of Chemistry HonorsCourse number 3512E; transcript abbreviation: PhysicsC AP Mec | d |
Social Studies
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP European History | AP | 10-12 | 92% or higher in both semesters of English 1, or 88% or higher in both semesters of English 1 Honors; in grades 11-12, based on history gradesCourse number 4300E; one of the AP courses open to grade 10; transcript abbreviation: Euro History AP | a |
| AP Government and Politics United States | AP | 12 | 92% or higher in both semesters of United States History, or 82% or higher in both semesters of AP United States HistoryCourse number 4510E; satisfies the school's government and economics graduation requirement; transcript abbreviation: US Gvt/Polt AP | a |
| AP United States History | AP | 11-12 | 92% or higher in both semesters of World History, or 82% or higher in both semesters of AP World History or AP European HistoryCourse number 4400E; the UC list notes that an online version is also offered; transcript abbreviation: US History AP | a |
| AP World History | AP | 10-12 | 92% or higher in both semesters of English 1, or 88% or higher in both semesters of English 1 Honors; in grades 11-12, based on history gradesCourse number 4220E; one of the AP courses open to grade 10; the UC list notes that an online version is also offered; transcript abbreviation: World Hist AP | a |
| AP Macroeconomics | AP | 12 | 92% or higher in both semesters of United States History, or 82% or higher in both semesters of AP United States HistoryCourse number 4600ES; one semester; students must take one or both AP economics exams; transcript abbreviation: Macro Econ AP, MacroEcon AP | g |
| AP Microeconomics | AP | 12 | 92% or higher in both semesters of United States History, or 82% or higher in both semesters of AP United States HistoryCourse number 4610ES; one semester; students must take one or both AP economics exams; transcript abbreviation: AP Micro Economics | g |
| AP Psychology | AP | 11-12 | 92% or higher in both semesters of college-prep English, or 82% or higher in both semesters of Honors or AP EnglishCourse number 4800E; the UC list notes that an online version is also offered; transcript abbreviation: Psychology AP | g |
World Languages
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP Chinese Language and Culture | AP | 11-12 | Completion of Mandarin Chinese 3 Honors and teacher recommendationCourse number 5569E; transcript abbreviation: AP Chinese Lang | e |
| AP French Language and Culture | AP | 12 | Completion of French 3 Honors, IB French SL, or IB French HL1, and teacher recommendationCourse number 5244E; transcript abbreviation: AP French | e |
| AP Spanish Language and Culture | AP | 12 | Completion of Spanish 3 Honors, IB Spanish SL, or IB Spanish HL1, and teacher recommendationCourse number 5142E; transcript abbreviation: Spanish Lang AP | e |
Performing Arts
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP Music Theory | AP | 10-12 | Two or more years of instrumental or vocal classes or private lessons, with teacher approvalCourse number 7130E; eighth-period course; the school states it is not counted in the GPA; transcript abbreviation: Music Theory AP | f |
Visual Arts
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP 2D Art and Design | AP | 11-12 | Advanced Drawing Honors, Advanced Photography, or Advanced Painting Honors, and teacher recommendationCourse number 7414E; transcript abbreviation: AP 2D Art & Design | f |
| AP Art History | AP | 10-12 | Grade 10: 92% or higher in both semesters of English 1, or 82% or higher in both semesters of English 1 Honors; in grades 11-12, based on history gradesCourse number 7520E; one of the AP courses open to grade 10; satisfies the fine arts graduation requirement; transcript abbreviation: Art History AP | f |
| AP Drawing | AP | 12 | Advanced Drawing Honors or Advanced Painting Honors, and teacher recommendationCourse number 7413E; transcript abbreviation: AP Drawing | f |
IB Course List
The UC list registers 54 IB courses at the school; some of them have been discontinued or do not appear in the 2026-27 course description book, as noted course by course in the notes column.
Theology
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philosophy IB HL1 | IB | 11 | A in college-prep English, or B or higher in Honors EnglishThis is the IB option for Theology 3, Theology 3: Philosophy IB HL 1; the School Profile states that IB Philosophy may replace Theology 3 and Theology 4; Course number 0300F; first year of the two-year IB Philosophy HL course; transcript abbreviation: Religion 3 | g |
| Philosophy IB HL2 | IB | 12 | Full IB Diploma candidate who has completed IB Philosophy HL1This is the IB option for Theology 4, Theology 4: Philosophy IB HL 2; Course number 0400F; transcript abbreviation: Philos HL 2 IB | g |
English
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English IB HL1 | IB | 11 | Same as AP English Language and CompositionCourse number 1301F; taught in the same class as AP English Language; first year of the two-year IB English A: Literature HL course; transcript abbreviation: English HL 1 IB | b |
| English IB HL2 | IB | 12 | Completion of AP English Language or IB English HL1 with B or higher in the second semesterCourse number 1411F; taught in the same class as AP English Literature; transcript abbreviation: English HL 2 IB | b |
| Theory of Knowledge IB | IB | 12 | Open only to full IB Diploma candidatesCourse number 1500F; Theory of Knowledge (TOK); required in grade 12 for full IB Diploma candidates; transcript abbreviation: T of K H IB | g |
Mathematics
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Math Analysis and Approaches IB HL1 | IB | 11 | 95% or higher in Precalculus Honors or IB Math AA SLCourse number 2711F; grade levels and prerequisites are taken from the Math Department web page and match the AP Calculus BC description; the course sequence chart places it in grade 11; transcript abbreviation: Math AA IB HL1 | c |
| Math Analysis and Approaches IB HL2 | IB | 12 | Completion of AP Calculus BCCourse number 2721F; transcript abbreviation: Math AA IB HL 2 | c |
| Math Analysis and Approaches IB SL | IB | 11-12 | B or higher in both semesters of Algebra 2 Honors and Geometry HonorsCourse number 2720F; grade levels and prerequisites are taken from the Math Department web page; the 2026-27 Course Description Book has no separate entry, but the course list in the 2026-2027 School Profile includes it; transcript abbreviation: Math AA IB SL | c |
| Math Applications and Interpretation IB HL1 | IB | — | —Listed in the 2025-2026 School Profile as discontinued starting in 2025-26; transcript abbreviation: Math AI IB HL 1 | c |
| Math Applications and Interpretation IB HL2 | IB | 12 | B or higher in both semesters of Precalculus Honors AI IBCourse number 2722F; listed in the 2026-2027 School Profile as discontinued in 2026-27; transcript abbreviation: Math AI IB HL 2 | c |
| Math Applications and Interpretation IB SL | IB | 11-12 | B or higher in both semesters of Geometry HonorsCourse number 2713F; the school catalog lists UC and NCAA approval as pending; transcript abbreviation: Math AI IB SL | c |
Science
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology IB HL1 | IB | 11 | Completion of Biology and Chemistry; moving up from college prep: A in the previous college-prep course; continuing in the honors sequence: B or higher in the previous honors courseCourse number 3201F; summer assignment required; transcript abbreviation: Biology IB HL 1 | d |
| Biology IB HL2 | IB | 12 | Completion of IB Biology HL1Course number 3202F; transcript abbreviation: Biology IB HL2 | d |
| Biology IB SL | IB | — | —Listed in the 2025-2026 School Profile as discontinued starting in 2025-26; transcript abbreviation: Biology IB SL | d |
| Chemistry IB HL1 | IB | 11 | Concurrent enrollment in Geometry or a higher math course; completion of Chemistry or Chemistry HonorsCourse number 3412F; transcript abbreviation: Chemistry IB HL1 | d |
| Chemistry IB HL2 | IB | 12 | Completion of IB Chemistry HL1Course number 3413F; transcript abbreviation: Chemistry IB HL 2 | d |
| Chemistry IB SL | IB | 11-12 | Concurrent enrollment in Geometry or a higher math course; completion of Chemistry or Chemistry HonorsCourse number 3411F; transcript abbreviation: Chemistry SL IB | d |
| Design Technology IB SL | IB | 11-12 | Drawing and Introduction to Engineering and Robotics recommendedCourse number 3525F; transcript abbreviation: Design Tech IB SL | d |
| Environmental Systems & Societies IB SL | IB | — | —Listed in the 2025-2026 School Profile as discontinued starting in 2025-26; transcript abbreviation: EnvSy&Soc IB SL | d |
| Physics IB HL1 | IB | 11 | Concurrent enrollment in Geometry Honors or a higher honors math course; completion of ChemistryCourse number 3510F; transcript abbreviation: Physics IB HL 1 | d |
| Physics IB HL2 | IB | 12 | Completion of IB Physics HL1Course number 3511F; transcript abbreviation: Physics HL 2 IB | d |
| Physics IB SL | IB | — | —Not listed in the 2026-27 Course Description Book; confirm with the school whether it is offered; transcript abbreviation: Physics IB SL | d |
Social Studies
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| History of the Americas IB HL2 | IB | — | —Not listed in the 2026-27 Course Description Book; confirm with the school whether it is offered; transcript abbreviation: Hist Am HL 2 IB | a |
| Business and Management IB HL1 | IB | 11 | 92% or higher in both semesters of World History and English 2, or 82% or higher in both semesters of the AP or Honors courses; enrollment in the IB programThe UC list does not mark this IB course as honors, so it is not weighted for UC admission; Course number 4925F; transcript abbreviation: Business Mgmt IB HL1 | g |
| Business and Management IB HL2 | IB | 12 | Completion of IB Business Management HL1Course number 4926F; transcript abbreviation: Business Mgmt IB HL2 | g |
| Economics IB SL | IB | 12 | 92% or higher in both semesters of United States History, or 82% or higher in both semesters of AP United States History; enrollment in the IB programCourse number 4600F; transcript abbreviation: Economics SL IB | g |
| Global Politics IB HL2 | IB | — | —Not listed in the 2026-27 Course Description Book; confirm with the school whether it is offered; transcript abbreviation: Glb PoliticsHL2 | g |
| Global Politics IB SL | IB | 12 | 92% or higher in both semesters of United States History, or 82% or higher in both semesters of AP United States History; participation in the MUN program and attendance at four conferencesCourse number 4927F; open only to grade 12 full IB Diploma students; transcript abbreviation: Global Politics IB SL | g |
World Languages
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arabic IB HL1 | IB | — | —Not listed in the 2026-27 Course Description Book; confirm with the school whether it is offered; Eagle Online Academy online course; transcript abbreviation: Arabic IB HL1 | e |
| French IB HL1 | IB | 11 | A in both semesters of French 3 Honors and teacher recommendationCourse number 5242F; transcript abbreviation: French HL1 IB | e |
| French IB HL2 | IB | 12 | Completion of IB French HL1 and teacher recommendationCourse number 5243F; transcript abbreviation: French HL 2 IB | e |
| French IB SL | IB | 12 | Completion of French 3 Honors and teacher recommendationCourse number 5241F; transcript abbreviation: French SL IB | e |
| Greek IB SL | IB | 11 | Completion of Ancient Greek 2 Honors and teacher recommendationCourse number 5431F; listed in the Course Description Book as Classical Greek IB SL; transcript abbreviation: Greek SL IB | e |
| Latin IB HL1 | IB | 11 | Completion of Latin 2 Honors and teacher recommendationCourse number 5341F; transcript abbreviation: Latin HL 1 IB | e |
| Latin IB HL2 | IB | 12 | Completion of IB Latin HL1Course number 5342F; transcript abbreviation: Latin HL 2 IB | e |
| Latin IB SL | IB | 12 | Completion of Latin 3 HonorsCourse number 5340F; transcript abbreviation: Latin SL IB | e |
| Mandarin IB HL1 | IB | — | —Not listed in the 2026-27 Course Description Book; confirm with the school whether it is offered; transcript abbreviation: Man Chinese HL 1 IB | e |
| Mandarin IB HL2 | IB | — | —Not listed in the 2026-27 Course Description Book; confirm with the school whether it is offered; transcript abbreviation: Man Chinese HL 2 IB | e |
| Mandarin IB SL | IB | 12 | Completion of Mandarin Chinese 3 Honors and teacher recommendationCourse number 5566F; transcript abbreviation: M.Chinese SL IB | e |
| Spanish IB HL1 | IB | 11 | Completion of Spanish 3 Honors and teacher recommendationCourse number 5151F; transcript abbreviation: Spanish HL 1 IB | e |
| Spanish IB HL2 | IB | 12 | Completion of IB Spanish HL1 and teacher recommendationCourse number 5152F; transcript abbreviation: Spanish HL 2 IB | e |
| Spanish IB SL | IB | 11-12 | Completion of Spanish 3 Honors or Spanish 3, and teacher recommendationCourse number 5142F; transcript abbreviation: Spanish SL IB | e |
Performing Arts
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dance IB HL1 | IB | 11 | Prior dance experience and approval of the dance directorCourse number 7320F; eighth-period course; not counted in the GPA; transcript abbreviation: Dance HL 1 IB | f |
| Dance IB HL2 | IB | 12 | Completion of IB Dance HL1 and approval of the dance directorCourse number 7321F; transcript abbreviation: Dance HL 2 IB | f |
| Music IB HL1 | IB | 11 | At least two years in a performing ensembleCourse number 7131F; eighth-period course; not counted in the GPA; transcript abbreviation: Music HL 1 IB | f |
| Music IB HL2 | IB | 12 | Completion of IB Music HL1 and at least three years in a performing ensembleCourse number 7132F; eighth-period course; not counted in the GPA; transcript abbreviation: Music HL 2 IB | f |
| Theatre Arts IB HL2 | IB | 12 | Completion of IB Theatre HL1Course number 7221F; two required professional performance outings, $60; transcript abbreviation: Theatre HL 2 IB, Thtr Art HL2 IB | f |
| Theatre IB HL1 | IB | 11 | No formal prerequisite; prior theatre experience recommendedCourse number 7220F; transcript abbreviation: Theatre HL 1 IB, Thtr Art HL1 IB | f |
| Theatre IB SL | IB | 11-12 | —Course number 7219F; transcript abbreviation: Theatre IB SL | f |
| Music Group Performance IB SL | IB | 11-12 | Concurrent participation in a school music ensembleCourse number 7129F; eighth-period course; not counted in the GPA; not on the UC A-G list | — |
Visual Arts
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Film IB HL1 | IB | 11 | None; no prior film experience requiredCourse number 6230F; transcript abbreviation: Film HL 1 IB | f |
| Film IB HL2 | IB | 12 | Completion of IB Film HL1 and teacher recommendationCourse number 6231F; transcript abbreviation: Film HL 2 IB | f |
| Film IB SL | IB | — | —Not listed in the 2026-27 Course Description Book; confirm with the school whether it is offered; transcript abbreviation: Film IB SL | f |
| Visual Arts IB HL1 | IB | 11 | Completion of Art and of Drawing or Painting, and teacher recommendationCourse number 7460F; students must continue into IB Visual Arts HL2; transcript abbreviation: Vis Arts HL1 IB | f |
| Visual Arts IB HL2 | IB | 12 | Completion of IB Visual Arts HL1 and teacher recommendationCourse number 7461F; transcript abbreviation: Vis Arts HL2 IB | f |
Recommended Combinations by Intended Major
The following combinations use only courses listed in the school’s 2026-27 course description book and School Profile, arranged according to each course’s grade levels and prerequisites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Irvine families often ask: should a student choose AP or IB at Santa Margarita Catholic High School?
At Santa Margarita Catholic High School the two tracks are not ranked by difficulty; they are organized differently. AP is one course and one exam at a time, taken course by course, with flexible combinations, which suits students who want to build a schedule around an intended major. The IB Diploma is an integrated curriculum for grades 11 to 12: students take one course in each of six subject groups, 3 to 4 of them at HL, and also complete Theory of Knowledge, a 4,000-word Extended Essay and Creativity, Activity, Service. It suits students willing to commit two years to a complete academic program. Students who do not pursue the full Diploma may still take individual IB courses, and many students take both AP and IB. The decision point is 10th grade.
Irvine families want to know: what is the AP pass rate at Santa Margarita Catholic High School?
According to the score distribution in the Santa Margarita Catholic High School 2026-2027 School Profile, students sat 1,615 AP exams in 2026: 360 scores of 5, 611 scores of 4 and 389 scores of 3, for a total of 1,360 exams at 3 or higher, or 84.2%. The same document and the school's AP page state 91%, which does not match the score distribution, and the school does not explain the basis. Results vary widely by subject: AP United States History 98% and AP English Language 97%, compared with AP Macroeconomics 57% and AP Microeconomics 51%.
Can 9th graders take AP or IB courses at Santa Margarita Catholic High School?
No. The Santa Margarita Catholic High School School Profile states that 9th graders may not take any AP or IB course. Tenth graders may take only four AP courses (AP World History, AP European History, AP Art History and AP Music Theory) and no IB courses. All AP and IB courses open in grades 11 to 12, and the full IB Diploma Programme begins in 11th grade. For Irvine families, this is later than at most Irvine Unified School District high schools, and UC honors points in 10th grade must come from a small number of courses.
Irvine families should note: which AP courses does Santa Margarita Catholic High School not offer?
Santa Margarita Catholic High School does not offer AP Chemistry; advanced chemistry is available only as IB Chemistry SL and HL. The school also does not offer AP Precalculus, AP Physics 2, AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism, AP Computer Science Principles, AP Human Geography, AP Comparative Government, AP Spanish Literature, AP Latin or AP Seminar and Research. AP Physics 2 is registered on the UC list, but it does not appear in the school's AP course list or the 2026-27 course description book.
Is the AP exam required for AP courses at Santa Margarita Catholic High School, and what can Irvine students do to take an AP exam the school does not offer?
The exam is required. Santa Margarita Catholic High School requires students in AP or IB courses to take the corresponding exam, and AP exams cost $110 each. The school allows only students enrolled in a course at the school to test there and does not accept self-study registrations for other subjects; students who want to take an AP exam not offered at the school must register at another test center. Because the school also does not record outside courses on its transcript, both instruction and testing in these subjects must be arranged outside the school.
Irvine families ask: how much more does the full IB Diploma cost at Santa Margarita Catholic High School?
According to the Santa Margarita Catholic High School 2026-27 tuition page, the program fee for full IB Diploma candidates is $525, with exam fees charged separately. Students taking individual IB courses pay $175 per course, $50 for each additional course, up to $275. In 2026 there were 17 full Diploma candidates; 85% earned the diploma, with an average score of 30 (out of 45). Diploma candidates may substitute Philosophy IB HL for theology in 11th and 12th grade, and IB Philosophy is a UC-approved honors course.
