The St. Margaret’s Episcopal School Upper School organizes its courses into ten academic departments, and the school’s course pages state the length, prerequisites and grade levels of each course. This page uses the University of California (UC) official A-G course list as its base, adds grade levels and prerequisites from the school’s course pages course by course, and includes physical education courses and SEA Term, which are not on the A-G list. Start with the overall picture from the UC list.
UC A-G refers to the seven categories of high school courses required by the University of California and California State University: a history/social science, b English, c mathematics, d laboratory science, e language other than English, f visual and performing arts, and g college-preparatory elective.
153UC-approved A-G courses
61UC-weighted honors coursesincluding 27 AP
3School 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 II (H)
- English II Honors
- Geometry (H)
St. Margaret’s Episcopal School: Graduation Requirements
The following requirements at St. Margaret’s Episcopal School, compiled from the School Profile and department course pages, apply to the Upper School, grades 9 through 12.
| Subject | Requirement |
|---|---|
| English | 4 years; English I through III as three progressive levels, then two semesters of English IV seminars or AP English Literature in grade 12 |
| Mathematics | 3 years in the Upper School, through Algebra II |
| History and Social Science | 3 years; World History and U.S. History required |
| Science | 3 years of laboratory science, including at least one year of physical science (Conceptual Physics, Physics, Chemistry or Chemistry Honors) and one year of biological science (Biology or AP Biology) |
| World Languages | 3 consecutive years, through Level III of the same language; at least two years must be completed in grades 9-12 |
| Visual and Performing Arts | One yearlong performing or visual arts course in grades 9-12 |
| Religion and Philosophy | 3 semesters of electives, including at least one of The Hebrew Bible as Literature or The New Testament as Literature |
| Personal Fitness and Wellness | 3 semesters of PFW plus one semester of Health and Human Development, completed by the end of grade 10; one season of interscholastic sports equals one semester of PFW |
| SEA Term | Required every year in grades 6-11; graded, with a separate SEA Term transcript |
Compiled from the School Profile and the department course pages. Mathematics and world language courses require at least a C- in the second semester to continue to the next level; seniors complete an Independent Study Project instead of SEA Term.
The school’s graduation requirements and UC’s application requirements are two separate standards. The table below sets 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/social science | School: 3 years, World History and U.S. History required; UC: 2 years (1 year of world history and 1 year of U.S. history, or a half year each of U.S. history and civics) |
| b English | School: 4 years; UC: 4 years |
| c Mathematics | School: 3 years through Algebra II; UC: 3 years including geometry, 4 strongly recommended |
| d Laboratory science | School: 3 years, with at least one year each of physical and biological science; UC: 2 years, 3 recommended |
| e Language other than English | School: 3 consecutive years of one language through Level III; UC: 2 years of the same language, 3 recommended |
| f Visual and performing arts | School: one yearlong arts course; UC: 1 year |
| g College-preparatory elective | No separate school requirement; the three semesters of Religion and Philosophy are all category g and can meet UC's 1-year requirement |
| Grades and number of courses | School: at least C- in the second semester of mathematics and world languages to advance; UC: 15 yearlong courses with grades of C or better, 11 of them completed before grade 12 |
EDUBUS recommends adding one item beyond the school requirements, following UC’s recommendation: four years of mathematics. The school’s science and world language requirements already exceed UC minimums, and Religion and Philosophy falls into category g, so following the graduation requirements satisfies most A-G categories. The arts deserve extra attention: the school requires one yearlong performing or visual arts course, and semester courses such as Intermediate or Advanced Clay Handbuilding cannot meet this requirement on their own.
Religion and Philosophy
The School Profile states that the school's religion courses are academic and non-doctrinal and that all of them are approved by the University of California. On the UC 2026-27 A-G list, The Hebrew Bible as Literature, The New Testament as Literature, World Religions, Philosophy and Ethics, and Wealth, Poverty and Ethics are all category g college-preparatory electives, and none is a UC honors course. The five courses are arranged as follows: The Hebrew Bible as Literature and The New Testament as Literature are open to grades 9 through 12 with no prerequisites; World Religions is open to grades 8 through 12 and includes required field trips; Philosophy and Ethics and Wealth, Poverty and Ethics are open only to grades 11 and 12 and require one of the scripture-as-literature courses first. The Upper School summer session also offers The Hebrew Bible as Literature, The New Testament as Literature and World Religions, so part of the requirement can be completed in summer.
St. Margaret’s Episcopal School: Course Selection Rules
This section on St. Margaret’s Episcopal School answers three questions: how many periods are in the day, who decides whether a student can advance, and which additional requirements apply once school starts.
| Class periods | The School Profile states that the Upper School day has seven class periods; students in major leadership roles typically devote one of them to that group |
|---|---|
| Advancement and approval | Prerequisites for each course appear on the course pages, and most honors, AP and Post-AP courses require department approval. The Academic Departments page states that decisions about acceleration, typically in the form of honors and AP courses, are made by department chairs |
| Grade needed to advance | Mathematics and world language courses require a grade of at least C- in the second semester to continue to the next level |
| Pass/D/Fail electives | Juniors and seniors may take one elective course per year on a Pass/D/Fail basis; under this option a Pass requires 70% (C-) or above |
| Summer session | The Upper School summer session runs courses based on enrollment. The department overviews list Geometry and Algebra II Honors in mathematics, Biology and Chemistry Honors in science, and The Hebrew Bible as Literature, The New Testament as Literature and World Religions in Religion and Philosophy, all requiring department approval. The school does not publish summer session dates or fees online |
| Outside courses | The School Profile states that only grades earned at the school appear on the transcript and in the cumulative GPA |
The prerequisites for most honors, AP and Post-AP courses include department approval, and the course pages do not give specific letter-grade thresholds. This makes it hard for parents to predict from a transcript alone whether a student can advance, so EDUBUS recommends checking with each teacher and the advisor before course selection each spring about whether the student is likely to be recommended.
St. Margaret’s Episcopal School: Course Paths by Subject
The paths below for St. Margaret’s Episcopal School are compiled from the school’s course pages and department overviews.
English
- Grade 9: English I, required
- Grade 10: English II or English II Honors (department approval required)
- Grade 11: English III or English III Honors (19th- and 20th-century American literature)
- Grade 12: semester-long English IV seminars (for example, science fiction and ethics in technology, East Asian literature, Latin American short stories) or AP English Literature and Composition
English honors levels are offered in grades 10 and 11: English II Honors adds 0.5 at the school but is not a UC-approved honors course, while English III Honors is a UC-approved honors course. The only grade 12 AP course is AP English Literature; the school does not offer AP English Language.
Science
- Grade 9: Conceptual Physics or Physics; students who took Physics 8 in the school's grade 8 may take Biology or Chemistry instead
- Grade 10: Biology, or Chemistry or Chemistry Honors (Chemistry requires Physics and concurrent Algebra II)
- Grade 11: Chemistry or Chemistry Honors, or electives such as AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Physics C, AP Environmental Science, Physiology and engineering
- Grade 12: AP sciences, Astronomy (grade 12 only), Organic Chemistry Honors, Advanced Biotechnology Studies Honors and similar courses
The 2024-25 academic progression places physics in grade 9 and biology in grade 10, while the 2026-27 science course page describes the traditional sequence as Biology in grade 9, Physics in grade 10 and Chemistry in grade 11. The two official documents differ, so follow the school's plan for the current year. The graduation requirement is one year of physical science and one year of biological science. Chemistry Honors requires concurrent Algebra II Honors, AP Chemistry requires Chemistry Honors, and AP Physics C requires concurrent AP Calculus, so advancement in science depends heavily on progress in mathematics.
History and Social Science
- Grade 9: World History & Geography: 1450-1917, required
- Grade 10: United States History or AP United States History
- Grades 11-12: semester courses such as American Government, Economics, California History and The Holocaust and Contemporary Genocide, plus honors historical research methods courses
- Grades 11-12 AP: AP World History, AP European History, AP Macroeconomics, AP US Government and Politics, AP Psychology (grade 12 only)
World History & Geography in grade 9 is required of all new students. Grade 10 U.S. History is offered at the standard and AP levels, and AP United States History requires World History and History Department approval. Most grade 11 and 12 history electives are semester courses, and the two honors courses in African American History and Latin American history are open from grade 10.
World Languages
- Chinese I through V, Chinese III and IV Honors, AP Chinese Language and Culture, and the Post-AP course Advanced Chinese Studies
- Latin I through III, Latin III Honors, Advanced Latin Literature and AP Latin
- Spanish I through V, Spanish III and IV Honors, AP Spanish Language and Culture, and the Post-AP course Advanced Study: Spanish Culture and Conversation
Students choose a world language in grade 7 and continue it through the Upper School. The school states that students should take a placement exam to ensure proper placement; Chinese III and IV Honors and the Spanish honors courses require a placement test and department approval. Heritage speakers who pass the placement test may enroll directly in the Post-AP course Advanced Chinese Studies. The school’s world language requirement is three consecutive years of one language through Level III, with at least two years in grades 9 through 12, which exceeds UC’s two-year requirement. Honors courses in all three languages, Advanced Latin Literature, the AP courses and the Post-AP courses are all UC-approved honors courses.
St. Margaret’s Episcopal School: Complete Course Map
Expand each subject to see the courses at St. Margaret’s Episcopal School. Each course shows its level, grade levels, prerequisites and UC A-G category; a dash (—) in the UC A-G column means the course is not on the UC 2026-27 list. A dash in the grade column means the school’s course pages do not state grade levels. The notes column shows whether UC weights the course, how many grade points the school adds, and the transcript title on the UC list.
English
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP English Literature and Composition | AP | 12 | Completion of English III or English III Honors and English Department approvalUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; weighted +1 at the school; The school's only AP English course; AP English Language and Composition is not offered; transcript title on the UC list: AP English Literature | b |
| English II Honors | Honors | 10 | Completion of English I and English Department approvalNot an honors course on the UC list; UC counts it as a standard course; school honors course, weighted +0.5 at the school; transcript title on the UC list: English II Honors | b |
| English III Honors | Honors | 11 | Completion of English II or English II Honors and English Department approvalUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; school honors course, weighted +0.5 at the school; 19th- and 20th-century American literature; transcript title on the UC list: English III Honors | b |
| English I | CP | 9 | —Required in grade 9; transcript title on the UC list: English I | b |
| English II | CP | 10 | Completion of English Itranscript title on the UC list: English II | b |
| English III | CP | 11 | Completion of English II or English II Honorstranscript title on the UC list: English III | b |
| English IV | CP | 12 | Completion of English III or English III HonorsSemester-long senior seminars, two semesters required; the 2026-27 course pages list seminars on ethics in technology through science fiction, cultural outsiders in dramatic literature, East Asian literature, folk and fairy tales, Latin American short stories, and the short story; transcript title on the UC list: English IV | b |
Mathematics
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP Precalculus | AP | 10-12 | Completion of Algebra II Honors and Mathematics Department approvalUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; weighted +1 at the school; The course page describes it as preparation for AP Calculus BC; transcript title on the UC list: AP Precalculus, AP Pre-Calculus | c |
| AP Calculus AB | AP | 11-12 | Completion of Precalculus or Precalculus Honors and Mathematics Department approvalUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; weighted +1 at the school; All students take the AP Calculus AB exam at the end of the year; transcript title on the UC list: AP Calc AB | c |
| AP Calculus BC | AP | 11-12 | Completion of Precalculus BC Honors or AP Calculus AB and Mathematics Department approvalUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; weighted +1 at the school; transcript title on the UC list: AP Calc BC | c |
| AP Statistics | AP | 11-12 | Completion of Algebra II, Algebra II Honors, Precalculus or Precalculus AB and Mathematics Department approvalUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; weighted +1 at the school; transcript title on the UC list: AP Statistics | c |
| Geometry (H) | Honors | 9-10 | Completion of Algebra IB or Algebra I and Mathematics Department approvalNot an honors course on the UC list; UC counts it as a standard course; school honors course, weighted +0.5 at the school; School course title: Geometry Honors; transcript title on the UC list: Geometry Honors | c |
| Algebra II (H) | Honors | 9-11 | Completion of Geometry or Geometry Honors and Mathematics Department approvalNot an honors course on the UC list; UC counts it as a standard course; school honors course, weighted +0.5 at the school; School course title: Algebra II Honors; offered in the Upper School summer session; transcript title on the UC list: Algebra II Honors | c |
| Precalculus (H) | Honors | 10-12 | Completion of Algebra II Honors and Mathematics Department approvalUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; school honors course, weighted +0.5 at the school; School course title: Precalculus BC Honors (Precalculus Honors in the department overview); prepares students for AP Calculus BC and includes some calculus; transcript title on the UC list: Precalculus BC Honors, Precalculus Honors | c |
| Multivariable Calculus | Honors | 12 | Completion of AP Calculus BC and Mathematics Department approvalUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; Post-AP course, weighted +1 at the school; School course title: Multivariable Calculus (Post AP); transcript title on the UC list: Multivariable Calculus, Multivariable Calculus (Post AP) | c |
| Linear Algebra (Post AP) | Honors | 12 | Completion of AP Calculus BCUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; Post-AP course, weighted +1 at the school; College-level linear algebra; transcript title on the UC list: Linear Algebra, Linear Algebra (Post AP) | c |
| Algebra I | CP | 9 | —Made up of Algebra IA and Algebra IB; students in the school's middle school usually finish it there, and Algebra IB may also be taken in summer school; transcript title on the UC list: Algebra I | c |
| Geometry | CP | 9-10 | Completion of Algebra IB or Algebra IOffered in the Upper School summer session; transcript title on the UC list: Geometry | c |
| Algebra II | CP | 10-11 | Completion of Geometry or Geometry Honorstranscript title on the UC list: Algebra II | c |
| Algebra IIA | CP | — | Course prerequisites applyA split-year Algebra II course on the UC list; not listed on the 2026-27 course pages; transcript title on the UC list: Algebra 2A, Algebra IIA | c |
| Algebra IIB | CP | — | Course prerequisites applyA split-year Algebra II course on the UC list; not listed on the 2026-27 course pages; transcript title on the UC list: Algebra 2B, Algebra IIB | c |
| Precalculus | CP | 11-12 | Completion of Algebra IIServes as a fourth year of mathematics or as the year before Calculus or AP Statistics; transcript title on the UC list: Precalculus | c |
| Precalculus AB | CP | 10-12 | Completion of Algebra II or Algebra II Honors and Mathematics Department approvalPrepares students for AP Calculus AB the following year; still listed on the 2026-27 course pages but not on the Mathematics Department overview updated in February 2026; transcript title on the UC list: Precalculus AB | c |
| Calculus I | CP | 11-12 | Completion of Precalculus and Mathematics Department approvalIntroductory calculus of non-trigonometric functions; transcript title on the UC list: Calculus I | c |
| Statistics | CP | — | Course prerequisites applyNot listed on the 2026-27 course pages; transcript title on the UC list: Statistics | c |
| Explorations in Data Science - Youcubed Adaptable Curriculum | CP | 11-12 | Completion of PrecalculusSchool course title: Introduction to Data Science; transcript title on the UC list: Explorations in Data Science, Introduction to Data Science | c |
Laboratory Science
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP Biology | AP | 11-12 | Completion of Chemistry or Chemistry Honors and Science Department approvalUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; weighted +1 at the school; transcript title on the UC list: AP Bio | d |
| AP Chemistry | AP | 11-12 | Completion of Chemistry Honors and Science Department approval; concurrent enrollment in Precalculus AB or Precalculus BC HonorsUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; weighted +1 at the school; transcript title on the UC list: AP Chem | d |
| AP Environmental Science | AP | 11-12 | Completion of Chemistry or Chemistry Honors; completion of or enrollment in Biology or AP Biology; Science Department approvalUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; weighted +1 at the school; transcript title on the UC list: AP Env Sci | d |
| AP Physics C: Mechanics | AP | 11-12 | Concurrent enrollment in AP Calculus AB and Science Department approvalUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; weighted +1 at the school; Students take only the AP Physics C: Mechanics exam; transcript title on the UC list: AP Physics C: Mechanics | d |
| AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism | AP | 11-12 | Completion of Precalculus BC Honors or AP Calculus AB; concurrent enrollment in AP Calculus BC and Science Department approvalUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; weighted +1 at the school; School course title: AP Physics C: Mechanics and Electricity and Magnetism; covers both parts in one year and leads to two AP exams; transcript title on the UC list: AP Physics C: MEM | d |
| Chemistry Honors | Honors | 10-11 | Concurrent enrollment in Algebra II HonorsUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; school honors course, weighted +0.5 at the school; For students with a strong math background who plan to take AP sciences; offered in the Upper School summer session; transcript title on the UC list: Chemistry Honors | d |
| Organic Chemistry Honors | Honors | — | Completion of Chemistry or Chemistry HonorsUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; school honors course, weighted +0.5 at the school; Semester course; transcript title on the UC list: Organic Chemistry H, Organic Chemistry Honors | d |
| Advanced Biotechnology Studies, Honors | Honors | 11-12 | Completion of Biology; completion of or enrollment in another AP science courseUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; school honors course, weighted +0.5 at the school; Semester course introducing scientific research; transcript title on the UC list: Research Methods in Life Science (H), Research Methods in Science Honors | d |
| Advanced Engineering Honors | Honors | 11-12 | Coding experience through Introduction to Engineering and Design or AP Computer Science A; concurrent enrollment in AP Calculus ABUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; school honors course, weighted +0.5 at the school; transcript title on the UC list: Advanced Engineering Honors | d |
| Conceptual Physics | CP | 9 | Concurrent enrollment in Algebra IB or a higher math courseThe course page describes it as the foundation course for physics, chemistry and biology; transcript title on the UC list: Conceptual Physics | d |
| Physics | CP | 9 | Completion of Geometry or a higher math courseTranscript titles on the UC list include Physics 9; transcript title on the UC list: Physics, Physics 9 | d |
| Physics 11/12 | CP | 11-12 | Course prerequisites applyNot listed separately on the 2026-27 course pages; transcript title on the UC list: Physics | d |
| Biology | CP | 9-10 | —Meets the biological science graduation requirement; transcript title on the UC list: Biology | d |
| Chemistry | CP | 10-11 | Completion of Physics; concurrent enrollment in Algebra II or Algebra II Honorstranscript title on the UC list: Chemistry | d |
| Astronomy | CP | 12 | Grade 12 onlytranscript title on the UC list: Astronomy | d |
| Marine Science | CP | 10-12 | Completion of BiologySemester course; UC places it in category g; transcript title on the UC list: Marine Science | g |
| Physiology | CP | 11-12 | Completion of Biologytranscript title on the UC list: Physiology | d |
| Introduction to Engineering | CP | 9-12 | —School course title: Introduction to Engineering and Design; semester course with no programming experience required; UC places it in category g; transcript title on the UC list: Intermediate Engineering, Introduction to Engineering, Introduction to Engineering and Design | g |
History and Social Science
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP United States History | AP | 10 | Completion of World History and History Department approvalUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; weighted +1 at the school; Meets the grade 10 history requirement; transcript title on the UC list: AP United States History | a |
| AP World History | AP | 11-12 | History Department approval requiredUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; weighted +1 at the school; transcript title on the UC list: AP World History | a |
| AP European History | AP | 11-12 | Completion of World History or equivalent and History Department approvalUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; weighted +1 at the school; The department overview gives priority to grade 12; transcript title on the UC list: AP European History | a |
| AP Human Geography | AP | 11-12 | Department approval requiredUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; weighted +1 at the school; Listed on the 2026-27 course pages but not in the School Profile or the February 2026 department overview; confirm whether it runs in a given year; transcript title on the UC list: AP Human Geography | a |
| AP Government and Politics United States | AP | 11-12 | Department approval requiredUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; weighted +1 at the school; School course title: AP US Government and Politics; offered in some years only, with priority to grade 12; transcript title on the UC list: AP US Government and Politics | a |
| AP Macroeconomics | AP | 10-12 | Department approval requiredUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; weighted +1 at the school; UC places it in category g; the department overview gives priority to grade 12; transcript title on the UC list: AP Macro | g |
| AP Psychology | AP | 12 | Department approval requiredUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; weighted +1 at the school; Grade 12 only; UC places it in category g; transcript title on the UC list: AP Psychology | g |
| African American History: Stories of Resilience and Agency Honors | Honors | 10-12 | Department approval requiredUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; school honors course, weighted +0.5 at the school; Yearlong or semester course; transcript title on the UC list: African American History Honors, African American History: Stories of Resilience Ho | a |
| Revolución y Resistencia: The Making of Modern Latin America Honors | Honors | 10-12 | Department approval requiredUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; school honors course, weighted +0.5 at the school; Yearlong or semester course; transcript title on the UC list: Revolución y Resistencia Honors, Revolución y Resistencia: Making of Modern Lat H | a |
| Introduction to Historical Research Methods Honors | Honors | 10-12 | Recommendations from prior History and English teachersUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; school honors course, weighted +0.5 at the school; Semester course; UC places it in category g; transcript title on the UC list: Intro to Historical Research, Intro to Historical Research (A) | g |
| Advanced Historical Research Methods Honors | Honors | 11-12 | Completion of Introduction to Historical Research Methods Honors and approval from History and English teachersUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; school honors course, weighted +0.5 at the school; UC places it in category g; transcript title on the UC list: Adv Historical Resrch Methods Honors | g |
| World History & Geography: 1450-1917 | CP | 9 | —Required in grade 9; transcript title on the UC list: World History & Geography | a |
| United States History | CP | 10 | Completion of World HistoryMeets the grade 10 history requirement; transcript title on the UC list: United States History | a |
| American Government | CP | 10-12 | —Semester course; transcript title on the UC list: American Government | a |
| American Social Movements | CP | 10-12 | —Semester course; transcript title on the UC list: American Social Movements | a |
| Economics | CP | 10-12 | —Semester course; UC places it in category g; transcript title on the UC list: Economics | g |
| California History | CP | 10-12 | —Semester course; transcript title on the UC list: Cal Histories | a |
| Modern Global Studies | CP | 10-12 | —Continues the grade 9 world history course into the 20th century; transcript title on the UC list: Modern Global Studies | a |
| Military History | CP | 10-12 | —Semester course; UC places it in category g; transcript title on the UC list: Military History | g |
| Race and Racism in United States History | CP | 10-12 | —Semester course; transcript title on the UC list: Race and Racism in US History | a |
| The Holocaust and Contemporary Genocide | CP | 10-12 | —Semester course; UC places it in category g; transcript title on the UC list: Holocaust and Cont Genocide | g |
| Natural Selections: History, Literature, and the Politics of Environmental Perception | CP | 11-12 | —Semester course; UC places it in category g; transcript title on the UC list: Natural Selections | g |
| Psychology | CP | 11-12 | —Semester course; UC places it in category g; transcript title on the UC list: Psychology | g |
| Sport Psychology | CP | 11-12 | —School course title: Introduction to Sport Psychology; semester course; UC places it in category g; transcript title on the UC list: Introduction to Sport Psychology | g |
| Human Geography | CP | — | Course prerequisites applyNot listed on the 2026-27 course pages; transcript title on the UC list: Human Geography | a |
Religion and Philosophy
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Hebrew Bible as Literature | CP | 9-12 | —Semester course; meets the scripture-as-literature requirement (at least one of the Hebrew Bible or New Testament courses); UC places it in category g; transcript title on the UC list: The Hebrew Bible as Literature | g |
| The New Testament as Literature | CP | 9-12 | —Semester course designed for a multi-religious classroom; meets the scripture-as-literature requirement; UC places it in category g; transcript title on the UC list: The New Testament as Literature | g |
| World Religions | CP | 8-12 | —Semester course with required field trips; UC places it in category g; transcript title on the UC list: World Religions | g |
| Philosophy and Ethics | CP | 11-12 | Completion of The Hebrew Bible as Literature or The New Testament as LiteratureSemester course; UC places it in category g; transcript title on the UC list: Philosophy and Ethics | g |
| Wealth, Poverty and Ethics | CP | 11-12 | Completion of The Hebrew Bible as Literature or The New Testament as LiteratureSpring semester course; UC places it in category g; transcript title on the UC list: Wealth, Poverty and Ethics | g |
World Languages
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP Chinese Language and Culture | AP | — | Completion of Chinese IV Honors and department approvalUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; weighted +1 at the school; transcript title on the UC list: AP Chinese | e |
| AP Latin | AP | — | Completion of Advanced Latin Literature and department recommendationUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; weighted +1 at the school; The course page marks it as not offered every year; transcript title on the UC list: AP Latin | e |
| AP Spanish Language and Culture | AP | — | Completion of Spanish III Honors or Spanish IV Honors, teacher recommendation and department approvalUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; weighted +1 at the school; transcript title on the UC list: AP Spanish | e |
| Chinese III Honors | Honors | — | Completion of Chinese II, teacher recommendation, placement test and department approvalUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; school honors course, weighted +0.5 at the school; transcript title on the UC list: Chinese III Honors | e |
| Chinese IV Honors | Honors | — | Completion of Chinese III Honors, placement test and department approvalUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; school honors course, weighted +0.5 at the school; Covers the first half of the AP Chinese course; transcript title on the UC list: Chinese IV H | e |
| Advanced Chinese Studies (Post AP) | Honors | — | Completion of AP Chinese, or heritage speakers who pass the placement testUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; Post-AP course, weighted +1 at the school; Post-AP course; transcript title on the UC list: Advanced Chinese Studies, Advanced Chinese Studies (Post AP), Advanced Chinese Studies (Post AP) A, Advanced Chinese Studies (Post AP) B, Post AP Chinese Culture and Conversation | e |
| Latin III Honors | Honors | — | Completion of Latin II and department recommendationUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; school honors course, weighted +0.5 at the school; transcript title on the UC list: Latin III Honors | e |
| Advanced Latin Literature | Honors | — | Completion of Latin III or Latin III Honors and department recommendationUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; school honors course, weighted +0.5 at the school; transcript title on the UC list: Advanced Latin Literature | e |
| Spanish III Honors | Honors | — | Completion of Spanish II, teacher approval, placement test and department approvalUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; school honors course, weighted +0.5 at the school; transcript title on the UC list: Spanish III Honors | e |
| Spanish IV Honors | Honors | — | Completion of Spanish III or Spanish III Honors, teacher approval, placement test and department approvalUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; school honors course, weighted +0.5 at the school; transcript title on the UC list: Spanish IV Honors | e |
| Advanced Study - Spanish Culture and Conversation | Honors | 11-12 | Four years of Spanish including AP Spanish LanguageUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; Post-AP course, weighted +1 at the school; School course title: Advanced Study: Spanish Culture and Conversation (Post AP); transcript title on the UC list: Adv Study - Span Culture & Conversation (Post AP), Adv Study - Spanish Culture and Conversation, Adv Study-Span Culture & Conversation (Post AP) A, Adv Study-Span Culture & Conversation (Post AP) B | e |
| Chinese I | CP | — | —transcript title on the UC list: Chinese I | e |
| Chinese II | CP | — | Completion of Chinese IA/B or Chinese I, or passing the Chinese II placement testtranscript title on the UC list: Chinese II | e |
| Chinese III | CP | — | Completion of Chinese II, or passing the Chinese III placement testtranscript title on the UC list: Chinese III | e |
| Chinese IV | CP | — | Completion of Chinese III or Chinese III Honors and department approvaltranscript title on the UC list: Chinese IV | e |
| Chinese V | CP | — | Course prerequisites applyListed in the department overview but not separately on the 2026-27 course pages; transcript title on the UC list: Chinese 5, Chinese V | e |
| Latin I | CP | — | —transcript title on the UC list: Latin I | e |
| Latin II | CP | — | Completion of Latin IA/B or Latin I and department recommendationtranscript title on the UC list: Latin II | e |
| Latin III | CP | — | Completion of Latin II and department recommendationtranscript title on the UC list: Latin III | e |
| Latin IV | CP | — | Course prerequisites applyNot listed on the 2026-27 course pages; Advanced Latin Literature follows Latin III; transcript title on the UC list: Latin IV | e |
| Spanish I | CP | — | —transcript title on the UC list: Spanish I | e |
| Spanish II | CP | — | Completion of Spanish I and department recommendationtranscript title on the UC list: Spanish II | e |
| Spanish III | CP | — | Completion of Spanish II and department approvaltranscript title on the UC list: Spanish III | e |
| Spanish IV | CP | — | Completion of Spanish III or Spanish III Honors and department approvaltranscript title on the UC list: Spanish IV | e |
| Spanish V | CP | — | Course prerequisites applyListed in the department overview but not separately on the 2026-27 course pages; transcript title on the UC list: Spanish V | e |
| Latin Immersion in Rome | CP | — | Course prerequisites applyUC places it in category g; not listed on the 2026-27 course pages; transcript title on the UC list: Latin Immersion in Rome | g |
Computer Science
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP Computer Science Principles | AP | 10-12 | Application and department approval; students new to computer science may need a math or science teacher recommendationUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; weighted +1 at the school; UC places it in category d; transcript title on the UC list: AP Comp Sci Principles | d |
| AP Computer Science A | AP | 10-12 | A 4 or 5 on the AP Computer Science Principles exam and department approval, or an introductory computer science course, a placement exam and department approvalUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; weighted +1 at the school; UC places it in category c; transcript title on the UC list: AP Comp Sci A | c |
| Informatics: Artificial Intelligence | Honors | 11-12 | Completion of AP Computer Science A and department approvalUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; Post-AP course, weighted +1 at the school; School course title: Artificial Intelligence Systems (Post AP); spring semester course using Python; transcript title on the UC list: Artificial Intelligence Systems (Post AP), Informatics: Artificial Intelligence, Informatics: Artificial Intelligence (Post AP) | g |
| Introduction to Software Engineering | Honors | 11-12 | Completion of AP Computer Science A and department approvalUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; Post-AP course, weighted +1 at the school; Post-AP fall semester course; transcript title on the UC list: Intro to Software Engineering, Introduction to Software Engineering (Post AP) | g |
| Software Engineering | Honors | 11-12 | Completion of AP Computer Science A and Introduction to Software Engineering, and department approvalUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; Post-AP course, weighted +1 at the school; Post-AP semester course; transcript title on the UC list: Software Engineering, Software Engineering (Post AP) | g |
| Solving STEM Problems with Computer Science | Honors | 11-12 | Completion of an AP science course and Precalculus BC Honors; concurrent enrollment in an AP science courseUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; Post-AP course, weighted +1 at the school; Post-AP spring semester course; transcript title on the UC list: Solving STEM Problems w/Computer Science (Post AP), Solving STEM Problems w/CS, Solving STEM Problems w/CS (Post AP) | g |
| Mobile Apps Development | Honors | — | Completion of AP Computer Science AUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; Post-AP course, weighted +1 at the school; The course page notes it was not offered in 2022-23 or 2023-24; transcript title on the UC list: 9422 Mob App, Mobile Application Programming, Mobile Application Programming (Post AP), Mobile Apps Development (Post AP) | g |
| Introduction to Computer Programming | CP | 9-12 | —The UC list files several semester courses under this title, including AI in a Digital World, Introduction to Programming: Processing and Web Design and Development; UC places it in category g; transcript title on the UC list: AI in a Digital World, Creative Computing, Introduction to Programming, Introduction to Programming: Processing, Web 3.0 Programming and Development, Web Design and Development | g |
| Immersive Technology Programming | Other | 9-12 | —Not on the UC 2026-27 A-G list; Semester course | — |
Visual Arts
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP 2D Art and Design | AP | 11-12 | Completion of Studio Art, Intermediate and Advanced Studio Art and instructor approval; the photography option requires Intermediate or Advanced Studio Art or Advanced Photography plus a portfolio presentationUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; weighted +1 at the school; The school also runs Photography and Ceramics options of this course; transcript title on the UC list: AP Art 2D, AP Studio Art 2-D Design | f |
| AP 3D Art and Design | AP | 11-12 | Completion of Advanced Clay Handbuilding, a portfolio presentation and instructor approvalUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; weighted +1 at the school; transcript title on the UC list: 3 D Design, AP Art 3D, AP Studio Art: 3-D Design | f |
| AP Drawing | AP | 11-12 | Completion of Intermediate or Advanced Studio Art, a portfolio presentation and instructor approvalUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; weighted +1 at the school; transcript title on the UC list: AP Drawing | f |
| AP Art History | AP | 11-12 | Completion of a yearlong introductory visual or performing arts course; department review of prior history grades and a writing sampleUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; weighted +1 at the school; transcript title on the UC list: AP Art History | f |
| Studio Art Honors | Honors | — | Department approval requiredUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; school honors course, weighted +0.5 at the school; Listed in the 2024-25 academic progression but not separately on the 2026-27 course pages; transcript title on the UC list: Studio Art Honors | f |
| Photography Honors | Honors | — | Department approval requiredUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; school honors course, weighted +0.5 at the school; Listed in the 2024-25 academic progression but not separately on the 2026-27 course pages; transcript title on the UC list: Photography Honors | f |
| Advanced Study: 2D Art and Design (Post AP) | Honors | 11-12 | Completion of AP 2D Art and DesignNot on the UC 2026-27 A-G list; Post-AP course, weighted +1 at the school; Listed as a Post-AP course in the School Profile | — |
| Advanced Study: 2D Design Photography (Post AP) | Honors | 11-12 | Completion of AP 2D Art and Design - PhotographyNot on the UC 2026-27 A-G list; Post-AP course, weighted +1 at the school; Listed as a Post-AP course in the School Profile | — |
| Advanced Study: 3D Art and Design (Post AP) | Honors | 11-12 | Completion of AP 3D Art and DesignNot on the UC 2026-27 A-G list; Post-AP course, weighted +1 at the school; Listed as a Post-AP course in the School Profile | — |
| Studio Art | CP | 9-12 | —transcript title on the UC list: Studio Art | f |
| Intermediate Studio Art | CP | 10-12 | A full year of Studio Art or department approvalSemester course; transcript title on the UC list: Intermediate Studio Art | f |
| Advanced Studio Art | CP | 10-12 | Completion of Studio Art and Intermediate Studio Art, or department approvalSemester course; transcript title on the UC list: Advanced Studio Art | f |
| Photography | CP | 9-12 | —transcript title on the UC list: Photography | f |
| Intermediate Photography | CP | 9-12 | Completion of PhotographySemester course; transcript title on the UC list: Intermediate Photography | f |
| Advanced Photography | CP | 10-12 | Completion of Photography and Intermediate PhotographySemester course; transcript title on the UC list: Advanced Photography | f |
| Clay Handbuilding | CP | 9-12 | —transcript title on the UC list: Clay Handbuilding | f |
| Intermediate Clay | CP | 9-12 | Completion of Clay Handbuilding, or a 3D portfolio review and department approvalSchool course title: Intermediate Clay Handbuilding; semester course; transcript title on the UC list: Intermediate Clay Handbuilding | f |
| Advanced Clay Handbuilding | CP | 10-12 | Completion of Clay Handbuilding and Intermediate Clay Handbuilding, or a 3D portfolio review and department approvalSemester course; transcript title on the UC list: Advanced Clay | f |
| Architecture | CP | 10-12 | A full year of Clay Handbuilding, Film Production, Photography or Studio ArtSemester course; transcript title on the UC list: Architecture | f |
| Art History | CP | — | Course prerequisites applyNot listed on the 2026-27 course pages; transcript title on the UC list: Art History | f |
Performing Arts
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP Music Theory | AP | 10-12 | Two yearlong ensemble classes (band, choir or orchestra) and department approvalUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; weighted +1 at the school; transcript title on the UC list: AP Music Theory | f |
| Concert Band Honors | Honors | 10-12 | Completion of Concert Band and teacher approvalUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; school honors course, weighted +0.5 at the school; transcript title on the UC list: Concert Band Honors | f |
| Choir Honors | Honors | 10-12 | Completion of Concert Choir and teacher approvalUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; school honors course, weighted +0.5 at the school; transcript title on the UC list: Choir Hon | f |
| Orchestra Honors | Honors | 11-12 | Completion of Advanced OrchestraUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; school honors course, weighted +0.5 at the school; transcript title on the UC list: Orchestra Hon | f |
| Jazz Ensemble Honors | Honors | 12 | Completion of Jazz Ensemble and department approvalUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; school honors course, weighted +0.5 at the school; transcript title on the UC list: Jazz Ensemble Honors | f |
| Advanced Dance and Composition Honors | Honors | — | Selection by auditionUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; school honors course, weighted +0.5 at the school; Semester course; transcript title on the UC list: Advanced Dance and Composition Honors | f |
| Theatre Honors | Honors | 12 | Completion of Intermediate Theatre and Advanced Theatre and teacher approvalUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; school honors course, weighted +0.5 at the school; transcript title on the UC list: Theater H, Theater Honors, Theatre H | f |
| Film Production Honors | Honors | 10-12 | Completion of Film Production and department approvalUC-approved honors course, weighted for UC admission; school honors course, weighted +0.5 at the school; transcript title on the UC list: Film Production Honors | f |
| Concert Band | CP | 9-12 | —transcript title on the UC list: Concert Band | f |
| Advanced Band | CP | — | Course prerequisites applyNot listed separately on the 2026-27 course pages; transcript title on the UC list: Advanced Band, Advanced Concert Band | f |
| Concert Choir | CP | 9-12 | Instructor approvaltranscript title on the UC list: Concert Choir | f |
| Advanced Choir | CP | — | Course prerequisites applyNot listed separately on the 2026-27 course pages; transcript title on the UC list: Advanced Choir, Advanced Concert Choir | f |
| Orchestra | CP | 9-12 | Three years of ensemble music or equivalent abilitytranscript title on the UC list: Orchestra | f |
| Advanced Orchestra | CP | — | Course prerequisites applyNot listed separately on the 2026-27 course pages; transcript title on the UC list: Advanced Orchestra | f |
| Jazz Ensemble | CP | 11-12 | Must play a rhythm section instrument (piano, guitar, bass or drums); earlier entry by auditiontranscript title on the UC list: Jazz Ensemble | f |
| Chamber Music | CP | — | Course prerequisites applyNot listed separately on the 2026-27 course pages; transcript title on the UC list: Chamber Music i | f |
| Dance | CP | 9-12 | —transcript title on the UC list: Dance | f |
| Intermediate Dance | CP | 10-12 | A yearlong Dance course or a PFW-credit Dance course and teacher approvalSemester course; transcript title on the UC list: Intermediate Dance | f |
| Advanced Dance | CP | 9-12 | Completion of Intermediate Dance and teacher approvalSemester course; transcript title on the UC list: Advanced Dance | f |
| Theatre | CP | 9-12 | —transcript title on the UC list: Theater, Theatre | f |
| Intermediate Theatre | CP | 11-12 | Completion of TheatreSemester course; transcript title on the UC list: Intermediate Theater, Intermediate Theatre | f |
| Advanced Theatre | CP | — | Course prerequisites applySemester course; transcript title on the UC list: Advanced Theater, Advanced Theatre | f |
| Theatre Technical Arts | CP | 9-12 | —transcript title on the UC list: Theater Technical Arts, Theatre Tech Arts | f |
| Film Production | CP | 9-12 | —transcript title on the UC list: Film Production | f |
| Advanced Film Production | CP | — | Course prerequisites applytranscript title on the UC list: Advanced Film | f |
| Intermediate Acting and Cinematic Arts | CP | 10 | Completion of Film Production or TheatreSemester course; transcript title on the UC list: Int Acting & Cinema | f |
| Advanced Acting and Cinematic Arts | CP | 10 | Completion of Intermediate Acting and Cinematic ArtsSemester course; transcript title on the UC list: AdvActing&Cinema | f |
| The Study & Production of American Cinema | CP | 11-12 | —Semester course; transcript title on the UC list: FILMART | f |
Personal Fitness and Wellness
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Personal Fitness and Wellness | Other | 9-10 | —Not on the UC 2026-27 A-G list; Semester course; three semesters of PFW are required, and one season of interscholastic sports counts as one semester | — |
| Health and Human Development | Other | 9-10 | —Not on the UC 2026-27 A-G list; Semester course required by the end of grade 10 | — |
| Sports Medicine | Other | 10-12 | —Not on the UC 2026-27 A-G list; Semester elective | — |
| Dance I, II, III (PFW Credit) | Other | 9-12 | —Not on the UC 2026-27 A-G list; Semester courses that earn PFW credit | — |
| Interscholastic Athletics | Other | 9-12 | —Not on the UC 2026-27 A-G list; One season of interscholastic sports equals one semester of PFW | — |
SEA Term
| Course | Level | Grades | Prerequisites / Conditions / Notes | UC A-G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SEA Term (St. Margaret's Exploration Academy) | Other | 9-12 | —Not on the UC 2026-27 A-G list; Graduation requirement in the Middle and Upper Schools; nine 90-minute sessions plus a five-day immersive experience in late May; graded, with a separate SEA Term transcript | — |
St. Margaret's Episcopal School Courses and Course Selection: Frequently Asked Questions
Irvine families often ask: how do St. Margaret's Episcopal School graduation requirements differ from UC A-G requirements?
The St. Margaret's Episcopal School Upper School requires 4 years of English; 3 years of mathematics through Algebra II; 3 years of history, with World History and U.S. History required; 3 years of laboratory science, including at least one year each of physical and biological science; 3 consecutive years of one world language through Level III; one yearlong arts course; three semesters of Religion and Philosophy; three semesters of Personal Fitness and Wellness plus one semester of health; and SEA Term. The science and world language requirements exceed UC minimums, and the arts requirement matches UC. UC also requires 15 yearlong A-G courses with grades of C or better, 11 of them completed before grade 12, and strongly recommends four years of mathematics.
Do St. Margaret's Episcopal School religion courses count when Irvine students apply to UC?
Yes, but they are not weighted. Graduation requires three semesters of Religion and Philosophy, including at least one of The Hebrew Bible as Literature or The New Testament as Literature. The School Profile describes these courses as academic and non-doctrinal and states that all of them are approved by UC. On the UC 2026-27 A-G list, The Hebrew Bible as Literature, The New Testament as Literature, World Religions, Philosophy and Ethics, and Wealth, Poverty and Ethics are all category g college-preparatory electives that count toward UC's A-G requirements, but none is an honors course.
How far can a Chinese-speaking Irvine student go in Chinese at St. Margaret's Episcopal School?
St. Margaret's Episcopal School offers Chinese I through V, Chinese III and IV Honors, AP Chinese Language and Culture, and the Post-AP course Advanced Chinese Studies. The course page states that students who have completed AP Chinese, or heritage speakers who pass the placement test, may take Advanced Chinese Studies. Chinese III and IV Honors both require a placement test and department approval. On the UC list, Chinese III and IV Honors, AP Chinese and Advanced Chinese Studies are all UC-approved honors courses.
What grade rules apply to courses at St. Margaret's Episcopal School? What should Irvine families watch for?
Mathematics and world language courses require a grade of at least C- in the second semester to continue to the next level. Most honors, AP and Post-AP courses require department approval, and the Academic Departments page states that department chairs make acceleration decisions. Juniors and seniors may take one elective per year on a Pass/D/Fail basis, with a Pass requiring 70% (C-) or above. The School Profile states that only grades earned at the school appear on the transcript and in the cumulative GPA.
What is SEA Term at St. Margaret's Episcopal School, and do Irvine families pay extra for it?
SEA Term (St. Margaret's Exploration Academy) is an experiential learning program launched in 2026-27 and required in grades 6 through 11. Each course meets nine times during the year in 90-minute sessions and ends with a five-day immersive experience in late May; it is graded and recorded on a separate transcript. The course guide states that the school funds local and regional courses, while extended travel courses carry an additional family cost with financial aid available; among each student's six choices, at least one priority choice must be a local or regional course.
Irvine families should note: which St. Margaret's Episcopal School courses are not on the UC A-G list?
On the UC 2026-27 A-G list, Personal Fitness and Wellness, Health and Human Development, Sports Medicine and SEA Term do not appear. Advanced Study in 2D and 3D Design, which the School Profile lists as Post-AP courses, and Immersive Technology Programming are also not on the list. Religion and Philosophy courses, Introduction to Engineering and Marine Science are on the list in category g.
