SMUHSD GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
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PURPOSE OF REQUIREMENTS
The San Mateo Union High School District Board of Trustees has set these graduation requirements to ensure that every student satisfactorily completes a minimum course of study which is consistent with the educational philosophy and objectives of the District.
REQUIREMENT DETAILS
All graduates must complete a minimum of 220 credits of course work listed by subject area below and receive a passing grade of D or higher.
180 credits must be taken in specific areas. There are usually a variety of classes which meet each requirement with classes designed for different levels of ability and/or career interests. If you are not sure which class is best for you, discuss it with a teacher or counselor. 40 credits are elective; that is, they may be chosen on the basis of personal interest, college or career requirements, or the need for remedial work.
Subject
# of Credits
Comment
English
40
10 credits in each grade level
Social Studies
35
Introduction to Ethnic Studies (one semester) - beginning Class of 2024
Contemporary World History (one semester) - ending Class of 2023
Modern World History
US History
American Government and Economics
Mathematics
30
Including 10 credits of Algebra 1 and 10 credits of Geometry. If Algebra 1 and Geometry are completed in advance of high school, they must be completed at WASC accredited programs with a UC/CSU a-g list and students must complete 30 credits of higher level math for graduation.
Science
20
10 credits of Biological Science and 10 credits of a Physical Science
(at least one course must meet the D requirement on the U.C. A-G list by the end of the sophomore year)
Physical Education
20
10 credits completed in grade 9, and another 10 credits completed by the end of grade 11
World Languages
10
Completed by the end of grade 10
Fine Arts
10
Completed by the end of grade 12
CTE
10
Completed by the end of grade 12
Health
5
Completed by the end of grade 10
Electives
40
Credits may be completed throughout high school
Total
220
Required Minimum
EQUIVALENTS:
5 Credits = 1 semester
10 Credits = 2 semesters / 1 year
20 Credits = 2 years
30 Credits = 3 years
40 Credits = 4 years