What distinguishes the PCCHS program from other area high schools?
An emphasis on project-based learning through Passages based in a small community-minded environment makes PCCHS unique.
What is a Passage?
A passage is a student initiated course of learning and self-development. Students explore personal, professional and academic interests through a project which they plan, document and display when completed. Each Passage is guided and evaluated by a Passage Council made up of a faculty member, a peer, and a community mentor. Each Passage is awarded 10 credits. Passages are a way for students to personalize their high school education.
Are there any other requirements?
All PCCHS students must pass the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE) prior to graduation. Students take the CAHSEE in the spring of their 10th grade year and have the opportunity to retest in subject areas they do not pass in both their 11th and 12th grade years. The state requires that all students pass both the language arts and math portions of the test prior to graduation.
Students must complete 80 hours Community Service, half of the hours must be service to the Pacific School and half must be to anon-profit or service oriented for-profit organization. For more about Community Service, see the Community Service How To page.
Students progressing to the University of California or the California State University must successfully complete two years of a language other than English and follow other coursework requirements. See the Courses Required for Graduation and University Admission page.
High School Graduation
Requirements Comparison
|
Courses |
PCCS |
CA* |
UC** |
CSU*** |
|
Social |
30 |
30 |
20 |
20 |
|
World History |
10 |
|
|
|
|
US History |
10 |
|
|
|
|
Civics |
5 |
|
|
|
|
Economics |
5 |
|
|
|
|
English |
40 |
30 |
40 |
40 |
|
Math |
20[1] |
20 |
30[2] |
30[3] |
|
Science |
20 |
20 |
20[4] |
20 |
|
Physical Science[5] |
10 |
|
|
|
|
Life Science[6] |
10 |
|
|
|
|
Visual/Performing |
10[7] |
10[8] |
10 |
10 |
|
Foreign |
10 |
10[9] |
20[10] |
20 |
|
Physical |
20 |
20 |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Electives |
30 |
10 |
10[11] |
10 |
|
Passages |
40 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
CLS |
20 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
TOTAL |
240 |
150 |
150 |
150 |
|
Community Service |
40 |
|
|
|
|
School Service |
40 |
|
|
|
Updated October 2020
*CA: Minimum high school graduation requirements as determined by the State of California.
**UC: Requirements for University of California campuses.
***CSU: Requirements for California State University campuses.
[1] Including Algebra 1.
[2] Including Algebra, Geometry, and
intermediate Algebra. Four years recommended.
[3] Including Algebra, Geometry, and
intermediate Algebra.
[4] Two years with lab required, chosen from
biology, chemistry and physics. Three years recommended.
[5] Earth Science, Chemistry, Physics, STEM
Robotics, AP Computer Science
[6] Biology, AP Biology
[7] Fulfilled as visual/performing arts or
foreign language.
[8] One year of either visual and performing
arts, foreign language, or career technical education.
[9] One year of either visual and performing
arts, foreign language, or career technical education.
[10] Two years in same language required.
Three years recommended.
[11] From approved academic courses in
history/social science, English, advanced math, lab science, foreign language,
social science, or visual and performing arts.
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