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Graduation & College Requirements

GRADUATION & Minimum College Requirements

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GRADUATION & Minimum College Requirements
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How many credits are required to graduate from Menlo-Atherton? 
  • 220 credits are needed to earn an M-A high school diploma.
 
Which classes meet the Visual and Performing Arts graduation requirement?
  • Courses offered at M-A  that meet the Visual and Performing Arts requirement change slightly from year to year, depending on student interest and staff availability.  They usually include:
    • Performing Arts Classes: Advanced Band, Jazz Band, Orchestra, Choral, Guitar, Drama, Stagecraft
    • Visual Arts Classes: Drawing and Painting I-II, Art Studio I-II, Ceramics I-IV, Digital Photography, Art Studio, or AP Art Studio (2D, 3D, and Photography)
 
Which classes meet the Career Technical Education (CTE) requirement?
  • Classes that meet the CTE requirement change slightly from year to year, depending on student interest and staff availability.  They usually include:
    • Digital Filmmaking, Adv Digital Filmmaking, Digital Com & Video, Digital Journalism I - III, Digital Photo & Design, Digi 3D Modeling & Anim, Adv Digi 3D Modeling & Anim, Graphic Design & Prod-P, Foods & Nutrition, Culinary Arts, Intro to Mobile Apps Development, AP Computer Science - Principles and Java, and Biotechnology.
 
How can students earn Physical Education (PE) credits after 9th grade?
  • Take the PE-2 class at M-A. Sign up with your School Counselor before the spring priority deadline. 
  • Play 3 seasons of any M-A sport during 10th, 11th, or 12th grade.  Be sure to meet eligibility criteria and complete the sports packet on time.
For the TWO options below a SUHSD Single-Credit Dual Enrollment Form is required PRIOR to signing up for the course. Please speak to your School Counselor before enrolling.

 

  • Take PE courses through local community colleges - Look under Kinesiology-Fitness for a list of available courses (must be a physical fitness course.) Course offerings are available online and can be different each semester/quarter (Fall/Winter/Spring/Summer).
  • Canada College - www.canadacollege.edu 1-3 units = 5 M-A credits
  • Skyline College -  www.skylinecollege.edu 1-3 units = 5 M-A credits
  • College of San Mateo - www.collegeofsanmateo.edu 1-3 units = 5 M-A credits
  • Foothill College - www.foothill.edu 1 unit = 1 M-A credit 

 

 
 
 
What is the lowest grade a student can earn and receive credits towards high school graduation?
  • The lowest grade a student can earn is a  D-.  
 
What is the lowest grade a student can earn to meet a college entrance requirement (A-G course)?
  • The lowest grade a student can earn is a  C-. 
 
How many credits should a student have at the beginning of tenth grade?
  • A minimum of 45 credits. To be considered on track, students should have  60 credits.
 
How many credits should a student have at the beginning of eleventh grade?
  • A minimum of 105 credits. To be considered on track, students should have at least 120 credits.
 
How many credits should a student  have at the beginning of twelfth grade?
  • A minimum of 150 credits. To be considered on track, students should have at least 180 credits.
 
How can a student recover credits?
  • Attend summer school if the course(s) needed is offered.
  • Retake the course the following semester or year (not possible for English or social studies/history courses
  • Participate in the SUHSD online credit recovery program in summer or during the school, if possible.
  • Take course(s) through a local community college or through a WASC accredited school/program following the Single-Credit Dual Enrollment policy.
 
What options are there for students who are significantly behind in credits?
  • Students who are at least 16 years old may be eligible to 
  • Transfer to Redwood High School (SUHSD continuation high school.) 
  • Take the California Proficiency Exam (HiSet)
  •  Students who are 18 years of age can
  • Take the California Proficiency Exam (HiSet) or GED 
  • Attend the adult school and take HiSet or GED preparation classes, OR, if eligible, take courses to earn an Adult School Diploma.