Menlo-Atherton High School
Graduation & College Requirements
FAQ Graduation & College Requirements
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FAQ Graduation & College Requirementstitle
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)
- Please see the current course offering list.
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.
- Please see the current course offering list.
How can students earn Physical Education (PE) credits after their 9th-grade year?
- 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 the 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 enrolling in the course. Please speak to your School Counselor before enrolling.
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- Take PE courses through local community colleges. Search under Kinesiology-Fitness for a list of available courses. The course must be a physical fitness course. Course offerings are available online and may vary each semester/quarter (Fall/Winter/Spring/Summer).
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- 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
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- Take PE courses through local community colleges. Search under Kinesiology-Fitness for a list of available courses. The course must be a physical fitness course. Course offerings are available online and may vary each semester/quarter (Fall/Winter/Spring/Summer).
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- Take a PE course through an online program. The course must be a physical fitness course. See Schools/Programs/Institutions Used for Concurrent Enrollment. NOTE: Not all schools on this list offer physical education courses.
How can a student make up Life Skills?
- Attend summer school.
- Participate in the SUHSD online credit recovery program in summer or during the school year (if possible).
- Take an approved course(s) through a WASC-accredited school/program following the Single-Credit Dual Enrollment policy.
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 are 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 year (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:
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- Transfer to Redwood High School (SUHSD continuation high school)
- Take the California Proficiency Exam (HiSet)
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Students who are 18 years old can:
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- Take the California Proficiency Exam (HiSet) or GED
- Attend the adult school and take HiSet or GED preparation classes
- Take courses to earn an Adult School Diploma, if eligible.
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